Valmont Industries (VMI) 10-K 24 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Feb. 17, 2016	Jun. 27, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	102,729
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 26, 2015
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-26
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 2,720,907,768
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,786,996
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Product sales	$ 2,338,132	$ 2,824,456	$ 2,976,359
Services sales	280,792	298,687	327,852
Net sales	2,618,924	3,123,143	3,304,211
Product cost of sales	1,804,055	2,118,687	2,144,942
Services cost of sales	193,836	196,339	214,041
Total cost of sales	1,997,891	2,315,026	2,358,983
Gross profit	621,033	808,117	945,228
Selling, general and administrative expenses	447,368	450,401	472,159
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	41,970	0	0
Operating income	131,695	357,716	473,069
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(44,621)	(36,790)	(32,502)
Interest income	3,296	6,046	6,477
Costs associated with refinancing of debt	0	(38,705)	0
Other	2,637	(4,084)	2,373
Total other income (expenses)	(38,688)	(73,533)	(23,652)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	93,007	284,183	449,417
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	42,569	89,643	167,922
Deferred	4,858	5,251	(10,141)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	47,427	94,894	157,781
Comprehensive income (loss)	(91,836)	99,748	181,633
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	45,580	189,289	291,636
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(247)	29	835
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	0	0	(12,011)
Net earnings	45,333	189,318	280,460
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,216)	(5,342)	(1,971)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 40,117	$ 183,976	$ 278,489
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.72	$ 7.15	$ 10.45
Diluted (in dollars per share)	1.71	7.09	10.35
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.500	$ 1.375	$ 0.975
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Basic (in shares)	23,288	25,719	26,641
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	23,405	25,932	26,899

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 45,333	$ 189,318	$ 280,460
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(96,694)	(82,275)	(71,698)
Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense	0	0	5,194
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary	0	0	8,559
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(96,694)	(82,275)	(57,945)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	74	594	400
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	(3,130)	983	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	2,855	4,837	0
Derivative adjustment	(201)	6,414	400
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($10,732) in 2015, ($3,450) in 2014, and ($10,143) in 2013	(40,274)	(13,709)	(41,282)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(137,169)	(89,570)	(98,827)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(91,836)	99,748	181,633
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(832)	(2,520)	(9,174)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ (92,668)	$ 97,228	$ 172,459

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability, tax	$ (10,732)	$ (3,450)	$ (10,143)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 349,074	$ 371,579
Receivables, less allowance of $10,055 in 2015 and $6,672 in 2014	466,443	536,918
Inventories	340,672	359,522
Prepaid expenses	46,137	56,912
Refundable and deferred income taxes	24,526	68,010
Total current assets	1,226,852	1,392,941
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,081,056	1,139,569
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	548,567	533,116
Net property, plant and equipment	532,489	606,453
Goodwill	336,916	385,111
Other intangible assets, net	170,197	202,004
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $10,953 in 2015 and $3,250 in 2014	132,974	143,159
Total assets	2,399,428	2,729,668
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	1,077	1,181
Notes payable to banks	976	13,952
Accounts payable	179,983	196,565
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	70,354	87,950
Accrued expenses	105,593	88,480
Dividends payable	8,571	9,086
Total current liabilities	366,554	397,214
Deferred income taxes	35,669	71,797
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	763,964	766,654
Defined benefit pension liability	179,323	150,124
Deferred compensation	48,417	47,932
Other noncurrent liabilities	40,290	45,542
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock of $1 par value - Authorized 500,000 shares; none issued	0	0
Common stock of $1 par value - Authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued 27,900,000 issued	27,900	27,900
Retained earnings	1,729,679	1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(267,218)	(134,433)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,042,775 in 2015 and 3,670,781 in 2014	(571,920)	(410,296)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	918,441	1,201,833
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	46,770	48,572
Total shareholders’ equity	965,211	1,250,405
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,399,428	$ 2,729,668

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 10,055	$ 6,672
Other assets, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 10,953	$ 3,250
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, authorized shares (in shares)	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, issued shares (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, authorized shares (in shares)	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, issued shares (in shares)	27,900,000	27,900,000
Common shares in treasury, shares	5,042,775	3,670,781

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			19 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 45,333	$ 189,318	$ 280,460
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	91,144	89,328	77,436
Noncash loss on trading securities	4,555	3,795	0
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation	0	0	12,011
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	19,836		12,161
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets	41,970	0	0
Non-cash debt refinancing costs	0	(2,478)	0
Stock-based compensation	7,244	6,730	6,513
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	0	(4,300)	0
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	(610)	2,638	6,569
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(16,500)	(18,173)	(17,619)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	2,327	392	(4,318)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	247	(29)	(835)
Deferred income taxes	4,858	5,251	(10,141)
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	50,267	907	(12,708)
Inventories	3,296	21,458	13,431
Prepaid expenses	10,844	(13,594)	4,115
Accounts payable	(6,805)	(34,321)	12,448
Accrued expenses	8,918	(34,778)	21,698
Other noncurrent liabilities	(1,764)	1,755	(1,474)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	7,107	(39,803)	(3,305)
Net cash flows from operating activities	272,267	174,096	396,442
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(45,468)	(73,023)	(106,753)
Proceeds from sale of assets	3,249	2,489	37,582
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(12,778)	(185,710)	(63,152)
Other, net	6,826	(619)	602
Net cash flows from investing activities	(48,171)	(256,863)	(131,721)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	(12,853)	(4,472)	5,510
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	68,000	652,211	274
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(69,098)	(357,858)	(591)
vmi_PaymentsOnDeconsolidationOfSubsidiary	0	0	(11,615)
Settlement of financial derivatives	0	4,981	0
Dividends paid	(35,357)	(32,443)	(25,414)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(2,634)	(2,919)	(1,767)
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	0	0	(9,324)
Debt issuance costs	0	(7,644)	0
Purchase of treasury shares	(168,983)	(395,045)	0	$ (564,000)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	13,075	14,572	16,348
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	1,699	4,264	5,306
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises	(13,854)	(15,403)	(16,107)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(220,005)	(139,756)	(37,380)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(26,596)	(19,604)	(27,764)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(22,505)	(242,127)	199,577
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	371,579	613,706	414,129
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$ 349,074	$ 371,579	$ 613,706	$ 349,074

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	DS SM	AgSense LLC	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiariesDS SM	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiariesAgSense LLC
Beginning balance at Dec. 29, 2012	$ 1,407,010			$ 27,900	$ 0	$ 1,300,529	$ 43,938	$ (22,455)	$ 57,098
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings	280,460					278,489			1,971
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(98,827)						(91,623)		(7,204)
Cash dividends declared	26,118					26,118
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(1,767)								(1,767)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(9,324)				(2,038)				(7,286)
Deconsolidation of EMD	(20,316)								(20,316)
Acquisition	325								325
Stock plan exercises	(16,107)							(16,107)
Stock options exercised	16,348				(9,781)	9,770		16,359
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	5,306				5,306
Stock option expense	5,194				5,194
Stock awards	2,662				1,319			1,343
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2013	1,544,846			27,900	0	1,562,670	(47,685)	(20,860)	22,821
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings	189,318					183,976			5,342
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(89,570)						(86,748)		(2,822)
Cash dividends declared	35,036					35,036
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(2,919)								(2,919)
Acquisition		$ 9,309	$ 16,333							$ 9,309	$ 16,333
Addition of noncontrolling interest	508								508
Purchase of treasury shares	(395,045)							(395,045)
Stock plan exercises	(15,403)							(15,403)
Stock options exercised	14,572				(10,994)	7,052		18,514
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	4,264				4,264
Stock option expense	4,461				4,461
Stock awards	4,767				2,269			2,498
Ending balance at Dec. 27, 2014	1,250,405			27,900	0	1,718,662	(134,433)	(410,296)	48,572
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings	45,333					40,117			5,216
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(137,169)						(132,785)		(4,384)
Cash dividends declared	34,816					34,816
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(2,634)								(2,634)
Purchase of treasury shares	(168,983)							(168,983)
Stock plan exercises	(13,854)							(13,854)
Stock options exercised	13,075				(12,895)	5,716		20,254
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	1,699				1,699
Stock option expense	5,137				5,137
Stock awards	7,018				6,059			959
Ending balance at Dec. 26, 2015	$ 965,211			$ 27,900	$ 0	$ 1,729,679	$ (267,218)	$ (571,920)	$ 46,770

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME9

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.50	$ 1.375	$ 0.975
Number of shares acquired	1,435,488	2,711,149
Stock plan exercises; shares acquired (in shares)	112,995	97,974	103,023
Stock options exercised; shares issued (in shares)	169,493	194,627	216,105
Stock awards; shares issued (in shares)	10,329	22,010	33,721

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valmont Industries, Inc. and its wholly and majority‑owned subsidiaries (the Company). The investment in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd ("EMD") is recorded at fair value subsequent to its deconsolidation in 2013. Investments in other 20% to 50% owned affiliates and joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method. Investments in less than 20% owned affiliates are accounted for by the cost method. All intercompany items have been eliminated. Cash overdrafts Cash book overdrafts totaling $15,536 and $18,038 were classified as accounts payable at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. The Company’s policy is to report the change in book overdrafts as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Segments The Company has five reportable segments based on its management structure. Each segment is global in nature with a manager responsible for segment operational performance and allocation of capital within the segment. Reportable segments are as follows: ENGINEERED SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for the global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, and roadway safety; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry; ENERGY AND MINING: This segment consists of the manufacture of access systems applications, forged steel grinding media, and offshore oil and gas and wind energy structures. COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services on a global basis; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the global agricultural industry as well as tubular products for industrial customers. In addition to these five reportable segments, there are other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales. These operations include the distribution of industrial fasteners. These operations collectively are reported in the “Other” category. Fiscal Year The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year with each year ending on the last Saturday in December. Accordingly, the Company’s fiscal years ended December 26, 2015 , December 27, 2014 , and December 28, 2013 consisted of 52 weeks. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are reported on the balance sheet net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. Allowances are maintained in amounts considered to be appropriate in relation to the outstanding receivables based on age of the receivable, economic conditions and customer credit quality. As the Company’s international Irrigation business has grown, the exposure to potential losses in international markets has also increased. These exposures can be difficult to estimate, particularly in areas of political instability, or with governments with which the Company has limited experience, or where there is a lack of transparency as to the current credit condition of governmental units. As of December 26, 2015 , the Company had approximately $10 million in delinquent accounts receivable with Chinese municipal entities with a specific allowance recorded against it based on our estimation of what will not be fully collected. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to both current and long-term accounts receivables increased to $21.0 million at December 26, 2015 from $9.9 million at December 27, 2014. Inventories Approximately 39% and 44% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. All other inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. Finished goods and manufactured goods inventories include the costs of acquired raw materials and related factory labor and overhead charges required to convert raw materials to manufactured and finished goods. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value is approximately $35,075 and $47,178 at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. Long-Lived Assets Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. The Company generally uses the straight-line method in computing depreciation and amortization for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The annual provisions for depreciation and amortization have been computed principally in accordance with the following ranges of asset lives: buildings and improvements 15 to 40 years, machinery and equipment 3 to 12 years, transportation equipment 3 to 24 years, office furniture and equipment 3 to 7 years and intangible assets 5 to 20 years. Depreciation expense in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $72,805 , $73,395 and $62,291 , respectively. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and exceeds estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset. A recognized impairment loss reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. The Company recognized a $4.1 million impairment of the Melbourne galvanizing site's equipment in 2015 as the Company determined that our galvanizing operation in Melbourne, Australia would not generate sufficient cash flows on an undiscounted cash flow basis to recover its carrying value. Other impairment losses were recorded in 2015 as facilities were closed and future plans for certain fixed assets changed in connection with the Company's restructuring plans. In November 2013, it was determined that the carrying amount of certain fixed assets of Delta EMD, Ltd. were not recoverable and an impairment loss of $12,161 was recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the fixed assets to fair value. The impairment was a result of continued global oversupply of manganese dioxide in the market, increased price competition and increasing input costs. In addition, a major customer advised us that its purchases from EMD in 2014 would be substantially below prior years. This charge was recorded in Product Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. No impairment losses were recorded in 2014. The Company evaluates its reporting units for impairment of goodwill during the third fiscal quarter of each year, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Reporting units are evaluated using after-tax operating cash flows (less capital expenditures) discounted to present value. Indefinite‑lived intangible assets are assessed separately from goodwill as part of the annual impairment testing, using a relief-from-royalty method. If the underlying assumptions related to the valuation of a reporting unit’s goodwill or an indefinite‑lived intangible asset change materially before or after the annual impairment testing, the reporting unit or asset is evaluated for potential impairment. In (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) these evaluations, management considers recent operating performance, expected future performance, industry conditions and other indicators of potential impairment. The Company performed an interim test of its Access Systems reporting unit and the Webforge and Locker trade names as of year-end (after the 2015 annual impairment test) based on changes in expected future performance. Please see footnote 7 for details of impairments recognized during 2015. Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method to calculate deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income during the period that includes the enactment date. Warranties The Company's provision for product warranty reflects management's best estimate of probable liability under its product warranties. Estimated future warranty costs are recorded at the time a sale is recognized. Future warranty liability is determined based on applying historical claim rate experience to units sold that are still within the warranty period. In addition, the Company records provisions for known warranty claims. Pension Benefits Certain expenses are incurred in connection with a defined benefit pension plan. In order to measure expense and the related benefit obligation, various assumptions are made including discount rates used to value the obligation, expected return on plan assets used to fund these expenses and estimated future inflation rates. These assumptions are based on historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. An actuarial analysis is used to measure the expense and liability associated with pension benefits. Derivative Instrument The Company may enter into derivative financial instruments to manage risk associated with fluctuation in interest rates, foreign currency rates or commodities. Where applicable, the Company may elect to account for such derivatives as either a cash flow or fair value hedge. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity and changes in net actuarial gains/losses from a pension plan. Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet dates. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 27, 2014 $ (99,618 ) $ 3,879 $ (38,694 ) $ (134,433 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) (92,310 ) (201 ) (40,274 ) (132,785 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 $ (191,928 ) $ 3,678 $ (78,968 ) $ (267,218 ) (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon shipment of the product or delivery of the service to the customer, which coincides with passage of title and risk of loss to the customer. Customer acceptance provisions exist only in the design stage of our products. Acceptance of the design by the customer is required before the product is manufactured and delivered to the customer. We are not entitled to any compensation solely based on design of the product and we do not recognize any revenue associated with the design stage. No general rights of return exist for customers once the product has been delivered. Shipping and handling costs associated with sales are recorded as cost of goods sold. Sales discounts and rebates are estimated based on past experience and are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the period in which the sale is recognized. Service revenues predominantly consist of coatings services provided by our Coatings segment to its customers. Revenue from our offshore and other complex steel structures products is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method, based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost. Use of Estimates Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Equity Method Investments The Company has equity method investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries which are recorded within "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In February 2013, the Company sold its nonconsolidated investment in Manganese Materials Company Pty. Ltd. to the majority owner of the business for approximately $29,250 . The profit on the sale was not significant, which included the recognition of $5,194 in currency translation adjustments previously recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive income" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company also recognized certain deferred tax benefits of approximately $3,200 associated with the sale in the first quarter of 2013. Treasury Stock Repurchased shares are recorded as “Treasury Stock” and result in a reduction of “Shareholders’ Equity.” When treasury shares are reissued, the Company uses the last-in, first-out method, and the difference between the repurchase cost and re-issuance price is charged or credited to “Additional Paid-In Capital.” In May 2014, the Company announced a capital allocation philosophy which covered a share repurchase program. Specifically, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of the Company's outstanding common stock from time to time over twelve months at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. In February 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $250 million of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date. As of December 26, 2015, we have acquired 4,146,637 shares for approximately $564.0 million under this share repurchase program. Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to operations in the year incurred. These costs are a component of “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Research and development expenses were approximately $11,600 in 2015 , $13,900 in 2014 , and $10,200 in 2013 . (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, Revenue Recognition. The new revenue recognition standard requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” Under this ASU, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement, including which period to adopt, and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-04, "Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer's Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets." Under this ASU, an entity with a fiscal year-end that differs from a calendar month-end can apply a practical expedient that permits an entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end closest to the entity's fiscal year-end consistently going forward. The Company early adopted this accounting policy effective with year-end 2015. The pension plan obligation recorded on the balance sheet as of December 26, 2015 has been measured based on the pension plan assets and obligation as of December 31, 2015. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 which provides guidance requiring debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability and further clarification guidance allows the cost of securing a revolving line of credit to be recorded as a deferred asset regardless of whether a balance is outstanding. This guidance is effective for the Company's first quarter of fiscal year 2016 with early adoption permitted, and requires the use of the retrospective transition method. At December 26, 2015, the Company has approximately $7 million of debt issuance cost for its long-term debt (excluding its revolving line of credit) which will be reclassified as a direct reduction of long-term debt instead of an other asset in the consolidated balance sheets when this ASU is adopted in fiscal 2016. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 which provides guidance on simplifying the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The guidance requires the classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The current requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by this update. The guidance is effective for the Company's first quarter of fiscal year 2017 financial statements with early adoption permitted, and allows for the use of either a prospective or retrospective transition method. The Company early adopted this guidance on a prospective basis starting with its December 26, 2015 consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATIO

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION
ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION	ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION Acquisitions of Businesses On September 30, 2015, the Company purchased American Galvanizing for $12,778 in cash, net of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. American Galvanizing operates a custom galvanizing operation in New Jersey with annual sales of approximately $10,000 . Potential pro-forma disclosures were omitted as this business did not have a significant impact on the Company's 2015 financial results. In the preliminary purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,019 and $2,178 of customer relationships, trade name and other intangible assets were recorded. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. This business is included in the Coatings segment and was acquired to expand the Company's geographic presence in the Northeast United States. We expect to finalize the purchase price allocation in the first quarter of 2016 once all management reviews have been completed. On March 3, 2014, the Company purchased 90% of the outstanding shares of DS SM A/S, which was renamed Valmont SM. Valmont SM is a manufacturer of heavy complex steel structures for a diverse range of industries including wind energy, offshore oil and gas, and electricity transmission. Valmont SM operates two manufacturing locations in Denmark and its operations are reported in the Energy and Mining segment. The purchase price paid for the business at closing (net of $56 cash acquired) was $120,483 , including the payoff of an intercompany note payable by Valmont SM to its prior affiliates. The purchase is subject to an earn-out clause that is contingent on meeting future operational metrics for which no liability has been established based on expectations. The earn-out clause expires on December 31, 2016. The acquisition, which was funded by cash held by the Company, was completed to participate in markets for wind energy, oil and gas exploration, power transmission and other related infrastructure projects and to increase the Company's geographic footprint in Europe. The Company also funded a portion of the acquisition with an intercompany note payable. The excess purchase price over the fair value of assets resulted in goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition, which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2014. At March 3, 2014 Current assets $ 73,421 Property, plant and equipment 85,638 Intangible assets 30,340 Goodwill 16,803 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 206,202 Current liabilities 47,754 Deferred income taxes 19,715 Intercompany note payable 37,448 Long-term debt 8,941 Total fair value of liabilities assumed 113,858 Non-controlling interests 9,309 Net assets acquired $ 83,035 (2) ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Continued) Based on the fair value assessments, the Company allocated $30,340 of the purchase price to acquired intangible assets. The following table summarizes the major classes of Valmont SM's acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted average amortization periods: Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) Trade Names $ 11,470 Indefinite Backlog 3,145 1.5 Customer Relationships 15,725 12.0 Total Intangible Assets $ 30,340 On October 6, 2014, the Company acquired Shakespeare Composite Structures (Shakespeare) for $48,272 in cash, plus assumed liabilities. Shakespeare is a manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced composite structures and products with two manufacturing facilities in South Carolina. Shakespeare's annual sales are approximately $55,000 and its operations are included in the Engineered Support Structures segment. The acquisition of Shakespeare was completed to expand our product offering of composite structure solutions. The fair value measurement process and purchase price allocation for Shakespeare were finalized in the third quarter of 2015. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the Shakespeare acquisition (goodwill is deductible for tax purposes): At October 6, 2014 Current assets $ 12,532 Property, plant and equipment 10,694 Intangible assets 13,500 Goodwill 15,416 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 52,142 Current liabilities 3,870 Net assets acquired $ 48,272 Based on the fair value assessments, the Company allocated $13,500 of the purchase price to acquired intangible assets. The following table summarizes the major classes of Shakespeare acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted-average amortization periods: Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) Trade Names $ 4,000 Indefinite Customer Relationships 9,500 12.0 Total Intangible Assets $ 13,500 (2) ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Continued) On August 25, 2014, the Company acquired 51% of AgSense, LLC (AgSense) for $17 million in cash. AgSense operates in South Dakota and is the creator of global WagNet network which provides growers with a more complete view of their entire farming operation by tying irrigation decision making to field, crop and weather conditions. In the measurement of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, goodwill of $17,193 and $16,083 of customer relationships, trade name and other intangible assets were recorded. A portion of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. AgSense is included in the Irrigation Segment. The fair value measurement process and purchase price allocation for AgSense were finalized in the second quarter of 2015. On February 5, 2013, the Company purchased 100% of the outstanding shares of Locker Group Holdings Pty. Ltd. ("Locker"). Locker is a manufacturer of perforated and expanded metal for the non-residential market, industrial flooring and handrails for the access systems market, and screening media for applications in the industrial and mining sectors in Australia and Asia. Locker's operations are reported in the Energy and Mining segment. The acquisition, which was funded by cash held by the Company, was completed to expand our product offering and sales coverage for access systems and related products in Asia Pacific. The purchase price paid for the business at closing (net of $116 cash acquired) was $53,152 . In addition, a maximum of $7,911 additional purchase price could be paid to the sellers upon the achievement of certain gross profit and inventory targets over the two years following date of acquisition and the Company recognized an estimated liability of $7,178 at February 5, 2013. During 2014 and 2013, the Company made payments of approximately $2,300 to the sellers with respect to achievement of these targets. The Company determined that the additional purchase price tied to a gross profit target for the twelve months ending February 2015 would not be achieved and therefore the additional purchase price with respect to that target was not paid. As such, approximately $4,000 of this liability was reversed and recognized against cost of goods sold during the third quarter of 2014. In December 2013, the Company purchased 100% of the outstanding shares of Armorflex International Ltd. ("Armorflex") for $10,000 . Armorflex is a company holding proprietary intellectual property for products serving the highway safety market. In the measurement of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we recorded goodwill of $6,823 and an aggregate of $3,792 for customer relationships, patented technology and other intangible assets. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. Armorflex is included in the Engineered Support Structures segment and was acquired to expand the Company's highway safety product offering in the Asia Pacific region. This acquisition did not have a significant effect on the Company's fiscal 2013 financial results. The Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the year ended December 26, 2015 included net sales of $179,132 and net earnings of $8,209 resulting from the Valmont SM, AgSense, and Shakespeare acquisitions. The pro-forma effect of these acquisitions on the 2014 Statement of Earnings was as follows: Year ended December 27, 2014 Net sales $ 3,201,947 Net earnings $ 189,391 Earnings per share—diluted $ 7.30 Acquisitions of Noncontrolling Interests In October 2013, the Company acquired the remaining 40% of Valley Irrigation South Africa Pty. Ltd. that it did not own for $9,324 . As this transaction was an acquisition of the remaining shares of a consolidated subsidiary with no change in control, it was recorded within shareholders' equity and as a financing cash flow in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. (2) ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Continued) Deconsolidation In December 2013, the Company's ownership in Delta EMD, Ltd. ("EMD"), a consolidated subsidiary located in South Africa, was reduced below 50% through a supplementary contribution of 1,500,000 shares to the Delta Pension Plan ("DPP"). The DPP is managed by independent trustees whose fiduciary responsibility is to make decisions for the DPP based on the best interests of the participants. The loss recognized on the deconsolidation of EMD was $12,011 , or $0.45 per share, which consisted of $8,559 realized losses on foreign currency translation adjustments previously reported in shareholders' equity and $3,452 in losses due to remeasurement of the remaining investment to fair value based on the market value of EMD shares, which are publicly traded on the Johannesburg stock exchange (JSE:DTA). The Company made a fair value election with respect to its remaining ownership interest in EMD and will report its investment at fair value going forward, using the quoted market price of the EMD shares as fair value. In 2014, the Company recorded a non-cash mark to market loss of $3.8 million due to the decrease in fair value of the shares. In 2015, the Company received a $5.0 million special dividend that was fully offset by a non-cash mark to market loss; the EMD investment then appreciated approximately $0.5 million in 2015. The net sales and net loss of EMD included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings in 2013 was $38,621 and $3,535 , respectively.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES In April 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a broad restructuring plan (the "Plan") of up to $60 million to respond to the market environment in certain businesses. The following pre-tax expenses were recognized in 2015: ESS Energy & Mining Utility Coatings Irrigation Other/ Corporate TOTAL Severance $ 2,305 $ 2,112 $ 1,555 $ 508 $ 724 $ — $ 7,204 Other cash restructuring expenses 1,467 882 1,853 175 — — 4,377 Asset impairments/net loss on disposals 333 3,361 1,142 5,291 — — 10,127 Total cost of sales 4,105 6,355 4,550 5,974 724 — 21,708 Severance 2,951 714 404 270 423 1,957 6,719 Other cash restructuring expenses — — 238 336 — 1,142 1,716 Asset impairments/net loss on disposals 2,223 — — — 130 7,356 9,709 Total selling, general and administrative expenses 5,174 714 642 606 553 10,455 18,144 Consolidated total $ 9,279 $ 7,069 $ 5,192 $ 6,580 $ 1,277 $ 10,455 $ 39,852 The $60 million Plan contemplated that the Company may have to recognize an impairment of goodwill in its APAC galvanizing reporting unit, dependent on future financial projections factoring the restructuring activities taking place in that reporting unit. The Company recognized $17.3 million of impairments in the APAC galvanizing reporting unit during fiscal 2015 which was comparable to the amount included in the $60 million original estimate. (3) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Continued) Liabilities recorded for the Plan in 2015 and changes therein were as follows: Balance at December 27, 2014 Recognized Restructuring Expense Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at December 26, 2015 Severance $ — $ 13,923 $ 12,616 $ 1,307 Other cash restructuring expenses — 6,093 4,667 1,426 Total $ — $ 20,016 $ 17,283 $ 2,733 A significant change in market conditions in any of the Company's segments may affect the Company's assessment of the restructuring activities.

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMA

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION	CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds) for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 , December 27, 2014 , and December 28, 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Interest $ 44,974 $ 32,601 $ 32,655 Income taxes 33,046 111,174 167,146 Share Repurchase Programs On May 13, 2014, the Company announced a capital allocation philosophy which increased the dividend by 50% and covered a share repurchase program of up to $500 million of the Company's outstanding common stock to be acquired from time to time over twelve months at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. On February 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $250 million of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date. As of December 26, 2015 , the Company has acquired 4,146,637 shares for approximately $564.0 million under the share repurchase program.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	(5) INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 : 2015 2014 Raw materials and purchased parts $ 162,977 $ 179,093 Work-in-process 25,644 27,835 Finished goods and manufactured goods 187,126 199,772 Subtotal 375,747 406,700 Less: LIFO reserve 35,075 47,178 $ 340,672 $ 359,522

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consist of the following: 2015 2014 Land and improvements $ 79,450 $ 82,372 Buildings and improvements 323,469 327,863 Machinery and equipment 565,771 593,387 Transportation equipment 17,774 35,205 Office furniture and equipment 77,054 76,589 Construction in progress 17,538 24,153 $ 1,081,056 $ 1,139,569 The Company leases certain facilities, machinery, computer equipment and transportation equipment under operating leases with unexpired terms ranging from one to fifteen years. Rental expense for operating leases amounted to $25,546 , $28,580 , and $26,567 for fiscal 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively. Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to December 26, 2015 are: Fiscal year ending 2016 $ 20,816 2017 17,824 2018 13,587 2019 9,510 2020 7,894 Subsequent 31,986 Total minimum lease payments $ 101,617

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Amortized Intangible Assets The components of amortized intangible assets at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows: December 26, 2015 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 201,801 $ 101,614 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,571 2,966 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 6,815 3,421 11 years Other 3,752 3,671 3 years $ 215,939 $ 111,672 (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) December 27, 2014 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 207,509 $ 88,538 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,769 2,977 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 12,394 8,537 8 years Other 4,355 2,998 3 years $ 228,027 $ 103,050 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $ 18,339 , $ 18,414 and $ 15,233 for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2015 , December 27, 2014 and December 28, 2013 , respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑lived intangible assets is as follows: Estimated 2016 $ 15,945 2017 15,905 2018 14,259 2019 13,452 2020 12,430 The useful lives assigned to finite‑lived intangible assets included consideration of factors such as the Company’s past and expected experience related to customer retention rates, the remaining legal or contractual life of the underlying arrangement that resulted in the recognition of the intangible asset and the Company’s expected use of the intangible asset. Non-amortized intangible assets Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. The carrying values of trade names at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows: December 26, December 27, Year Acquired Webforge $ 10,430 $ 16,801 2010 Valmont SM 8,919 10,818 2014 Newmark 11,111 11,111 2004 Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products 8,504 8,867 2010 Donhad 6,415 6,689 2010 Shakespeare 4,000 4,000 2014 Industrial Galvanizers 2,662 3,889 2010 Other 13,889 14,852 $ 65,930 $ 77,027 (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) In its determination of these intangible assets as indefinite‑lived, the Company considered such factors as its expected future use of the intangible asset, legal, regulatory, technological and competitive factors that may impact the useful life or value of the intangible asset and the expected costs to maintain the value of the intangible asset. The Company expects that these intangible assets will maintain their value indefinitely. Accordingly, these assets are not amortized. The Company’s trade names were tested for impairment in the third quarter of 2015. The values of the trade names were determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, the Company recorded a $5,000 impairment of the Webforge trade name (in Energy and Mining segment) and a $1,100 impairment of the Industrial Galvanizing trade name (in Coatings segment) during 2015. The lower price of oil and natural gas in the fourth quarter of 2015 was a qualitative event requiring the Company to re-assess the fair value of the Webforge trade name. As a result, the Company recognized an additional $830 impairment of that trade name. No other trade names were determined to be impaired during 2015. Goodwill The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was as follows: Engineered Energy and Mining Segment Utility Coatings Irrigation Total Balance at December 27, 2014 $ 107,868 $ 106,770 $ 75,404 $ 75,533 $ 19,536 $ 385,111 Impairment — (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — (34,892 ) Acquisition — — — 3,019 — 3,019 Foreign currency translation (4,856 ) (6,941 ) — (2,611 ) (177 ) (14,585 ) Divestiture of business (1,737 ) — — — — (1,737 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 $ 101,275 $ 81,159 $ 75,404 $ 59,719 $ 19,359 $ 336,916 Engineered Energy and Mining Segment Utility Coatings Irrigation Total Balance at December 28, 2013 $ 97,253 $ 96,759 $ 75,404 $ 77,796 $ 2,420 $ 349,632 Acquisition 15,416 16,803 — — 17,193 49,412 Foreign currency translation (4,801 ) (6,792 ) — (2,263 ) (77 ) (13,933 ) Balance at December 27, 2014 $ 107,868 $ 106,770 $ 75,404 $ 75,533 $ 19,536 $ 385,111 During the second quarter of 2015, the Company divested of a small business in its ESS segment. The goodwill allocated to that business was $1,737 and was required to be written off based on the selling price of the divested business. The Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill was performed during the third quarter of 2015, using the discounted cash flow method. In step one of the annual evaluation of the APAC Coatings reporting, we determined that the estimated fair value was lower than the carrying value. As a result, the Company recorded a preliminary $9,100 impairment of goodwill on the APAC Coatings reporting unit. The Company finalized step two of the impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of 2015 recording an additional impairment of $7,122 , which was the remaining goodwill on this reporting unit. The additional impairment resulted from the estimated fair values of the land of this reporting unit's owned facilities appraising higher than carrying value. The goodwill impairment was a result of difficulties in the Australian market over the last couple of years, including a general slowdown in manufacturing. (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) At the end of the third quarter, the Company determined that its goodwill for all other reporting units was not impaired, as the valuation of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. In December 2015, the price of a barrel of oil began a steady decline to below $40 . The lower price of oil and natural gas required the Company to re-assess the financial projections used for the annual impairment of goodwill analysis performed for the Access Systems reporting unit. Specifically, research reports project that oil prices will not rebound above $50 a barrel for the near term. This required lowering the net sales and cash flow projections for this reporting unit. The result of this interim impairment test of goodwill was the carrying value of the reporting unit was higher than its estimated fair value. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $18,670 million impairment of Access System's goodwill in the fourth quarter of 2015.

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	(8) BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company maintains various lines of credit for short-term borrowings totaling $103,484 at December 26, 2015 . As of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014, $199 and $13,058 was outstanding, respectively. The interest rates charged on these lines of credit vary in relation to the banks’ costs of funds. The unused and available borrowings under the lines of credit were $103,285 at December 26, 2015 . The lines of credit can be modified at any time at the option of the banks. The Company pays no fees in connection with these lines of credit. In addition to the lines of credit, the Company also maintains other short-term bank loans. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 5.23% at December 26, 2015 , and 6.56% at December 27, 2014 . Other notes payable of $777 and $894 were outstanding at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	(9) INCOME TAXES Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries are as follows: 2015 2014 2013 United States $ 99,175 $ 168,975 $ 338,163 Foreign (6,168 ) 115,208 111,254 $ 93,007 $ 284,183 $ 449,417 Income tax expense (benefit) consists of: 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 23,130 $ 52,588 $ 110,847 State 4,431 5,059 16,398 Foreign 15,077 32,443 39,285 42,638 90,090 166,530 Non-current: (69 ) (447 ) 1,392 Deferred: Federal 3,382 447 (8,661 ) State (333 ) 1,376 (307 ) Foreign 1,809 3,428 (1,173 ) 4,858 5,251 (10,141 ) $ 47,427 $ 94,894 $ 157,781 (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The reconciliations of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate follows: 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.1 1.8 2.4 Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (0.1 ) (0.4 ) (0.2 ) Foreign tax rate differences (5.7 ) (4.4 ) (2.4 ) Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (0.1 ) (0.2 ) 0.3 Domestic production activities deduction (3.8 ) (1.6 ) (2.1 ) Goodwill impairment 11.3 — — UK tax rate reduction 7.7 — 1.8 Other 3.6 3.2 0.3 51.0 % 33.4 % 35.1 % Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, and (b) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company’s net deferred income tax liabilities are as follows: 2015 2014 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses and allowances $ 18,320 $ 17,446 Accrued insurance 1,408 882 Tax credits and loss carryforwards 130,743 148,484 Defined benefit pension liability 32,278 30,025 Inventory allowances 911 4,804 Accrued warranty 12,818 6,920 Deferred compensation 36,672 40,348 Gross deferred income tax assets 233,150 248,909 Valuation allowance (90,837 ) (104,487 ) Net deferred income tax assets 142,313 144,422 Deferred income tax liabilities: Work in progress 3,087 5,352 Property, plant and equipment 41,147 43,084 Intangible assets 54,162 60,316 Other liabilities 3,517 6,738 Total deferred income tax liabilities 101,913 115,490 Net deferred income tax asset/(liability) $ 40,400 $ 28,932 (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented as follows on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Balance Sheet Caption 2015 2014 Refundable and deferred income taxes $ — $ 30,239 Other assets 76,069 70,490 Deferred income taxes (35,669 ) (71,797 ) Net deferred income tax asset/(liability) $ 40,400 $ 28,932 In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 which provides guidance on simplifying the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. Currently, GAAP requires an entity to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts for balance sheet presentation. ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation by classifying all deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent. Valmont adopted ASU 2015-17 as of December 26, 2015 on a prospective basis. The net amount of current deferred tax assets being classified as noncurrent at December 26, 2015 is $31,967 . Management of the Company has reviewed recent operating results and projected future operating results. The Company's belief that realization of its net deferred tax assets is more likely than not is based on, among other factors, changes in operations that have occurred in recent years and available tax planning strategies. At December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 respectively, there were $130,743 and $148,484 relating to tax credits and loss carryforwards and $32,278 and $30,025 related to the defined benefit pension obligation. Valuation allowances have been established for certain losses that reduce deferred tax assets to an amount that will, more likely than not, be realized. The deferred tax assets at December 26, 2015 that are associated with tax loss and tax credit carryforwards not reduced by valuation allowances expire in periods starting 2016. Uncertain tax positions included in other non-current liabilities are evaluated in a two-step process, whereby (1) the Company determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold, the Company would recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits in 2015 and 2014 , in thousands: 2015 2014 Gross unrecognized tax benefits—beginning of year $ 4,268 $ 4,727 Gross decreases—tax positions in prior period (173 ) (456 ) Gross increases—current‑period tax positions 687 610 Settlements with taxing authorities (361 ) — Lapse of statute of limitations (545 ) (613 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits—end of year $ 3,876 $ 4,268 There are approximately $1,304 of uncertain tax positions for which reversal is reasonably possible during the next 12 months due to the closing of the statute of limitations. The nature of these uncertain tax positions is generally the computation of a tax deduction or tax credit. During 2015, the Company recorded a reduction of its gross unrecognized tax benefit of $545 with $511 recorded as a reduction of income tax expense, due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in the United States. During 2014, the company recorded a reduction of its gross unrecognized tax benefit of $613 , with $399 recorded as a reduction of its income tax expense, due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in the United States. In addition to these amounts, there was an aggregate of $280 and $298 of interest and penalties at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. The Company’s policy is to record interest and penalties directly related to income taxes as income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various states as well as foreign jurisdictions. Tax years 2011 and forward remain open under U.S. statutes of limitation. Generally, tax years 2012 and forward remain open under state statutes of limitation. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $3,813 and $4,056 at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. All foreign subsidiaries are considered permanently invested at December 26, 2015 . Provision has not been made for United States income taxes on the undistributed earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries (approximately $415,400 at December 26, 2015 and $432,700 at December 27, 2014 , respectively) because the Company intends to reinvest those earnings. Such earnings would become taxable upon the sale or liquidation of these foreign subsidiaries or upon remittance of dividends. Furthermore, the currency translation adjustments in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” are not adjusted for income taxes as they relate to indefinite investments in foreign subsidiaries.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	(10) LONG-TERM DEBT On September 22, 2014, the Company issued and sold $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.00% senior notes due 2044 and $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.25% senior notes due 2054. On September 22, 2014, the Company repurchased through a partial tender offer $199,800 in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 6.625% senior notes due 2020, and $250,200 of the notes remain outstanding following the conclusion of the tender offer. Long-term debt is as follows: December 26, December 27, 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044(a) $ 250,000 $ 250,000 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054(b) 250,000 250,000 Unamortized discount on 5.00% and 5.25% senior unsecured notes (a)(b) (4,405 ) (4,449 ) 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2020(c) 250,200 250,200 Unamortized premium on 6.625% senior unsecured notes(c) 4,518 5,429 Revolving credit agreement (d) — — IDR Bonds(e) 8,500 8,500 Other notes 6,228 8,155 Long-term debt 765,041 767,835 Less current installments of long-term debt 1,077 1,181 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 763,964 $ 766,654 ______________________________________________ (a) The 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 include an aggregate principle amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $1,138 at December 26, 2015. The notes bear interest at 5.000% per annum and are due on October 1, 2044. The discount will be amortized and recognized as interest expense as interest payments are made over the term of the notes. The notes may be repurchased prior to maturity in whole, or in part, at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. These notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. (b) The 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054 include an aggregate principle amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $3,267 at December 26, 2015. The notes bear interest at 5.250% per annum and are due on October 1, 2054. The discount will be amortized and recognized as interest expense as interest payments are made over the term of the notes. The notes may be repurchased prior to maturity in whole, or in part, at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. These notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. (10) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) (c) The 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2020, following a partial tender offer in September 2014, include a remaining aggregate principal amount of $250,200 on which interest is paid and an unamortized premium balance of $4,518 at December 26, 2015. The notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum and are due on April 1, 2020. In September 2014, the Company repurchased by partial tender $199,800 in aggregate principal amount of these notes and incurred cash prepayment expenses of approximately $41,200 . In addition, $4,439 of the unamortized premium was recognized as income which is the proportionate amount of debt that was repaid. The remaining premium will be amortized against interest expense as interest payments are made over the term of the notes. The notes may be repurchased prior to maturity in whole, or in part, at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium accrued and unpaid interest. These notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. (d) On October 17, 2014, the Company entered into a First Amendment to our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, dated as of August 15, 2012, which increased the committed unsecured revolving credit facility from $400 million to $600 million and extended the maturity date from August 15, 2017 to October 17, 2019. The Company may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200 million at any time, subject to lenders increasing the amount of their commitments. The interest rate on our borrowings will be, at our option, either: (i) LIBOR (based on a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month interest period, as selected by the Company) plus 100 to 162.5 basis points, depending on the credit rating of the our senior debt published by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or; (ii) the higher of • the prime lending rate , • the Federal Funds rate plus 50 basis points, and • LIBOR (based on a 1 month interest period) plus 100 basis points, plus, in each case, 0 to 62.5 basis points, depending on the credit rating of our senior debt published by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Mood's Investors Service, Inc. At December 26, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility has a maturity date of October 17, 2019 and contains certain financial covenants that may limit additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At December 26, 2015, the Company had the ability to borrow $581.7 million under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $18.3 million associated with certain insurance obligations. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $103.5 million , $103.3 million of which was unused at December 26, 2015. (e) The Industrial Development Revenue Bonds were issued to finance the construction of a manufacturing facility in Jasper, Tennessee. Variable interest is payable until final maturity on June 1, 2025. The effective interest rates at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were 1.22% and 1.16% , respectively. The lending agreements include certain maintenance covenants, including financial leverage and interest coverage. The Company was in compliance with all financial debt covenants at December 26, 2015 . The minimum aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years following 2015 are: $1,102 , $893 , $894 , $752 and $250,958 . The obligations arising under the 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044, the 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054, the 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2020, and the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries PiRod, Inc., Valmont Coatings, Inc., Valmont Newmark, Inc., and Valmont Queensland Pty. Ltd.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	(11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company maintains stock‑based compensation plans approved by the shareholders, which provide that the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, non-vested stock awards and bonuses of common stock. At December 26, 2015 , 868,157 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans. Shares and options issued and available are subject to changes in capitalization. The Company’s policy is to issue shares upon exercise of stock options from treasury shares held by the Company. Under the stock option plans, the exercise price of each option equals the market price at the time of the grant. Options vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three to six years or on the fifth anniversary of the grant. Expiration of grants is from six to ten years from the date of grant. The Company recorded $5,137 , $4,461 and $5,194 of compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) in the 2015 , 2014 and 2013 fiscal years, respectively. The associated tax benefits recorded in the 2015 , 2014 and 2013 fiscal years was $1,952 , $1,695 and $1,974 , respectively. At December 26, 2015 , the amount of unrecognized stock option compensation expense, to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.42 years, was approximately $12,939 . The Company uses a binomial option pricing model to value its stock options. The fair value of each option grant made in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was estimated using the following assumptions: 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 34.13 % 32.27 % 33.26 % Risk-free interest rate 1.58 % 1.43 % 1.16 % Expected life from vesting date 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs Dividend yield 0.94 % 0.75 % 0.72 % Following is a summary of the activity of the stock plans during 2013 , 2014 and 2015 : Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 29, 2012 868,992 $ 84.91 Granted 155,254 144.86 Exercised (216,105 ) (72.17 ) Forfeited (12,920 ) (129.08 ) Outstanding at December 28, 2013 795,221 $ 99.29 4.56 $ 39,994 Options vested or expected to vest at December 28, 2013 775,237 $ 98.41 4.51 39,678 Options exercisable at December 28, 2013 464,377 $ 81.73 3.58 31,508 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2013 , was $ 37.88 . (11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 28, 2013 795,221 $ 99.29 Granted 177,717 132.94 Exercised (194,627 ) (71.67 ) Forfeited (9,716 ) (126.23 ) Outstanding at December 27, 2014 768,595 $ 113.72 4.74 $ 15,983 Options vested or expected to vest at December 27, 2014 746,974 $ 113.06 4.69 15,981 Options exercisable at December 27, 2014 450,539 $ 97.29 3.59 15,944 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2014 was $ 33.94 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 27, 2014 768,595 $ 113.72 Granted 291,708 104.89 Exercised (169,493 ) 74.37 Forfeited (41,201 ) 137.02 Outstanding at December 26, 2015 849,609 $ 117.42 5.18 $ 4,536 Options vested or expected to vest at December 26, 2015 818,300 $ 117.61 5.13 4,456 Options exercisable at December 26, 2015 409,068 $ 119.43 3.74 3,376 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2015 was $ 27.91 . Following is a summary of the status of stock options outstanding at December 26, 2015 : Outstanding and Exercisable By Price Range Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Number Weighted Weighted Number Weighted $60.97 - 85.32 136,288 2.08 years $ 83.78 136,103 $ 83.78 $104.47 - 110.33 297,221 6.78 years 104.68 12,181 109.50 $120.91 - 151.45 416,100 5.05 years 137.55 260,784 138.51 849,609 409,068 In accordance with shareholder-approved plans, the Company grants stock under various stock‑based compensation arrangements, including non-vested stock and stock issued in lieu of cash bonuses. Under such arrangements, stock is issued without direct cost to the employee. In addition, the Company grants restricted stock units. The restricted stock units are (11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) settled in Company stock when the restriction period ends. During fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company granted non-vested stock and restricted stock units to directors and certain management employees as follows (which are not included in the above stock plan activity tables): 2015 2014 2013 Shares issued 47,038 35,885 47,271 Weighted‑average per share price on grant date $ 108.97 $ 136.91 $ 146.72 Compensation expense $ 4,511 $ 3,978 $ 3,667 At December 26, 2015 the amount of deferred stock‑based compensation granted, to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of 1.74 years, was approximately $7,772 .

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS): Basic EPS Dilutive Diluted EPS 2015: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 40,117 $ — $ 40,117 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 23,288 117 23,405 Per share amount $ 1.72 $ 0.01 $ 1.71 2014: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 183,976 $ — $ 183,976 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 25,719 213 25,932 Per share amount $ 7.15 $ 0.06 $ 7.09 2013: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 278,489 $ — $ 278,489 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 26,641 258 26,899 Per share amount $ 10.45 $ 0.10 $ 10.35 Basic and diluted net earnings and earnings per share in fiscal 2015 included impairments of goodwill and intangible assets of $40,140 after-tax ( $1.72 per share), asset impairments arising from restructuring activities of $14,545 after-tax ( $0.62 per share), and $13,622 of cash restructuring expenses ( $0.58 per share). Fiscal 2014 included costs associated with refinancing of our long-term debt of $24.2 million after tax ( $0.93 per share). Fiscal 2013 included a non-cash after-tax loss of $12,011 ( $0.45 per share) associated with the deconsolidation of Delta EMD Pty. Ltd. (EMD) and a non-cash after-tax loss of $4,569 ( $0.17 per share) related to a fixed asset impairment loss recorded by EMD in the fourth quarter of 2013. Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the total for the year primarily due to the share buyback program that began in the second quarter of 2014. At the end of fiscal years 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 there were approximately 426,338 , 449,000 , and 1,200 outstanding stock options, respectively, with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, respectively.

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLA

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN	13) EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN Established under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k), the Valmont Employee Retirement Savings Plan (“VERSP”) is a defined contribution plan available to all eligible employees. Participants can elect to contribute up to 50% of annual pay, on a pretax and/or after-tax basis. The Company also makes contributions to the Plan and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain Company executives. The 2015 , 2014 and 2013 Company contributions to these plans amounted to approximately $11,700 , $12,600 and $11,600 respectively. The Company sponsors a fully‑funded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain Company executives who otherwise would be limited in receiving company contributions into VERSP under Internal Revenue Service regulations. The invested assets and related liabilities of these participants were approximately $37,963 and $36,439 at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. Such amounts are included in “Other assets” and “Other noncurrent liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts distributed from the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan to participants under the transition rules of section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code were approximately $2,439 and $1,519 at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. All distributions were made in cash.

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	(14) DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable, notes payable to banks and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair values of each of the Company’s long-term debt instruments are based on the amount of future cash flows associated with each instrument discounted using the Company’s current borrowing rate for similar debt instruments of comparable maturity (Level 2). The fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time and the underlying assumptions are subject to change based on market conditions. At December 26, 2015 the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt was $765,041 with an estimated fair value of approximately $724,020 . At December 27, 2014 the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt was $767,835 with an estimated fair value of approximately $813,333 . For financial reporting purposes, a three‑level hierarchy for fair value measurements based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date is used. Inputs refers broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories: • Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. • Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value. Trading Securities: The assets and liabilities recorded for the investments held in the Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan of $37,963 ( $36,439 in 2014 ) represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities, considering the employee’s ability to change investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time. The Company's remaining ownership in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd. (JSE:DTA) of $4,734 ( $9,034 in 2014 ) is recorded at fair value at December 26, 2015 . Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input. (14) DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued) Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading Securities $ 42,697 $ 42,697 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading Securities $ 45,473 $ 45,473 $ — $ —

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company manages risk from foreign currency rate risk related to foreign currency denominated transactions and from natural gas supply pricing. From time to time, the Company manages these risks using derivative financial instruments. Some of these derivative financial instruments are marked to market and recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings, while others may be accounted for as a fair value or cash flow hedge. Derivative financial instruments have credit risk and market risk. To manage credit risk, the Company only enters into derivative transactions with counterparties who are recognized, stable multinational banks. Natural Gas Prices: Natural gas supplies to meet production requirements of production facilities are purchased at market prices. Natural gas market prices are volatile and the Company effectively fixes prices for a portion of its natural gas usage requirements of certain of its U.S. facilities through the use of swaps. These contracts reference physical natural gas prices or appropriate NYMEX futures contract prices. While there is a strong correlation between the NYMEX futures contract prices and the Company’s delivered cost of natural gas, the use of financial derivatives may not exactly offset the change in the price of physical gas. The contracts are traded in months forward and settlement dates are scheduled to coincide with gas purchases during that future period. The financial effects of these derivatives in 2015 and 2014 were minimal. Interest Rate Fluctuations: In prior years, the Company executed contracts to lock in the treasury rate related to the issuance of each of their unsecured notes due in 2020, 2044, and 2054. These contracts were executed to hedge the risk of potential fluctuations in the treasury rates which would change the amount of net proceeds received from the debt offering. As the benchmark rate component of the fixed rate debt issuance and the cash flow hedged risk is based on that same benchmark, each was deemed an effective hedge at inception. The settlement with each of the counterparties was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and at December 26, 2015, the Company has a $4.5 million deferred loss and a $4.4 million deferred gain remaining in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the past settlement of these forward contracts. The amount is amortized as a reduction of interest expense (for the deferred gain) or an increase in interest expense (for the deferred loss) over the term of the debt. Foreign Currency Fluctuations: The Company operates in a number of different foreign countries and may enter into business transactions that are in currencies that are different from a given operation’s functional currency. In certain cases, the Company may enter into foreign currency exchange contracts to manage a portion of the foreign exchange risk associated with either a receivable or payable denominated in a foreign currency, a forecasted transaction or a series of forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency. (15) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued) At December 26, 2015 , the Company had a number of open foreign currency forward contracts, which are generally accounted for as cash flow hedges if hedge accounting is utilized. The Company has one open forward contract related to interest payments on a large intercompany note denominated in Australian dollars. The interest from these notes are used to fund the delta pension plan in the United Kingdom with a functional currency of the British pound. The derivative is accounted for as a cash flow hedge and has a notional amount to sell Australian dollars of $36,590 , which was settled in January 2016. Total gains on the forward contract related to the intercompany note interest payments in fiscal 2015 was $1,821 . There is no gain or loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets related to foreign currency forward contracts at December 26, 2015. At December 27, 2014 , the Company had open foreign currency forward contracts, including one related to a large sales contract that was settled in Canadian dollars and was accounted for as a cash flow hedge. The notional amount of the open Canadian forward contracts at the end of 2014 was $14,757 with unrealized gains of $424 , and $242 was recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheets. The forward contracts were settled by September 2015.

GUARANTEES

GUARANTEES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
GUARANTEES	GUARANTEES The Company’s product warranty accrual reflects management’s best estimate of probable liability under its product warranties. Historical product claims data is used to estimate the cost of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. The Company recorded a $17.0 million reserve in the fourth quarter of 2015 for a commercial settlement with a large customer that requires ongoing quality monitoring. Changes in the product warranty accrual, which is recorded in “Accrued expenses”, for the years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , were as follows: 2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 19,760 $ 20,711 Payments made (11,203 ) (13,900 ) Change in liability for warranties issued during the period 28,608 13,130 Change in liability for pre-existing warranties (512 ) (181 ) Balance, end of period $ 36,653 $ 19,760

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN	(17) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN Delta Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is the sponsor of the Delta Pension Plan ("Plan"). The Plan provides defined benefit retirement income to eligible employees in the United Kingdom. Pension retirement benefits to qualified employees are 1.67% of final salary per year of service upon reaching the age of 65 years. This Plan has no active employees as members at December 26, 2015 . Funded Status The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status of the pension plan as an asset or liability. The funded status represents the difference between the projected benefit obligation (PBO) and the fair value of the plan assets. The PBO is the present value of benefits earned to date by plan participants, including the effect of assumed future salary increases (if applicable) and inflation. Plan assets are measured at fair value. Effective with year-end 2015, the Company early adopted the practical expedient accounting guidance that permits an entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end closest to the entity's fiscal year-end consistently going forward. The pension plan obligation recorded on the balance sheet as of December 26, 2015 has been measured based on the pension plan assets and obligation as of December 31, 2015. Because the pension plan is denominated in British pounds sterling, the Company used exchange (17) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) rates of $ 1.5557 /£ and $1.4919 /£ to translate the net pension liability into U.S. dollars at December 27, 2014 and December 26, 2015 , respectively. Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets —The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) is the present value of benefits earned to date, assuming no future compensation growth. As there are no active employees in the plan, the ABO is equal to the PBO. The underfunded ABO represents the difference between the PBO and the fair value of plan assets. Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 28, 2013 to December 27, 2014 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 28, 2013 $ 651,857 $ 497,460 $ (154,397 ) Employer contributions — 18,173 Interest cost 28,667 — Actual return on plan assets — 72,820 Benefits paid (14,498 ) (14,498 ) Actuarial loss 66,889 — Currency translation (40,632 ) (31,796 ) Fair Value at December 27, 2014 $ 692,283 $ 542,159 $ (150,124 ) Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 27, 2014 to December 31, 2015 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 27, 2014 $ 692,283 $ 542,159 $ (150,124 ) Employer contributions — 16,500 Interest cost 24,614 — Actual return on plan assets — (306 ) Benefits paid (18,346 ) (18,346 ) Actuarial loss 28,130 — Currency translation (29,232 ) (21,881 ) Fair Value at December 31, 2015 $ 697,449 $ 518,126 $ (179,323 ) Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 consisted of actuarial gains (losses): Balance December 29, 2013 $ (38,808 ) Actuarial loss (18,980 ) Currency translation loss 1,835 Balance December 27, 2014 (55,953 ) Actuarial loss (53,661 ) Currency translation gain 2,655 Balance December 26, 2015 $ (106,959 ) (17) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) The estimated amount to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2016 is $1,500 . Assumptions —The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows: Percentages 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.75 % 3.65 % Salary increase N/A N/A CPI inflation 2.15 % 2.10 % RPI inflation 3.25 % 3.20 % Expense Pension expense is determined based upon the annual service cost of benefits (the actuarial cost of benefits earned during a period) and the interest cost on those liabilities, less the expected return on plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to the fair value of plan assets. Differences in actual experience in relation to assumptions are not recognized in net earnings immediately, but are deferred and, if necessary, amortized as pension expense. The components of the net periodic pension expense for the fiscal years ended December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows: 2015 2014 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Interest cost 24,614 28,667 Expected return on plan assets (25,224 ) (26,029 ) Net periodic benefit expense (benefit) $ (610 ) $ 2,638 Assumptions —The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense are as follows for fiscal 2015 and 2014: Percentages 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.65 % 4.45 % Expected return on plan assets 5.00 % 5.50 % CPI Inflation 2.10 % 2.70 % RPI Inflation 3.20 % 3.60 % The discount rate is based on the yields of AA-rated corporate bonds with durational periods similar to that of the pension liabilities. The expected return on plan assets is based on our asset allocation mix and our historical return, taking into account current and expected market conditions. Inflation is based on expected changes in the consumer price index or the retail price index in the U.K. depending on the relevant plan provisions. (17) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Cash Contributions The Company completed negotiations with Plan trustees in 2013 regarding annual funding for the Plan. The annual contributions into the Plan are $14,919 (/£ 10,000 ) per annum as part of the Plan’s recovery plan, along with a contribution to cover the administrative costs of the Plan of approximately $1,641 (/£ 1,100 ) per annum. Benefit Payments The following table details expected pension benefit payments for the years 2016 through 2025: 2016 $ 18,500 2017 19,100 2018 19,700 2019 20,300 2020 20,900 Years 2021 - 2025 114,725 Asset Allocation Strategy The investment strategy for pension plan assets is to maintain a diversified portfolio consisting of • Long-term fixed‑income securities that are investment grade or government‑backed in nature; • Common stock mutual funds in U.K. and non-U.K. companies, and; • Diversified growth funds, which are invested in a number of investments, including common stock, fixed income funds, properties and commodities. The plan, as required by U.K. law, has an independent trustee that sets investment policy. The general strategy is to invest approximately 50% of the assets of the plan in common stock mutual funds and diversified growth funds, with the remainder of the investments in long-term fixed income securities, including corporate bonds and index-linked U.K. gilts. The trustees regularly consult with representatives of the plan sponsor and independent advisors on such matters. The pension plan investments are held in a trust. The weighted‑average maturity of the corporate bond portfolio was 13 years at December 31, 2015. Fair Value Measurements The pension plan assets are valued at fair value. The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for the investments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. Index-linked gilts —Index-linked gilts are U.K. government-backed securities consisting of bills, notes, bonds, and other fixed income securities issued directly by the U.K. Treasury or by government-sponsored enterprises. Corporate Bonds —Corporate bonds and debentures consist of fixed income securities issued by U.K. corporations. Corporate Stock —This investment category consists of common and preferred stock, including mutual funds, issued by U.K. and non-U.K. corporations. (17) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Diversified growth funds - This investment category consists of diversified investment funds, whose holdings include common stock, fixed income funds, properties and commodities of U.K. and non-U.K. securities. These assets are pooled investment funds whereby the underlying investments can be valued using quoted market prices. As the fair values of the pooled investment funds themselves are not publicly quoted, they are classified as Level 2 investments. At December 31, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , the pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan net assets: Temporary cash investments $ — $ 5,181 $ — $ 5,181 Index-linked gilts — 123,257 — 123,257 Corporate bonds — 100,701 — 100,701 Corporate stock — 172,456 — 172,456 Diversified growth funds — 116,531 — 116,531 Total plan net assets at fair value $ — $ 518,126 $ — $ 518,126 December 27, 2014 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan net assets: Temporary cash investments $ — $ 12,320 $ — $ 12,320 Index-linked gilts — 135,229 — 135,229 Corporate bonds — 107,880 — 107,880 Corporate stock — 176,010 — 176,010 Diversified growth funds — 110,720 — 110,720 Total plan net assets at fair value $ — $ 542,159 $ — $ 542,159

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	BUSINESS SEGMENTS In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company changed its reportable segment structure to improve transparency. The Company now has five reportable segments and its management structure was changed to align with this new reporting structure. A new reportable segment, Energy & Mining, includes the businesses primarily serving the energy and mining end markets. This segment includes the access systems applications businesses and offshore structures business that was formerly part of the Engineered Infrastructure Products (EIP) segment, and the grinding media business that was formerly included in the "Other" category. The remaining businesses from the EIP segment was also renamed "Engineered Support Structures". The last change in the reporting structure was moving the tubing business from the "Other" category to the Irrigation segment. Prior year information in this footnote has been updated to match the new reportable segment structure. Each segment is global in nature with a manager responsible for segment operational performance and the allocation of capital within the segment. Net corporate expense is net of certain service‑related expenses that are allocated to business units generally on the basis of employee headcounts and sales dollars. Reportable segments are as follows: ENGINEERED SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for the global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, and roadway safety industries; ENERGY AND MINING: This segment, all outside of the United States, consists of the manufacture of access systems applications, forged steel grinding media, on and off shore oil, gas, and wind energy structures; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry; COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services on a global basis; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the global agricultural industry and tubular products for industrial customers. In addition to these five reportable segments, the Company has other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales. This includes the distribution of industrial fasteners and are reported in the "Other" category. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based upon operating income and invested capital. The Company does not allocate interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments. (18) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) Summary by Business 2015 2014 2013 SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment: Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products $ 600,280 $ 648,352 $ 660,423 Communication Products 171,173 161,618 139,888 Engineered Support Structures segment 771,453 809,970 800,311 Energy and Mining segment: Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures 103,068 146,432 — Grinding Media 96,442 116,056 138,634 Access Systems 138,349 181,495 201,498 Energy and Mining segment 337,859 443,983 340,132 Utility Support Structures segment: Steel 578,996 714,427 853,459 Concrete 95,581 110,589 108,579 Utility Support Structures segment 674,577 825,016 962,038 Coatings segment 302,385 333,853 357,635 Irrigation segment 612,201 846,326 970,890 Other 7,247 10,108 51,645 Total 2,705,722 3,269,256 3,482,651 INTERSEGMENT SALES: Engineered Support Structures 23,003 74,963 103,974 Energy and Mining 4,652 295 332 Utility Support Structures 1,239 2,451 2,343 Coatings 46,912 55,418 56,649 Irrigation 6,430 6,609 6,523 Other 4,562 6,377 8,619 Total 86,798 146,113 178,440 NET SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment 748,450 735,007 696,337 Energy and Mining segment 333,207 443,688 339,800 Utility Support Structures segment 673,338 822,565 959,695 Coatings segment 255,473 278,435 300,986 Irrigation segment 605,771 839,717 964,367 Other 2,685 3,731 43,026 Total $ 2,618,924 $ 3,123,143 $ 3,304,211 (18) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2015 2014 2013 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS): Engineered Support Structures $ 59,592 $ 66,024 $ 65,861 Energy and Mining (18,762 ) 41,342 35,087 Utility Support Structures 37,847 95,118 174,740 Coatings 27,369 60,921 74,917 Irrigation 84,537 151,508 206,394 Other (9,802 ) (1,535 ) (7,213 ) Corporate (49,086 ) (55,662 ) (76,717 ) Total 131,695 357,716 473,069 Interest expense, net (41,325 ) (30,744 ) (26,025 ) Costs associated with refinancing of debt — (38,705 ) — Other 2,637 (4,084 ) 2,373 Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries $ 93,007 $ 284,183 $ 449,417 TOTAL ASSETS: Engineered Support Structures $ 611,201 $ 640,132 $ 616,231 Energy and Mining 396,366 500,407 353,018 Utility Support Structures 422,021 470,720 524,113 Coatings 270,793 301,707 315,663 Irrigation 310,967 360,883 351,742 Other 2,267 4,930 2,538 Corporate 385,813 450,889 613,189 Total $ 2,399,428 $ 2,729,668 $ 2,776,494 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Engineered Support Structures $ 11,445 $ 11,849 $ 12,905 Energy and Mining 3,544 4,893 4,515 Utility Support Structures 11,815 9,014 39,347 Coatings 6,836 14,029 12,206 Irrigation 7,756 21,113 26,039 Other 1,396 1,181 105 Corporate 2,676 10,944 11,636 Total $ 45,468 $ 73,023 $ 106,753 (18) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2015 2014 2013 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: Engineered Support Structures $ 22,810 $ 22,363 $ 22,037 Energy and Mining 20,733 22,146 13,167 Utility Support Structures 17,959 17,811 14,375 Coatings 12,962 14,615 14,656 Irrigation 11,746 10,471 7,859 Other 570 123 2,336 Corporate 4,364 1,799 3,006 Total $ 91,144 $ 89,328 $ 77,436 Summary by Geographical Area by Location of Valmont Facilities: 2015 2014 2013 NET SALES: United States $ 1,586,702 $ 1,808,427 $ 2,077,812 Australia 347,975 439,530 492,698 Denmark 98,628 146,432 — Other 585,619 728,754 733,701 Total $ 2,618,924 $ 3,123,143 $ 3,304,211 LONG-LIVED ASSETS: United States $ 582,783 $ 616,718 $ 530,042 Australia 259,326 316,382 342,320 Denmark 90,463 111,161 — Other 240,004 292,466 306,293 Total $ 1,172,576 $ 1,336,727 $ 1,178,655 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales in 2015 , 2014 , or 2013 . Net sales by geographical area are based on the location of the facility producing the sales and do not include sales to other operating units of the company. While Australia accounted for approximately 13% of the Company's net sales in 2015 , no other foreign country accounted for more than 5% of the Company’s net sales. Operating income by business segment are based on net sales less identifiable operating expenses and allocations and includes profits recorded on sales to other operating units of the company. Long-lived assets consist of property, plant and equipment, net of depreciation, goodwill, other intangible assets and other assets. Long-lived assets by geographical area are based on location of facilities.

COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES	(19) COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES Various claims and lawsuits are pending against Company and certain of its subsidiaries. The Company cannot fully determine the effect of all asserted and unasserted claims on its consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. Where asserted and unasserted claims are considered probable and reasonably estimable, a liability has been recorded. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, or contingent liabilities will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINANCI

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION The Company has three tranches of senior unsecured notes. All of the senior notes are guaranteed, jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally (subject to certain customary release provisions, including sale of the subsidiary guarantor, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets) by certain of the Company’s current and future direct and indirect domestic and foreign subsidiaries (collectively the “Guarantors”), excluding its other current domestic and foreign subsidiaries which do not guarantee the debt (collectively referred to as the “Non-Guarantors”). All Guarantors are 100% owned by the parent company. Consolidated financial information for the Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is as follows: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,169,674 $ 423,928 $ 1,238,609 $ (213,287 ) $ 2,618,924 Cost of sales 890,242 332,847 987,729 (212,927 ) 1,997,891 Gross profit 279,432 91,081 250,880 (360 ) 621,033 Selling, general and administrative expenses 194,335 45,549 207,484 — 447,368 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — — 41,970 — 41,970 Operating income 85,097 45,532 1,426 (360 ) 131,695 Other income (expense): Interest expense (43,552 ) — (1,069 ) — (44,621 ) Interest income 9 103 3,184 — 3,296 Other (2,374 ) 60 4,951 — 2,637 (45,917 ) 163 7,066 — (38,688 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 39,180 45,695 8,492 (360 ) 93,007 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 863 23,261 18,446 (1 ) 42,569 Deferred 10,042 (6,224 ) 1,040 — 4,858 10,905 17,037 19,486 (1 ) 47,427 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 28,275 28,658 (10,994 ) (359 ) 45,580 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 11,842 (39,418 ) (247 ) 27,576 (247 ) Net earnings 40,117 (10,760 ) (11,241 ) 27,217 45,333 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,216 ) — (5,216 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 40,117 $ (10,760 ) $ (16,457 ) $ 27,217 $ 40,117 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,392,509 $ 496,326 $ 1,456,053 $ (221,745 ) $ 3,123,143 Cost of sales 1,040,808 371,639 1,124,813 (222,234 ) 2,315,026 Gross profit 351,701 124,687 331,240 489 808,117 Selling, general and administrative expenses 196,987 49,171 204,243 — 450,401 Operating income 154,714 75,516 126,997 489 357,716 Other income (expense): Interest expense (34,267 ) (5 ) (2,518 ) — (36,790 ) Interest income 38 359 5,649 — 6,046 Costs associated with refinancing of debt (38,705 ) — — — (38,705 ) Other 2,021 (511 ) (5,594 ) — (4,084 ) (70,913 ) (157 ) (2,463 ) — (73,533 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 83,801 75,359 124,534 489 284,183 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 30,330 25,277 33,898 138 89,643 Deferred (1,474 ) 1,866 4,859 — 5,251 28,856 27,143 38,757 138 94,894 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 54,945 48,216 85,777 351 189,289 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 129,031 19,509 63 (148,574 ) 29 Net earnings 183,976 67,725 85,840 (148,223 ) 189,318 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,342 ) — (5,342 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 183,976 $ 67,725 $ 80,498 $ (148,223 ) $ 183,976 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 28, 2013 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,540,266 $ 689,230 $ 1,402,191 $ (327,476 ) $ 3,304,211 Cost of sales 1,107,020 503,431 1,078,695 (330,163 ) 2,358,983 Gross profit 433,246 185,799 323,496 2,687 945,228 Selling, general and administrative expenses 209,350 59,368 203,441 — 472,159 Operating income 223,896 126,431 120,055 2,687 473,069 Other income (expense): Interest expense (30,801 ) (2 ) (1,699 ) — (32,502 ) Interest income 55 1,032 5,390 — 6,477 Other 4,791 9 (2,427 ) — 2,373 (25,955 ) 1,039 1,264 — (23,652 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 197,941 127,470 121,319 2,687 449,417 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 78,912 45,951 42,379 680 167,922 Deferred (8,948 ) (19 ) (1,174 ) — (10,141 ) 69,964 45,932 41,205 680 157,781 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 127,977 81,538 80,114 2,007 291,636 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 150,512 16,417 494 (166,588 ) 835 Loss from deconsolidation of subsidiary — — (12,011 ) — (12,011 ) Net earnings 278,489 97,955 68,597 (164,581 ) 280,460 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (1,971 ) — (1,971 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 278,489 $ 97,955 $ 66,626 $ (164,581 ) $ 278,489 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 40,117 $ (10,760 ) $ (11,241 ) $ 27,217 $ 45,333 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (15,166 ) (81,528 ) — (96,694 ) — (15,166 ) (81,528 ) — (96,694 ) Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge: Amortization cost included in interest expense 74 — — — 74 Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings (3,130 ) — — — (3,130 ) Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges 2,855 — — — 2,855 (201 ) — — — (201 ) Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (40,274 ) — (40,274 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (132,584 ) — — 132,584 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (132,785 ) (15,166 ) (121,802 ) 132,584 (137,169 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (92,668 ) (25,926 ) (133,043 ) 159,801 (91,836 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (832 ) — (832 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ (92,668 ) $ (25,926 ) $ (133,875 ) $ 159,801 $ (92,668 ) (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 183,976 $ 67,725 $ 85,840 $ (148,223 ) $ 189,318 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (51,536 ) (30,739 ) — (82,275 ) — (51,536 ) (30,739 ) — (82,275 ) Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge: Amortization cost included in interest expense 594 — — — 594 Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings 983 — — — 983 Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges 4,837 — — — 4,837 6,414 — — — 6,414 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (13,709 ) — (13,709 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (93,162 ) — — 93,162 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (86,748 ) (51,536 ) (44,448 ) 93,162 (89,570 ) Comprehensive income 97,228 16,189 41,392 (55,061 ) 99,748 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (2,520 ) — (2,520 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 97,228 $ 16,189 $ 38,872 $ (55,061 ) $ 97,228 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 28, 2013 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 278,489 $ 97,955 $ 68,597 $ (164,581 ) $ 280,460 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (4,772 ) (66,926 ) — (71,698 ) Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense — — 5,194 — 5,194 Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary — — 8,559 — 8,559 — (4,772 ) (53,173 ) — (57,945 ) Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge: Amortization cost included in interest expense 400 — — — 400 400 — — — 400 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (41,282 ) — (41,282 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (106,430 ) — — 106,430 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (106,030 ) (4,772 ) (94,455 ) 106,430 (98,827 ) Comprehensive income 172,459 93,183 (25,858 ) (58,151 ) 181,633 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (9,174 ) — (9,174 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 172,459 $ 93,183 $ (35,032 ) $ (58,151 ) $ 172,459 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,281 $ 4,008 $ 282,785 $ — $ 349,074 Receivables, net 130,741 66,387 269,315 — 466,443 Inventories 132,222 38,379 173,064 (2,993 ) 340,672 Prepaid expenses 9,900 766 35,471 — 46,137 Refundable and deferred income taxes 24,526 — — — 24,526 Total current assets 359,670 109,540 760,635 (2,993 ) 1,226,852 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 541,536 132,864 406,656 — 1,081,056 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 334,471 69,956 144,140 — 548,567 Net property, plant and equipment 207,065 62,908 262,516 — 532,489 Goodwill 20,108 110,562 206,246 — 336,916 Other intangible assets 238 40,959 129,000 — 170,197 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,239,228 813,779 939,177 (2,992,184 ) — Other assets 47,113 — 85,861 — 132,974 Total assets $ 1,873,422 $ 1,137,748 $ 2,383,435 $ (2,995,177 ) $ 2,399,428 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ 215 $ — $ 862 $ — $ 1,077 Notes payable to banks — — 976 — 976 Accounts payable 66,723 13,680 99,580 — 179,983 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 32,272 6,347 31,735 — 70,354 Accrued expenses 31,073 22,802 51,718 — 105,593 Dividends payable 8,571 — — — 8,571 Total current liabilities 138,854 42,829 184,871 — 366,554 Deferred income taxes 9,686 — 25,983 — 35,669 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 758,811 — 5,153 — 763,964 Defined benefit pension liability — — 179,323 — 179,323 Deferred compensation 43,485 — 4,932 — 48,417 Other noncurrent liabilities 4,145 — 36,145 — 40,290 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,683 (1,106,633 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 159,414 1,107,536 (1,266,950 ) — Retained earnings 1,729,679 541,917 354,727 (896,644 ) 1,729,679 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (267,218 ) (64,362 ) (210,688 ) 275,050 (267,218 ) Treasury stock (571,920 ) — — — (571,920 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 918,441 1,094,919 1,900,258 (2,995,177 ) 918,441 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 46,770 — 46,770 Total shareholders’ equity 918,441 1,094,919 1,947,028 (2,995,177 ) 965,211 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,873,422 $ 1,137,748 $ 2,383,435 $ (2,995,177 ) $ 2,399,428 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 69,869 $ 2,157 $ 299,553 $ — $ 371,579 Receivables, net 158,316 68,414 310,188 — 536,918 Inventories 127,859 54,914 177,512 (763 ) 359,522 Prepaid expenses 7,087 502 49,323 — 56,912 Refundable and deferred income taxes 53,307 6,194 8,509 — 68,010 Total current assets 416,438 132,181 845,085 (763 ) 1,392,941 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 556,658 124,182 458,729 — 1,139,569 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 319,899 65,493 147,724 — 533,116 Net property, plant and equipment 236,759 58,689 311,005 — 606,453 Goodwill 20,108 107,542 257,461 — 385,111 Other intangible assets 292 43,644 158,068 — 202,004 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,446,989 825,236 887,055 (3,159,280 ) — Other assets 46,587 — 96,572 — 143,159 Total assets $ 2,167,173 $ 1,167,292 $ 2,555,246 $ (3,160,043 ) $ 2,729,668 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ 213 $ — $ 968 $ — $ 1,181 Notes payable to banks — — 13,952 — 13,952 Accounts payable 59,893 15,151 121,521 — 196,565 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 48,169 5,385 34,396 — 87,950 Accrued expenses 32,616 6,052 49,812 — 88,480 Dividends payable 9,086 — — — 9,086 Total current liabilities 149,977 26,588 220,649 — 397,214 Deferred income taxes 5,584 28,988 37,225 — 71,797 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 759,895 — 6,759 — 766,654 Defined benefit pension liability — — 150,124 — 150,124 Deferred compensation 41,803 — 6,129 — 47,932 Other noncurrent liabilities 8,081 — 37,461 — 45,542 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,682 (1,106,632 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 150,286 1,098,408 (1,248,694 ) — Retained earnings 1,718,662 552,676 397,302 (949,978 ) 1,718,662 Accumulated other comprehensive income (134,433 ) (49,196 ) (96,065 ) 145,261 (134,433 ) Treasury stock (410,296 ) — — — (410,296 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,201,833 1,111,716 2,048,327 (3,160,043 ) 1,201,833 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 48,572 — 48,572 Total shareholders’ equity 1,201,833 1,111,716 2,096,899 (3,160,043 ) 1,250,405 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,167,173 $ 1,167,292 $ 2,555,246 $ (3,160,043 ) $ 2,729,668 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 40,117 $ (10,760 ) $ (11,241 ) $ 27,217 $ 45,333 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 29,433 12,611 49,100 — 91,144 Noncash loss on trading securities — — 4,555 — 4,555 Impairment of property, plant and equipment 7,486 542 11,808 — 19,836 Impairment of goodwill & intangibles assets — — 41,970 — 41,970 Stock-based compensation 7,244 — — — 7,244 Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — (610 ) — (610 ) Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (16,500 ) — (16,500 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 983 319 1,025 — 2,327 Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (11,842 ) 39,418 247 (27,576 ) 247 Deferred income taxes 10,042 (6,224 ) 1,040 — 4,858 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Receivables 27,576 3,547 19,144 — 50,267 Inventories (4,364 ) 18,130 (12,698 ) 2,228 3,296 Prepaid expenses 2,337 (172 ) 8,679 — 10,844 Accounts payable 6,831 (1,970 ) (11,666 ) — (6,805 ) Accrued expenses (16,485 ) 17,713 7,366 324 8,918 Other noncurrent liabilities 177 — (1,941 ) — (1,764 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) 7,895 (306 ) (482 ) — 7,107 Net cash flows from operating activities 107,430 72,848 89,796 2,193 272,267 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (14,362 ) (7,718 ) (23,388 ) — (45,468 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 3,996 302 (1,049 ) — 3,249 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — (12,778 ) — — (12,778 ) Other, net 72,866 (50,447 ) (13,400 ) (2,193 ) 6,826 Net cash flows from investing activities 62,500 (70,641 ) (37,837 ) (2,193 ) (48,171 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under short-term agreements — — (12,853 ) — (12,853 ) Proceeds from long-term borrowings 68,000 — — — 68,000 Principal payments on long-term borrowings (68,213 ) — (885 ) — (69,098 ) Dividends paid (35,357 ) — — — (35,357 ) Intercompany dividends 26,115 — (26,115 ) — — Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (2,634 ) — (2,634 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 13,075 — — — 13,075 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises 1,699 — — — 1,699 Purchase of treasury shares (168,983 ) — — — (168,983 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (13,854 ) — — — (13,854 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (177,518 ) — (42,487 ) — (220,005 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (356 ) (26,240 ) — (26,596 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (7,588 ) 1,851 (16,768 ) — (22,505 ) Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 69,869 2,157 299,553 — 371,579 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 62,281 $ 4,008 $ 282,785 $ — $ 349,074 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 183,976 $ 67,725 $ 85,840 $ (148,223 ) $ 189,318 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 24,509 12,926 51,893 — 89,328 Loss on investment — — 3,795 — 3,795 Non-cash debt refinancing costs (2,478 ) — — — (2,478 ) Stock-based compensation 6,730 — — — 6,730 Defined benefit pension plan expense — — 2,638 — 2,638 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (18,173 ) — (18,173 ) Change in fair value of contingent consideration — — (4,300 ) — (4,300 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 145 143 104 — 392 Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (129,031 ) (19,509 ) (63 ) 148,574 (29 ) Deferred income taxes (1,474 ) 1,866 4,859 — 5,251 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of the effect from acquisitions): Receivables (19,136 ) 40,186 (20,143 ) — 907 Inventories 5,094 15,317 1,047 — 21,458 Prepaid expenses (2,352 ) 429 (11,671 ) — (13,594 ) Accounts payable (2,260 ) (5,212 ) (26,849 ) — (34,321 ) Accrued expenses (21,448 ) (9,590 ) (3,740 ) — (34,778 ) Other noncurrent liabilities 622 — 1,133 — 1,755 Income taxes payable (24,945 ) (19,417 ) 4,559 — (39,803 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 17,952 84,864 70,929 351 174,096 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (41,260 ) (2,823 ) (28,940 ) — (73,023 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (185,710 ) — (185,710 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 43 126 2,320 — 2,489 Other, net 34,735 (73,799 ) 38,796 (351 ) (619 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (6,482 ) (76,496 ) (173,534 ) (351 ) (256,863 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under short-term agreements — — (4,472 ) — (4,472 ) Proceeds from long-term borrowings 652,540 — (329 ) — 652,211 Principal payments on long-term obligations (356,994 ) — (864 ) — (357,858 ) Settlement of financial derivative 4,981 — — — 4,981 Dividends paid (32,443 ) — — — (32,443 ) Intercompany dividends 116,995 (36,600 ) (80,395 ) — — Intercompany interest on long-term note — 648 (648 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution (143,000 ) — 143,000 — — Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (2,919 ) — (2,919 ) Debt issuance fees (7,644 ) — — — (7,644 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 14,572 — — — 14,572 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises 4,264 — — — 4,264 Purchase of treasury shares (395,045 ) — — — (395,045 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (15,403 ) — — — (15,403 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (157,177 ) (35,952 ) 53,373 — (139,756 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (56 ) (19,548 ) — (19,604 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (145,707 ) (27,640 ) (68,780 ) — (242,127 ) Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 215,576 29,797 368,333 — 613,706 Cash and cash equivalents—end of year $ 69,869 $ 2,157 $ 299,553 $ — $ 371,579 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 28, 2013 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 278,489 $ 97,955 $ 68,597 $ (164,581 ) $ 280,460 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 21,270 12,862 43,304 — 77,436 Deconsolidation of subsidiary — — 12,011 — 12,011 Impairment of property, plant and equipment — — 12,161 — 12,161 Stock-based compensation 6,513 — — — 6,513 Defined benefit pension plan expense — — 6,569 — 6,569 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (17,619 ) — (17,619 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 885 42 (5,245 ) — (4,318 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (150,512 ) (16,417 ) (494 ) 166,588 (835 ) Deferred income taxes (8,948 ) (19 ) (1,174 ) — (10,141 ) Changes in assets and liabilities (net of the effect from acquisitions): Receivables 6,181 (22,259 ) 3,370 — (12,708 ) Inventories 12,966 1,757 (1,292 ) — 13,431 Prepaid expenses 2,417 98 1,600 — 4,115 Accounts payable (10,458 ) (1,643 ) 24,549 — 12,448 Accrued expenses 19,191 5,824 (3,317 ) — 21,698 Other noncurrent liabilities 3,201 — (4,675 ) — (1,474 ) Income taxes payable (5,908 ) (3,251 ) 5,029 825 (3,305 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 175,287 74,949 143,374 2,832 396,442 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (76,582 ) (4,439 ) (25,732 ) — (106,753 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (63,152 ) — (63,152 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 794 35 36,753 — 37,582 Other, net 86,258 (83,327 ) 503 (2,832 ) 602 Net cash flows from investing activities 10,470 (87,731 ) (51,628 ) (2,832 ) (131,721 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under short-term agreements — — 5,510 — 5,510 Proceeds from long-term borrowings — — 274 — 274 Principal payments on long-term obligations (187 ) — (404 ) — (591 ) Cash decrease due to deconsolidation of subsidiary — — (11,615 ) — (11,615 ) Dividends paid (25,414 ) — — — (25,414 ) Intercompany dividends 8,947 20,133 (29,080 ) — — Intercompany interest on long-term note — 1,229 (1,229 ) — — Intercompany principal payment on long-term note — 22,430 (22,430 ) — — Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (1,767 ) — (1,767 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interest — — (9,324 ) — (9,324 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 16,348 — — — 16,348 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises 5,306 — — — 5,306 Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (16,107 ) — — — (16,107 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (11,107 ) 43,792 (70,065 ) — (37,380 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (7,927 ) (19,837 ) — (27,764 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 174,650 23,083 1,844 — 199,577 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 40,926 6,714 366,489 — 414,129 Cash and cash equivalents—end of year $ 215,576 $ 29,797 $ 368,333 $ — $ 613,706

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaud

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	21) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) Net Earnings Gross Per Share Stock Price Dividends Net Sales Profit Amount Basic Diluted High Low Declared 2015 First $ 670,398 $ 165,454 $ 30,739 $ 1.29 $ 1.28 $ 130.26 $ 117.56 $ 0.375 Second (1) 682,123 169,548 27,873 1.19 1.19 128.26 118.09 0.375 Third (2) 632,575 156,751 12,066 0.52 0.52 121.23 97.44 0.375 Fourth (3) 633,828 129,280 (30,561 ) (1.34 ) (1.34 ) 117.94 93.99 0.375 Year $ 2,618,924 $ 621,033 $ 40,117 $ 1.72 $ 1.71 $ 130.26 $ 93.99 $ 1.500 2014 First $ 751,740 $ 206,982 $ 55,980 $ 2.10 $ 2.08 $ 155.64 $ 141.74 $ 0.250 Second 842,599 220,477 63,976 2.40 2.38 163.23 143.02 0.375 Third (4) 765,668 199,500 23,559 0.93 0.92 155.62 131.68 0.375 Fourth 763,136 181,158 40,461 1.67 1.66 139.31 123.44 0.375 Year $ 3,123,143 $ 808,117 $ 183,976 $ 7.15 $ 7.09 $ 163.23 $ 123.44 $ 1.375 Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the total for the year. _______________________________ (1) The second quarter of 2015 included costs associated with the restructuring plan (the "Plan") that was approved by the Board of Directors in April 2015 of $9.8 million after tax ( $0.42 per share). (2) The third quarter of 2015 included costs associated with the Plan of $6.3 million after tax ( $0.27 per share) and non- cash impairments of goodwill and trade names of $13.4 million after tax ( $0.58 per share). (3) The fourth quarter of 2015 included costs associated with the Plan of $11.5 million after tax ( $0.50 per share) and non-cash impairments of goodwill and intangibles of $ 7.1 million and $19.6 million after tax (combined $1.16 per share) related to our APAC Coatings and Access Systems businesses, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded a one time increase in its warranty reserve related to one large utility project of $11.5 million after tax ( $0.50 per share) and an increase to the bad debt allowance for a large international irrigation receivable of $4.8 million after tax ( $0.21 per share). Lastly, U.K. corporate tax rates were collectively reduced from 20% to 18% which reduced the value of our deferred tax assets associated with net operating loss carryforwards and certain timing differences which increased the Company's tax expense by $7.1 million ( $0.31 per share). (4) The third quarter of 2014 included costs associated with refinancing of our long-term debt of $24.2 million after tax ( $0.95 per share) and a non-cash fair market value adjustment for Delta EMD shares of $1.4 million after tax ( $.05 per share).

Schedule II-Valuation and Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	RIES Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Dollars in thousands) Balance at Charged to Deductions Balance at Fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 Reserve deducted in balance sheet from the asset to which it applies— Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 9,922 12,420 (1,334 ) $ 21,008 Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation 104,487 (13,650 ) — 90,837 Fifty-two weeks ended December 27, 2014 Reserve deducted in balance sheet from the asset to which it applies— Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 10,369 1,780 (2,227 ) $ 9,922 Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation 107,767 (3,280 ) — 104,487 Fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2013 Reserve deducted in balance sheet from the asset to which it applies— Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 7,898 4,674 (2,203 ) $ 10,369 Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation 120,979 (13,212 ) — 107,767 ______________________________________________ * The deductions from reserves are net of recoveries.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN32

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, Revenue Recognition. The new revenue recognition standard requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and is to be applied retrospectively. Early application is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position. In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory.” Under this ASU, inventory will be measured at the “lower of cost and net realizable value” and options that currently exist for “market value” will be eliminated. The ASU defines net realizable value as the “estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation.” No other changes were made to the current guidance on inventory measurement. ASU 2015-11 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early application is permitted and should be applied prospectively. Management is evaluating the provisions of this statement, including which period to adopt, and has not determined what impact the adoption of ASU 2015-11 will have on the Company's financial position or results of operations. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-04, "Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer's Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets." Under this ASU, an entity with a fiscal year-end that differs from a calendar month-end can apply a practical expedient that permits an entity to measure defined benefit plan assets and obligations using the month-end closest to the entity's fiscal year-end consistently going forward. The Company early adopted this accounting policy effective with year-end 2015. The pension plan obligation recorded on the balance sheet as of December 26, 2015 has been measured based on the pension plan assets and obligation as of December 31, 2015. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03 which provides guidance requiring debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability and further clarification guidance allows the cost of securing a revolving line of credit to be recorded as a deferred asset regardless of whether a balance is outstanding. This guidance is effective for the Company's first quarter of fiscal year 2016 with early adoption permitted, and requires the use of the retrospective transition method. At December 26, 2015, the Company has approximately $7 million of debt issuance cost for its long-term debt (excluding its revolving line of credit) which will be reclassified as a direct reduction of long-term debt instead of an other asset in the consolidated balance sheets when this ASU is adopted in fiscal 2016. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17 which provides guidance on simplifying the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The guidance requires the classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The current requirement that deferred tax assets and liabilities of a tax-paying component of an entity be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by this update. The guidance is effective for the Company's first quarter of fiscal year 2017 financial statements with early adoption permitted, and allows for the use of either a prospective or retrospective transition method. The Company early adopted this guidance on a prospective basis starting with its December 26, 2015 consolidated financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Valmont Industries, Inc. and its wholly and majority‑owned subsidiaries (the Company). The investment in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd ("EMD") is recorded at fair value subsequent to its deconsolidation in 2013. Investments in other 20% to 50% owned affiliates and joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method. Investments in less than 20% owned affiliates are accounted for by the cost method. All intercompany items have been eliminated.
Cash overdrafts	Cash overdrafts Cash book overdrafts totaling $15,536 and $18,038 were classified as accounts payable at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. The Company’s policy is to report the change in book overdrafts as an operating activity in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Segments	Segments The Company has five reportable segments based on its management structure. Each segment is global in nature with a manager responsible for segment operational performance and allocation of capital within the segment. Reportable segments are as follows: ENGINEERED SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for the global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, and roadway safety; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry; ENERGY AND MINING: This segment consists of the manufacture of access systems applications, forged steel grinding media, and offshore oil and gas and wind energy structures. COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services on a global basis; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the global agricultural industry as well as tubular products for industrial customers. In addition to these five reportable segments, there are other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales. These operations include the distribution of industrial fasteners. These operations collectively are reported in the “Other” category.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year with each year ending on the last Saturday in December. Accordingly, the Company’s fiscal years ended December 26, 2015 , December 27, 2014 , and December 28, 2013 consisted of 52 weeks.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are reported on the balance sheet net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. Allowances are maintained in amounts considered to be appropriate in relation to the outstanding receivables based on age of the receivable, economic conditions and customer credit quality. As the Company’s international Irrigation business has grown, the exposure to potential losses in international markets has also increased. These exposures can be difficult to estimate, particularly in areas of political instability, or with governments with which the Company has limited experience, or where there is a lack of transparency as to the current credit condition of governmental units. As of December 26, 2015 , the Company had approximately $10 million in delinquent accounts receivable with Chinese municipal entities with a specific allowance recorded against it based on our estimation of what will not be fully collected. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to both current and long-term accounts receivables increased to $21.0 million at December 26, 2015 from $9.9 million at December 27, 2014.
Inventories	Inventories Approximately 39% and 44% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively. All other inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. Finished goods and manufactured goods inventories include the costs of acquired raw materials and related factory labor and overhead charges required to convert raw materials to manufactured and finished goods. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value is approximately $35,075 and $47,178 at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 , respectively.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets Property, plant and equipment are recorded at historical cost. The Company generally uses the straight-line method in computing depreciation and amortization for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes. The annual provisions for depreciation and amortization have been computed principally in accordance with the following ranges of asset lives: buildings and improvements 15 to 40 years, machinery and equipment 3 to 12 years, transportation equipment 3 to 24 years, office furniture and equipment 3 to 7 years and intangible assets 5 to 20 years. Depreciation expense in fiscal 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $72,805 , $73,395 and $62,291 , respectively. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and exceeds estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset. A recognized impairment loss reduces the carrying amount of the asset to its estimated fair value. The Company recognized a $4.1 million impairment of the Melbourne galvanizing site's equipment in 2015 as the Company determined that our galvanizing operation in Melbourne, Australia would not generate sufficient cash flows on an undiscounted cash flow basis to recover its carrying value. Other impairment losses were recorded in 2015 as facilities were closed and future plans for certain fixed assets changed in connection with the Company's restructuring plans. In November 2013, it was determined that the carrying amount of certain fixed assets of Delta EMD, Ltd. were not recoverable and an impairment loss of $12,161 was recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the fixed assets to fair value. The impairment was a result of continued global oversupply of manganese dioxide in the market, increased price competition and increasing input costs. In addition, a major customer advised us that its purchases from EMD in 2014 would be substantially below prior years. This charge was recorded in Product Cost of Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. No impairment losses were recorded in 2014. The Company evaluates its reporting units for impairment of goodwill during the third fiscal quarter of each year, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Reporting units are evaluated using after-tax operating cash flows (less capital expenditures) discounted to present value. Indefinite‑lived intangible assets are assessed separately from goodwill as part of the annual impairment testing, using a relief-from-royalty method. If the underlying assumptions related to the valuation of a reporting unit’s goodwill or an indefinite‑lived intangible asset change materially before or after the annual impairment testing, the reporting unit or asset is evaluated for potential impairment. In (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) these evaluations, management considers recent operating performance, expected future performance, industry conditions and other indicators of potential impairment. The Company performed an interim test of its Access Systems reporting unit and the Webforge and Locker trade names as of year-end (after the 2015 annual impairment test) based on changes in expected future performance. Please see footnote 7 for details of impairments recognized during 2015.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method to calculate deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income during the period that includes the enactment date.
Warranties	Warranties The Company's provision for product warranty reflects management's best estimate of probable liability under its product warranties. Estimated future warranty costs are recorded at the time a sale is recognized. Future warranty liability is determined based on applying historical claim rate experience to units sold that are still within the warranty period. In addition, the Company records provisions for known warranty claims.
Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits Certain expenses are incurred in connection with a defined benefit pension plan. In order to measure expense and the related benefit obligation, various assumptions are made including discount rates used to value the obligation, expected return on plan assets used to fund these expenses and estimated future inflation rates. These assumptions are based on historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. An actuarial analysis is used to measure the expense and liability associated with pension benefits.
Derivative Instrument	Derivative Instrument The Company may enter into derivative financial instruments to manage risk associated with fluctuation in interest rates, foreign currency rates or commodities. Where applicable, the Company may elect to account for such derivatives as either a cash flow or fair value hedge.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income includes net income, currency translation adjustments, certain derivative-related activity and changes in net actuarial gains/losses from a pension plan. Results of operations for foreign subsidiaries are translated using the average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates in effect on the balance sheet dates. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 27, 2014 $ (99,618 ) $ 3,879 $ (38,694 ) $ (134,433 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) (92,310 ) (201 ) (40,274 ) (132,785 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 $ (191,928 ) $ 3,678 $ (78,968 ) $ (267,218 )
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon shipment of the product or delivery of the service to the customer, which coincides with passage of title and risk of loss to the customer. Customer acceptance provisions exist only in the design stage of our products. Acceptance of the design by the customer is required before the product is manufactured and delivered to the customer. We are not entitled to any compensation solely based on design of the product and we do not recognize any revenue associated with the design stage. No general rights of return exist for customers once the product has been delivered. Shipping and handling costs associated with sales are recorded as cost of goods sold. Sales discounts and rebates are estimated based on past experience and are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the period in which the sale is recognized. Service revenues predominantly consist of coatings services provided by our Coatings segment to its customers. Revenue from our offshore and other complex steel structures products is recognized using the percentage-of-completion method, based primarily on contract cost incurred to date compared to total estimated contract cost.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments The Company has equity method investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries which are recorded within "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. In February 2013, the Company sold its nonconsolidated investment in Manganese Materials Company Pty. Ltd. to the majority owner of the business for approximately $29,250 . The profit on the sale was not significant, which included the recognition of $5,194 in currency translation adjustments previously recorded as part of "Accumulated other comprehensive income" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company also recognized certain deferred tax benefits of approximately $3,200 associated with the sale in the first quarter of 2013.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock Repurchased shares are recorded as “Treasury Stock” and result in a reduction of “Shareholders’ Equity.” When treasury shares are reissued, the Company uses the last-in, first-out method, and the difference between the repurchase cost and re-issuance price is charged or credited to “Additional Paid-In Capital.” In May 2014, the Company announced a capital allocation philosophy which covered a share repurchase program. Specifically, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $500 million of the Company's outstanding common stock from time to time over twelve months at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. In February 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $250 million of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date. As of December 26, 2015, we have acquired 4,146,637 shares for approximately $564.0 million under this share repurchase program.
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to operations in the year incurred. These costs are a component of “Selling, general and administrative expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. Research and development expenses were approximately $11,600 in 2015 , $13,900 in 2014 , and $10,200 in 2013 .

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN33

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 27, 2014 $ (99,618 ) $ 3,879 $ (38,694 ) $ (134,433 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) (92,310 ) (201 ) (40,274 ) (132,785 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 $ (191,928 ) $ 3,678 $ (78,968 ) $ (267,218 )

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDAT34

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Pro forma results of operations	he pro-forma effect of these acquisitions on the 2014 Statement of Earnings was as follows: Year ended December 27, 2014 Net sales $ 3,201,947 Net earnings $ 189,391 Earnings per share—diluted $ 7.30
Valmont SM
Summary of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition, which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2014. At March 3, 2014 Current assets $ 73,421 Property, plant and equipment 85,638 Intangible assets 30,340 Goodwill 16,803 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 206,202 Current liabilities 47,754 Deferred income taxes 19,715 Intercompany note payable 37,448 Long-term debt 8,941 Total fair value of liabilities assumed 113,858 Non-controlling interests 9,309 Net assets acquired $ 83,035
Summary of the major classes of acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted-average amortization periods	The following table summarizes the major classes of Valmont SM's acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted average amortization periods: Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) Trade Names $ 11,470 Indefinite Backlog 3,145 1.5 Customer Relationships 15,725 12.0 Total Intangible Assets $ 30,340
Shakespeare
Summary of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the Shakespeare acquisition (goodwill is deductible for tax purposes): At October 6, 2014 Current assets $ 12,532 Property, plant and equipment 10,694 Intangible assets 13,500 Goodwill 15,416 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 52,142 Current liabilities 3,870 Net assets acquired $ 48,272
Summary of the major classes of acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted-average amortization periods	The following table summarizes the major classes of Shakespeare acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted-average amortization periods: Amount Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years) Trade Names $ 4,000 Indefinite Customer Relationships 9,500 12.0 Total Intangible Assets $ 13,500

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Schedule of liabilities recorded for the restructuring plan and changes	Liabilities recorded for the Plan in 2015 and changes therein were as follows: Balance at December 27, 2014 Recognized Restructuring Expense Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at December 26, 2015 Severance $ — $ 13,923 $ 12,616 $ 1,307 Other cash restructuring expenses — 6,093 4,667 1,426 Total $ — $ 20,016 $ 17,283 $ 2,733
Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Schedule of restructuring activities	he following pre-tax expenses were recognized in 2015: ESS Energy & Mining Utility Coatings Irrigation Other/ Corporate TOTAL Severance $ 2,305 $ 2,112 $ 1,555 $ 508 $ 724 $ — $ 7,204 Other cash restructuring expenses 1,467 882 1,853 175 — — 4,377 Asset impairments/net loss on disposals 333 3,361 1,142 5,291 — — 10,127 Total cost of sales 4,105 6,355 4,550 5,974 724 — 21,708 Severance 2,951 714 404 270 423 1,957 6,719 Other cash restructuring expenses — — 238 336 — 1,142 1,716 Asset impairments/net loss on disposals 2,223 — — — 130 7,356 9,709 Total selling, general and administrative expenses 5,174 714 642 606 553 10,455 18,144 Consolidated total $ 9,279 $ 7,069 $ 5,192 $ 6,580 $ 1,277 $ 10,455 $ 39,852

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFOR36

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds)	Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds) for the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 , December 27, 2014 , and December 28, 2013 were as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Interest $ 44,974 $ 32,601 $ 32,655 Income taxes 33,046 111,174 167,146

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of inventories	Inventories consisted of the following at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 : 2015 2014 Raw materials and purchased parts $ 162,977 $ 179,093 Work-in-process 25,644 27,835 Finished goods and manufactured goods 187,126 199,772 Subtotal 375,747 406,700 Less: LIFO reserve 35,075 47,178 $ 340,672 $ 359,522

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of property, plant and equipment, at cost	Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consist of the following: 2015 2014 Land and improvements $ 79,450 $ 82,372 Buildings and improvements 323,469 327,863 Machinery and equipment 565,771 593,387 Transportation equipment 17,774 35,205 Office furniture and equipment 77,054 76,589 Construction in progress 17,538 24,153 $ 1,081,056 $ 1,139,569
Schedule of minimum lease payments under operating leases	Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to December 26, 2015 are: Fiscal year ending 2016 $ 20,816 2017 17,824 2018 13,587 2019 9,510 2020 7,894 Subsequent 31,986 Total minimum lease payments $ 101,617

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of amortized intangible assets	The components of amortized intangible assets at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows: December 26, 2015 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 201,801 $ 101,614 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,571 2,966 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 6,815 3,421 11 years Other 3,752 3,671 3 years $ 215,939 $ 111,672 (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) December 27, 2014 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 207,509 $ 88,538 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,769 2,977 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 12,394 8,537 8 years Other 4,355 2,998 3 years $ 228,027 $ 103,050
Schedule of future estimated amortization expense	Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑lived intangible assets is as follows: Estimated 2016 $ 15,945 2017 15,905 2018 14,259 2019 13,452 2020 12,430
Schedule of non-amortized intangible assets	The carrying values of trade names at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows: December 26, December 27, Year Acquired Webforge $ 10,430 $ 16,801 2010 Valmont SM 8,919 10,818 2014 Newmark 11,111 11,111 2004 Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products 8,504 8,867 2010 Donhad 6,415 6,689 2010 Shakespeare 4,000 4,000 2014 Industrial Galvanizers 2,662 3,889 2010 Other 13,889 14,852 $ 65,930 $ 77,027
Schedule of carrying amount of goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was as follows: Engineered Energy and Mining Segment Utility Coatings Irrigation Total Balance at December 27, 2014 $ 107,868 $ 106,770 $ 75,404 $ 75,533 $ 19,536 $ 385,111 Impairment — (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — (34,892 ) Acquisition — — — 3,019 — 3,019 Foreign currency translation (4,856 ) (6,941 ) — (2,611 ) (177 ) (14,585 ) Divestiture of business (1,737 ) — — — — (1,737 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 $ 101,275 $ 81,159 $ 75,404 $ 59,719 $ 19,359 $ 336,916 Engineered Energy and Mining Segment Utility Coatings Irrigation Total Balance at December 28, 2013 $ 97,253 $ 96,759 $ 75,404 $ 77,796 $ 2,420 $ 349,632 Acquisition 15,416 16,803 — — 17,193 49,412 Foreign currency translation (4,801 ) (6,792 ) — (2,263 ) (77 ) (13,933 ) Balance at December 27, 2014 $ 107,868 $ 106,770 $ 75,404 $ 75,533 $ 19,536 $ 385,111

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income tax expense (benefit)	Income tax expense (benefit) consists of: 2015 2014 2013 Current: Federal $ 23,130 $ 52,588 $ 110,847 State 4,431 5,059 16,398 Foreign 15,077 32,443 39,285 42,638 90,090 166,530 Non-current: (69 ) (447 ) 1,392 Deferred: Federal 3,382 447 (8,661 ) State (333 ) 1,376 (307 ) Foreign 1,809 3,428 (1,173 ) 4,858 5,251 (10,141 ) $ 47,427 $ 94,894 $ 157,781
Schedule of reconciliation of statutory federal income tax rate and effective tax rate	The reconciliations of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate follows: 2015 2014 2013 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 3.1 1.8 2.4 Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (0.1 ) (0.4 ) (0.2 ) Foreign tax rate differences (5.7 ) (4.4 ) (2.4 ) Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (0.1 ) (0.2 ) 0.3 Domestic production activities deduction (3.8 ) (1.6 ) (2.1 ) Goodwill impairment 11.3 — — UK tax rate reduction 7.7 — 1.8 Other 3.6 3.2 0.3 51.0 % 33.4 % 35.1 %
Schedule of tax effects of significant items comprising net deferred income tax liabilities	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, and (b) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company’s net deferred income tax liabilities are as follows: 2015 2014 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses and allowances $ 18,320 $ 17,446 Accrued insurance 1,408 882 Tax credits and loss carryforwards 130,743 148,484 Defined benefit pension liability 32,278 30,025 Inventory allowances 911 4,804 Accrued warranty 12,818 6,920 Deferred compensation 36,672 40,348 Gross deferred income tax assets 233,150 248,909 Valuation allowance (90,837 ) (104,487 ) Net deferred income tax assets 142,313 144,422 Deferred income tax liabilities: Work in progress 3,087 5,352 Property, plant and equipment 41,147 43,084 Intangible assets 54,162 60,316 Other liabilities 3,517 6,738 Total deferred income tax liabilities 101,913 115,490 Net deferred income tax asset/(liability) $ 40,400 $ 28,932
Schedule of deferred income tax assets (liabilities) presented on the Consolidated Balance Sheets	Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented as follows on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Balance Sheet Caption 2015 2014 Refundable and deferred income taxes $ — $ 30,239 Other assets 76,069 70,490 Deferred income taxes (35,669 ) (71,797 ) Net deferred income tax asset/(liability) $ 40,400 $ 28,932
Schedule of activity related to unrecognized tax benefits	The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits in 2015 and 2014 , in thousands: 2015 2014 Gross unrecognized tax benefits—beginning of year $ 4,268 $ 4,727 Gross decreases—tax positions in prior period (173 ) (456 ) Gross increases—current‑period tax positions 687 610 Settlements with taxing authorities (361 ) — Lapse of statute of limitations (545 ) (613 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits—end of year $ 3,876 $ 4,268

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	December 26, December 27, 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044(a) $ 250,000 $ 250,000 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054(b) 250,000 250,000 Unamortized discount on 5.00% and 5.25% senior unsecured notes (a)(b) (4,405 ) (4,449 ) 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2020(c) 250,200 250,200 Unamortized premium on 6.625% senior unsecured notes(c) 4,518 5,429 Revolving credit agreement (d) — — IDR Bonds(e) 8,500 8,500 Other notes 6,228 8,155 Long-term debt 765,041 767,835 Less current installments of long-term debt 1,077 1,181 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 763,964 $ 766,654 ______________________________________________ (a) The 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 include an aggregate principle amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $1,138 at December 26, 2015. The notes bear interest at 5.000% per annum and are due on October 1, 2044. The discount will be amortized and recognized as interest expense as interest payments are made over the term of the notes. The notes may be repurchased prior to maturity in whole, or in part, at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. These notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. (b) The 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054 include an aggregate principle amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $3,267 at December 26, 2015. The notes bear interest at 5.250% per annum and are due on October 1, 2054. The discount will be amortized and recognized as interest expense as interest payments are made over the term of the notes. The notes may be repurchased prior to maturity in whole, or in part, at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. These notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. (10) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) (c) The 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2020, following a partial tender offer in September 2014, include a remaining aggregate principal amount of $250,200 on which interest is paid and an unamortized premium balance of $4,518 at December 26, 2015. The notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum and are due on April 1, 2020. In September 2014, the Company repurchased by partial tender $199,800 in aggregate principal amount of these notes and incurred cash prepayment expenses of approximately $41,200 . In addition, $4,439 of the unamortized premium was recognized as income which is the proportionate amount of debt that was repaid. The remaining premium will be amortized against interest expense as interest payments are made over the term of the notes. The notes may be repurchased prior to maturity in whole, or in part, at any time at 100% of their principal amount plus a make-whole premium accrued and unpaid interest. These notes are guaranteed by certain subsidiaries of the Company. (d) On October 17, 2014, the Company entered into a First Amendment to our Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto, dated as of August 15, 2012, which increased the committed unsecured revolving credit facility from $400 million to $600 million and extended the maturity date from August 15, 2017 to October 17, 2019. The Company may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200 million at any time, subject to lenders increasing the amount of their commitments. The interest rate on our borrowings will be, at our option, either: (i) LIBOR (based on a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month interest period, as selected by the Company) plus 100 to 162.5 basis points, depending on the credit rating of the our senior debt published by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or; (ii) the higher of • the prime lending rate , • the Federal Funds rate plus 50 basis points, and • LIBOR (based on a 1 month interest period) plus 100 basis points, plus, in each case, 0 to 62.5 basis points, depending on the credit rating of our senior debt published by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Mood's Investors Service, Inc. At December 26, 2015, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility has a maturity date of October 17, 2019 and contains certain financial covenants that may limit additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At December 26, 2015, the Company had the ability to borrow $581.7 million under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $18.3 million associated with certain insurance obligations. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $103.5 million , $103.3 million of which was unused at December 26, 2015. (e) The Industrial Development Revenue Bonds were issued to finance the construction of a manufacturing facility in Jasper, Tennessee. Variable interest is payable until final maturity on June 1, 2025. The effective interest rates at December 26, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were 1.22% and 1.16% , respectively.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant	2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility 34.13 % 32.27 % 33.26 % Risk-free interest rate 1.58 % 1.43 % 1.16 % Expected life from vesting date 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs Dividend yield 0.94 % 0.75 % 0.72 %
Summary of activity of stock plans	Following is a summary of the activity of the stock plans during 2013 , 2014 and 2015 : Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 29, 2012 868,992 $ 84.91 Granted 155,254 144.86 Exercised (216,105 ) (72.17 ) Forfeited (12,920 ) (129.08 ) Outstanding at December 28, 2013 795,221 $ 99.29 4.56 $ 39,994 Options vested or expected to vest at December 28, 2013 775,237 $ 98.41 4.51 39,678 Options exercisable at December 28, 2013 464,377 $ 81.73 3.58 31,508 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2013 , was $ 37.88 . (11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 28, 2013 795,221 $ 99.29 Granted 177,717 132.94 Exercised (194,627 ) (71.67 ) Forfeited (9,716 ) (126.23 ) Outstanding at December 27, 2014 768,595 $ 113.72 4.74 $ 15,983 Options vested or expected to vest at December 27, 2014 746,974 $ 113.06 4.69 15,981 Options exercisable at December 27, 2014 450,539 $ 97.29 3.59 15,944 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2014 was $ 33.94 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 27, 2014 768,595 $ 113.72 Granted 291,708 104.89 Exercised (169,493 ) 74.37 Forfeited (41,201 ) 137.02 Outstanding at December 26, 2015 849,609 $ 117.42 5.18 $ 4,536 Options vested or expected to vest at December 26, 2015 818,300 $ 117.61 5.13 4,456 Options exercisable at December 26, 2015 409,068 $ 119.43 3.74 3,376 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2015 was $ 27.91 .
Summary of status of stock options outstanding	Following is a summary of the status of stock options outstanding at December 26, 2015 : Outstanding and Exercisable By Price Range Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Number Weighted Weighted Number Weighted $60.97 - 85.32 136,288 2.08 years $ 83.78 136,103 $ 83.78 $104.47 - 110.33 297,221 6.78 years 104.68 12,181 109.50 $120.91 - 151.45 416,100 5.05 years 137.55 260,784 138.51 849,609 409,068
Schedule of non-vested stock and restricted stock units	2015 2014 2013 Shares issued 47,038 35,885 47,271 Weighted‑average per share price on grant date $ 108.97 $ 136.91 $ 146.72 Compensation expense $ 4,511 $ 3,978 $ 3,667

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS)	The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS): Basic EPS Dilutive Diluted EPS 2015: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 40,117 $ — $ 40,117 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 23,288 117 23,405 Per share amount $ 1.72 $ 0.01 $ 1.71 2014: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 183,976 $ — $ 183,976 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 25,719 213 25,932 Per share amount $ 7.15 $ 0.06 $ 7.09 2013: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 278,489 $ — $ 278,489 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 26,641 258 26,899 Per share amount $ 10.45 $ 0.10 $ 10.35

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA44

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Trading Securities measured at fair value	Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading Securities $ 42,697 $ 42,697 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading Securities $ 45,473 $ 45,473 $ — $ —

GUARANTEES (Tables)

GUARANTEES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Guarantees [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the product warranty accrual	2015 2014 Balance, beginning of period $ 19,760 $ 20,711 Payments made (11,203 ) (13,900 ) Change in liability for warranties issued during the period 28,608 13,130 Change in liability for pre-existing warranties (512 ) (181 ) Balance, end of period $ 36,653 $ 19,760

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL46

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in PBO and fair value of plan assets for pension plan	Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 27, 2014 to December 31, 2015 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 27, 2014 $ 692,283 $ 542,159 $ (150,124 ) Employer contributions — 16,500 Interest cost 24,614 — Actual return on plan assets — (306 ) Benefits paid (18,346 ) (18,346 ) Actuarial loss 28,130 — Currency translation (29,232 ) (21,881 ) Fair Value at December 31, 2015 $ 697,449 $ 518,126 $ (179,323 ) Projected Benefit Obligation and Fair Value of Plan Assets —The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) is the present value of benefits earned to date, assuming no future compensation growth. As there are no active employees in the plan, the ABO is equal to the PBO. The underfunded ABO represents the difference between the PBO and the fair value of plan assets. Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 28, 2013 to December 27, 2014 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 28, 2013 $ 651,857 $ 497,460 $ (154,397 ) Employer contributions — 18,173 Interest cost 28,667 — Actual return on plan assets — 72,820 Benefits paid (14,498 ) (14,498 ) Actuarial loss 66,889 — Currency translation (40,632 ) (31,796 ) Fair Value at December 27, 2014 $ 692,283 $ 542,159 $ (150,124 )
Schedule of pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Balance December 29, 2013 $ (38,808 ) Actuarial loss (18,980 ) Currency translation loss 1,835 Balance December 27, 2014 (55,953 ) Actuarial loss (53,661 ) Currency translation gain 2,655 Balance December 26, 2015 $ (106,959 )
Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation	Percentages 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.75 % 3.65 % Salary increase N/A N/A CPI inflation 2.15 % 2.10 % RPI inflation 3.25 % 3.20 %
Schedule of components of the net periodic pension (benefit) expense	2015 2014 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Interest cost 24,614 28,667 Expected return on plan assets (25,224 ) (26,029 ) Net periodic benefit expense (benefit) $ (610 ) $ 2,638
Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense	Percentages 2015 2014 Discount rate 3.65 % 4.45 % Expected return on plan assets 5.00 % 5.50 % CPI Inflation 2.10 % 2.70 % RPI Inflation 3.20 % 3.60 %
Schedule of expected pension benefit payments	2016 $ 18,500 2017 19,100 2018 19,700 2019 20,300 2020 20,900 Years 2021 - 2025 114,725
Schedule of pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan net assets: Temporary cash investments $ — $ 5,181 $ — $ 5,181 Index-linked gilts — 123,257 — 123,257 Corporate bonds — 100,701 — 100,701 Corporate stock — 172,456 — 172,456 Diversified growth funds — 116,531 — 116,531 Total plan net assets at fair value $ — $ 518,126 $ — $ 518,126 December 27, 2014 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan net assets: Temporary cash investments $ — $ 12,320 $ — $ 12,320 Index-linked gilts — 135,229 — 135,229 Corporate bonds — 107,880 — 107,880 Corporate stock — 176,010 — 176,010 Diversified growth funds — 110,720 — 110,720 Total plan net assets at fair value $ — $ 542,159 $ — $ 542,159

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting information of sales and operating income	Summary by Business 2015 2014 2013 SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment: Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products $ 600,280 $ 648,352 $ 660,423 Communication Products 171,173 161,618 139,888 Engineered Support Structures segment 771,453 809,970 800,311 Energy and Mining segment: Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures 103,068 146,432 — Grinding Media 96,442 116,056 138,634 Access Systems 138,349 181,495 201,498 Energy and Mining segment 337,859 443,983 340,132 Utility Support Structures segment: Steel 578,996 714,427 853,459 Concrete 95,581 110,589 108,579 Utility Support Structures segment 674,577 825,016 962,038 Coatings segment 302,385 333,853 357,635 Irrigation segment 612,201 846,326 970,890 Other 7,247 10,108 51,645 Total 2,705,722 3,269,256 3,482,651 INTERSEGMENT SALES: Engineered Support Structures 23,003 74,963 103,974 Energy and Mining 4,652 295 332 Utility Support Structures 1,239 2,451 2,343 Coatings 46,912 55,418 56,649 Irrigation 6,430 6,609 6,523 Other 4,562 6,377 8,619 Total 86,798 146,113 178,440 NET SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment 748,450 735,007 696,337 Energy and Mining segment 333,207 443,688 339,800 Utility Support Structures segment 673,338 822,565 959,695 Coatings segment 255,473 278,435 300,986 Irrigation segment 605,771 839,717 964,367 Other 2,685 3,731 43,026 Total $ 2,618,924 $ 3,123,143 $ 3,304,211 (18) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2015 2014 2013 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS): Engineered Support Structures $ 59,592 $ 66,024 $ 65,861 Energy and Mining (18,762 ) 41,342 35,087 Utility Support Structures 37,847 95,118 174,740 Coatings 27,369 60,921 74,917 Irrigation 84,537 151,508 206,394 Other (9,802 ) (1,535 ) (7,213 ) Corporate (49,086 ) (55,662 ) (76,717 ) Total 131,695 357,716 473,069 Interest expense, net (41,325 ) (30,744 ) (26,025 ) Costs associated with refinancing of debt — (38,705 ) — Other 2,637 (4,084 ) 2,373 Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries $ 93,007 $ 284,183 $ 449,417 TOTAL ASSETS: Engineered Support Structures $ 611,201 $ 640,132 $ 616,231 Energy and Mining 396,366 500,407 353,018 Utility Support Structures 422,021 470,720 524,113 Coatings 270,793 301,707 315,663 Irrigation 310,967 360,883 351,742 Other 2,267 4,930 2,538 Corporate 385,813 450,889 613,189 Total $ 2,399,428 $ 2,729,668 $ 2,776,494 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Engineered Support Structures $ 11,445 $ 11,849 $ 12,905 Energy and Mining 3,544 4,893 4,515 Utility Support Structures 11,815 9,014 39,347 Coatings 6,836 14,029 12,206 Irrigation 7,756 21,113 26,039 Other 1,396 1,181 105 Corporate 2,676 10,944 11,636 Total $ 45,468 $ 73,023 $ 106,753 (18) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2015 2014 2013 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: Engineered Support Structures $ 22,810 $ 22,363 $ 22,037 Energy and Mining 20,733 22,146 13,167 Utility Support Structures 17,959 17,811 14,375 Coatings 12,962 14,615 14,656 Irrigation 11,746 10,471 7,859 Other 570 123 2,336 Corporate 4,364 1,799 3,006 Total $ 91,144 $ 89,328 $ 77,436
Summary by Geographical Area by Location	Summary by Geographical Area by Location of Valmont Facilities: 2015 2014 2013 NET SALES: United States $ 1,586,702 $ 1,808,427 $ 2,077,812 Australia 347,975 439,530 492,698 Denmark 98,628 146,432 — Other 585,619 728,754 733,701 Total $ 2,618,924 $ 3,123,143 $ 3,304,211 LONG-LIVED ASSETS: United States $ 582,783 $ 616,718 $ 530,042 Australia 259,326 316,382 342,320 Denmark 90,463 111,161 — Other 240,004 292,466 306,293 Total $ 1,172,576 $ 1,336,727 $ 1,178,655

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN48

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,169,674 $ 423,928 $ 1,238,609 $ (213,287 ) $ 2,618,924 Cost of sales 890,242 332,847 987,729 (212,927 ) 1,997,891 Gross profit 279,432 91,081 250,880 (360 ) 621,033 Selling, general and administrative expenses 194,335 45,549 207,484 — 447,368 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — — 41,970 — 41,970 Operating income 85,097 45,532 1,426 (360 ) 131,695 Other income (expense): Interest expense (43,552 ) — (1,069 ) — (44,621 ) Interest income 9 103 3,184 — 3,296 Other (2,374 ) 60 4,951 — 2,637 (45,917 ) 163 7,066 — (38,688 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 39,180 45,695 8,492 (360 ) 93,007 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 863 23,261 18,446 (1 ) 42,569 Deferred 10,042 (6,224 ) 1,040 — 4,858 10,905 17,037 19,486 (1 ) 47,427 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 28,275 28,658 (10,994 ) (359 ) 45,580 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 11,842 (39,418 ) (247 ) 27,576 (247 ) Net earnings 40,117 (10,760 ) (11,241 ) 27,217 45,333 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,216 ) — (5,216 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 40,117 $ (10,760 ) $ (16,457 ) $ 27,217 $ 40,117 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,392,509 $ 496,326 $ 1,456,053 $ (221,745 ) $ 3,123,143 Cost of sales 1,040,808 371,639 1,124,813 (222,234 ) 2,315,026 Gross profit 351,701 124,687 331,240 489 808,117 Selling, general and administrative expenses 196,987 49,171 204,243 — 450,401 Operating income 154,714 75,516 126,997 489 357,716 Other income (expense): Interest expense (34,267 ) (5 ) (2,518 ) — (36,790 ) Interest income 38 359 5,649 — 6,046 Costs associated with refinancing of debt (38,705 ) — — — (38,705 ) Other 2,021 (511 ) (5,594 ) — (4,084 ) (70,913 ) (157 ) (2,463 ) — (73,533 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 83,801 75,359 124,534 489 284,183 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 30,330 25,277 33,898 138 89,643 Deferred (1,474 ) 1,866 4,859 — 5,251 28,856 27,143 38,757 138 94,894 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 54,945 48,216 85,777 351 189,289 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 129,031 19,509 63 (148,574 ) 29 Net earnings 183,976 67,725 85,840 (148,223 ) 189,318 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,342 ) — (5,342 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 183,976 $ 67,725 $ 80,498 $ (148,223 ) $ 183,976
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 40,117 $ (10,760 ) $ (11,241 ) $ 27,217 $ 45,333 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (15,166 ) (81,528 ) — (96,694 ) — (15,166 ) (81,528 ) — (96,694 ) Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge: Amortization cost included in interest expense 74 — — — 74 Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings (3,130 ) — — — (3,130 ) Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges 2,855 — — — 2,855 (201 ) — — — (201 ) Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (40,274 ) — (40,274 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (132,584 ) — — 132,584 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (132,785 ) (15,166 ) (121,802 ) 132,584 (137,169 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (92,668 ) (25,926 ) (133,043 ) 159,801 (91,836 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (832 ) — (832 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ (92,668 ) $ (25,926 ) $ (133,875 ) $ 159,801 $ (92,668 ) (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 183,976 $ 67,725 $ 85,840 $ (148,223 ) $ 189,318 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (51,536 ) (30,739 ) — (82,275 ) — (51,536 ) (30,739 ) — (82,275 ) Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge: Amortization cost included in interest expense 594 — — — 594 Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings 983 — — — 983 Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges 4,837 — — — 4,837 6,414 — — — 6,414 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (13,709 ) — (13,709 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (93,162 ) — — 93,162 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (86,748 ) (51,536 ) (44,448 ) 93,162 (89,570 ) Comprehensive income 97,228 16,189 41,392 (55,061 ) 99,748 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (2,520 ) — (2,520 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 97,228 $ 16,189 $ 38,872 $ (55,061 ) $ 97,228 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 28, 2013 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 278,489 $ 97,955 $ 68,597 $ (164,581 ) $ 280,460 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (4,772 ) (66,926 ) — (71,698 ) Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense — — 5,194 — 5,194 Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary — — 8,559 — 8,559 — (4,772 ) (53,173 ) — (57,945 ) Gain (loss) on cash flow hedge: Amortization cost included in interest expense 400 — — — 400 400 — — — 400 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (41,282 ) — (41,282 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (106,430 ) — — 106,430 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (106,030 ) (4,772 ) (94,455 ) 106,430 (98,827 ) Comprehensive income 172,459 93,183 (25,858 ) (58,151 ) 181,633 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (9,174 ) — (9,174 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 172,459 $ 93,183 $ (35,032 ) $ (58,151 ) $ 172,459
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 62,281 $ 4,008 $ 282,785 $ — $ 349,074 Receivables, net 130,741 66,387 269,315 — 466,443 Inventories 132,222 38,379 173,064 (2,993 ) 340,672 Prepaid expenses 9,900 766 35,471 — 46,137 Refundable and deferred income taxes 24,526 — — — 24,526 Total current assets 359,670 109,540 760,635 (2,993 ) 1,226,852 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 541,536 132,864 406,656 — 1,081,056 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 334,471 69,956 144,140 — 548,567 Net property, plant and equipment 207,065 62,908 262,516 — 532,489 Goodwill 20,108 110,562 206,246 — 336,916 Other intangible assets 238 40,959 129,000 — 170,197 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,239,228 813,779 939,177 (2,992,184 ) — Other assets 47,113 — 85,861 — 132,974 Total assets $ 1,873,422 $ 1,137,748 $ 2,383,435 $ (2,995,177 ) $ 2,399,428 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ 215 $ — $ 862 $ — $ 1,077 Notes payable to banks — — 976 — 976 Accounts payable 66,723 13,680 99,580 — 179,983 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 32,272 6,347 31,735 — 70,354 Accrued expenses 31,073 22,802 51,718 — 105,593 Dividends payable 8,571 — — — 8,571 Total current liabilities 138,854 42,829 184,871 — 366,554 Deferred income taxes 9,686 — 25,983 — 35,669 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 758,811 — 5,153 — 763,964 Defined benefit pension liability — — 179,323 — 179,323 Deferred compensation 43,485 — 4,932 — 48,417 Other noncurrent liabilities 4,145 — 36,145 — 40,290 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,683 (1,106,633 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 159,414 1,107,536 (1,266,950 ) — Retained earnings 1,729,679 541,917 354,727 (896,644 ) 1,729,679 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (267,218 ) (64,362 ) (210,688 ) 275,050 (267,218 ) Treasury stock (571,920 ) — — — (571,920 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 918,441 1,094,919 1,900,258 (2,995,177 ) 918,441 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 46,770 — 46,770 Total shareholders’ equity 918,441 1,094,919 1,947,028 (2,995,177 ) 965,211 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,873,422 $ 1,137,748 $ 2,383,435 $ (2,995,177 ) $ 2,399,428 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 69,869 $ 2,157 $ 299,553 $ — $ 371,579 Receivables, net 158,316 68,414 310,188 — 536,918 Inventories 127,859 54,914 177,512 (763 ) 359,522 Prepaid expenses 7,087 502 49,323 — 56,912 Refundable and deferred income taxes 53,307 6,194 8,509 — 68,010 Total current assets 416,438 132,181 845,085 (763 ) 1,392,941 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 556,658 124,182 458,729 — 1,139,569 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 319,899 65,493 147,724 — 533,116 Net property, plant and equipment 236,759 58,689 311,005 — 606,453 Goodwill 20,108 107,542 257,461 — 385,111 Other intangible assets 292 43,644 158,068 — 202,004 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,446,989 825,236 887,055 (3,159,280 ) — Other assets 46,587 — 96,572 — 143,159 Total assets $ 2,167,173 $ 1,167,292 $ 2,555,246 $ (3,160,043 ) $ 2,729,668 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ 213 $ — $ 968 $ — $ 1,181 Notes payable to banks — — 13,952 — 13,952 Accounts payable 59,893 15,151 121,521 — 196,565 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 48,169 5,385 34,396 — 87,950 Accrued expenses 32,616 6,052 49,812 — 88,480 Dividends payable 9,086 — — — 9,086 Total current liabilities 149,977 26,588 220,649 — 397,214 Deferred income taxes 5,584 28,988 37,225 — 71,797 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 759,895 — 6,759 — 766,654 Defined benefit pension liability — — 150,124 — 150,124 Deferred compensation 41,803 — 6,129 — 47,932 Other noncurrent liabilities 8,081 — 37,461 — 45,542 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,682 (1,106,632 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 150,286 1,098,408 (1,248,694 ) — Retained earnings 1,718,662 552,676 397,302 (949,978 ) 1,718,662 Accumulated other comprehensive income (134,433 ) (49,196 ) (96,065 ) 145,261 (134,433 ) Treasury stock (410,296 ) — — — (410,296 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,201,833 1,111,716 2,048,327 (3,160,043 ) 1,201,833 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 48,572 — 48,572 Total shareholders’ equity 1,201,833 1,111,716 2,096,899 (3,160,043 ) 1,250,405 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,167,173 $ 1,167,292 $ 2,555,246 $ (3,160,043 ) $ 2,729,668
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 26, 2015 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 40,117 $ (10,760 ) $ (11,241 ) $ 27,217 $ 45,333 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 29,433 12,611 49,100 — 91,144 Noncash loss on trading securities — — 4,555 — 4,555 Impairment of property, plant and equipment 7,486 542 11,808 — 19,836 Impairment of goodwill & intangibles assets — — 41,970 — 41,970 Stock-based compensation 7,244 — — — 7,244 Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — (610 ) — (610 ) Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (16,500 ) — (16,500 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 983 319 1,025 — 2,327 Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (11,842 ) 39,418 247 (27,576 ) 247 Deferred income taxes 10,042 (6,224 ) 1,040 — 4,858 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Receivables 27,576 3,547 19,144 — 50,267 Inventories (4,364 ) 18,130 (12,698 ) 2,228 3,296 Prepaid expenses 2,337 (172 ) 8,679 — 10,844 Accounts payable 6,831 (1,970 ) (11,666 ) — (6,805 ) Accrued expenses (16,485 ) 17,713 7,366 324 8,918 Other noncurrent liabilities 177 — (1,941 ) — (1,764 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) 7,895 (306 ) (482 ) — 7,107 Net cash flows from operating activities 107,430 72,848 89,796 2,193 272,267 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (14,362 ) (7,718 ) (23,388 ) — (45,468 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 3,996 302 (1,049 ) — 3,249 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — (12,778 ) — — (12,778 ) Other, net 72,866 (50,447 ) (13,400 ) (2,193 ) 6,826 Net cash flows from investing activities 62,500 (70,641 ) (37,837 ) (2,193 ) (48,171 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under short-term agreements — — (12,853 ) — (12,853 ) Proceeds from long-term borrowings 68,000 — — — 68,000 Principal payments on long-term borrowings (68,213 ) — (885 ) — (69,098 ) Dividends paid (35,357 ) — — — (35,357 ) Intercompany dividends 26,115 — (26,115 ) — — Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (2,634 ) — (2,634 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 13,075 — — — 13,075 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises 1,699 — — — 1,699 Purchase of treasury shares (168,983 ) — — — (168,983 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (13,854 ) — — — (13,854 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (177,518 ) — (42,487 ) — (220,005 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (356 ) (26,240 ) — (26,596 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (7,588 ) 1,851 (16,768 ) — (22,505 ) Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 69,869 2,157 299,553 — 371,579 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 62,281 $ 4,008 $ 282,785 $ — $ 349,074 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 27, 2014 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 183,976 $ 67,725 $ 85,840 $ (148,223 ) $ 189,318 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 24,509 12,926 51,893 — 89,328 Loss on investment — — 3,795 — 3,795 Non-cash debt refinancing costs (2,478 ) — — — (2,478 ) Stock-based compensation 6,730 — — — 6,730 Defined benefit pension plan expense — — 2,638 — 2,638 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (18,173 ) — (18,173 ) Change in fair value of contingent consideration — — (4,300 ) — (4,300 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 145 143 104 — 392 Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (129,031 ) (19,509 ) (63 ) 148,574 (29 ) Deferred income taxes (1,474 ) 1,866 4,859 — 5,251 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of the effect from acquisitions): Receivables (19,136 ) 40,186 (20,143 ) — 907 Inventories 5,094 15,317 1,047 — 21,458 Prepaid expenses (2,352 ) 429 (11,671 ) — (13,594 ) Accounts payable (2,260 ) (5,212 ) (26,849 ) — (34,321 ) Accrued expenses (21,448 ) (9,590 ) (3,740 ) — (34,778 ) Other noncurrent liabilities 622 — 1,133 — 1,755 Income taxes payable (24,945 ) (19,417 ) 4,559 — (39,803 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 17,952 84,864 70,929 351 174,096 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (41,260 ) (2,823 ) (28,940 ) — (73,023 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (185,710 ) — (185,710 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 43 126 2,320 — 2,489 Other, net 34,735 (73,799 ) 38,796 (351 ) (619 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (6,482 ) (76,496 ) (173,534 ) (351 ) (256,863 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under short-term agreements — — (4,472 ) — (4,472 ) Proceeds from long-term borrowings 652,540 — (329 ) — 652,211 Principal payments on long-term obligations (356,994 ) — (864 ) — (357,858 ) Settlement of financial derivative 4,981 — — — 4,981 Dividends paid (32,443 ) — — — (32,443 ) Intercompany dividends 116,995 (36,600 ) (80,395 ) — — Intercompany interest on long-term note — 648 (648 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution (143,000 ) — 143,000 — — Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (2,919 ) — (2,919 ) Debt issuance fees (7,644 ) — — — (7,644 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 14,572 — — — 14,572 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises 4,264 — — — 4,264 Purchase of treasury shares (395,045 ) — — — (395,045 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (15,403 ) — — — (15,403 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (157,177 ) (35,952 ) 53,373 — (139,756 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (56 ) (19,548 ) — (19,604 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents (145,707 ) (27,640 ) (68,780 ) — (242,127 ) Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 215,576 29,797 368,333 — 613,706 Cash and cash equivalents—end of year $ 69,869 $ 2,157 $ 299,553 $ — $ 371,579 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 28, 2013 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 278,489 $ 97,955 $ 68,597 $ (164,581 ) $ 280,460 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 21,270 12,862 43,304 — 77,436 Deconsolidation of subsidiary — — 12,011 — 12,011 Impairment of property, plant and equipment — — 12,161 — 12,161 Stock-based compensation 6,513 — — — 6,513 Defined benefit pension plan expense — — 6,569 — 6,569 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (17,619 ) — (17,619 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 885 42 (5,245 ) — (4,318 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (150,512 ) (16,417 ) (494 ) 166,588 (835 ) Deferred income taxes (8,948 ) (19 ) (1,174 ) — (10,141 ) Changes in assets and liabilities (net of the effect from acquisitions): Receivables 6,181 (22,259 ) 3,370 — (12,708 ) Inventories 12,966 1,757 (1,292 ) — 13,431 Prepaid expenses 2,417 98 1,600 — 4,115 Accounts payable (10,458 ) (1,643 ) 24,549 — 12,448 Accrued expenses 19,191 5,824 (3,317 ) — 21,698 Other noncurrent liabilities 3,201 — (4,675 ) — (1,474 ) Income taxes payable (5,908 ) (3,251 ) 5,029 825 (3,305 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 175,287 74,949 143,374 2,832 396,442 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (76,582 ) (4,439 ) (25,732 ) — (106,753 ) Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (63,152 ) — (63,152 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 794 35 36,753 — 37,582 Other, net 86,258 (83,327 ) 503 (2,832 ) 602 Net cash flows from investing activities 10,470 (87,731 ) (51,628 ) (2,832 ) (131,721 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Net borrowings under short-term agreements — — 5,510 — 5,510 Proceeds from long-term borrowings — — 274 — 274 Principal payments on long-term obligations (187 ) — (404 ) — (591 ) Cash decrease due to deconsolidation of subsidiary — — (11,615 ) — (11,615 ) Dividends paid (25,414 ) — — — (25,414 ) Intercompany dividends 8,947 20,133 (29,080 ) — — Intercompany interest on long-term note — 1,229 (1,229 ) — — Intercompany principal payment on long-term note — 22,430 (22,430 ) — — Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (1,767 ) — (1,767 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interest — — (9,324 ) — (9,324 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 16,348 — — — 16,348 Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises 5,306 — — — 5,306 Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (16,107 ) — — — (16,107 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (11,107 ) 43,792 (70,065 ) — (37,380 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (7,927 ) (19,837 ) — (27,764 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 174,650 23,083 1,844 — 199,577 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 40,926 6,714 366,489 — 414,129 Cash and cash equivalents—end of year $ 215,576 $ 29,797 $ 368,333 $ — $ 613,706

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una49

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial data (Unaudited)	Net Earnings Gross Per Share Stock Price Dividends Net Sales Profit Amount Basic Diluted High Low Declared 2015 First $ 670,398 $ 165,454 $ 30,739 $ 1.29 $ 1.28 $ 130.26 $ 117.56 $ 0.375 Second (1) 682,123 169,548 27,873 1.19 1.19 128.26 118.09 0.375 Third (2) 632,575 156,751 12,066 0.52 0.52 121.23 97.44 0.375 Fourth (3) 633,828 129,280 (30,561 ) (1.34 ) (1.34 ) 117.94 93.99 0.375 Year $ 2,618,924 $ 621,033 $ 40,117 $ 1.72 $ 1.71 $ 130.26 $ 93.99 $ 1.500 2014 First $ 751,740 $ 206,982 $ 55,980 $ 2.10 $ 2.08 $ 155.64 $ 141.74 $ 0.250 Second 842,599 220,477 63,976 2.40 2.38 163.23 143.02 0.375 Third (4) 765,668 199,500 23,559 0.93 0.92 155.62 131.68 0.375 Fourth 763,136 181,158 40,461 1.67 1.66 139.31 123.44 0.375 Year $ 3,123,143 $ 808,117 $ 183,976 $ 7.15 $ 7.09 $ 163.23 $ 123.44 $ 1.375 Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share may not equal the total for the year. _______________________________ (1) The second quarter of 2015 included costs associated with the restructuring plan (the "Plan") that was approved by the Board of Directors in April 2015 of $9.8 million after tax ( $0.42 per share). (2) The third quarter of 2015 included costs associated with the Plan of $6.3 million after tax ( $0.27 per share) and non- cash impairments of goodwill and trade names of $13.4 million after tax ( $0.58 per share). (3) The fourth quarter of 2015 included costs associated with the Plan of $11.5 million after tax ( $0.50 per share) and non-cash impairments of goodwill and intangibles of $ 7.1 million and $19.6 million after tax (combined $1.16 per share) related to our APAC Coatings and Access Systems businesses, respectively. In addition, the Company recorded a one time increase in its warranty reserve related to one large utility project of $11.5 million after tax ( $0.50 per share) and an increase to the bad debt allowance for a large international irrigation receivable of $4.8 million after tax ( $0.21 per share). Lastly, U.K. corporate tax rates were collectively reduced from 20% to 18% which reduced the value of our deferred tax assets associated with net operating loss carryforwards and certain timing differences which increased the Company's tax expense by $7.1 million ( $0.31 per share). (4) The third quarter of 2014 included costs associated with refinancing of our long-term debt of $24.2 million after tax ( $0.95 per share) and a non-cash fair market value adjustment for Delta EMD shares of $1.4 million after tax ( $.05 per share).

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN50

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedge Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 27, 2014 $ (99,618 ) $ 3,879 $ (38,694 ) $ (134,433 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) (92,310 ) (201 ) (40,274 ) (132,785 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 $ (191,928 ) $ 3,678 $ (78,968 ) $ (267,218 )
Fiscal year
Length of fiscal year	364 days	371 days	364 days
Accounts Receivable
Delinquent Accounts Receivable	$ 10,000
Other assets, allowance for doubtful receivables	21,000	$ 9,900
Cash overdrafts
Cash book overdrafts	$ 15,536	$ 18,038
Segments
Number of reportable segments | segment	5
Percentage of Sales to Total Consolidated Sales of Other Business Activities, Aggregated as Other, Maximum	10.00%
Inventories
Inventory valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market (as a percent)	39.00%	44.00%
Excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value	$ 35,075	$ 47,178
Minimum
Principles of Consolidation
Equity method investment in affiliates, ownership percentage	20.00%
Maximum
Principles of Consolidation
Equity method investment in affiliates, ownership percentage	50.00%		50.00%
Cost method investment in affiliates, ownership percentage	20.00%

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN51

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Long-lived assets
Depreciation expense		$ 72,805	$ 73,395	$ 62,291
Melbourne galvenizing site equipment
Long-lived assets
Impairment of long-lived assets		$ 4,100
Delta EMD, Ltd.
Long-lived assets
Impairment of long-lived assets	$ 12,161
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		15 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		40 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		12 years
Transportation equipment | Minimum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Transportation equipment | Maximum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		24 years
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		3 years
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Long-lived assets
Estimated useful lives		7 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN52

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015
Minimum
Intangible assets
Intangible assets lives	5 years
Maximum
Intangible assets
Intangible assets lives	20 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN53

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ (134,433)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(132,785)
Balance at the end of the period	(267,218)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	(99,618)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(92,310)
Balance at the end of the period	(191,928)
Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedge
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	3,879
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(201)
Balance at the end of the period	3,678
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	(38,694)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(40,274)
Balance at the end of the period	$ (78,968)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN54

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5) - USD ($)	May. 13, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015
Equity Method Investments
Amount recognized in currency translation adjustments previously recorded as part of accumulated other comprehensive income			$ 0	$ 0	$ (5,194,000)
Research and Development
Research and development expenses			$ 11,600,000	$ 13,900,000	10,200,000
Stock Repurchase Program
Authorized amount	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000					$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Length of authorization period	12 months	12 months
Shares acquired under share repurchase program			1,435,488	2,711,149		4,146,637
Amount paid for share repurchase			$ 168,983,000	$ 395,045,000	0	$ 564,000,000
Manganese Materials Company Pty. Ltd.
Equity Method Investments
Proceeds from sale of business					29,250,000
Amount recognized in currency translation adjustments previously recorded as part of accumulated other comprehensive income					5,194,000
Deferred tax benefits associated with sale of business					$ 3,200,000

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDAT55

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 06, 2014USD ($)facility	Aug. 25, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 03, 2014USD ($)facility	Feb. 05, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)
Acquisitions
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired										$ 12,778,000	$ 185,710,000	$ 63,152,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Goodwill						$ 349,632,000			$ 349,632,000	336,916,000	$ 385,111,000	$ 349,632,000	$ 385,111,000
Pro forma results of operations
Net sales								$ 3,201,947,000
Net earnings								$ 189,391,000
Earnings per share-diluted | $ / shares								$ 7.30
American Galvanizing [Member]
Acquisitions
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 12,778,000
Annual sales	10,000,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Intangible assets	2,178,000
Goodwill	$ 3,019,000
Valmont SM, AgSense, Locker, Armorflex and Shakespeare acquisitions
Net sales and net earnings included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Net sales included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings										179,132,000
Net earnings included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings										$ 8,209,000
Valmont SM
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired				90.00%
Cash acquired				$ 56,000
Annual sales
Number of manufacturing locations operated | facility				2
Cash paid to acquire business				$ 120,483,000
Fair value of contingent consideration				0
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets				73,421,000
Property, plant and equipment				85,638,000
Intangible assets				30,340,000
Goodwill				16,803,000
Total fair value of assets acquired				206,202,000
Current liabilities				47,754,000
Deferred income taxes				19,715,000
Intercompany note payable				37,448,000
Long-term debt				8,941,000
Total fair value and liabilities assumed				113,858,000
Non-controlling interests				9,309,000
Net assets acquired				$ 83,035,000
Shakespeare
Acquisitions
Annual sales		$ 55,000,000
Number of manufacturing locations operated | facility		2
Cash paid to acquire business		$ 48,272,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets		12,532,000
Property, plant and equipment		10,694,000
Intangible assets		13,500,000
Goodwill		15,416,000
Total fair value of assets acquired		52,142,000
Current liabilities		3,870,000
Net assets acquired		$ 48,272,000
Locker Group Holdings Pty. Ltd.
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired					0.00%
Cash acquired					$ 116,000
Cash paid to acquire business									$ 53,152,000
Fair value of contingent consideration					7,911,000
Fair value of contingent consideration					$ 7,178,000			$ 4,000,000
Payments Made to Sellers Upon Achievement of Certain Targets													$ 2,300,000
Armorflex International Ltd.
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired						0.00%			0.00%			0.00%
Cash paid to acquire business						$ 10,000,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Intangible assets						3,792,000			$ 3,792,000			$ 3,792,000
Goodwill						$ 6,823,000			$ 6,823,000			$ 6,823,000
Valley Irrigation South Africa Pty. Ltd.
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired							40.00%
Cash paid to acquire business							$ 9,324,000
AgSense LLC
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired			51.00%
Cash paid to acquire business			$ 17,000,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Goodwill			17,193,000
Net sales and net earnings included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Customer relationships, trade name and other intangible assets			$ 16,083,000

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDAT56

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 06, 2014	Mar. 03, 2014
Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount		$ 30,340
Shakespeare
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount	$ 13,500
Backlog | Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount		$ 3,145
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)		1 year 6 months
Customer Relationships | Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount		$ 15,725
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)		12 years
Customer Relationships | Shakespeare
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount	$ 9,500
Weighted Average Amortization Period (Years)	12 years
Trade Names | Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount		$ 11,470
Trade Names | Shakespeare
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount	$ 4,000

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDAT57

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Details 3) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Deconsolidation
Deconsolidation of subsidiary			$ 0	$ 0	$ 12,011
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary					$ 8,559
Maximum
Deconsolidation
Ownership interest (as a percent)	50.00%		50.00%		50.00%
Delta EMD, Ltd.
Deconsolidation
Supplementary contribution to Delta Pension Plan	1,500,000
Deconsolidation of subsidiary	$ (12,011)
Loss on deconsolidation (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary	$ 8,559
Losses due to remeasurement of remaining investment	$ (3,452)	$ 1,400		$ 3,800
Proceeds from Dividends Received			$ 5,000
Fair value of remaining ownership			$ 500
Net sales included in Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings					$ 38,621
Net earnings included in Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings					$ 3,535

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Detai

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 11,500	$ 11,500	$ 6,300
Goodwill impairment	7,100	34,892
Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions		60,000
Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 39,852	39,852		$ 9,800
Maximum | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining					$ 60,000
APAC Galvanizing Reporting Unit [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment		$ 17,300

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Det59

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 11,500	$ 6,300
Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	39,852		$ 9,800
Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	21,708
Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	18,144
Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	7,204
Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	6,719
Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	4,377
Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,716
Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	10,127
Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	9,709
Engineered Support Structures | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	9,279
Engineered Support Structures | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	4,105
Engineered Support Structures | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,174
Engineered Support Structures | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	2,305
Engineered Support Structures | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	2,951
Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,467
Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Engineered Support Structures | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	333
Engineered Support Structures | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	2,223
Energy and Mining Segment | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	7,069
Energy and Mining Segment | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	6,355
Energy and Mining Segment | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	714
Energy and Mining Segment | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	2,112
Energy and Mining Segment | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	714
Energy and Mining Segment | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	882
Energy and Mining Segment | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Energy and Mining Segment | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	3,361
Energy and Mining Segment | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Utility | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,192
Utility | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	4,550
Utility | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	642
Utility | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,555
Utility | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	404
Utility | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,853
Utility | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	238
Utility | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,142
Utility | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Coatings | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	6,580
Coatings | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,974
Coatings | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	606
Coatings | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	508
Coatings | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	270
Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	175
Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	336
Coatings | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,291
Coatings | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Irrigation | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,277
Irrigation | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	724
Irrigation | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	553
Irrigation | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	724
Irrigation | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	423
Irrigation | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Irrigation | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Irrigation | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Irrigation | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	130
Other | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	10,455
Other | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Other | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	10,455
Other | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Other | Severance | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,957
Other | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Other | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,142
Other | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Other | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 7,356

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES RESTRU

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details 3) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 0
Recognized Restructuring Expense	20,016
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled	17,283
Ending balance	2,733
Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0
Recognized Restructuring Expense	13,923
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled	12,616
Ending balance	1,307
Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0
Recognized Restructuring Expense	6,093
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled	4,667
Ending balance	$ 1,426

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFOR61

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($)	May. 13, 2014	May. 31, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015	Feb. 28, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Increased dividend (as a percent)	50.00%
Maximum amount of common stock authorized to repurchase under share repurchase program	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000					$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Period over which common stock are authorized to repurchase under share repurchase program	12 months	12 months
Shares acquired under share repurchase program			1,435,488	2,711,149		4,146,637
Amount paid for share repurchase			$ 168,983,000	$ 395,045,000	$ 0	$ 564,000,000
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest			44,974,000	32,601,000	32,655,000
Income taxes			$ 33,046,000	$ 111,174,000	$ 167,146,000

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased parts	$ 162,977	$ 179,093
Work-in-process	25,644	27,835
Finished goods and manufactured goods	187,126	199,772
Subtotal	375,747	406,700
Less: LIFO reserve	35,075	47,178
Net inventory	$ 340,672	$ 359,522

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT63

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 1,081,056	$ 1,139,569
Land and improvements
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	79,450	82,372
Buildings and improvements
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	323,469	327,863
Machinery and equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	565,771	593,387
Transportation equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	17,774	35,205
Office furniture and equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	77,054	76,589
Construction in progress
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 17,538	$ 24,153

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT64

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Operating leases
Rental expense for operating leases	$ 25,546	$ 28,580	$ 26,567
Minimum lease payments under operating leases
2,016	20,816
2,017	17,824
2,018	13,587
2,019	9,510
2,020	7,894
Subsequent	31,986
Total minimum lease payments	$ 101,617

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET65

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 215,939	$ 228,027
Accumulated Amortization	111,672	103,050
Amortization expense for intangible assets	18,339	18,414	$ 15,233
Estimated amortization expense
2,016	15,945
2,017	15,905
2,018	14,259
2,019	13,452
2,020	12,430
Customer Relationships
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	201,801	207,509
Accumulated Amortization	$ 101,614	$ 88,538
Weighted Average Life	13 years	13 years
Proprietary Software And Database
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,571	$ 3,769
Accumulated Amortization	$ 2,966	$ 2,977
Weighted Average Life	8 years	8 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 6,815	$ 12,394
Accumulated Amortization	$ 3,421	$ 8,537
Weighted Average Life	11 years	8 years
Other
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,752	$ 4,355
Accumulated Amortization	$ 3,671	$ 2,998
Weighted Average Life	3 years	3 years

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET66

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Webforge
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 10,430	$ 16,801
Valmont SM
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	8,919	10,818
Newmark
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	11,111	11,111
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	8,504	8,867
Donhad
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	6,415	6,689
Shakespeare
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	4,000	4,000
Industrial Galvanizers
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	2,662	3,889
Other
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	13,889	14,852
Trade Names
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 65,930	$ 77,027

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET67

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015
Intangible assets
Impairment	$ 19,600
Engineered Support Structures | Webforge
Intangible assets
Impairment	$ 830	$ 5,000
Coatings Segment | Industrial Galvanizers
Intangible assets
Impairment		$ 1,100

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET68

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period				$ 385,111	$ 349,632
Impairment	$ (7,100)			(34,892)
Acquisition				3,019	49,412
Foreign currency translation				(14,585)	(13,933)
Divestiture of business				(1,737)
Balance at the end of the period	336,916			336,916	385,111
Engineered Support Structures
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period				107,868	97,253
Impairment				0
Acquisition				0	15,416
Foreign currency translation				(4,856)	(4,801)
Divestiture of business			$ (1,737)	(1,737)
Balance at the end of the period	101,275			101,275	107,868
Energy and Mining Segment
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period				106,770	96,759
Impairment	(18,670,000)			(18,670)
Acquisition				0	16,803
Foreign currency translation				(6,941)	(6,792)
Divestiture of business				0
Balance at the end of the period	81,159			81,159	106,770
Utility Support Structures Segment
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period				75,404	75,404
Impairment				0
Acquisition				0	0
Foreign currency translation				0	0
Divestiture of business				0
Balance at the end of the period	75,404			75,404	75,404
Coatings Segment
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period				75,533	77,796
Impairment	(7,122)	$ (9,100)		(16,222)
Acquisition				3,019	0
Foreign currency translation				(2,611)	(2,263)
Divestiture of business				0
Balance at the end of the period	59,719			59,719	75,533
Irrigation Segment
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period				19,536	2,420
Impairment				0
Acquisition				0	17,193
Foreign currency translation				(177)	(77)
Divestiture of business				0
Balance at the end of the period	$ 19,359			$ 19,359	$ 19,536

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET69

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 5) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015$ / bbl	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)$ / bbl
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets		$ 19,600
Divestiture of business					$ 1,737
Goodwill impairment		7,100			$ 34,892
Average sales price of oil (in dollars per barrel) | $ / bbl	40
Maximum
Goodwill [Line Items]
Estimated future sales price of oil (in dollars per barrel) | $ / bbl					50
Engineered Support Structures
Goodwill [Line Items]
Divestiture of business				$ 1,737	$ 1,737
Goodwill impairment					0
Coatings
Goodwill [Line Items]
Divestiture of business					0
Goodwill impairment		7,122	$ 9,100		16,222
Energy and Mining Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Divestiture of business					0
Goodwill impairment		18,670,000			$ 18,670
Webforge | Engineered Support Structures
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets		$ 830	5,000
Industrial Galvanizers | Coatings
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets			$ 1,100

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Detai

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Bank Credit Arrangements
Outstanding amount	$ 976	$ 13,952
Short-term borrowings
Bank Credit Arrangements
Total line of credit facility for short-term borrowings	103,484
Outstanding amount	199	$ 13,058
Unused and available borrowings	$ 103,285
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings (as a percent)	5.23%	6.56%
Other short-term bank loans
Bank Credit Arrangements
Outstanding amount	$ 777	$ 894

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
United States	$ 99,175	$ 168,975	$ 338,163
Foreign	(6,168)	115,208	111,254
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	93,007	284,183	449,417
Current:
Federal	23,130	52,588	110,847
State	4,431	5,059	16,398
Foreign	15,077	32,443	39,285
Total	42,638	90,090	166,530
Non-current:	(69)	(447)	1,392
Deferred:
Federal	3,382	447	(8,661)
State	(333)	1,376	(307)
Foreign	1,809	3,428	(1,173)
Total	4,858	5,251	(10,141)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 47,427	$ 94,894	$ 157,781
Reconciliations of statutory federal income tax rate and effective tax rate
Statutory federal income tax rate (as a percent)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit (as a percent)	3.10%	1.80%	2.40%
Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (as a percent)	(0.10%)	(0.40%)	(0.20%)
Foreign tax rate differences (as a percent)	(5.70%)	(4.40%)	(2.40%)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (as a percent)	(0.10%)	(0.20%)	0.30%
Domestic production activities deduction (as a percent)	(3.80%)	(1.60%)	(2.10%)
Goodwill impairment (as a percent)	11.30%	0.00%	0.00%
UK tax rate reduction (as a percent)	7.70%	0.00%	1.80%
Other (as a percent)	3.60%	3.20%	0.30%
Total (as a percent)	51.00%	33.40%	35.10%
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued expenses and allowances	$ 18,320	$ 17,446
Accrued insurance	1,408	882
Tax credits and loss carryforwards	130,743	148,484
Defined benefit pension liability	32,278	30,025
Inventory allowances	911	4,804
Accrued warranty	12,818	6,920
Deferred compensation	36,672	40,348
Gross deferred income tax assets	233,150	248,909
Valuation allowance	(90,837)	(104,487)
Net deferred income tax assets	142,313	144,422
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Work-in-process	3,087	5,352
Property, plant and equipment	41,147	43,084
Intangible assets	54,162	60,316
Other liabilities	3,517	6,738
Total deferred income tax liabilities	101,913	115,490
Net deferred income tax asset/(liability)	40,400	28,932
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), Balance Sheet Caption
Refundable and deferred income taxes	0	30,239
Other assets	76,069	70,490
Deferred income taxes	(35,669)	(71,797)
Net deferred income tax asset/(liability)	40,400	28,932
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards related to the defined benefit pension obligation	130,743	148,484
Deferred tax assets related to the defined benefit pension obligation	32,278	30,025
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits beginning of year	4,268	4,727
Gross decreases tax positions in prior period	(173)	(456)
Gross increases current period tax positions	687	610
Settlements with taxing authorities	(361)	0
Lapse of statute of limitations	(545)	(613)
Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits end of year	3,876	4,268	$ 4,727
Uncertain tax positions for which reversal is reasonably possible during the next 12 months	1,304
Reduction of income tax expense, due to expiration of statutes of limitation	511	399
Accrued interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits	280	298
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect effective tax rate	3,813	4,056
Income tax expense recorded on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries which are not considered permanently invested	415,400	$ 432,700
Adjustments for New Accounting Principle, Early Adoption
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets, current	$ 31,967

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Oct. 17, 2014	Sep. 22, 2014
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount		$ 250,200,000	$ 250,200,000
Total long-term debt		765,041,000	767,835,000
Less current installments of long-term debt		1,077,000	1,181,000
Long-term debt, excluding current installments		$ 763,964,000	$ 766,654,000
Repurchase amount through partial tender offer					$ 199,800,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)		1.00%	1.00%
Minimum aggregate maturities of long-term debt
2,016		$ 1,102,000
2,017		893,000
2,018		894,000
2,019		752,000
2,020		250,958,000
5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount		250,000,000	$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes		$ 1,138,000
Redemption price of notes, stated as a percentage of principal amount (as a percent)		100.00%
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)		5.00%			5.00%
5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount		$ 250,000,000	250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes		$ 3,267,000
Redemption price of notes, stated as a percentage of principal amount (as a percent)		100.00%
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)		5.30%			5.00%
Unamortized discount on 5.00% and 5.25% senior unsecured notes
Long-term debt:
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes		$ (4,405,000)	(4,449,000)
6.625% senior unsecured notes due in April 2020
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount		250,200,000			$ 250,200,000
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes		$ 4,518,000	5,429,000
Unamortized premium recognized as revenue	$ 4,439,000
Redemption price of notes, stated as a percentage of principal amount (as a percent)		100.00%
Cash prepayment expenses	$ 41,200,000
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)		6.60%			6.60%
Repurchase amount through partial tender offer					$ 199,800,000
Revolving credit agreement
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt		$ 0	0
Previous borrowing capacity				$ 400,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity				$ 600,000,000
Increase in borrowing capacity, maximum		200,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity		581,700,000
Standby letters of credit outstanding		$ 18,300,000
Revolving credit agreement | Minimum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate (as a percent)		0.00%
Revolving credit agreement | Maximum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate (as a percent)		6250.00%
Revolving credit agreement | LIBOR
Long-term debt:
Variable interest rate basis		LIBOR (based on a 1, 2, 3 or 6 month interest period, as selected by the Company)
Basis points added to variable rate (as a percent)		10000.00%
Variable interest rate, base period		1 month
Revolving credit agreement | LIBOR | Minimum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate (as a percent)		10000.00%
Revolving credit agreement | LIBOR | Maximum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate (as a percent)		16250.00%
Revolving credit agreement | Prime lending rate
Long-term debt:
Variable interest rate basis		prime lending rate
Revolving credit agreement | Federal Funds rate
Long-term debt:
Variable interest rate basis		Federal Funds rate
Basis points added to variable rate (as a percent)		5000.00%
IDR Bonds
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt		$ 8,500,000	8,500,000
Other notes
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt		6,228,000	$ 8,155,000
Short Term Bank Lines Of Credit
Long-term debt:
Additional borrowing capacity		103,300,000
Balance		$ 103,500,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Stock Based Compensation
Shares of common stock available for issuance	868,157,000
Number of Shares
Exercised (in shares)	(169,493)	(194,627)	(216,105)
Stock option plans
Stock Based Compensation
Compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)	$ 5,137	$ 4,461	$ 5,194
Tax benefits associated with compensation expense	$ 1,952	$ 1,695	$ 1,974
Weighted average period over which unrecognized stock option compensation cost would be recognized	2 years 5 months 1 day
Unrecognized stock option compensation expense	$ 12,939
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant
Expected volatility (as a percent)	34.13%	32.27%	33.26%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	1.58%	1.43%	1.16%
Expected life from vesting date	3 years	3 years	3 years
Dividend yield (as a percent)	0.94%	0.75%	0.72%
Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	768,595	795,221	868,992
Granted (in shares)	291,708	177,717	155,254
Exercised (in shares)	(169,493)	(194,627)	(216,105)
Forfeited (in shares)	(41,201)	(9,716)	(12,920)
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	849,609	768,595	795,221
Options vested or expected to vest (in shares)	818,300	746,974	775,237
Options exercisable (in shares)	409,068	450,539	464,377
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 113,720	$ 99,290	$ 84,910
Granted (in dollars per share)	104,890	132,940	144,860
Exercised (in dollars per share)	(74,370)	(71,670)	(72,170)
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	(137,020)	(126,230)	(129,080)
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	117,420	113,720	99,290
Options vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share)	117,610	113,060	98,410
Options exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 119,430	$ 97,290	$ 81,730
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding	5 years 2 months 4 days	4 years 8 months 26 days	4 years 6 months 21 days
Options vested or expected to vest	5 years 1 month 16 days	4 years 8 months 8 days	4 years 6 months 3 days
Options exercisable	3 years 8 months 26 days	3 years 7 months 2 days	3 years 6 months 28 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding	$ 4,536	$ 15,983	$ 39,994
Options vested or expected to vest	4,456	15,981	39,678
Options exercisable	$ 3,376	$ 15,944	$ 31,508
Other option disclosures
Weighted average per share fair value of option granted	$ 27.91	$ 33.94	$ 37.88
Stock option plans | Maximum
Stock Based Compensation
Vesting period of options	6 years
Expiration period of grant	10 years
Stock option plans | Minimum
Stock Based Compensation
Vesting period of options	3 years
Expiration period of grant	6 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Det74

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015$ / sharesshares
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	849,609
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	409,068
Range of exercise price per share from $60.97 and $85.32
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 60.97
Exercise price range, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 85.32
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	136,288
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	2 years 28 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 83.78
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	136,103
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 83.78
Range of exercise price per share from $104.47 and $110.33
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, low end of range (in dollars per share)	104.47
Exercise price range, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 110.33
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	297,221
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 9 months 10 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 104.68
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	12,181
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 109.50
Range of exercise price per share from $120.91 to $151.45
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, low end of range (in dollars per share)	120.91
Exercise price range, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 151.45
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	416,100
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 17 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 137.55
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	260,784
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 138.51

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Det75

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 3) - Directors and certain management employees - Non-vested stock and restricted stock units - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Stock Based Compensation
Shares issued	47,038	35,885	47,271
Weighted average per share price on grant date	$ 108.97	$ 136.91	$ 146.72
Compensation expense	$ 4,511	$ 3,978	$ 3,667
Weighted-average period for grant of stock-based compensation	1 year 8 months 26 days
Deferred stock-based compensation granted	$ 7,772

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Basic EPS
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ (30,561,000)	$ 12,066,000	$ 27,873,000	$ 30,739,000	$ 40,461,000	$ 23,559,000	$ 63,976,000	$ 55,980,000	$ 40,117,000	$ 183,976,000	$ 278,489,000
Shares outstanding basic (in shares)									23,288	25,719	26,641
Per share amount basic (in dollars per share)	$ (1.34)	$ 0.52	$ 1.19	$ 1.29	$ 1.67	$ 0.93	$ 2.40	$ 2.10	$ 1.72	$ 7.15	$ 10.45
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Dilutive effect of stock options number of shares (in shares)									117	213	258
Dilutive effect of stock options (in dollars per share)									$ 0.01	$ 0.06	$ 0.10
Diluted EPS
Diluted EPS									$ 40,117,000	$ 183,976,000	$ 278,489,000
Shares outstanding dilutive (in shares)									23,405	25,932	26,899
Per share amount diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (1.34)	$ 0.52	$ 1.19	$ 1.28	$ 1.66	$ 0.92	$ 2.38	$ 2.08	$ 1.71	$ 7.09	$ 10.35

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details 2)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets					$ 40,140
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (in dollars per share	$ 1.16	$ 0.58			$ 1.72
Restructuring impairment					$ 14,545
Restructuring impairment (in dollars per share)					$ 0.62
Restructuring expenses					$ 13,622
Restructuring expenses (in dollars per share)					$ 0.58
Refinancing of long-term debt			$ 24,200			$ 24,200
Refinancing of long-term debt (in dollars per share)			$ 0.95			$ 0.93
After-tax loss on deconsolidation							$ 12,011
After-tax loss on deconsolidation (in dollars per share)							$ 0.45
Asset impairment loss related to deconsolidation							$ 4,569
Asset impairment loss related to deconsolidation (in dollars per share)							$ 0.17
Outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock, excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)				449,000	426,338		1,200

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS P78

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee contribution limit per calendar year to 401 (k) plan	50.00%
Company contributions	$ 11,700,000	$ 12,600,000	$ 11,600,000
Assets related to non-qualified deferred compensation plan included in other assets	37,963,000	36,439,000
Liabilities related to non-qualified deferred compensation plan included in other noncurrent liabilities	37,963	36,439
Total amount distributed from non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$ 2,439,000	$ 1,519,000

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA79

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets recorded for the investments held	$ 37,963,000	$ 36,439,000
Liabilities recorded for the investments held	37,963	36,439
Level 1 member
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	42,697,000	45,473,000
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	765,041,000	767,835,000
Trading Securities	42,697,000	45,473,000
Estimated fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	724,020,000	813,333
EMD
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of remaining ownership	4,734,000	9,034,000
Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets recorded for the investments held	$ 37,963,000	$ 36,439,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME80

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)contract	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)contract
Derivative Contract, Counterparty One
Derivative Instrument
Deferred gain (loss) on discontinuation of interest rate fair value hedge	$ (4,500,000)
Derivative Contract, Counterparty Two
Derivative Instrument
Deferred gain (loss) on discontinuation of interest rate fair value hedge	$ 4,400,000
Forward contracts | Cash flow hedging
Derivative Instrument
Derivative, number of instruments held | contract	1
Notional amount of derivative instrument	$ 36,590,000
Derivative, gain (loss)	1,821,000
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 0
Foreign currency forward contract | Cash flow hedging
Derivative Instrument
Derivative, number of instruments held | contract		1
Notional amount of derivative instrument		$ 14,757,000
Derivative instruments, gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		242,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives		$ 424,000

GUARANTEES (Details)

GUARANTEES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Warranty Reserve	$ 17,000
Changes in the product warranty accrual recorded in accrued expenses
Balance, beginning of period		$ 19,760	$ 20,711
Payments made		11,203	13,900
Change in liability for warranties issued during the period		28,608	13,130
Change in liability for pre-existing warranties		(512)	(181)
Balance, end of period	$ 36,653	$ 36,653	$ 19,760

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL82

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)item$ / £	Dec. 26, 2015GBP (£)item	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)$ / £	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension retirement benefits to qualified employees as percent of final salary per year of service	1.67%	1.67%
Eligibility age	65 years	65 years
Active members of defined benefit retirement income plan | item	0	0
Foreign currency exchange rate used to translate the net pension liability | $ / £	1.4919		1.5557
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Beginning balance	$ 692,283		$ 651,857
Interest cost	24,614		28,667
Benefits paid	(18,346)		(14,498)
Actuarial loss	(28,130)		(66,889)
Currency translation	(29,232)		(40,632)
Ending balance	697,449		692,283
Plan Assets
Fair value beginning balance	542,159		497,460
Employer contributions	16,500		18,173
Actual return on plan assets	(306)		72,820
Settlements			(14,498)
Benefits paid	(18,346)		(14,498)
Currency translation	(21,881)		(31,796)
Fair Value ending balance	518,126		542,159
Funded status
Funded status	(179,323)		(150,124)	$ (154,397)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	(55,953)		(38,808)
Actuarial loss	(53,661)		(18,980)
Currency translation gain (loss)	2,655		1,835
Balance at the end of the period	(106,959)		$ (55,953)
The estimated amount to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2015	$ 1,500
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.75%		3.65%
CPI index (as a percent)	2.15%		2.10%
RPI Inflation (as a percent)	3.25%		3.20%
Net periodic benefit expense:
Interest cost	$ 24,614		$ 28,667
Expected return on plan assets	(25,224)		(26,029)
Net periodic benefit expense	$ (610)		$ 2,638
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense
Discount rate (as a percent)	3.65%	3.65%	4.45%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	5.00%	5.00%	5.50%
RPI index (as a percent)	2.10%	2.10%	2.70%
CPI index (as a percent)	3.20%	3.20%	3.60%
Limit on employer contributions per annum	$ 14,919	£ 10,000
Administrative costs of the Plan	1,641	£ 1,100
Expected pension benefit payments
2,016	18,500
2,017	19,100
2,018	19,700
2,019	20,300
2,020	20,900
2021-2025	$ 114,725
Weighted average maturity period of corporate bond portfolio	13 years	13 years

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL83

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	$ 518,126	$ 542,159	$ 497,460
Level 2 member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	518,126	542,159
Temporary cash investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	5,181	12,320
Temporary cash investments | Level 2 member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	5,181	12,320
Index linked gilts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	123,257	135,229
Index linked gilts | Level 2 member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	123,257	135,229
Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	100,701	107,880
Corporate bonds | Level 2 member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	100,701	107,880
Corporate stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	172,456	176,010
Corporate stock | Level 2 member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	172,456	176,010
Diversified growth funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	116,531	110,720
Diversified growth funds | Level 2 member
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value pension plans	$ 116,531	$ 110,720

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 26, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 28, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 27, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 28, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 29, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 27, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2013USD ($)
Business Segments
Number of reportable segments | segment									5
Maximum percentage of sales of other businesses and activities to consolidated sales as basis for aggregation									10.00%
Net sales	$ 633,828,000	$ 632,575,000	$ 682,123,000	$ 670,398,000	$ 763,136,000	$ 765,668,000	$ 842,599,000	$ 751,740,000	$ 2,618,924,000	$ 3,123,143,000	$ 3,304,211,000
Operating Income									131,695,000	357,716,000	473,069,000
Interest expense, net									(41,325,000)	(30,744,000)	(26,025,000)
Costs associated with refinancing of debt									0	(38,705,000)	0
Other									2,637,000	(4,084,000)	2,373,000
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									93,007,000	284,183,000	449,417,000
Total assets	2,399,428,000				2,729,668,000				2,399,428,000	2,729,668,000	2,776,494,000
Capital expenditures									45,468,000	73,023,000	106,753,000
Depreciation and amortization									91,144,000	89,328,000	77,436,000
Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Net sales									748,450,000	735,007,000	696,337,000
Operating Income									59,592,000	66,024,000	65,861,000
Total assets	611,201,000				640,132,000				611,201,000	640,132,000	616,231,000
Capital expenditures									11,445,000	11,849,000	12,905,000
Depreciation and amortization									22,810,000	22,363,000	22,037,000
Energy and Mining Segment
Business Segments
Net sales									333,207,000	443,688,000	339,800,000
Operating Income									(18,762,000)	41,342,000	35,087,000
Total assets	396,366,000				500,407,000				396,366,000	500,407,000	353,018,000
Capital expenditures									3,544,000	4,893,000	4,515,000
Depreciation and amortization									20,733,000	22,146,000	13,167,000
Utility Support Structures Segment
Business Segments
Net sales									673,338,000	822,565,000	959,695,000
Operating Income									37,847,000	95,118,000	174,740,000
Total assets	422,021,000				470,720,000				422,021,000	470,720,000	524,113,000
Capital expenditures									11,815,000	9,014,000	39,347,000
Depreciation and amortization									17,959,000	17,811,000	14,375,000
Coatings
Business Segments
Net sales									255,473,000	278,435,000	300,986,000
Operating Income									27,369,000	60,921,000	74,917,000
Total assets	270,793,000				301,707,000				270,793,000	301,707,000	315,663,000
Capital expenditures									6,836,000	14,029,000	12,206,000
Depreciation and amortization									12,962,000	14,615,000	14,656,000
Irrigation Segment
Business Segments
Net sales									605,771,000	839,717,000	964,367,000
Operating Income									84,537,000	151,508,000	206,394,000
Total assets	310,967,000				360,883,000				310,967,000	360,883,000	351,742,000
Capital expenditures									7,756,000	21,113,000	26,039,000
Depreciation and amortization									11,746,000	10,471,000	7,859,000
Other
Business Segments
Net sales									2,685,000	3,731,000	43,026,000
Operating Income									(9,802,000)	(1,535,000)	(7,213,000)
Total assets	2,267,000				4,930,000				2,267,000	4,930,000	2,538,000
Capital expenditures									1,396,000	1,181,000	105,000
Depreciation and amortization									570,000	123,000	2,336,000
Corporate
Business Segments
Operating Income									(49,086,000)	(55,662,000)	(76,717,000)
Total assets	385,813,000				450,889,000				385,813,000	450,889,000	613,189,000
Capital expenditures									2,676,000	10,944,000	11,636,000
Depreciation and amortization									4,364,000	1,799,000	3,006,000
Parent
Business Segments
Net sales									1,169,674,000	1,392,509,000	1,540,266,000
Operating Income									85,097,000	154,714,000	223,896,000
Other									(2,374,000)	2,021,000	4,791,000
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									39,180,000	83,801,000	197,941,000
Total assets	$ 1,873,422,000				$ 2,167,173,000				1,873,422,000	2,167,173,000
Capital expenditures									14,362,000	41,260,000	76,582,000
Depreciation and amortization									29,433,000	24,509,000	21,270,000
Operating segment
Business Segments
Sales									2,705,722,000	3,269,256,000	3,482,651,000
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									771,453,000	809,970,000	800,311,000
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products
Business Segments
Sales									600,280,000	648,352,000	660,423,000
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Communication Products
Business Segments
Sales									171,173,000	161,618,000	139,888,000
Operating segment | Energy and Mining Segment
Business Segments
Sales									337,859,000	443,983,000	340,132,000
Operating segment | Energy and Mining Segment | Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures
Business Segments
Sales									103,068,000	146,432,000	0
Operating segment | Energy and Mining Segment | Grinding Media
Business Segments
Sales									96,442,000	116,056,000	138,634,000
Operating segment | Energy and Mining Segment | Access Systems
Business Segments
Sales									138,349,000	181,495,000	201,498,000
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures Segment
Business Segments
Sales									674,577,000	825,016,000	962,038,000
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures Segment | Steel
Business Segments
Sales									578,996,000	714,427,000	853,459,000
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures Segment | Concrete
Business Segments
Sales									95,581,000	110,589,000	108,579,000
Operating segment | Coatings
Business Segments
Sales									302,385,000	333,853,000	357,635,000
Operating segment | Irrigation Segment
Business Segments
Sales									612,201,000	846,326,000	970,890,000
Operating segment | Other
Business Segments
Sales									7,247,000	10,108,000	51,645,000
Intersegment
Business Segments
Sales									86,798,000	146,113,000	178,440,000
Intersegment | Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									23,003,000	74,963,000	103,974,000
Intersegment | Energy and Mining Segment
Business Segments
Sales									4,652,000	295,000	332,000
Intersegment | Utility Support Structures Segment
Business Segments
Sales									1,239,000	2,451,000	2,343,000
Intersegment | Coatings
Business Segments
Sales									46,912,000	55,418,000	56,649,000
Intersegment | Irrigation Segment
Business Segments
Sales									6,430,000	6,609,000	6,523,000
Intersegment | Other
Business Segments
Sales									$ 4,562,000	$ 6,377,000	$ 8,619,000

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details 2)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales	$ 633,828	$ 632,575	$ 682,123	$ 670,398	$ 763,136	$ 765,668	$ 842,599	$ 751,740	$ 2,618,924	$ 3,123,143	$ 3,304,211
Long-lived assets	1,172,576				1,336,727				1,172,576	1,336,727	1,178,655
United States
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									1,586,702	1,808,427	2,077,812
Long-lived assets	582,783				616,718				582,783	616,718	530,042
Australia
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									347,975	439,530	492,698
Long-lived assets	$ 259,326				316,382				$ 259,326	316,382	342,320
Australia | Foreign country | Net Sales
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Threshold for disclosure as percentage of net sales by customer	13.00%								13.00%
Denmark
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									$ 98,628	146,432	0
Long-lived assets	$ 90,463				111,161				90,463	111,161	0
Other
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									585,619	728,754	733,701
Long-lived assets	$ 240,004				$ 292,466				$ 240,004	$ 292,466	$ 306,293

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN86

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Parent company's percentage ownership of Guarantors	100.00%								100.00%
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales	$ 633,828	$ 632,575	$ 682,123	$ 670,398	$ 763,136	$ 765,668	$ 842,599	$ 751,740	$ 2,618,924	$ 3,123,143	$ 3,304,211
Cost of sales									1,997,891	2,315,026	2,358,983
Gross profit	129,280	156,751	169,548	165,454	181,158	199,500	220,477	206,982	621,033	808,117	945,228
Selling, general and administrative expenses									447,368	450,401	472,159
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets		13,400							41,970	0	0
Operating income									131,695	357,716	473,069
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(44,621)	(36,790)	(32,502)
Interest income									3,296	6,046	6,477
Costs associated with refinancing of debt									0	(38,705)	0
Other									2,637	(4,084)	2,373
Total other income (expenses)									(38,688)	(73,533)	(23,652)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									93,007	284,183	449,417
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									42,569	89,643	167,922
Deferred income taxes									4,858	5,251	(10,141)
Total income tax expense (benefit)									47,427	94,894	157,781
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									45,580	189,289	291,636
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(247)	29	835
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax									0	0	(12,011)
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount											(12,011)
Net earnings									45,333	189,318	280,460
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									(5,216)	(5,342)	(1,971)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ (30,561)	$ 12,066	$ 27,873	$ 30,739	$ 40,461	$ 23,559	$ 63,976	$ 55,980	40,117	183,976	278,489
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									1,169,674	1,392,509	1,540,266
Cost of sales									890,242	1,040,808	1,107,020
Gross profit									279,432	351,701	433,246
Selling, general and administrative expenses									194,335	196,987	209,350
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets									0
Operating income									85,097	154,714	223,896
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(43,552)	(34,267)	(30,801)
Interest income									9	38	55
Costs associated with refinancing of debt										(38,705)
Other									(2,374)	2,021	4,791
Total other income (expenses)									(45,917)	(70,913)	(25,955)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									39,180	83,801	197,941
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									863	30,330	78,912
Deferred income taxes									10,042	(1,474)	(8,948)
Total income tax expense (benefit)									10,905	28,856	69,964
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									28,275	54,945	127,977
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									11,842	129,031	150,512
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax											0
Net earnings									40,117	183,976	278,489
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									40,117	183,976	278,489
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									423,928	496,326	689,230
Cost of sales									332,847	371,639	503,431
Gross profit									91,081	124,687	185,799
Selling, general and administrative expenses									45,549	49,171	59,368
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets									0
Operating income									45,532	75,516	126,431
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									0	(5)	(2)
Interest income									103	359	1,032
Costs associated with refinancing of debt										0
Other									60	(511)	9
Total other income (expenses)									163	(157)	1,039
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									45,695	75,359	127,470
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									23,261	25,277	45,951
Deferred income taxes									(6,224)	1,866	(19)
Total income tax expense (benefit)									17,037	27,143	45,932
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									28,658	48,216	81,538
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(39,418)	19,509	16,417
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax											0
Net earnings									(10,760)	67,725	97,955
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									(10,760)	67,725	97,955
Non- Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									1,238,609	1,456,053	1,402,191
Cost of sales									987,729	1,124,813	1,078,695
Gross profit									250,880	331,240	323,496
Selling, general and administrative expenses									207,484	204,243	203,441
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets									41,970
Operating income									1,426	126,997	120,055
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(1,069)	(2,518)	(1,699)
Interest income									3,184	5,649	5,390
Costs associated with refinancing of debt										0
Other									4,951	(5,594)	(2,427)
Total other income (expenses)									7,066	(2,463)	1,264
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									8,492	124,534	121,319
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									18,446	33,898	42,379
Deferred income taxes									1,040	4,859	(1,174)
Total income tax expense (benefit)									19,486	38,757	41,205
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(10,994)	85,777	80,114
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(247)	63	494
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax											(12,011)
Net earnings									(11,241)	85,840	68,597
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									(5,216)	(5,342)	(1,971)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									(16,457)	80,498	66,626
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									(213,287)	(221,745)	(327,476)
Cost of sales									(212,927)	(222,234)	(330,163)
Gross profit									(360)	489	2,687
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets									0
Operating income									(360)	489	2,687
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									0	0	0
Interest income									0	0	0
Costs associated with refinancing of debt										0
Other									0	0	0
Total other income (expenses)									0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(360)	489	2,687
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									(1)	138	680
Deferred income taxes									0	0	0
Total income tax expense (benefit)									(1)	138	680
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(359)	351	2,007
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									27,576	(148,574)	(166,588)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax											0
Net earnings									27,217	(148,223)	(164,581)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									$ 27,217	$ (148,223)	$ (164,581)

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN87

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	$ 45,333	$ 189,318	$ 280,460
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(96,694)	(82,275)	(71,698)
Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense	0	0	5,194
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary			8,559
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(96,694)	(82,275)	(57,945)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	74	594	400
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	(3,130)	983	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	2,855	4,837	0
Derivative adjustment	(201)	6,414	400
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	(40,274)	(13,709)	(41,282)
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(137,169)	(89,570)	(98,827)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(91,836)	99,748	181,633
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(832)	(2,520)	(9,174)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	(92,668)	97,228	172,459
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	40,117	183,976	278,489
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	0	0	0
Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense			0
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary			0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	74	594	400
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	(3,130)	983
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	2,855	4,837
Derivative adjustment	(201)	6,414	400
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	(132,584)	(93,162)	(106,430)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(132,785)	(86,748)	(106,030)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(92,668)	97,228	172,459
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	(92,668)	97,228	172,459
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	(10,760)	67,725	97,955
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(15,166)	(51,536)	(4,772)
Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense			0
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary			0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(15,166)	(51,536)	(4,772)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	0	0	0
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	0	0
Derivative adjustment	0	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,166)	(51,536)	(4,772)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(25,926)	16,189	93,183
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	(25,926)	16,189	93,183
Non- Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	(11,241)	85,840	68,597
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(81,528)	(30,739)	(66,926)
Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense			5,194
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary			8,559
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(81,528)	(30,739)	(53,173)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	0	0	0
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	0	0
Derivative adjustment	0	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	(40,274)	(13,709)	(41,282)
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(121,802)	(44,448)	(94,455)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(133,043)	41,392	(25,858)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(832)	(2,520)	(9,174)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	(133,875)	38,872	(35,032)
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	27,217	(148,223)	(164,581)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	0	0	0
Realized loss on sale of investment in foreign entity included in other expense			0
Realized loss on deconsolidation of subsidiary			0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	0	0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	0	0	0
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	0	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	0	0
Derivative adjustment	0	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	132,584	93,162	106,430
Other comprehensive income (loss)	132,584	93,162	106,430
Comprehensive income (loss)	159,801	(55,061)	(58,151)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 159,801	$ (55,061)	$ (58,151)

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN88

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 29, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 349,074	$ 371,579	$ 371,579	$ 613,706	$ 414,129
Receivables, less allowance of $10,055 in 2015 and $6,672 in 2014	466,443	536,918
Inventories	340,672	359,522
Prepaid expenses	46,137	56,912
Refundable and deferred income taxes	24,526	68,010
Total current assets	1,226,852	1,392,941
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,081,056	1,139,569
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	548,567	533,116
Net property, plant and equipment	532,489	606,453
Goodwill	336,916	385,111		349,632
Other intangible assets	170,197	202,004
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	0	0
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $10,953 in 2015 and $3,250 in 2014	132,974	143,159
Total assets	2,399,428	2,729,668		2,776,494
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	1,077	1,181
Notes payable to banks	976	13,952
Accounts payable	179,983	196,565
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	70,354	87,950
Accrued expenses	105,593	88,480
Dividends payable	8,571	9,086
Total current liabilities	(366,554)	(397,214)
Deferred income taxes	35,669	71,797
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	763,964	766,654
Defined benefit pension liability	179,323	150,124
Deferred compensation	48,417	47,932
Other noncurrent liabilities	40,290	45,542
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	1,729,679	1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(267,218)	(134,433)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,042,775 in 2015 and 3,670,781 in 2014	(571,920)	(410,296)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	918,441	1,201,833
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	46,770	48,572
Total shareholders’ equity	965,211	1,250,405		1,544,846	1,407,010
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,399,428	2,729,668
Parent
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	62,281	69,869		215,576	40,926
Receivables, less allowance of $10,055 in 2015 and $6,672 in 2014	130,741	158,316
Inventories	132,222	127,859
Prepaid expenses	9,900	7,087
Refundable and deferred income taxes	24,526	53,307
Total current assets	359,670	416,438
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	541,536	556,658
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	334,471	319,899
Net property, plant and equipment	207,065	236,759
Goodwill	20,108	20,108
Other intangible assets	238	292
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	1,239,228	1,446,989
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $10,953 in 2015 and $3,250 in 2014	47,113	46,587
Total assets	1,873,422	2,167,173
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	215	213
Notes payable to banks	0	0
Accounts payable	66,723	59,893
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	32,272	48,169
Accrued expenses	31,073	32,616
Dividends payable	8,571	9,086
Total current liabilities	(138,854)	(149,977)
Deferred income taxes	9,686	5,584
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	758,811	759,895
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Deferred compensation	43,485	41,803
Other noncurrent liabilities	4,145	8,081
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	1,729,679	1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(267,218)	(134,433)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,042,775 in 2015 and 3,670,781 in 2014	(571,920)	(410,296)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	918,441	1,201,833
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	918,441	1,201,833
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,873,422	2,167,173
Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	4,008	2,157		29,797	6,714
Receivables, less allowance of $10,055 in 2015 and $6,672 in 2014	66,387	68,414
Inventories	38,379	54,914
Prepaid expenses	766	502
Refundable and deferred income taxes	0	6,194
Total current assets	109,540	132,181
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	132,864	124,182
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	69,956	65,493
Net property, plant and equipment	62,908	58,689
Goodwill	110,562	107,542
Other intangible assets	40,959	43,644
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	813,779	825,236
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $10,953 in 2015 and $3,250 in 2014	0	0
Total assets	1,137,748	1,167,292
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	0	0
Notes payable to banks	0	0
Accounts payable	13,680	15,151
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	6,347	5,385
Accrued expenses	22,802	6,052
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	(42,829)	(26,588)
Deferred income taxes	0	28,988
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	0	0
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	457,950	457,950
Additional paid-in capital	159,414	150,286
Retained earnings	541,917	552,676
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(64,362)	(49,196)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,042,775 in 2015 and 3,670,781 in 2014	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,094,919	1,111,716
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,094,919	1,111,716
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,137,748	1,167,292
Non- Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	282,785	299,553		368,333	366,489
Receivables, less allowance of $10,055 in 2015 and $6,672 in 2014	269,315	310,188
Inventories	173,064	177,512
Prepaid expenses	35,471	49,323
Refundable and deferred income taxes	0	8,509
Total current assets	760,635	845,085
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	406,656	458,729
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	144,140	147,724
Net property, plant and equipment	262,516	311,005
Goodwill	206,246	257,461
Other intangible assets	129,000	158,068
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	939,177	887,055
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $10,953 in 2015 and $3,250 in 2014	85,861	96,572
Total assets	2,383,435	2,555,246
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	862	968
Notes payable to banks	976	13,952
Accounts payable	99,580	121,521
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	31,735	34,396
Accrued expenses	51,718	49,812
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	(184,871)	(220,649)
Deferred income taxes	25,983	37,225
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	5,153	6,759
Defined benefit pension liability	179,323	150,124
Deferred compensation	4,932	6,129
Other noncurrent liabilities	36,145	37,461
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	648,683	648,682
Additional paid-in capital	1,107,536	1,098,408
Retained earnings	354,727	397,302
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(210,688)	(96,065)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,042,775 in 2015 and 3,670,781 in 2014	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,900,258	2,048,327
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	46,770	48,572
Total shareholders’ equity	1,947,028	2,096,899
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,383,435	2,555,246
Eliminations
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0		$ 0	$ 0
Receivables, less allowance of $10,055 in 2015 and $6,672 in 2014	0	0
Inventories	(2,993)	(763)
Prepaid expenses	0	0
Refundable and deferred income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	(2,993)	(763)
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	0	0
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	0	0
Net property, plant and equipment	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Other intangible assets	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	(2,992,184)	(3,159,280)
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $10,953 in 2015 and $3,250 in 2014	0	0
Total assets	(2,995,177)	(3,160,043)
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	0	0
Notes payable to banks	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	0	0
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	(1,106,633)	(1,106,632)
Additional paid-in capital	(1,266,950)	(1,248,694)
Retained earnings	(896,644)	(949,978)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	275,050	145,261
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,042,775 in 2015 and 3,670,781 in 2014	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	(2,995,177)	(3,160,043)
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	(2,995,177)	(3,160,043)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ (2,995,177)	$ (3,160,043)

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN89

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 4) - $ / shares	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN90

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			19 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 45,333	$ 189,318	$ 280,460
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	91,144	89,328	77,436
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation	0	0	12,011
vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment			12,161
Noncash loss on trading securities	4,555	3,795	0
Non-cash debt refinancing costs	0	(2,478)	0
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	19,836		12,161
Impairment of goodwill & intangibles assets	41,970	0	0
Stock-based compensation	7,244	6,730	6,513
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	0	(4,300)	0
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(610)	2,638	6,569
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(16,500)	(18,173)	(17,619)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	2,327	392	(4,318)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	247	(29)	(835)
Deferred income taxes	4,858	5,251	(10,141)
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	50,267	907	(12,708)
Inventories	3,296	21,458	13,431
Prepaid expenses	10,844	(13,594)	4,115
Accounts payable	(6,805)	(34,321)	12,448
Accrued expenses	8,918	(34,778)	21,698
Other noncurrent liabilities	(1,764)	1,755	(1,474)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	7,107	(39,803)	(3,305)
Net cash flows from operating activities	272,267	174,096	396,442
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(45,468)	(73,023)	(106,753)
Proceeds from sale of assets	3,249	2,489	37,582
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(12,778)	(185,710)	(63,152)
Other, net	6,826	(619)	602
Net cash flows from investing activities	(48,171)	(256,863)	(131,721)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	(12,853)	(4,472)	5,510
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	68,000	652,211	274
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(69,098)	(357,858)	(591)
vmi_PaymentsOnDeconsolidationOfSubsidiary	0	0	(11,615)
Settlement of financial derivative	0	4,981	0
Dividends paid	(35,357)	(32,443)	(25,414)
Intercompany dividends	0	0	0
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyCapitalContribution		0
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyInterestOnLongTermNote		0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties			0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(2,634)	(2,919)	(1,767)
Debt issuance costs	0	(7,644)	0
Intercompany capital contribution	0	0	(9,324)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	13,075	14,572	16,348
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	1,699	4,264	5,306
Purchase of treasury shares	(168,983)	(395,045)	0	$ (564,000)
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	(13,854)	(15,403)	(16,107)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(220,005)	(139,756)	(37,380)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(26,596)	(19,604)	(27,764)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(22,505)	(242,127)	199,577
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	371,579	613,706	414,129
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	349,074	371,579	613,706	349,074
Parent
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	40,117	183,976	278,489
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	29,433	24,509	21,270
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation			0
vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment			0
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0
Non-cash debt refinancing costs		(2,478)
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	7,486
Impairment of goodwill & intangibles assets	0
Stock-based compensation	7,244	6,730	6,513
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		0
Defined benefit pension plan expense	0	0	0
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	983	145	885
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(11,842)	(129,031)	(150,512)
Deferred income taxes	10,042	(1,474)	(8,948)
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	27,576	(19,136)	6,181
Inventories	(4,364)	5,094	12,966
Prepaid expenses	2,337	(2,352)	2,417
Accounts payable	6,831	(2,260)	(10,458)
Accrued expenses	(16,485)	(21,448)	19,191
Other noncurrent liabilities	177	622	3,201
Income taxes payable (refundable)	7,895	(24,945)	(5,908)
Net cash flows from operating activities	107,430	17,952	175,287
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(14,362)	(41,260)	(76,582)
Proceeds from sale of assets	3,996	43	794
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Other, net	72,866	34,735	86,258
Net cash flows from investing activities	62,500	(6,482)	10,470
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	68,000	652,540	0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(68,213)	(356,994)	(187)
vmi_PaymentsOnDeconsolidationOfSubsidiary			0
Settlement of financial derivative		4,981
Dividends paid	(35,357)	(32,443)	(25,414)
Intercompany dividends	26,115	116,995	8,947
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyCapitalContribution		(143,000)
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyInterestOnLongTermNote		0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties			0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs		(7,644)
Intercompany capital contribution			0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	13,075	14,572	16,348
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	1,699	4,264	5,306
Purchase of treasury shares	(168,983)	(395,045)
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	(13,854)	(15,403)	(16,107)
Net cash flows from financing activities	(177,518)	(157,177)	(11,107)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(7,588)	(145,707)	174,650
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	69,869	215,576	40,926
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	62,281	69,869	215,576	62,281
Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	(10,760)	67,725	97,955
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	12,611	12,926	12,862
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation			0
vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment			0
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0
Non-cash debt refinancing costs		0
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	542
Impairment of goodwill & intangibles assets	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		0
Defined benefit pension plan expense	0	0	0
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	319	143	42
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	39,418	(19,509)	(16,417)
Deferred income taxes	(6,224)	1,866	(19)
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	3,547	40,186	(22,259)
Inventories	18,130	15,317	1,757
Prepaid expenses	(172)	429	98
Accounts payable	(1,970)	(5,212)	(1,643)
Accrued expenses	17,713	(9,590)	5,824
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0	0
Income taxes payable (refundable)	(306)	(19,417)	(3,251)
Net cash flows from operating activities	72,848	84,864	74,949
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(7,718)	(2,823)	(4,439)
Proceeds from sale of assets	302	126	35
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(12,778)	0	0
Other, net	(50,447)	(73,799)	(83,327)
Net cash flows from investing activities	(70,641)	(76,496)	(87,731)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	0	0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	0	0	0
vmi_PaymentsOnDeconsolidationOfSubsidiary			0
Settlement of financial derivative		0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Intercompany dividends	0	(36,600)	20,133
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyCapitalContribution		0
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyInterestOnLongTermNote		648	1,229
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties			22,430
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs		0
Intercompany capital contribution			0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	0	0	0
Net cash flows from financing activities	0	(35,952)	43,792
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(356)	(56)	(7,927)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1,851	(27,640)	23,083
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	2,157	29,797	6,714
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	4,008	2,157	29,797	4,008
Non- Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	(11,241)	85,840	68,597
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	49,100	51,893	43,304
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation			12,011
vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment			12,161
Noncash loss on trading securities	4,555	3,795
Non-cash debt refinancing costs		0
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	11,808
Impairment of goodwill & intangibles assets	41,970
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		(4,300)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	(610)	2,638	6,569
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(16,500)	(18,173)	(17,619)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	1,025	104	(5,245)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	247	(63)	(494)
Deferred income taxes	1,040	4,859	(1,174)
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	19,144	(20,143)	3,370
Inventories	(12,698)	1,047	(1,292)
Prepaid expenses	8,679	(11,671)	1,600
Accounts payable	(11,666)	(26,849)	24,549
Accrued expenses	7,366	(3,740)	(3,317)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(1,941)	1,133	(4,675)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	(482)	4,559	5,029
Net cash flows from operating activities	89,796	70,929	143,374
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(23,388)	(28,940)	(25,732)
Proceeds from sale of assets	(1,049)	2,320	36,753
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(185,710)	(63,152)
Other, net	(13,400)	38,796	503
Net cash flows from investing activities	(37,837)	(173,534)	(51,628)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	(12,853)	(4,472)	5,510
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	(329)	274
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(885)	(864)	(404)
vmi_PaymentsOnDeconsolidationOfSubsidiary			(11,615)
Settlement of financial derivative		0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Intercompany dividends	(26,115)	(80,395)	(29,080)
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyCapitalContribution		143,000
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyInterestOnLongTermNote		(648)	(1,229)
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties			(22,430)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(2,634)	(2,919)	(1,767)
Debt issuance costs		0
Intercompany capital contribution			(9,324)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	0	0	0
Net cash flows from financing activities	(42,487)	53,373	(70,065)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(26,240)	(19,548)	(19,837)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(16,768)	(68,780)	1,844
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	299,553	368,333	366,489
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	282,785	299,553	368,333	282,785
Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	27,217	(148,223)	(164,581)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation			0
vmi_ImpairmentOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment			0
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0
Non-cash debt refinancing costs		0
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	0
Impairment of goodwill & intangibles assets	0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		0
Defined benefit pension plan expense	0	0	0
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(27,576)	148,574	166,588
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	0	0	0
Inventories	2,228	0	0
Prepaid expenses	0	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0	0
Accrued expenses	324	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0	0
Income taxes payable (refundable)	0	0	825
Net cash flows from operating activities	2,193	351	2,832
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Other, net	(2,193)	(351)	(2,832)
Net cash flows from investing activities	(2,193)	(351)	(2,832)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	0	0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	0	0	0
vmi_PaymentsOnDeconsolidationOfSubsidiary			0
Settlement of financial derivative		0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Intercompany dividends	0	0	0
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyCapitalContribution		0
vmi_ProceedsFromRepaymentOfIntercompanyInterestOnLongTermNote		0	0
Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties			0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Debt issuance costs		0
Intercompany capital contribution			0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	0
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	0	0	0
Net cash flows from financing activities	0	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una91

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Jun. 27, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales		$ 633,828	$ 632,575	$ 682,123	$ 670,398	$ 763,136	$ 765,668	$ 842,599	$ 751,740	$ 2,618,924	$ 3,123,143	$ 3,304,211
Gross profit		129,280	156,751	169,548	165,454	181,158	199,500	220,477	206,982	621,033	808,117	945,228
Net Earnings, Amount		$ (30,561)	$ 12,066	$ 27,873	$ 30,739	$ 40,461	$ 23,559	$ 63,976	$ 55,980	$ 40,117	$ 183,976	$ 278,489
Net Earnings, Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)		$ (1.34)	$ 0.52	$ 1.19	$ 1.29	$ 1.67	$ 0.93	$ 2.40	$ 2.10	$ 1.72	$ 7.15	$ 10.45
Net Earnings, Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)		(1.34)	0.52	1.19	1.28	1.66	0.92	2.38	2.08	1.71	7.09	10.35
Stock Price, High (in dollars per share)		117.94	121.23	128.26	130.26	139.31	155.62	163.23	155.64	130.26	163.23
Stock Price, Low (in dollars per share)		93.99	97.44	118.09	117.56	123.44	131.68	143.02	141.74	93.99	123.44
Dividends Declared (in dollars per share)		$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.250	$ 1.500	$ 1.375	$ 0.975
Quarterly Financial Data
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		$ 11,500	$ 6,300							$ 11,500
Restructuring expenses (in dollars per share)										$ 0.58
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets			$ 13,400							$ 41,970	$ 0	$ 0
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (in dollars per share		$ 1.16	$ 0.58							$ 1.72
Goodwill impairment		$ 7,100								$ 34,892
Impairment of intangible assets		19,600
Increase (decrease) in product warranty reserve		$ 11,500
Increase (decrease) in product warranty reserve (in dollars per share)		$ 0.50
Increase (decrease) in allowance for bad debt		$ 4,800
Increase (decrease) in allowance for bad debt (in dollars per share)		$ 0.21
Foreign corporate income tax rate										18.00%	20.00%
Increase (decrease) in income taxes		$ 7,100
Increase (decrease) in income taxes (in dollars per share)		$ 0.31
Refinancing of long-term debt							$ 24,200				$ 24,200
Refinancing of long-term debt (in dollars per share)							$ 0.95				$ 0.93
Delta EMD, Ltd.
Quarterly Financial Data
Fair market value gain (loss) on remaining investment	$ 3,452						$ (1,400)				$ (3,800)
Fair market value gain (loss) on remaining investment (in dollars per share)							$ 0.05
Broad Restructuring Plan
Quarterly Financial Data
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		$ 39,852		$ 9,800						$ 39,852
Restructuring expenses (in dollars per share)		$ 0.50	$ 0.27	$ 0.42

Schedule II-Valuation and Qua92

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2013	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
Movement in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at beginning of period			$ 10,369
Balance at close of period	$ 10,369			$ 10,369
Allowance for doubtful receivables
Movement in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at beginning of period		$ 9,922	10,369	7,898
Charged to profit and loss	4,674	12,420	1,780
Deductions from reserves		1,334	2,227	2,203
Balance at close of period	10,369	21,008	9,922	10,369
Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation
Movement in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at beginning of period		104,487	107,767	120,979
Charged to profit and loss		(13,650)	(3,280)	(13,212)
Deductions from reserves		0	0
Balance at close of period	$ 107,767	$ 90,837	$ 104,487	$ 107,767