Valmont Industries (VMI) 10-K 28 Feb 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Feb. 21, 2017
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. 30, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 3,296,971,119
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding			22,693,416
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMEN

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Income Statement [Abstract]
Product sales	$ 2,447,219	$ 2,255,860	$ 2,338,132
Services sales	298,748	265,816	280,792
Net sales	2,745,967	2,521,676	2,618,924
Product cost of sales	1,860,087	1,682,355	1,804,055
Services cost of sales	204,112	183,078	193,836
Total cost of sales	2,064,199	1,865,433	1,997,891
Gross profit	681,768	656,243	621,033
Selling, general and administrative expenses	415,336	412,739	447,368
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	0	0	41,970
Operating income	266,432	243,504	131,695
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(44,645)	(44,409)	(44,621)
Interest income	4,737	3,105	3,296
Other	1,940	18,254	2,637
Total other income (expenses)	(37,968)	(23,050)	(38,688)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	228,464	220,454	93,007
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	66,390	65,748	42,569
Deferred	39,755	(23,685)	4,858
Total income tax expense (benefit)	106,145	42,063	47,427
Comprehensive income (loss)	189,106	100,235	(91,836)
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	122,319	178,391	45,580
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	(247)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax	(12,568)	13,652	0
Net earnings	122,319	178,391	45,333
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(6,079)	(5,159)	(5,216)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 116,240	$ 173,232	$ 40,117
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 5.16	$ 7.68	$ 1.72
Diluted (in dollars per share)	5.11	7.63	1.71
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.500	$ 1.500	$ 1.500
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Basic (in shares)	22,520	22,562	23,288
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	22,738	22,709	23,405

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 122,319	$ 178,391	$ 45,333
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	79,279	(58,315)	(96,694)
Gain/(loss) on hedging activities:
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($880) in 2017 and $2,646 in 2016	(1,695)	4,226	0
Amortization cost included in interest expense	74	74	74
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	0	0	(3,130)
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedge	0	0	2,855
Derivative adjustment	(1,621)	4,300	(201)
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	(10,871)	(24,141)	(40,274)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	66,787	(78,156)	(137,169)
Comprehensive income (loss)	189,106	100,235	(91,836)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,529)	(6,144)	(832)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 183,577	$ 94,091	$ (92,668)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on net investment hedge, tax	$ (880)
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability, tax	$ (501)	$ (26)	$ (10,732)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 492,805	$ 399,948
Receivables, less allowance of $9,396 in 2017 and $10,250 in 2016	503,677	439,342
Inventories	420,948	350,028
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	43,643	57,297
Refundable income taxes	11,492	6,601
Total current assets	1,472,565	1,253,216
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,165,687	1,105,736
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	646,759	587,401
Net property, plant and equipment	518,928	518,335
Goodwill	337,720	321,110
Other intangible assets, net	138,599	144,378
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $417 in 2017 and $8,741 in 2016	134,438	154,692
Total assets	2,602,250	2,391,731
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	966	851
Notes payable to banks	161	746
Accounts payable	227,906	177,488
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	84,426	72,404
Accrued expenses	81,029	89,914
Dividends payable	8,510	8,445
Total current liabilities	402,998	349,848
Deferred income taxes	34,906	35,803
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	753,888	754,795
Defined benefit pension liability	189,552	209,470
Deferred compensation	48,526	44,319
Other noncurrent liabilities	20,585	14,910
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	1,954,344	1,874,722
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(279,022)	(346,359)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,206,474 in 2017 and 5,379,106 in 2016	(590,386)	(612,781)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,112,836	943,482
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	38,959	39,104
Total shareholders’ equity	1,151,795	982,586
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,602,250	$ 2,391,731

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE6

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,396	$ 10,250
Other assets, allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$ 417	$ 8,741
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	5,206,474	5,379,106

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME7

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			44 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 122,319	$ 178,391	$ 45,333
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	84,957	82,417	91,144
Noncash loss on trading securities	237	586	4,555
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation	12,568	(13,652)	0
Impairment of Property Plant and Equipment	0	1,099	19,836
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	12,568
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets	0	0	41,970
Stock-based compensation	10,706	9,931	7,244
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	0	(3,242)	0
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	648	1,870	(610)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(40,245)	(1,488)	(16,500)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(3,924)	631	2,327
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	247
Deferred income taxes	39,755	(23,685)	4,858
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	(49,112)	24,622	50,267
Inventories	(57,442)	(11,461)	3,296
Prepaid expenses	(6,038)	1,138	10,844
Accounts payable	39,405	104	(6,805)
Accrued expenses	(1,998)	(12,207)	8,918
Other noncurrent liabilities	(7,228)	(23,880)	(1,764)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	1,108	7,994	7,107
Net cash flows from operating activities	145,716	219,168	272,267
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(55,266)	(57,920)	(45,468)
Proceeds from sale of assets	8,185	5,126	3,249
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,362)	0	(12,778)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	5,123	0	0
Other, net	(2,295)	(255)	6,826
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(49,615)	(53,049)	(48,171)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under short-term agreements	(585)	(200)	(12,853)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	0	68,000
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(887)	(2,006)	(69,098)
Dividends paid	(33,862)	(34,053)	(35,357)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(5,674)	(2,938)	(2,634)
Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries	0	(11,009)	0
Purchase of treasury shares	0	(53,800)	(168,983)	$ (617,800)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	35,159	11,153	13,075
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	1,699
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises	(26,161)	(2,305)	(13,854)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(32,010)	(95,158)	(220,005)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	28,766	(20,087)	(26,596)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	92,857	50,874	(22,505)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	399,948	349,074	371,579
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$ 492,805	$ 399,948	$ 349,074	$ 492,805

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME8

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	DS SM	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
Beginning 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
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings	178,391				173,232			5,159
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(78,156)					(79,141)		985
Cash dividends declared	33,921				33,921
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(2,938)							(2,938)
Acquisition		$ (11,009)		(137)					$ (10,872)
Purchase of treasury shares	(53,800)						(53,800)
Stock plan exercises	(2,305)						(2,305)
Stock options exercised	11,153			(7,614)	5,732		13,035
Tax benefit from stock option exercises	0			0
Stock option expense	5,782			5,782
Stock awards	4,178			1,969			2,209
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2016	982,586		27,900	0	1,874,722	(346,359)	(612,781)	39,104
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings	122,319				116,240			6,079
Other comprehensive income (loss)	66,787					67,337		(550)
Cash dividends declared	33,927				33,927
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(5,674)							(5,674)
Stock plan exercises	(26,161)						(26,161)
Stock options exercised	35,159			(4,666)	(2,691)		42,516
Stock option expense	5,137			5,137
Stock awards	5,569			(471)			6,040
Ending balance at Dec. 30, 2017	$ 1,151,795		$ 27,900	$ 0	$ 1,954,344	$ (279,022)	$ (590,386)	$ 38,959

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEME9

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.50	$ 1.50	$ 1.50
Number of shares acquired	0	441,949	1,435,488
Stock plan exercises; shares acquired (in shares)	145,866	16,777	112,995
Stock options exercised; shares issued (in shares)	284,574	109,893	169,493
Stock awards; shares issued (in shares)	42,846	15,700	10,329

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 $21,537 and $18,734 were classified as accounts payable at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 four 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 and distribution of engineered metal, and composite structures and components for lighting and traffic, access systems, wireless communication, and roadway safety; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the utility industry, including on and offshore and other complex steel structures used in the energy generation or distribution industry outside the United States; COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the agricultural industry as well as tubular products for a variety of industrial customers. In addition to these four reportable segments, there are other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales, operating income or assets. This includes the manufacture of forged steel grinding media for the mining industry and is 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 year ended December 30, 2017 consisted of 52 weeks. The Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 consisted of 53 weeks and fiscal year ended December 26, 2015 consisted of 52 weeks. The estimated impact on the company's results of operations due to the extra week in fiscal 2016 was additional net sales of approximately $50,000 and additional net earnings of approximately $3,000 . (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. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to both current and long-term accounts receivables was $9,813 at December 30, 2017 . Inventories Approximately 37% and 38% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 $43,727 and $38,047 at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $69,046 , $66,482 and $72,805 , 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 $4,151 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 2016 and 2015 as facilities were closed and future plans for certain fixed assets changed in connection with the Company's restructuring plans. 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 these evaluations, management considers recent operating performance, expected future performance, industry conditions and other indicators of potential impairment. 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. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) 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, fair value, or net investment hedge. Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) 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 Gain on Hedging Activities Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (251,228 ) $ 7,978 $ (103,109 ) $ (346,359 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) 79,829 (1,621 ) (10,871 ) 67,337 Balance at December 30, 2017 $ (171,399 ) $ 6,357 $ (113,980 ) $ (279,022 ) (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. The Company is not entitled to any compensation solely based on design of the product and does 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 the 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. 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 $500,000 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 $250,000 of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date. As of December 30, 2017 , the Company has acquired 4,588,131 shares for approximately $617,800 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 2017 , $8,300 in 2016 , and $11,600 in 2015 . (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. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. During 2017, the Company performed an evaluation of the effect from adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position. When the terms and conditions allow the Company to bill a customer for full compensation on a canceled order for the performance completed to date, and the inventory is custom engineered to a single customer's specifications, revenue will be recognized over the production period and not the historical practice which is upon shipment or time of delivery to the customer. The Company has certain product lines with customer engineering specifications resulting in limited ability for the asset to be used for another customer; this resides in the Utility segment and a small product line of the Engineered Support Structures segment. The Company estimates that approximately $52,000 of sales and $13,100 of pre-tax operating income would have been recognized prior to December 30, 2017 if the Company followed the new accounting guidance instead of the previously applied revenue recognition guidance. The Company will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective approach effective the first day of fiscal 2018, resulting in a credit to retained earnings being recognized for approximately $ 9,800 . From a balance sheet perspective, a contract asset will be recorded for the amount of revenue recognized over the production period in excess of billings to that customer. A large portion of the increase to total assets from the recognition of a contract asset will be offset by lower reported inventory; the effect on the balance sheet will not be material. Although there were no significant changes to the Company's accounting systems or controls upon adoption of Topic 606, certain existing controls were modified to incorporate the revisions made to our accounting policies and practices. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which provides revised guidance on leases requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but expects the adoption will result in a significant increase in total assets and liabilities. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash , which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt in the first quarter of 2018, recasting the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total cash and cash equivalent amounts on the statement of cash flows to include the £ 10,000 restricted cash account for the pension plan at December 31, 2016, thus changing cash flows from operations for fiscal years 2017 and 2016. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 is effective for periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted this standard in the third quarter of 2017 which is the same period as it performs the annual goodwill impairment testing. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Presentation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Related to Defined Benefit Plans , which amends the income statement presentation requirements for the components of net periodic benefit cost for an entity's defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans. ASU 2017-07 is effective for periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of any annual period for which an entity's financial statements have not been issued. The Company does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and plans to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2018.

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATIO

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION	ACQUISITIONS Acquisitions of Businesses On July 31, 2017, the Company purchased Aircon Guardrails Private Limited ("Aircon") for $5,362 in cash, net of cash acquired, plus assumed liabilities. Aircon produces highway safety systems including guardrails, structural metal products, and solar structural products in India with annual sales of approximately $10,000 . In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,327 and $2,109 of customer relationships and other intangible assets were recorded. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. This business is included in the Engineered Support Structures segment and was acquired to expand the Company's geographic presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2017. Proforma disclosures were omitted as this business does not have a significant impact on the Company's financial results. 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 $8,000 . In the 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. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the first quarter of 2016. Proforma disclosures were omitted as this business did not have a significant impact on the Company's 2015 or 2016 financial results. Acquisitions of Noncontrolling Interests In April 2016, the Company acquired the remaining 30% of IGC Galvanizing Industries (M) Sdn Bhd that it did not own for $5,841 . In June 2016, the Company acquired 5.2% of the remaining 10% of Valmont SM that it did not own for $5,168 . As these transactions were for acquisitions of part or all of the remaining shares of consolidated subsidiaries with no change in control, they were recorded within shareholders' equity and as a financing cash flow in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	2015 Plan In April 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a broad restructuring plan (the "2015 Plan"). The following pre-tax expenses were recognized in 2015: ESS Utility Coatings Irrigation Other/ Corporate TOTAL Severance $ 4,417 $ 1,555 $ 508 $ 724 $ — $ 7,204 Other cash restructuring expenses 2,349 1,853 175 — — 4,377 Asset impairments/net loss on disposals 3,694 1,142 5,291 — — 10,127 Total cost of sales 10,460 4,550 5,974 724 — 21,708 Severance 3,665 404 270 423 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 5,888 642 606 553 10,455 18,144 Consolidated total $ 16,348 $ 5,192 $ 6,580 $ 1,277 $ 10,455 $ 39,852 (3) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Continued) During fiscal 2016, the Company recognized the following pre-tax restructuring expense (all cash) of $4,581 related to the 2015 Plan: • Utility segment recognized $528 (cost of sales) • ESS segment recognized $1,040 (SG&A) • Coatings segment recognized $602 (SG&A) • Irrigation segment recognized $468 (SG&A) • Corporate recorded $1,943 (SG&A) Change in the liabilities recorded for the restructuring plans were as follows: Balance at December 31, 2016 Recognized Restructuring Expense Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at December 30, 2017 Severance $ 1,597 $ — $ (1,597 ) $ — Other cash restructuring expenses 4,581 — (3,365 ) 1,216 Total $ 6,178 $ — $ (4,962 ) $ 1,216 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. 30, 2017
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 30, 2017 , the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 , and the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Interest $ 44,528 $ 45,683 $ 44,974 Income taxes 63,791 48,203 33,046

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	(5) INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 Raw materials and purchased parts $ 183,029 $ 143,659 Work-in-process 30,671 27,291 Finished goods and manufactured goods 250,975 217,125 Subtotal 464,675 388,075 Less: LIFO reserve 43,727 38,047 $ 420,948 $ 350,028

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consist of the following: 2017 2016 Land and improvements $ 93,258 $ 85,724 Buildings and improvements 350,937 325,813 Machinery and equipment 588,439 564,171 Transportation equipment 23,682 22,423 Office furniture and equipment 82,025 77,453 Construction in progress 27,346 30,152 $ 1,165,687 $ 1,105,736 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 $25,612 , $24,756 , and $25,546 for fiscal 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , respectively. Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to December 30, 2017 are: Fiscal year ending 2018 $ 21,562 2019 15,839 2020 15,639 2021 12,227 2022 7,325 Subsequent 27,325 Total minimum lease payments $ 99,917

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: December 30, 2017 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 200,810 $ 131,062 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,671 3,107 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 6,693 3,999 11 years Other 4,861 4,121 3 years $ 216,035 $ 142,289 December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 191,316 $ 111,342 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,616 3,056 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 6,434 3,420 11 years Other 3,713 3,668 3 years $ 205,079 $ 121,486 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $ 15,911 , $ 15,935 and $ 18,339 for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 , December 31, 2016 and December 26, 2015 , respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑lived intangible assets is as follows: Estimated 2018 $ 14,537 2019 13,761 2020 12,647 2021 10,525 2022 7,550 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) December 30, December 31, Year Acquired Webforge $ 9,432 $ 8,624 2010 Valmont SM 9,973 8,765 2014 Newmark 11,111 11,111 2004 Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products 7,690 7,032 2010 Donhad 5,801 5,305 2010 Shakespeare 4,000 4,000 2014 Other 16,846 15,948 $ 64,853 $ 60,785 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 separately from goodwill in the third quarter of 2017. The values of the trade names were determined using the relief-from-royalty method. The Company determined that the value of its trade names were not impaired. The increase in certain trade names in 2017 was due to currency translation effects. In 2015, the Company recorded a $ 5,830 impairment of the Webforge trade name (in ESS segment) and a $ 1,100 impairment of the Industrial Galvanizing trade name (in Coatings segment). Goodwill The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows: Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Other Total Gross Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 157,689 $ 88,680 $ 75,791 $ 19,359 $ 17,487 $ 356,002 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — — (34,892 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 139,019 $ 88,451 $ 59,569 $ 19,611 $ 14,460 $ 321,110 Acquisitions 3,449 — — — — 3,449 Foreign currency translation 8,938 1,797 905 167 1,354 13,161 Balance at December 30, 2017 $ 151,406 $ 90,248 $ 60,474 $ 19,778 $ 15,814 $ 337,720 (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Other Total Gross Balance at December 26, 2015 $ 170,341 $ 88,680 $ 75,941 $ 19,359 $ 17,487 $ 371,808 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — — (34,892 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 151,671 88,680 59,719 19,359 17,487 336,916 Foreign currency translation (12,652 ) (229 ) (150 ) 252 (3,027 ) (15,806 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 139,019 $ 88,451 $ 59,569 $ 19,611 $ 14,460 $ 321,110 The Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill was performed during the third quarter of 2017 and it was determined that the goodwill on the consolidated balance sheet was not impaired. In fiscal 2015, the Company recognized a $16,222 impairment charge which represented all of the goodwill on the APAC Coatings reporting unit. The forecast for lower prices for oil and natural gas required an interim step 2 test for our Access Systems reporting unit during the fourth quarter of 2015. Accordingly, the Company recorded a $18,670 impairment of Access System's goodwill.

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	(8) BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company maintains various lines of credit for short-term borrowings totaling $113,437 at December 30, 2017 . As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, $161 and $0 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 $113,276 at December 30, 2017 . 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 5.00% at December 30, 2017. Other notes payable of $161 and $746 were outstanding at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	(9) INCOME TAXES Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 United States $ 152,372 $ 136,682 $ 99,175 Foreign 76,092 83,772 (6,168 ) $ 228,464 $ 220,454 $ 93,007 The 2017 Tax Act was enacted in December 2017 which comprised a number of changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code that impact corporations beginning in 2018; 1) a reduction in the statutory federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, 2) limiting or eliminating certain tax deductions, and 3) changing the taxation of unremitted foreign earnings. The Company estimated and recognized approximately $ 41,935 of tax expense for the 2017 Tax Act. The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act (see footnote 1). The Company's accounting for the following element of the 2017 Tax Act is complete: Reduction of U.S. federal corporate tax rate : The 2017 Tax Act reduces the corporate tax rate to 21 percent, effective January 1, 2018. Consequently, we have recorded a decrease related to deferred taxes of $20,372 , with a corresponding net adjustment to deferred income tax expense for the year ended December 30, 2017. (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The Company's accounting for the following elements of the 2017 Tax Act is provisional. However, reasonable estimates of certain effects were made and, therefore, the Company recorded the following: Deemed Repatriation transition tax : The Deemed Repatriation transition tax (“Transition Tax”) is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits (“E&P”) of certain of our foreign subsidiaries, which subjected the Company's unremitted foreign earnings of approximately $400,000 to tax at certain specified rates less associated foreign tax credits. To determine the amount of the Transition Tax, the Company determined, in addition to other factors, the amount of post-1986 E&P of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. The Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the Transition Tax and recorded a provisional Transition Tax obligation of $9,890 . The federal portion of this is payable over eight (8) years. However, the Company may adjust this amount in 2018 to more precisely compute the amount of the Transition Tax after assessing additional implementation guidance from the IRS, state tax authorities, the SEC, the FASB, or the Joint Committee on Taxation. The Company previously considered the earnings in our non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, recorded no related deferred income taxes. Indefinite reinvestment assertion: The Company reassessed its position with respect to previously untaxed accumulated foreign earnings in its non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company has taken the position that earnings subject to the Transition Tax are not indefinitely reinvested. The Company was able to make a reasonable estimate and recorded a provisional amount of the deferred income taxes for foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes of $10,373 and $1,300 , respectively. However, the Company may adjust this amount in 2018 to more precisely compute the amount of the Transition Tax after assessing additional implementation guidance. The Company also continues to gather additional information to determine its permanently reinvested position with respect to future foreign earnings. Income tax expense (benefit) consists of: 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 49,324 $ 41,539 $ 23,130 State 4,415 5,467 4,431 Foreign 12,880 19,123 15,077 66,619 66,129 42,638 Non-current: (229 ) (381 ) (69 ) Deferred: Federal (9,626 ) 8,504 3,382 State (385 ) 202 (333 ) Foreign 49,766 (32,391 ) 1,809 39,755 (23,685 ) 4,858 $ 106,145 $ 42,063 $ 47,427 (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The reconciliations of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate follows: 2017 2016 2015 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1.4 1.7 3.1 Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (1.4 ) 2.9 (0.1 ) Foreign tax rate differences (4.1 ) (4.8 ) (5.7 ) Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (0.1 ) (0.2 ) (0.1 ) Domestic production activities deduction (2.1 ) (2.0 ) (3.8 ) Goodwill impairment — — 11.3 UK tax rate reduction — 1.0 7.7 Reversal of contingent liability — (2.2 ) — UK defined benefit pension plan — (14.6 ) — Effects of 2017 Tax Act 18.4 — — Other (0.6 ) 2.3 3.6 46.5 % 19.1 % 51.0 % Fiscal 2016 includes $32,450 of deferred income tax benefit attributable to the re-measurement of the deferred tax asset related to the Company's U.K. defined benefit pension plan. This item arose from a 2016 international legal reorganization executed to better reflect the Company's operational business strategies. The Company considered many factors in effecting this realignment, including streamlining treasury functions, creating a platform for future growth, and capital allocation considerations. In addition, in fiscal 2016 the Company recorded a $9,888 valuation allowance against a tax credit which is not more likely than not to be realized. The reversal of a $16,591 contingent non-current liability in 2016 was not taxable. 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: (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses and allowances $ 13,373 $ 16,549 Accrued insurance 818 1,071 Tax credits and loss carryforwards 54,521 104,439 Defined benefit pension liability 47,459 80,425 Inventory allowances 3,433 1,385 Accrued warranty 4,602 9,436 Deferred compensation 29,421 37,988 Gross deferred income tax assets 153,627 251,293 Valuation allowance (27,864 ) (81,923 ) Net deferred income tax assets 125,763 169,370 Deferred income tax liabilities: Work in progress 1,805 2,161 Property, plant and equipment 26,826 37,961 Intangible assets 39,613 50,405 Withholding taxes 11,673 — Other liabilities 1,819 6,164 Total deferred income tax liabilities 81,736 96,691 Net deferred income tax asset $ 44,027 $ 72,679 Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented as follows on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Balance Sheet Caption 2017 2016 Other assets $ 78,933 $ 108,482 Deferred income taxes (34,906 ) (35,803 ) Net deferred income tax asset $ 44,027 $ 72,679 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 respectively, there were $54,521 and $104,439 relating to tax credits and loss carryforwards. During 2017, several dormant UK legal entities were placed in liquidation resulting in a reduction of the capital loss carryforward of $ 60,691 . This reduction was fully offset by a reduction in the related valuation allowance. 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 30, 2017 that are associated with tax loss and tax credit carryforwards not reduced by valuation allowances expire in periods starting 2018. Uncertain tax positions included in other non-current liabilities are evaluated in a two-step process, whereby (1) the Company determines 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. (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits in 2017 and 2016 , in thousands: 2017 2016 Gross unrecognized tax benefits—beginning of year $ 3,400 $ 3,876 Gross increases—tax positions in prior period 5 99 Gross increases—current‑period tax positions 1,044 695 Settlements with taxing authorities (65 ) (105 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (1,188 ) (1,165 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits—end of year $ 3,196 $ 3,400 There are approximately $777 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 2017, the Company recorded a reduction of its gross unrecognized tax benefit of $1,188 with $772 recorded as a reduction of income tax expense, due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in the United States. During 2016, the Company recorded a reduction of its gross unrecognized tax benefit of $1,165 , with $810 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 $187 and $192 of interest and penalties at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various states as well as foreign jurisdictions. Tax years 2014 and forward remain open under U.S. statutes of limitation. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $3,059 and $3,328 at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	(10) LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt is as follows: December 30, December 31, 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) (4,312 ) (4,360 ) 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2020(c) 250,200 250,200 Unamortized premium on 6.625% senior unsecured notes(c) 2,545 3,557 Revolving credit agreement (d) — — IDR Bonds(e) 8,500 8,500 Other notes 4,033 4,395 Debt issuance costs (6,112 ) (6,646 ) Long-term debt 754,854 755,646 Less current installments of long-term debt 966 851 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 753,888 $ 754,795 (10) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) (a) The 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 include an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $1,102 at December 30, 2017. 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 principal amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $3,210 at December 30, 2017. 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. (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 $ 2,545 at December 30, 2017. The notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum and are due on April 1, 2020. 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 18, 2017, the Company amended and restated its revolving credit facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The credit facility provides for $600,000 of committed unsecured revolving credit loans. The Company may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200,000 at any time, subject to lenders increasing the amount of their commitments. This amendment extends the maturity date of the credit facility from October 17, 2019 to October 18, 2022 and increases the available borrowings in foreign currencies from $200 million to $400 million . The interest rate on the borrowings will be, at the Company's 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 Company's 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 the Company's senior debt published by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Mood's Investors Service, Inc. (10) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) At December 30, 2017, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility has a maturity date of October 18, 2022 and contains certain financial covenants that may limit additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At December 30, 2017, the Company had the ability to borrow $585,238 under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $14,762 associated with certain insurance obligations. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $113,437 , $113,276 of which was unused at December 30, 2017. (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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were 2.00% and 1.48% 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 30, 2017 . The minimum aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years following 2017 are: $966 , $765 , $250,969 , $773 and $582 . 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. 30, 2017
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 Human Resource Committee of the Board of Directors may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and bonuses of common stock. At December 30, 2017 , 529,356 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 years or on the fifth anniversary of the grant. Expiration of grants is seven years from the date of grant. The Company recorded $5,137 , $5,782 and $5,137 of compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) in the 2017 , 2016 and 2015 fiscal years, respectively. The associated tax benefits recorded in the 2017 , 2016 and 2015 fiscal years was $1,952 , $2,197 and $1,952 , respectively. At December 30, 2017 , the amount of unrecognized stock option compensation expense, to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.03 years, was approximately $7,588 . The Company uses a binomial option pricing model to value its stock options. The fair value of each option grant made in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was estimated using the following assumptions: 2017 2016 2015 Expected volatility 33.76 % 33.88 % 34.13 % Risk-free interest rate 2.12 % 1.83 % 1.58 % Expected life from vesting date 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs Dividend yield 1.17 % 1.13 % 0.94 % (11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) Following is a summary of the activity of the stock plans during 2015 , 2016 and 2017 : 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 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 26, 2015 849,609 $ 117.42 Granted 85,092 151.37 Exercised (109,893 ) 101.69 Forfeited (31,635 ) 129.36 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 793,173 $ 122.77 4.78 $ 16,640 Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2016 774,139 $ 124.18 4.75 16,200 Options exercisable at December 31, 2016 469,844 $ 123.75 3.96 9,056 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2016 was $ 40.00 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2016 793,173 $ 122.77 Granted 67,965 164.35 Exercised (284,574 ) 121.92 Forfeited (5,942 ) 104.26 Outstanding at December 30, 2017 570,622 $ 128.34 4.66 $ 21,806 Options vested or expected to vest at December 30, 2017 558,114 $ 128.00 4.63 21,517 Options exercisable at December 30, 2017 351,794 $ 123.90 3.94 15,005 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2017 was $ 43.68 . (11) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) Following is a summary of the status of stock options outstanding at December 30, 2017 : Outstanding and Exercisable By Price Range Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Number Weighted Weighted Number Weighted $83.94 - 114.11 239,480 4.71 years $ 103.23 147,216 $ 102.42 $120.91 - 136.42 127,901 3.22 years 133.88 125,459 134.07 $142.67 - 164.35 203,241 5.53 years 154.42 79,119 147.73 570,622 351,794 In accordance with shareholder-approved plans, the Human Resource Committee of the Board of Directors may grant stock under various stock‑based compensation arrangements, including restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and stock issued in lieu of cash bonuses. Under such arrangements, stock is issued without direct cost to the employee. The restricted stock units are settled in Company stock when the restriction period ends. During fiscal 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company granted restricted stock units to directors and certain management employees as follows (which are not included in the above stock plan activity tables): 2017 2016 2015 Shares issued 62,160 58,961 47,038 Weighted‑average per share price on grant date $ 163.18 $ 150.48 $ 108.97 Recognized compensation expense $ 5,569 $ 4,069 $ 4,511 At December 30, 2017 the amount of deferred stock‑based compensation granted, to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of 2.03 years, was approximately $15,971 .

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 2017: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 116,240 $ — $ 116,240 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 22,520 218 22,738 Per share amount $ 5.16 $ 0.05 $ 5.11 2016: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 173,232 $ — $ 173,232 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 22,562 147 22,709 Per share amount $ 7.68 $ 0.05 $ 7.63 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 Basic and diluted net earnings and earnings per share in fiscal 2017 were impacted by the 2017 Tax Act enacted on December 22, 2017 by the U.S. government. We remeasured our U.S. deferred income tax assets using a blended rate of 25.0% recognizing deferred income tax expense of approximately $20,372 ( $0.90 per share). We also recorded a provision charge of approximately $9,890 ( $0.44 per share) of income tax expense for the deemed repatriation transition tax and $11,673 ( $0.51 per share) of deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes. Basic and diluted net earnings and earnings per share in fiscal 2016 included a deferred income tax benefit of $30,590 ( $1.35 per share) primarily attributable to the re-measurement of the deferred tax asset related to the Company's U.K. defined benefit pension plan. In addition, fiscal 2016 included $9,888 ( $0.44 per share) recorded as a valuation allowance against a tax credit asset. Finally, fiscal 2016 included the reversal of a contingent liability that was recognized as part of the Delta purchase accounting of $16,591 ( $0.73 per share) which was not taxable. 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). 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. At the end of fiscal years 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 there were 0 , 197,303 , and 426,388 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. 30, 2017
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 2017 , 2016 and 2015 Company contributions to these plans amounted to approximately $11,800 , $10,900 and $11,700 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 $39,091 and $35,784 at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Such amounts are included in “Other assets” and “Deferred compensation” 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 $2,672 and $5,317 at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. All distributions were made in cash.

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 30, 2017 , the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt was $754,854 with an estimated fair value of approximately $799,258 . At December 31, 2016 , the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt was $755,646 with an estimated fair value of approximately $731,633 . 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 $39,091 ( $35,784 in 2016 ) 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 $1,951 ( $2,016 in 2016 ) is recorded at fair value at December 30, 2017 . Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input. These securities are included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (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 $ 41,042 $ 41,042 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading Securities $ 37,800 $ 37,800 $ — $ —

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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, cash flow, or net investment 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 2017 and 2016 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 (loss) and at December 30, 2017, the Company has a $2,545 deferred loss and a $4,312 deferred gain 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 a receivable or payable denominated in a foreign currency, a forecasted transaction or a series of forecasted transactions denominated in a foreign currency, or an investment in foreign operations with a different functional currency. (15) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued) In July 2017, the Company entered into two six-month foreign currency forward contracts which qualified as net investment hedges, in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on our grinding media business that is denominated in both Australian dollars and British pounds. The Company announced its intention to divest of this business in August 2017 and regulatory approval in Australia is currently pending. The forward contracts have a maturity date of January 2018 and a notional amount to sell British pounds and Australian dollars and receive $24,059 and $21,222 , respectively. The unrealized loss recorded at December 30, 2017 is $826 ( $619 after tax) and is included in Accounts Payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. No ineffectiveness has resulted from the hedge and the balance is recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income within gain/(loss) on hedging activities. When the forward contracts mature, the realized gain (loss) will be deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) where it will remain until the grinding media business is divested. In 2016, the Company entered into a one-year foreign currency forward contract which qualified as a net investment hedge, in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on a portion of our investments denominated in British pounds. The forward contract had a notional amount to sell British pounds and receive $44,000 , and matured in May 2017. The realized gain of $5,123 ( $3,150 after tax) has been deferred in other comprehensive income (loss) where it will remain until the Company's net investments in its British subsidiaries are divested. No ineffectiveness resulted from the hedge prior to its maturity.

GUARANTEES

GUARANTEES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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. Changes in the product warranty accrual, which is recorded in “Accrued expenses”, for the years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were as follows: 2017 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 26,538 $ 36,653 Payments made (26,097 ) (20,355 ) Change in liability for warranties issued during the period 9,787 9,565 Change in liability for pre-existing warranties 9,881 675 Balance, end of period $ 20,109 $ 26,538

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN	(18) 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 30, 2017 . 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. Because the pension plan is denominated in British pounds sterling, the Company used exchange rates of $1.234 /£ and $1.349 /£ to translate the net pension liability into U.S. dollars at December 31, 2016 and December 30, 2017 , respectively. The net funded status of $189,552 at December 30, 2017 is recorded as a noncurrent liability. 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 for all years presented. 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 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 31, 2015 $ 697,449 $ 518,126 $ (179,323 ) Employer contributions — 1,426 Interest cost 23,496 — Actual return on plan assets — 80,538 Benefits paid (17,792 ) (17,792 ) Actuarial loss 125,765 — Currency translation (132,781 ) (95,631 ) Fair Value at December 31, 2016 $ 696,137 $ 486,667 $ (209,470 ) (18) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 31, 2016 $ 696,137 $ 486,667 $ (209,470 ) Employer contributions — 40,245 Interest cost 18,152 — Actual return on plan assets — 40,842 Benefits paid (22,172 ) (22,172 ) Actuarial loss 25,154 — Currency translation 66,030 48,167 Fair Value at December 31, 2017 $ 783,301 $ 593,749 $ (189,552 ) Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of actuarial gains (losses): Balance December 26, 2015 $ (106,959 ) Actuarial loss (66,957 ) Currency translation gain 17,038 Balance December 31, 2016 (156,878 ) Actuarial loss (1,789 ) Currency translation loss (9,583 ) Balance December 30, 2017 $ (168,250 ) The estimated amount to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 is approximately $2,982. Assumptions —The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: Percentages 2017 2016 Discount rate 2.55 % 2.80 % Salary increase N/A N/A CPI inflation 2.20 % 2.25 % RPI inflation 3.30 % 3.15 % (18) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) 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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: 2017 2016 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Interest cost 18,152 23,496 Expected return on plan assets (20,486 ) (22,986 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 2,982 1,360 Net periodic benefit expense (benefit) $ 648 $ 1,870 Assumptions —The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense are as follows for fiscal 2017 and 2016: Percentages 2017 2016 Discount rate 2.80 % 3.75 % Expected return on plan assets 4.22 % 5.15 % CPI Inflation 2.25 % 2.15 % RPI Inflation 3.35 % 3.35 % 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. Cash Contributions The Company completed negotiations with Plan trustees in 2016 regarding annual funding for the Plan. The annual contributions into the Plan are $13,490 (/£ 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 $1,484 (/£ 1,100 ) per annum. The Company deferred its 2016 recovery plan contribution payment of £ 10,000 , placing it into a restricted cash account. The restriction released in March 2017, when the Company contributed £ 10,000 to the Plan. The Company also made its required £ 10,000 annual contribution in March 2017 and prepaid the 2018 £ 10,000 contribution in December 2017 to the Plan. (18) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Benefit Payments The following table details expected pension benefit payments for the years 2018 through 2027: 2018 $ 23,879 2019 24,689 2020 25,500 2021 26,308 2022 27,117 Years 2023 - 2027 149,078 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 30, 2017. 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. Leveraged inflation-linked gilts (LDIs) —LDIs are a combination of U.K. government-backed securities (such as bonds or other fixed income securities issued directly by the U.K. Treasury) money market instruments, and derivatives combined to give leveraged exposure to changes in the U.K. long-term interest and inflation rates. These funds are expected to offset a proportion of the impact changes in the long-term interest and inflation rates in the U.K. have on the pension plan's benefit plan obligation liability. The fair value recorded by the Plan is calculated using net asset value (NAV) for each investment. Corporate Bonds —Corporate bonds and debentures consist of fixed income securities issued by U.K. corporations. The fair value recorded by the Plan is calculated using NAV for each investment. Corporate Stock —This investment category consists of common and preferred stock, including mutual funds, issued by U.K. and non-U.K. corporations. The fair value recorded by the Plan is calculated using NAV for each investment, except for one small holding that is actively traded. (18) 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. The fair value recorded by the Plan is calculated using NAV for each investment. At December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 17,915 $ — $ — $ 17,915 Corporate stock 536 — — 536 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 18,451 $ — $ — $ 18,451 Plan assets at NAV: Leveraged inflation-linked gilt funds 158,011 Corporate bonds 88,905 Corporate stock 212,505 Diversified growth funds 115,877 Total plan assets at NAV 575,298 Total plan assets $ 593,749 December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 1,900 $ — $ — $ 1,900 Corporate stock 480 — — 480 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,380 $ — $ — $ 2,380 Plan assets at NAV: Index-linked gilts 135,141 Corporate bonds 83,834 Corporate stock 165,338 Diversified growth funds 99,974 Total plan assets at NAV 484,287 Total plan assets $ 486,667

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	BUSINESS SEGMENTS In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company's management structure and reporting was changed to reflect management's expectations of the future growth of certain product lines and to take into consideration the expected divestiture of the grinding media business, subject to regulatory approval, which historically was reported in the Energy and Mining segment. Grinding media will be reported in "Other" pending the completion of its divestiture. The access systems applications product line is now part of the Engineered Support Structures ("ESS") segment and the offshore and other complex structures product line is now part of the Utility segment. In the first quarter of 2017, the Company also changed its reportable segment operating income to separate out the LIFO expense (benefit). Certain inventories are accounted for using the LIFO basis in the consolidated financial statements. The segment financial information have been accordingly reclassified in this report to reflect these changes, for all periods presented. The Company now has four reportable segments based on its management 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 and distribution of engineered metal, and composite structures and components for lighting and traffic, access systems, wireless communication, and roadway safety; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the utility industry and on and offshore and other complex steel structures used in energy generation and distribution outside the United States; COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the agricultural industry and tubular products for industrial customers. In addition to these four reportable segments, the Company had other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales, operating income or assets. This includes the manufacture of forged steel grinding media for the mining industry and is 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 LIFO expense, interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments. (19) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) Summary by Business 2017 2016 2015 SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment: Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products $ 633,178 $ 612,868 $ 580,877 Communication Products 171,718 162,148 162,635 Access Systems 133,206 131,703 138,349 Engineered Support Structures segment 938,102 906,719 881,861 Utility Support Structures segment: Steel 658,604 538,284 582,930 Concrete 99,738 90,256 95,581 Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures 100,773 107,824 103,068 Utility Support Structures segment 859,115 736,364 781,579 Coatings segment 318,891 289,481 302,385 Irrigation segment 652,430 575,204 612,201 Other 76,300 83,110 103,690 Total 2,844,838 2,590,878 2,681,716 INTERSEGMENT SALES: Engineered Support Structures 25,862 15,620 1,059 Utility Support Structures 2,871 747 3,829 Coatings 62,080 45,604 46,912 Irrigation 8,058 7,231 6,430 Other — — 4,562 Total 98,871 69,202 62,792 NET SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment 912,240 891,099 880,802 Utility Support Structures segment 856,244 735,617 777,750 Coatings segment 256,811 243,877 255,473 Irrigation segment 644,372 567,973 605,771 Other 76,300 83,110 99,128 Total $ 2,745,967 $ 2,521,676 $ 2,618,924 (19) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2017 2016 2015 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS): Engineered Support Structures $ 62,960 $ 72,273 $ 28,792 Utility Support Structures 97,853 71,171 38,324 Coatings 50,179 46,596 27,369 Irrigation 101,498 90,945 78,218 Other 2,134 8,730 (4,767 ) Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method (5,680 ) (2,972 ) 12,103 Corporate (42,512 ) (43,239 ) (48,344 ) Total 266,432 243,504 131,695 Interest expense, net (39,908 ) (41,304 ) (41,325 ) Other 1,940 18,254 2,637 Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries $ 228,464 $ 220,454 $ 93,007 TOTAL ASSETS: Engineered Support Structures $ 846,881 $ 776,161 $ 790,004 Utility Support Structures 597,231 544,015 569,205 Coatings 288,890 274,666 270,793 Irrigation 369,798 313,982 310,967 Other 68,934 65,296 72,646 Corporate 430,516 417,611 378,767 Total $ 2,602,250 $ 2,391,731 $ 2,392,382 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Engineered Support Structures $ 16,433 $ 13,313 $ 12,415 Utility Support Structures 14,012 7,969 13,467 Coatings 11,080 24,873 6,836 Irrigation 7,055 8,836 7,756 Other 2,376 1,601 2,318 Corporate 4,310 1,328 2,676 Total $ 55,266 $ 57,920 $ 45,468 (19) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2017 2016 2015 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: Engineered Support Structures $ 27,637 $ 27,824 $ 30,775 Utility Support Structures 25,079 24,639 27,305 Coatings 15,115 12,883 12,962 Irrigation 11,173 12,097 11,746 Other 2,486 2,502 3,992 Corporate 3,467 2,472 4,364 Total $ 84,957 $ 82,417 $ 91,144 Summary by Geographical Area by Location of Valmont Facilities: 2017 2016 2015 NET SALES: United States $ 1,702,826 $ 1,535,321 $ 1,586,702 Australia 356,959 315,470 347,975 Denmark 100,773 99,719 98,628 Other 585,409 571,166 585,619 Total $ 2,745,967 $ 2,521,676 $ 2,618,924 LONG-LIVED ASSETS: United States $ 544,724 $ 568,085 $ 575,737 Australia 227,483 216,416 259,326 Denmark 90,372 85,654 90,463 Other 267,106 268,360 240,004 Total $ 1,129,685 $ 1,138,515 $ 1,165,530 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales in 2017 , 2016 , or 2015 . 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. Australia accounted for approximately 13% of the Company's net sales in 2017; 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. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES	(17) 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. The Company established a provision in 2010 to address a pre-acquisition contingency which arose from the Delta acquisition and was recognized as part of the purchase accounting. The applicable statutes of limitations expired and the Company determined this contingent liability is remote. Therefore in 2016, the Company reduced "Other noncurrent liabilities" by $16,591 , the amount of the provision, and recognized “Other" income.

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINANCI

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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. The Company is the issuer. Consolidated financial information for the Company ("Parent"), the Guarantor subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor subsidiaries is as follows: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,200,181 $ 485,448 $ 1,312,214 $ (251,876 ) $ 2,745,967 Cost of sales 898,799 375,383 1,042,199 (252,182 ) 2,064,199 Gross profit 301,382 110,065 270,015 306 681,768 Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,182 47,955 175,199 — 415,336 Operating income 109,200 62,110 94,816 306 266,432 Other income (expense): Interest expense (43,642 ) (13,866 ) (1,003 ) 13,866 (44,645 ) Interest income 838 42 17,723 (13,866 ) 4,737 Other 5,681 58 (3,799 ) — 1,940 (37,123 ) (13,766 ) 12,921 — (37,968 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 72,077 48,344 107,737 306 228,464 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 29,407 17,928 18,920 135 66,390 Deferred 10,307 — 29,448 — 39,755 39,714 17,928 48,368 135 106,145 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 32,363 30,416 59,369 171 122,319 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 83,877 22,146 — (106,023 ) — Net earnings 116,240 52,562 59,369 (105,852 ) 122,319 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (6,079 ) — (6,079 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 116,240 $ 52,562 $ 53,290 $ (105,852 ) $ 116,240 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,126,985 $ 390,756 $ 1,195,812 $ (191,877 ) $ 2,521,676 Cost of sales 837,616 285,924 932,609 (190,716 ) 1,865,433 Gross profit 289,369 104,832 263,203 (1,161 ) 656,243 Selling, general and administrative expenses 184,493 46,244 182,002 — 412,739 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — — — — — Operating income 104,876 58,588 81,201 (1,161 ) 243,504 Other income (expense): Interest expense (43,703 ) (10 ) (696 ) — (44,409 ) Interest income 273 112 2,720 — 3,105 Other 1,480 77 16,697 — 18,254 (41,950 ) 179 18,721 — (23,050 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 62,926 58,767 99,922 (1,161 ) 220,454 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 24,539 20,270 21,262 (323 ) 65,748 Deferred 6,216 — (29,901 ) — (23,685 ) 30,755 20,270 (8,639 ) (323 ) 42,063 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 32,171 38,497 108,561 (838 ) 178,391 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 141,061 66,128 — (207,189 ) — Net earnings 173,232 104,625 108,561 (208,027 ) 178,391 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,159 ) — (5,159 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 173,232 $ 104,625 $ 103,402 $ (208,027 ) $ 173,232 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED 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) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 116,240 $ 52,562 $ 59,369 $ (105,852 ) $ 122,319 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — 138,795 (59,516 ) — 79,279 Gain (loss) on hedging activity: Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge (1,695 ) — — — (1,695 ) Amortization cost included in interest expense 74 — — — 74 (1,621 ) — — — (1,621 ) Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (10,871 ) — (10,871 ) Equity in other comprehensive income 68,958 — — (68,958 ) — Other comprehensive income (loss) 67,337 138,795 (70,387 ) (68,958 ) 66,787 Comprehensive income (loss) 183,577 191,357 (11,018 ) (174,810 ) 189,106 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,529 ) — (5,529 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 183,577 $ 191,357 $ (16,547 ) $ (174,810 ) $ 183,577 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 173,232 $ 104,625 $ 108,561 $ (208,027 ) $ 178,391 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — 49 (58,364 ) — (58,315 ) — 49 (58,364 ) — (58,315 ) Gain (loss) on hedging activity: Amortization cost included in interest expense 74 — — — 74 Unrealized gain on net investment hedge 4,226 — — — 4,226 4,300 — — — 4,300 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (24,141 ) — (24,141 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (83,252 ) — — 83,252 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (78,952 ) 49 (82,505 ) 83,252 (78,156 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 94,280 104,674 26,056 (124,775 ) 100,235 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (6,144 ) — (6,144 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 94,280 $ 104,674 $ 19,912 $ (124,775 ) $ 94,091 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED 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 hedging activity: 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 (92,668 ) (25,926 ) (133,043 ) 159,801 (91,836 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (832 ) — (832 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ (92,668 ) $ (25,926 ) $ (133,875 ) $ 159,801 $ (92,668 ) (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 83,329 $ 5,304 $ 404,172 $ — $ 492,805 Receivables, net 149,221 82,995 271,461 — 503,677 Inventories 160,444 46,801 217,551 (3,848 ) 420,948 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets 8,607 970 34,066 — 43,643 Refundable income taxes 11,492 — — — 11,492 Total current assets 413,093 136,070 927,250 (3,848 ) 1,472,565 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 557,371 160,767 447,549 — 1,165,687 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 368,668 84,508 193,583 — 646,759 Net property, plant and equipment 188,703 76,259 253,966 — 518,928 Goodwill 20,108 110,562 207,050 — 337,720 Other intangible assets 130 30,955 107,514 — 138,599 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,416,446 1,181,537 927,179 (3,525,162 ) — Other assets 50,773 — 83,665 — 134,438 Total assets $ 2,089,253 $ 1,535,383 $ 2,506,624 $ (3,529,010 ) $ 2,602,250 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ — $ — $ 966 $ — $ 966 Notes payable to banks — — 161 — 161 Accounts payable 69,915 18,039 139,952 — 227,906 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 44,086 8,749 31,591 — 84,426 Accrued expenses 28,198 9,621 43,210 — 81,029 Dividends payable 8,510 — — — 8,510 Total current liabilities 150,709 36,409 215,880 — 402,998 Deferred income taxes 20,885 — 14,021 — 34,906 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 750,821 185,078 9,836 (191,847 ) 753,888 Defined benefit pension liability — — 189,552 — 189,552 Deferred compensation 42,928 — 5,598 — 48,526 Other noncurrent liabilities 11,074 6 9,505 — 20,585 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,682 (1,106,632 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 159,414 1,107,536 (1,266,950 ) — Retained earnings 1,954,344 622,044 619,622 (1,241,666 ) 1,954,344 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (279,022 ) 74,482 (352,567 ) 278,085 (279,022 ) Treasury stock (590,386 ) — — — (590,386 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,112,836 1,313,890 2,023,273 (3,337,163 ) 1,112,836 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 38,959 — 38,959 Total shareholders’ equity 1,112,836 1,313,890 2,062,232 (3,337,163 ) 1,151,795 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,089,253 $ 1,535,383 $ 2,506,624 $ (3,529,010 ) $ 2,602,250 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 67,225 $ 6,071 $ 326,652 $ — $ 399,948 Receivables, net 134,351 60,522 244,469 — 439,342 Inventories 126,669 45,457 182,056 (4,154 ) 350,028 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets 13,271 880 43,146 — 57,297 Refundable income taxes 6,601 — — — 6,601 Total current assets 348,117 112,930 796,323 (4,154 ) 1,253,216 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 547,076 153,596 405,064 — 1,105,736 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 352,960 76,776 157,665 — 587,401 Net property, plant and equipment 194,116 76,820 247,399 — 518,335 Goodwill 20,108 110,561 190,441 — 321,110 Other intangible assets 184 35,953 108,241 — 144,378 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,279,413 901,758 1,089,369 (3,270,540 ) — Other assets 43,880 — 110,812 — 154,692 Total assets $ 1,885,818 $ 1,238,022 $ 2,542,585 $ (3,274,694 ) $ 2,391,731 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ — $ — $ 851 $ — $ 851 Notes payable to banks — — 746 — 746 Accounts payable 52,272 15,732 109,484 — 177,488 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 34,508 7,243 30,653 — 72,404 Accrued expenses 30,261 15,242 44,411 — 89,914 Dividends payable 8,445 — — — 8,445 Total current liabilities 125,486 38,217 186,145 — 349,848 Deferred income taxes 22,481 — 13,322 — 35,803 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 751,251 — 3,544 — 754,795 Defined benefit pension liability — — 209,470 — 209,470 Deferred compensation 39,476 — 4,843 — 44,319 Other noncurrent liabilities 3,642 5 11,263 — 14,910 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 1,874,722 646,749 603,338 (1,250,087 ) 1,874,722 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (346,359 ) (64,313 ) (284,663 ) 348,976 (346,359 ) Treasury stock (612,781 ) — — — (612,781 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 943,482 1,199,800 2,074,894 (3,274,694 ) 943,482 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 39,104 — 39,104 Total shareholders’ equity 943,482 1,199,800 2,113,998 (3,274,694 ) 982,586 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,885,818 $ 1,238,022 $ 2,542,585 $ (3,274,694 ) $ 2,391,731 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 116,240 $ 52,562 $ 59,369 $ (105,852 ) $ 122,319 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 26,237 15,003 43,717 — 84,957 Noncash loss on trading securities — — 237 — 237 Decrease in restricted cash - pension plan trust — — 12,568 — 12,568 Stock-based compensation 10,706 — — — 10,706 Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — 648 — 648 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (40,245 ) — (40,245 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (664 ) 8 (3,268 ) — (3,924 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (83,877 ) (22,146 ) — 106,023 — Deferred income taxes 10,307 — 29,448 — 39,755 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Receivables (13,120 ) (22,473 ) (13,519 ) — (49,112 ) Inventories (33,775 ) (1,345 ) (22,016 ) (306 ) (57,442 ) Prepaid expenses (2,207 ) (90 ) (3,741 ) — (6,038 ) Accounts payable 17,643 2,307 19,455 — 39,405 Accrued expenses 7,516 (4,116 ) (5,398 ) — (1,998 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (140 ) — (7,088 ) — (7,228 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) (11,837 ) 728 12,217 — 1,108 Net cash flows from operating activities 43,029 20,438 82,384 (135 ) 145,716 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (20,460 ) (9,454 ) (25,352 ) — (55,266 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 748 3 7,434 — 8,185 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (5,362 ) — (5,362 ) Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge 5,123 — — — 5,123 Other, net 684 (22,777 ) 19,663 135 (2,295 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (13,905 ) (32,228 ) (3,617 ) 135 (49,615 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under short-term agreements — — (585 ) — (585 ) Principal payments on long-term borrowings — (887 ) — (887 ) Dividends paid (33,862 ) — — — (33,862 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (5,674 ) — (5,674 ) Intercompany dividends 22,662 — (22,662 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution (10,818 ) 10,818 — Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 35,159 — — — 35,159 Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (26,161 ) — — — (26,161 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (13,020 ) 10,818 (29,808 ) — (32,010 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — 205 28,561 — 28,766 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 16,104 (767 ) 77,520 — 92,857 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 67,225 6,071 326,652 — 399,948 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 83,329 $ 5,304 $ 404,172 $ — $ 492,805 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 173,232 $ 104,625 $ 108,561 $ (208,027 ) $ 178,391 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 27,096 13,316 42,005 — 82,417 Noncash loss on trading securities — — 586 — 586 Increase in restricted cash - pension plan trust — — (13,652 ) — (13,652 ) Impairment of property, plant and equipment — — 1,099 — 1,099 Stock-based compensation 9,931 — — — 9,931 Change in fair value of contingent consideration — — (3,242 ) — (3,242 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — 1,870 — 1,870 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (1,488 ) — (1,488 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 165 103 363 — 631 Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (141,061 ) (66,128 ) — 207,189 — Deferred income taxes 6,216 — (29,901 ) — (23,685 ) Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Receivables (3,610 ) 5,865 22,367 — 24,622 Inventories 5,554 (7,078 ) (11,097 ) 1,160 (11,461 ) Prepaid expenses (1,250 ) (114 ) 2,502 — 1,138 Accounts payable (14,452 ) 2,052 12,504 — 104 Accrued expenses 1,423 (6,664 ) (6,966 ) — (12,207 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (2,333 ) 5 (21,552 ) — (23,880 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) 32,873 (16,567 ) (8,312 ) — 7,994 Net cash flows from operating activities 93,784 29,415 95,647 322 219,168 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (9,031 ) (22,320 ) (26,569 ) — (57,920 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 44 102 4,980 — 5,126 Other, net (633 ) (5,085 ) 5,785 (322 ) (255 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (9,620 ) (27,303 ) (15,804 ) (322 ) (53,049 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under short-term agreements — — (200 ) — (200 ) Principal payments on long-term borrowings (215 ) — (1,791 ) — (2,006 ) Dividends paid (34,053 ) — — — (34,053 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interest — — (11,009 ) — (11,009 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (2,938 ) — (2,938 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 11,153 — — — 11,153 Purchase of treasury shares (53,800 ) — — — (53,800 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (2,305 ) — — — (2,305 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (79,220 ) — (15,938 ) — (95,158 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (49 ) (20,038 ) — (20,087 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 4,944 2,063 43,867 — 50,874 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 62,281 4,008 282,785 — 349,074 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 67,225 $ 6,071 $ 326,652 $ — $ 399,948 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED 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: Payments 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

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaud

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 2017 First $ 637,473 $ 164,605 $ 38,979 $ 1.73 $ 1.72 $ 165.20 $ 135.95 $ 0.375 Second 712,737 183,280 45,664 2.03 2.01 157.60 144.65 0.375 Third 680,779 163,594 35,208 1.56 1.55 160.35 140.90 0.375 Fourth (1) 714,978 170,289 (3,611 ) (0.16 ) (0.16 ) 176.35 153.65 0.375 Year $ 2,745,967 $ 681,768 $ 116,240 $ 5.16 $ 5.11 $ 176.35 $ 135.95 $ 1.50 2016 First $ 596,605 $ 160,968 $ 32,969 $ 1.45 $ 1.45 $ 125.69 $ 96.50 $ 0.375 Second 640,249 175,117 42,026 1.86 1.85 145.94 117.10 0.375 Third 610,247 155,023 28,173 1.25 1.24 139.62 125.60 0.375 Fourth (2) 674,575 165,135 70,064 3.12 3.10 156.05 120.65 0.375 Year $ 2,521,676 $ 656,243 $ 173,232 $ 7.68 $ 7.63 $ 156.05 $ 96.50 $ 1.50 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 fourth quarter of 2017 was impacted by the 2017 Tax Act. We remeasured our U.S. deferred income tax assets using a blended rate of 25.0% recognizing deferred income tax expense of approximately $20,372 ( $0.90 per share). We also recorded a provision charge of approximately $9,890 ( $0.44 per share) of income tax expense for the deemed repatriation transition tax and $11,673 ( $0.51 per share) of deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes. (2) The fourth quarter of 2016 included a deferred income tax benefit of $30,590 ( $1.35 per share) primarily attributable to the re-measurement of the deferred tax asset related to the Company's U.K. defined benefit pension plan. In addition, fiscal 2016 included $9,888 ( $0.44 per share) recorded as a valuation allowance against a tax credit asset. Finally, the fourth quarter of 2016 included the reversal of a contingent liability that was recognized as part of the Delta purchase accounting of $16,591 ( $0.73 per share).

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN31

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(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. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. During 2017, the Company performed an evaluation of the effect from adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position. When the terms and conditions allow the Company to bill a customer for full compensation on a canceled order for the performance completed to date, and the inventory is custom engineered to a single customer's specifications, revenue will be recognized over the production period and not the historical practice which is upon shipment or time of delivery to the customer. The Company has certain product lines with customer engineering specifications resulting in limited ability for the asset to be used for another customer; this resides in the Utility segment and a small product line of the Engineered Support Structures segment. The Company estimates that approximately $52,000 of sales and $13,100 of pre-tax operating income would have been recognized prior to December 30, 2017 if the Company followed the new accounting guidance instead of the previously applied revenue recognition guidance. The Company will adopt the new standard using the modified retrospective approach effective the first day of fiscal 2018, resulting in a credit to retained earnings being recognized for approximately $ 9,800 . From a balance sheet perspective, a contract asset will be recorded for the amount of revenue recognized over the production period in excess of billings to that customer. A large portion of the increase to total assets from the recognition of a contract asset will be offset by lower reported inventory; the effect on the balance sheet will not be material. Although there were no significant changes to the Company's accounting systems or controls upon adoption of Topic 606, certain existing controls were modified to incorporate the revisions made to our accounting policies and practices. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases , which provides revised guidance on leases requiring lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance but expects the adoption will result in a significant increase in total assets and liabilities. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash , which requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents to be included within cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 is effective for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt in the first quarter of 2018, recasting the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total cash and cash equivalent amounts on the statement of cash flows to include the £ 10,000 restricted cash account for the pension plan at December 31, 2016, thus changing cash flows from operations for fiscal years 2017 and 2016. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. ASU 2017-04 is effective for periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company adopted this standard in the third quarter of 2017 which is the same period as it performs the annual goodwill impairment testing. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Presentation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Related to Defined Benefit Plans , which amends the income statement presentation requirements for the components of net periodic benefit cost for an entity's defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans. ASU 2017-07 is effective for periods and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of any annual period for which an entity's financial statements have not been issued. The Company does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and plans to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2018.
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 $21,537 and $18,734 were classified as accounts payable at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 four 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 and distribution of engineered metal, and composite structures and components for lighting and traffic, access systems, wireless communication, and roadway safety; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the utility industry, including on and offshore and other complex steel structures used in the energy generation or distribution industry outside the United States; COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the agricultural industry as well as tubular products for a variety of industrial customers. In addition to these four reportable segments, there are other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales, operating income or assets.
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 year ended December 30, 2017 consisted of 52 weeks. The Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 consisted of 53 weeks and fiscal year ended December 26, 2015 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. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to both current and long-term accounts receivables was $9,813 at December 30, 2017 .
Inventories	Inventories Approximately 37% and 38% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 $43,727 and $38,047 at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , 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 2017 , 2016 and 2015 was $69,046 , $66,482 and $72,805 , 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 $4,151 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 2016 and 2015 as facilities were closed and future plans for certain fixed assets changed in connection with the Company's restructuring plans. 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 these evaluations, management considers recent operating performance, expected future performance, industry conditions and other indicators of potential impairment. 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, fair value, or net investment hedge.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive income (loss) 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 Gain on Hedging Activities Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (251,228 ) $ 7,978 $ (103,109 ) $ (346,359 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) 79,829 (1,621 ) (10,871 ) 67,337 Balance at December 30, 2017 $ (171,399 ) $ 6,357 $ (113,980 ) $ (279,022 )
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. The Company is not entitled to any compensation solely based on design of the product and does 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 the 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.
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 $500,000 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 $250,000 of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date.
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 2017 , $8,300 in 2016 , and $11,600 in 2015 .

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN32

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 Gain on Hedging Activities Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (251,228 ) $ 7,978 $ (103,109 ) $ (346,359 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) 79,829 (1,621 ) (10,871 ) 67,337 Balance at December 30, 2017 $ (171,399 ) $ 6,357 $ (113,980 ) $ (279,022 )

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDAT33

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Pro forma results of operations
Valmont SM
Summary of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Summary of the major classes of acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted-average amortization periods
Shakespeare
Summary of fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Summary of the major classes of acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted-average amortization periods

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Schedule of liabilities recorded for the restructuring plan and changes	iabilities recorded for the restructuring plans were as follows: Balance at December 31, 2016 Recognized Restructuring Expense Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at December 30, 2017 Severance $ 1,597 $ — $ (1,597 ) $ — Other cash restructuring expenses 4,581 — (3,365 ) 1,216 Total $ 6,178 $ — $ (4,962 ) $ 1,216
Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Schedule of restructuring activities	he following pre-tax expenses were recognized in 2015: ESS Utility Coatings Irrigation Other/ Corporate TOTAL Severance $ 4,417 $ 1,555 $ 508 $ 724 $ — $ 7,204 Other cash restructuring expenses 2,349 1,853 175 — — 4,377 Asset impairments/net loss on disposals 3,694 1,142 5,291 — — 10,127 Total cost of sales 10,460 4,550 5,974 724 — 21,708 Severance 3,665 404 270 423 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 5,888 642 606 553 10,455 18,144 Consolidated total $ 16,348 $ 5,192 $ 6,580 $ 1,277 $ 10,455 $ 39,852

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFOR35

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 30, 2017 , the fifty-three weeks ended December 31, 2016 , and the fifty-two weeks ended December 26, 2015 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Interest $ 44,528 $ 45,683 $ 44,974 Income taxes 63,791 48,203 33,046

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of inventories	Inventories consisted of the following at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 : 2017 2016 Raw materials and purchased parts $ 183,029 $ 143,659 Work-in-process 30,671 27,291 Finished goods and manufactured goods 250,975 217,125 Subtotal 464,675 388,075 Less: LIFO reserve 43,727 38,047 $ 420,948 $ 350,028

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of property, plant and equipment, at cost	Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consist of the following: 2017 2016 Land and improvements $ 93,258 $ 85,724 Buildings and improvements 350,937 325,813 Machinery and equipment 588,439 564,171 Transportation equipment 23,682 22,423 Office furniture and equipment 82,025 77,453 Construction in progress 27,346 30,152 $ 1,165,687 $ 1,105,736
Schedule of minimum lease payments under operating leases	Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to December 30, 2017 are: Fiscal year ending 2018 $ 21,562 2019 15,839 2020 15,639 2021 12,227 2022 7,325 Subsequent 27,325 Total minimum lease payments $ 99,917

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of amortized intangible assets	The components of amortized intangible assets at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: December 30, 2017 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 200,810 $ 131,062 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,671 3,107 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 6,693 3,999 11 years Other 4,861 4,121 3 years $ 216,035 $ 142,289 December 31, 2016 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 191,316 $ 111,342 13 years Proprietary Software & Database 3,616 3,056 8 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 6,434 3,420 11 years Other 3,713 3,668 3 years $ 205,079 $ 121,486
Schedule of future estimated amortization expense	Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑lived intangible assets is as follows: Estimated 2018 $ 14,537 2019 13,761 2020 12,647 2021 10,525 2022 7,550
Schedule of non-amortized intangible assets	The carrying values of trade names at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows: (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) December 30, December 31, Year Acquired Webforge $ 9,432 $ 8,624 2010 Valmont SM 9,973 8,765 2014 Newmark 11,111 11,111 2004 Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products 7,690 7,032 2010 Donhad 5,801 5,305 2010 Shakespeare 4,000 4,000 2014 Other 16,846 15,948 $ 64,853 $ 60,785
Schedule of carrying amount of goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows: Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Other Total Gross Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 157,689 $ 88,680 $ 75,791 $ 19,359 $ 17,487 $ 356,002 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — — (34,892 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 139,019 $ 88,451 $ 59,569 $ 19,611 $ 14,460 $ 321,110 Acquisitions 3,449 — — — — 3,449 Foreign currency translation 8,938 1,797 905 167 1,354 13,161 Balance at December 30, 2017 $ 151,406 $ 90,248 $ 60,474 $ 19,778 $ 15,814 $ 337,720 (7) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Other Total Gross Balance at December 26, 2015 $ 170,341 $ 88,680 $ 75,941 $ 19,359 $ 17,487 $ 371,808 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — — (34,892 ) Balance at December 26, 2015 151,671 88,680 59,719 19,359 17,487 336,916 Foreign currency translation (12,652 ) (229 ) (150 ) 252 (3,027 ) (15,806 ) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 139,019 $ 88,451 $ 59,569 $ 19,611 $ 14,460 $ 321,110

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income tax expense (benefit)	The 2017 Tax Act was enacted in December 2017 which comprised a number of changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code that impact corporations beginning in 2018; 1) a reduction in the statutory federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, 2) limiting or eliminating certain tax deductions, and 3) changing the taxation of unremitted foreign earnings. The Company estimated and recognized approximately $ 41,935 of tax expense for the 2017 Tax Act. The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provides guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act (see footnote 1). The Company's accounting for the following element of the 2017 Tax Act is complete: Reduction of U.S. federal corporate tax rate : The 2017 Tax Act reduces the corporate tax rate to 21 percent, effective January 1, 2018. Consequently, we have recorded a decrease related to deferred taxes of $20,372 , with a corresponding net adjustment to deferred income tax expense for the year ended December 30, 2017. (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The Company's accounting for the following elements of the 2017 Tax Act is provisional. However, reasonable estimates of certain effects were made and, therefore, the Company recorded the following: Deemed Repatriation transition tax : The Deemed Repatriation transition tax (“Transition Tax”) is a tax on previously untaxed accumulated and current earnings and profits (“E&P”) of certain of our foreign subsidiaries, which subjected the Company's unremitted foreign earnings of approximately $400,000 to tax at certain specified rates less associated foreign tax credits. To determine the amount of the Transition Tax, the Company determined, in addition to other factors, the amount of post-1986 E&P of the relevant subsidiaries, as well as the amount of non-U.S. income taxes paid on such earnings. The Company was able to make a reasonable estimate of the Transition Tax and recorded a provisional Transition Tax obligation of $9,890 . The federal portion of this is payable over eight (8) years. However, the Company may adjust this amount in 2018 to more precisely compute the amount of the Transition Tax after assessing additional implementation guidance from the IRS, state tax authorities, the SEC, the FASB, or the Joint Committee on Taxation. The Company previously considered the earnings in our non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, recorded no related deferred income taxes. Indefinite reinvestment assertion: The Company reassessed its position with respect to previously untaxed accumulated foreign earnings in its non-U.S. subsidiaries. The Company has taken the position that earnings subject to the Transition Tax are not indefinitely reinvested. The Company was able to make a reasonable estimate and recorded a provisional amount of the deferred income taxes for foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes of $10,373 and $1,300 , respectively. However, the Company may adjust this amount in 2018 to more precisely compute the amount of the Transition Tax after assessing additional implementation guidance. The Company also continues to gather additional information to determine its permanently reinvested position with respect to future foreign earnings. Income tax expense (benefit) consists of: 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 49,324 $ 41,539 $ 23,130 State 4,415 5,467 4,431 Foreign 12,880 19,123 15,077 66,619 66,129 42,638 Non-current: (229 ) (381 ) (69 ) Deferred: Federal (9,626 ) 8,504 3,382 State (385 ) 202 (333 ) Foreign 49,766 (32,391 ) 1,809 39,755 (23,685 ) 4,858 $ 106,145 $ 42,063 $ 47,427
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: 2017 2016 2015 Statutory federal income tax rate 35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1.4 1.7 3.1 Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (1.4 ) 2.9 (0.1 ) Foreign tax rate differences (4.1 ) (4.8 ) (5.7 ) Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (0.1 ) (0.2 ) (0.1 ) Domestic production activities deduction (2.1 ) (2.0 ) (3.8 ) Goodwill impairment — — 11.3 UK tax rate reduction — 1.0 7.7 Reversal of contingent liability — (2.2 ) — UK defined benefit pension plan — (14.6 ) — Effects of 2017 Tax Act 18.4 — — Other (0.6 ) 2.3 3.6 46.5 % 19.1 % 51.0 %
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: (9) INCOME TAXES (Continued) 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses and allowances $ 13,373 $ 16,549 Accrued insurance 818 1,071 Tax credits and loss carryforwards 54,521 104,439 Defined benefit pension liability 47,459 80,425 Inventory allowances 3,433 1,385 Accrued warranty 4,602 9,436 Deferred compensation 29,421 37,988 Gross deferred income tax assets 153,627 251,293 Valuation allowance (27,864 ) (81,923 ) Net deferred income tax assets 125,763 169,370 Deferred income tax liabilities: Work in progress 1,805 2,161 Property, plant and equipment 26,826 37,961 Intangible assets 39,613 50,405 Withholding taxes 11,673 — Other liabilities 1,819 6,164 Total deferred income tax liabilities 81,736 96,691 Net deferred income tax asset $ 44,027 $ 72,679
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 2017 2016 Other assets $ 78,933 $ 108,482 Deferred income taxes (34,906 ) (35,803 ) Net deferred income tax asset $ 44,027 $ 72,679
Schedule of activity related to unrecognized tax benefits	The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits in 2017 and 2016 , in thousands: 2017 2016 Gross unrecognized tax benefits—beginning of year $ 3,400 $ 3,876 Gross increases—tax positions in prior period 5 99 Gross increases—current‑period tax positions 1,044 695 Settlements with taxing authorities (65 ) (105 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (1,188 ) (1,165 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits—end of year $ 3,196 $ 3,400

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	December 30, December 31, 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) (4,312 ) (4,360 ) 6.625% senior unsecured notes due 2020(c) 250,200 250,200 Unamortized premium on 6.625% senior unsecured notes(c) 2,545 3,557 Revolving credit agreement (d) — — IDR Bonds(e) 8,500 8,500 Other notes 4,033 4,395 Debt issuance costs (6,112 ) (6,646 ) Long-term debt 754,854 755,646 Less current installments of long-term debt 966 851 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 753,888 $ 754,795 (10) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) (a) The 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 include an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $1,102 at December 30, 2017. 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 principal amount of $250,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $3,210 at December 30, 2017. 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. (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 $ 2,545 at December 30, 2017. The notes bear interest at 6.625% per annum and are due on April 1, 2020. 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 18, 2017, the Company amended and restated its revolving credit facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The credit facility provides for $600,000 of committed unsecured revolving credit loans. The Company may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200,000 at any time, subject to lenders increasing the amount of their commitments. This amendment extends the maturity date of the credit facility from October 17, 2019 to October 18, 2022 and increases the available borrowings in foreign currencies from $200 million to $400 million . The interest rate on the borrowings will be, at the Company's 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 Company's 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 the Company's senior debt published by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Mood's Investors Service, Inc. (10) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) At December 30, 2017, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility has a maturity date of October 18, 2022 and contains certain financial covenants that may limit additional borrowing capability under the agreement. At December 30, 2017, the Company had the ability to borrow $585,238 under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $14,762 associated with certain insurance obligations. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $113,437 , $113,276 of which was unused at December 30, 2017. (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 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were 2.00% and 1.48% respectively.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant	2017 2016 2015 Expected volatility 33.76 % 33.88 % 34.13 % Risk-free interest rate 2.12 % 1.83 % 1.58 % Expected life from vesting date 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs Dividend yield 1.17 % 1.13 % 0.94 %
Summary of activity of stock plans	Following is a summary of the activity of the stock plans during 2015 , 2016 and 2017 : 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 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 26, 2015 849,609 $ 117.42 Granted 85,092 151.37 Exercised (109,893 ) 101.69 Forfeited (31,635 ) 129.36 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 793,173 $ 122.77 4.78 $ 16,640 Options vested or expected to vest at December 31, 2016 774,139 $ 124.18 4.75 16,200 Options exercisable at December 31, 2016 469,844 $ 123.75 3.96 9,056 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2016 was $ 40.00 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 31, 2016 793,173 $ 122.77 Granted 67,965 164.35 Exercised (284,574 ) 121.92 Forfeited (5,942 ) 104.26 Outstanding at December 30, 2017 570,622 $ 128.34 4.66 $ 21,806 Options vested or expected to vest at December 30, 2017 558,114 $ 128.00 4.63 21,517 Options exercisable at December 30, 2017 351,794 $ 123.90 3.94 15,005 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2017 was $ 43.68 .
Summary of status of stock options outstanding	Following is a summary of the status of stock options outstanding at December 30, 2017 : Outstanding and Exercisable By Price Range Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Number Weighted Weighted Number Weighted $83.94 - 114.11 239,480 4.71 years $ 103.23 147,216 $ 102.42 $120.91 - 136.42 127,901 3.22 years 133.88 125,459 134.07 $142.67 - 164.35 203,241 5.53 years 154.42 79,119 147.73 570,622 351,794
Schedule of non-vested stock and restricted stock units	2017 2016 2015 Shares issued 62,160 58,961 47,038 Weighted‑average per share price on grant date $ 163.18 $ 150.48 $ 108.97 Recognized compensation expense $ 5,569 $ 4,069 $ 4,511

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 2017: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 116,240 $ — $ 116,240 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 22,520 218 22,738 Per share amount $ 5.16 $ 0.05 $ 5.11 2016: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 173,232 $ — $ 173,232 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 22,562 147 22,709 Per share amount $ 7.68 $ 0.05 $ 7.63 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

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA43

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 $ 41,042 $ 41,042 $ — $ — Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading Securities $ 37,800 $ 37,800 $ — $ —

GUARANTEES (Tables)

GUARANTEES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Guarantees [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the product warranty accrual	2017 2016 Balance, beginning of period $ 26,538 $ 36,653 Payments made (26,097 ) (20,355 ) Change in liability for warranties issued during the period 9,787 9,565 Change in liability for pre-existing warranties 9,881 675 Balance, end of period $ 20,109 $ 26,538

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL45

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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	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 for all years presented. 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 31, 2015 to December 31, 2016 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 31, 2015 $ 697,449 $ 518,126 $ (179,323 ) Employer contributions — 1,426 Interest cost 23,496 — Actual return on plan assets — 80,538 Benefits paid (17,792 ) (17,792 ) Actuarial loss 125,765 — Currency translation (132,781 ) (95,631 ) Fair Value at December 31, 2016 $ 696,137 $ 486,667 $ (209,470 ) (18) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 31, 2016 $ 696,137 $ 486,667 $ (209,470 ) Employer contributions — 40,245 Interest cost 18,152 — Actual return on plan assets — 40,842 Benefits paid (22,172 ) (22,172 ) Actuarial loss 25,154 — Currency translation 66,030 48,167 Fair Value at December 31, 2017 $ 783,301 $ 593,749 $ (189,552 )
Schedule of pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Balance December 26, 2015 $ (106,959 ) Actuarial loss (66,957 ) Currency translation gain 17,038 Balance December 31, 2016 (156,878 ) Actuarial loss (1,789 ) Currency translation loss (9,583 ) Balance December 30, 2017 $ (168,250 )
Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation	Percentages 2017 2016 Discount rate 2.55 % 2.80 % Salary increase N/A N/A CPI inflation 2.20 % 2.25 % RPI inflation 3.30 % 3.15 %
Schedule of components of the net periodic pension (benefit) expense	2017 2016 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Interest cost 18,152 23,496 Expected return on plan assets (20,486 ) (22,986 ) Amortization of actuarial loss 2,982 1,360 Net periodic benefit expense (benefit) $ 648 $ 1,870
Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense	Percentages 2017 2016 Discount rate 2.80 % 3.75 % Expected return on plan assets 4.22 % 5.15 % CPI Inflation 2.25 % 2.15 % RPI Inflation 3.35 % 3.35 %
Schedule of expected pension benefit payments	2018 $ 23,879 2019 24,689 2020 25,500 2021 26,308 2022 27,117 Years 2023 - 2027 149,078
Schedule of pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 17,915 $ — $ — $ 17,915 Corporate stock 536 — — 536 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 18,451 $ — $ — $ 18,451 Plan assets at NAV: Leveraged inflation-linked gilt funds 158,011 Corporate bonds 88,905 Corporate stock 212,505 Diversified growth funds 115,877 Total plan assets at NAV 575,298 Total plan assets $ 593,749 December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 1,900 $ — $ — $ 1,900 Corporate stock 480 — — 480 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 2,380 $ — $ — $ 2,380 Plan assets at NAV: Index-linked gilts 135,141 Corporate bonds 83,834 Corporate stock 165,338 Diversified growth funds 99,974 Total plan assets at NAV 484,287 Total plan assets $ 486,667

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting information of sales and operating income	Summary by Business 2017 2016 2015 SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment: Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products $ 633,178 $ 612,868 $ 580,877 Communication Products 171,718 162,148 162,635 Access Systems 133,206 131,703 138,349 Engineered Support Structures segment 938,102 906,719 881,861 Utility Support Structures segment: Steel 658,604 538,284 582,930 Concrete 99,738 90,256 95,581 Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures 100,773 107,824 103,068 Utility Support Structures segment 859,115 736,364 781,579 Coatings segment 318,891 289,481 302,385 Irrigation segment 652,430 575,204 612,201 Other 76,300 83,110 103,690 Total 2,844,838 2,590,878 2,681,716 INTERSEGMENT SALES: Engineered Support Structures 25,862 15,620 1,059 Utility Support Structures 2,871 747 3,829 Coatings 62,080 45,604 46,912 Irrigation 8,058 7,231 6,430 Other — — 4,562 Total 98,871 69,202 62,792 NET SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment 912,240 891,099 880,802 Utility Support Structures segment 856,244 735,617 777,750 Coatings segment 256,811 243,877 255,473 Irrigation segment 644,372 567,973 605,771 Other 76,300 83,110 99,128 Total $ 2,745,967 $ 2,521,676 $ 2,618,924 (19) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2017 2016 2015 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS): Engineered Support Structures $ 62,960 $ 72,273 $ 28,792 Utility Support Structures 97,853 71,171 38,324 Coatings 50,179 46,596 27,369 Irrigation 101,498 90,945 78,218 Other 2,134 8,730 (4,767 ) Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method (5,680 ) (2,972 ) 12,103 Corporate (42,512 ) (43,239 ) (48,344 ) Total 266,432 243,504 131,695 Interest expense, net (39,908 ) (41,304 ) (41,325 ) Other 1,940 18,254 2,637 Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries $ 228,464 $ 220,454 $ 93,007 TOTAL ASSETS: Engineered Support Structures $ 846,881 $ 776,161 $ 790,004 Utility Support Structures 597,231 544,015 569,205 Coatings 288,890 274,666 270,793 Irrigation 369,798 313,982 310,967 Other 68,934 65,296 72,646 Corporate 430,516 417,611 378,767 Total $ 2,602,250 $ 2,391,731 $ 2,392,382 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Engineered Support Structures $ 16,433 $ 13,313 $ 12,415 Utility Support Structures 14,012 7,969 13,467 Coatings 11,080 24,873 6,836 Irrigation 7,055 8,836 7,756 Other 2,376 1,601 2,318 Corporate 4,310 1,328 2,676 Total $ 55,266 $ 57,920 $ 45,468 (19) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2017 2016 2015 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: Engineered Support Structures $ 27,637 $ 27,824 $ 30,775 Utility Support Structures 25,079 24,639 27,305 Coatings 15,115 12,883 12,962 Irrigation 11,173 12,097 11,746 Other 2,486 2,502 3,992 Corporate 3,467 2,472 4,364 Total $ 84,957 $ 82,417 $ 91,144
Summary by Geographical Area by Location	Summary by Geographical Area by Location of Valmont Facilities: 2017 2016 2015 NET SALES: United States $ 1,702,826 $ 1,535,321 $ 1,586,702 Australia 356,959 315,470 347,975 Denmark 100,773 99,719 98,628 Other 585,409 571,166 585,619 Total $ 2,745,967 $ 2,521,676 $ 2,618,924 LONG-LIVED ASSETS: United States $ 544,724 $ 568,085 $ 575,737 Australia 227,483 216,416 259,326 Denmark 90,372 85,654 90,463 Other 267,106 268,360 240,004 Total $ 1,129,685 $ 1,138,515 $ 1,165,530

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN47

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,200,181 $ 485,448 $ 1,312,214 $ (251,876 ) $ 2,745,967 Cost of sales 898,799 375,383 1,042,199 (252,182 ) 2,064,199 Gross profit 301,382 110,065 270,015 306 681,768 Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,182 47,955 175,199 — 415,336 Operating income 109,200 62,110 94,816 306 266,432 Other income (expense): Interest expense (43,642 ) (13,866 ) (1,003 ) 13,866 (44,645 ) Interest income 838 42 17,723 (13,866 ) 4,737 Other 5,681 58 (3,799 ) — 1,940 (37,123 ) (13,766 ) 12,921 — (37,968 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 72,077 48,344 107,737 306 228,464 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 29,407 17,928 18,920 135 66,390 Deferred 10,307 — 29,448 — 39,755 39,714 17,928 48,368 135 106,145 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 32,363 30,416 59,369 171 122,319 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 83,877 22,146 — (106,023 ) — Net earnings 116,240 52,562 59,369 (105,852 ) 122,319 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (6,079 ) — (6,079 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 116,240 $ 52,562 $ 53,290 $ (105,852 ) $ 116,240 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,126,985 $ 390,756 $ 1,195,812 $ (191,877 ) $ 2,521,676 Cost of sales 837,616 285,924 932,609 (190,716 ) 1,865,433 Gross profit 289,369 104,832 263,203 (1,161 ) 656,243 Selling, general and administrative expenses 184,493 46,244 182,002 — 412,739 Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets — — — — — Operating income 104,876 58,588 81,201 (1,161 ) 243,504 Other income (expense): Interest expense (43,703 ) (10 ) (696 ) — (44,409 ) Interest income 273 112 2,720 — 3,105 Other 1,480 77 16,697 — 18,254 (41,950 ) 179 18,721 — (23,050 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 62,926 58,767 99,922 (1,161 ) 220,454 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 24,539 20,270 21,262 (323 ) 65,748 Deferred 6,216 — (29,901 ) — (23,685 ) 30,755 20,270 (8,639 ) (323 ) 42,063 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 32,171 38,497 108,561 (838 ) 178,391 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 141,061 66,128 — (207,189 ) — Net earnings 173,232 104,625 108,561 (208,027 ) 178,391 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,159 ) — (5,159 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 173,232 $ 104,625 $ 103,402 $ (208,027 ) $ 173,232
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 116,240 $ 52,562 $ 59,369 $ (105,852 ) $ 122,319 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — 138,795 (59,516 ) — 79,279 Gain (loss) on hedging activity: Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge (1,695 ) — — — (1,695 ) Amortization cost included in interest expense 74 — — — 74 (1,621 ) — — — (1,621 ) Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (10,871 ) — (10,871 ) Equity in other comprehensive income 68,958 — — (68,958 ) — Other comprehensive income (loss) 67,337 138,795 (70,387 ) (68,958 ) 66,787 Comprehensive income (loss) 183,577 191,357 (11,018 ) (174,810 ) 189,106 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,529 ) — (5,529 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 183,577 $ 191,357 $ (16,547 ) $ (174,810 ) $ 183,577 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 173,232 $ 104,625 $ 108,561 $ (208,027 ) $ 178,391 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — 49 (58,364 ) — (58,315 ) — 49 (58,364 ) — (58,315 ) Gain (loss) on hedging activity: Amortization cost included in interest expense 74 — — — 74 Unrealized gain on net investment hedge 4,226 — — — 4,226 4,300 — — — 4,300 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (24,141 ) — (24,141 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (83,252 ) — — 83,252 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (78,952 ) 49 (82,505 ) 83,252 (78,156 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 94,280 104,674 26,056 (124,775 ) 100,235 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (6,144 ) — (6,144 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 94,280 $ 104,674 $ 19,912 $ (124,775 ) $ 94,091 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED 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 hedging activity: 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 (92,668 ) (25,926 ) (133,043 ) 159,801 (91,836 ) Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (832 ) — (832 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ (92,668 ) $ (25,926 ) $ (133,875 ) $ 159,801 $ (92,668 )
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 83,329 $ 5,304 $ 404,172 $ — $ 492,805 Receivables, net 149,221 82,995 271,461 — 503,677 Inventories 160,444 46,801 217,551 (3,848 ) 420,948 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets 8,607 970 34,066 — 43,643 Refundable income taxes 11,492 — — — 11,492 Total current assets 413,093 136,070 927,250 (3,848 ) 1,472,565 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 557,371 160,767 447,549 — 1,165,687 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 368,668 84,508 193,583 — 646,759 Net property, plant and equipment 188,703 76,259 253,966 — 518,928 Goodwill 20,108 110,562 207,050 — 337,720 Other intangible assets 130 30,955 107,514 — 138,599 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,416,446 1,181,537 927,179 (3,525,162 ) — Other assets 50,773 — 83,665 — 134,438 Total assets $ 2,089,253 $ 1,535,383 $ 2,506,624 $ (3,529,010 ) $ 2,602,250 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ — $ — $ 966 $ — $ 966 Notes payable to banks — — 161 — 161 Accounts payable 69,915 18,039 139,952 — 227,906 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 44,086 8,749 31,591 — 84,426 Accrued expenses 28,198 9,621 43,210 — 81,029 Dividends payable 8,510 — — — 8,510 Total current liabilities 150,709 36,409 215,880 — 402,998 Deferred income taxes 20,885 — 14,021 — 34,906 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 750,821 185,078 9,836 (191,847 ) 753,888 Defined benefit pension liability — — 189,552 — 189,552 Deferred compensation 42,928 — 5,598 — 48,526 Other noncurrent liabilities 11,074 6 9,505 — 20,585 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,682 (1,106,632 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 159,414 1,107,536 (1,266,950 ) — Retained earnings 1,954,344 622,044 619,622 (1,241,666 ) 1,954,344 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (279,022 ) 74,482 (352,567 ) 278,085 (279,022 ) Treasury stock (590,386 ) — — — (590,386 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,112,836 1,313,890 2,023,273 (3,337,163 ) 1,112,836 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 38,959 — 38,959 Total shareholders’ equity 1,112,836 1,313,890 2,062,232 (3,337,163 ) 1,151,795 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,089,253 $ 1,535,383 $ 2,506,624 $ (3,529,010 ) $ 2,602,250 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 31, 2016
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 30, 2017 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 116,240 $ 52,562 $ 59,369 $ (105,852 ) $ 122,319 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 26,237 15,003 43,717 — 84,957 Noncash loss on trading securities — — 237 — 237 Decrease in restricted cash - pension plan trust — — 12,568 — 12,568 Stock-based compensation 10,706 — — — 10,706 Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — 648 — 648 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (40,245 ) — (40,245 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment (664 ) 8 (3,268 ) — (3,924 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (83,877 ) (22,146 ) — 106,023 — Deferred income taxes 10,307 — 29,448 — 39,755 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Receivables (13,120 ) (22,473 ) (13,519 ) — (49,112 ) Inventories (33,775 ) (1,345 ) (22,016 ) (306 ) (57,442 ) Prepaid expenses (2,207 ) (90 ) (3,741 ) — (6,038 ) Accounts payable 17,643 2,307 19,455 — 39,405 Accrued expenses 7,516 (4,116 ) (5,398 ) — (1,998 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (140 ) — (7,088 ) — (7,228 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) (11,837 ) 728 12,217 — 1,108 Net cash flows from operating activities 43,029 20,438 82,384 (135 ) 145,716 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (20,460 ) (9,454 ) (25,352 ) — (55,266 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 748 3 7,434 — 8,185 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — — (5,362 ) — (5,362 ) Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge 5,123 — — — 5,123 Other, net 684 (22,777 ) 19,663 135 (2,295 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (13,905 ) (32,228 ) (3,617 ) 135 (49,615 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under short-term agreements — — (585 ) — (585 ) Principal payments on long-term borrowings — (887 ) — (887 ) Dividends paid (33,862 ) — — — (33,862 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (5,674 ) — (5,674 ) Intercompany dividends 22,662 — (22,662 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution (10,818 ) 10,818 — Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 35,159 — — — 35,159 Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (26,161 ) — — — (26,161 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (13,020 ) 10,818 (29,808 ) — (32,010 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — 205 28,561 — 28,766 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 16,104 (767 ) 77,520 — 92,857 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 67,225 6,071 326,652 — 399,948 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 83,329 $ 5,304 $ 404,172 $ — $ 492,805 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 31, 2016 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 173,232 $ 104,625 $ 108,561 $ (208,027 ) $ 178,391 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 27,096 13,316 42,005 — 82,417 Noncash loss on trading securities — — 586 — 586 Increase in restricted cash - pension plan trust — — (13,652 ) — (13,652 ) Impairment of property, plant and equipment — — 1,099 — 1,099 Stock-based compensation 9,931 — — — 9,931 Change in fair value of contingent consideration — — (3,242 ) — (3,242 ) Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — 1,870 — 1,870 Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (1,488 ) — (1,488 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 165 103 363 — 631 Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (141,061 ) (66,128 ) — 207,189 — Deferred income taxes 6,216 — (29,901 ) — (23,685 ) Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Receivables (3,610 ) 5,865 22,367 — 24,622 Inventories 5,554 (7,078 ) (11,097 ) 1,160 (11,461 ) Prepaid expenses (1,250 ) (114 ) 2,502 — 1,138 Accounts payable (14,452 ) 2,052 12,504 — 104 Accrued expenses 1,423 (6,664 ) (6,966 ) — (12,207 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (2,333 ) 5 (21,552 ) — (23,880 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) 32,873 (16,567 ) (8,312 ) — 7,994 Net cash flows from operating activities 93,784 29,415 95,647 322 219,168 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (9,031 ) (22,320 ) (26,569 ) — (57,920 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 44 102 4,980 — 5,126 Other, net (633 ) (5,085 ) 5,785 (322 ) (255 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (9,620 ) (27,303 ) (15,804 ) (322 ) (53,049 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under short-term agreements — — (200 ) — (200 ) Principal payments on long-term borrowings (215 ) — (1,791 ) — (2,006 ) Dividends paid (34,053 ) — — — (34,053 ) Purchase of noncontrolling interest — — (11,009 ) — (11,009 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (2,938 ) — (2,938 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 11,153 — — — 11,153 Purchase of treasury shares (53,800 ) — — — (53,800 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (2,305 ) — — — (2,305 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (79,220 ) — (15,938 ) — (95,158 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (49 ) (20,038 ) — (20,087 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 4,944 2,063 43,867 — 50,874 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year 62,281 4,008 282,785 — 349,074 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $ 67,225 $ 6,071 $ 326,652 $ — $ 399,948 (20) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 26, 2015

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una48

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
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 2017 First $ 637,473 $ 164,605 $ 38,979 $ 1.73 $ 1.72 $ 165.20 $ 135.95 $ 0.375 Second 712,737 183,280 45,664 2.03 2.01 157.60 144.65 0.375 Third 680,779 163,594 35,208 1.56 1.55 160.35 140.90 0.375 Fourth (1) 714,978 170,289 (3,611 ) (0.16 ) (0.16 ) 176.35 153.65 0.375 Year $ 2,745,967 $ 681,768 $ 116,240 $ 5.16 $ 5.11 $ 176.35 $ 135.95 $ 1.50 2016 First $ 596,605 $ 160,968 $ 32,969 $ 1.45 $ 1.45 $ 125.69 $ 96.50 $ 0.375 Second 640,249 175,117 42,026 1.86 1.85 145.94 117.10 0.375 Third 610,247 155,023 28,173 1.25 1.24 139.62 125.60 0.375 Fourth (2) 674,575 165,135 70,064 3.12 3.10 156.05 120.65 0.375 Year $ 2,521,676 $ 656,243 $ 173,232 $ 7.68 $ 7.63 $ 156.05 $ 96.50 $ 1.50 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 fourth quarter of 2017 was impacted by the 2017 Tax Act. We remeasured our U.S. deferred income tax assets using a blended rate of 25.0% recognizing deferred income tax expense of approximately $20,372 ( $0.90 per share). We also recorded a provision charge of approximately $9,890 ( $0.44 per share) of income tax expense for the deemed repatriation transition tax and $11,673 ( $0.51 per share) of deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes. (2) The fourth quarter of 2016 included a deferred income tax benefit of $30,590 ( $1.35 per share) primarily attributable to the re-measurement of the deferred tax asset related to the Company's U.K. defined benefit pension plan. In addition, fiscal 2016 included $9,888 ( $0.44 per share) recorded as a valuation allowance against a tax credit asset. Finally, the fourth quarter of 2016 included the reversal of a contingent liability that was recognized as part of the Delta purchase accounting of $16,591 ( $0.73 per share).

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN49

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017GBP (£)segment	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	£ 10,000	$ 13,490
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain on Hedging Activities Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (251,228 ) $ 7,978 $ (103,109 ) $ (346,359 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) 79,829 (1,621 ) (10,871 ) 67,337 Balance at December 30, 2017 $ (171,399 ) $ 6,357 $ (113,980 ) $ (279,022 )	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following: Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments Gain on Hedging Activities Defined Benefit Pension Plan Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance at December 31, 2016 $ (251,228 ) $ 7,978 $ (103,109 ) $ (346,359 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) 79,829 (1,621 ) (10,871 ) 67,337 Balance at December 30, 2017 $ (171,399 ) $ 6,357 $ (113,980 ) $ (279,022 )
Fiscal year
Length of fiscal year	364 days	364 days	371 days	364 days
Additional net sales			$ 50,000
Additional net earnings			3,000
Accounts Receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts		$ 9,813
Cash overdrafts
Cash book overdrafts		$ 21,537	$ 18,734
Segments
Number of reportable segments | segment	4	4
Percentage of Sales to Total Consolidated Sales of Other Business Activities, Aggregated as Other, Maximum	10.00%	10.00%
Inventories
Inventory valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market (as a percent)		37.00%	38.00%
Excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value		$ 43,727	$ 38,047
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%
Cost method investment in affiliates, ownership percentage	20.00%	20.00%

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN50

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Long-lived assets
Depreciation expense	$ 69,046	$ 66,482	$ 72,805
Impairment of Melbourne Galvanizing site's equipment			$ 4,151
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 ACCOUN51

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Minimum
Intangible assets
Intangible assets lives	5 years
Maximum
Intangible assets
Intangible assets lives	20 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN52

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ (346,359)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	67,337
Balance at the end of the period	(279,022)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	(251,228)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	79,829
Balance at the end of the period	(171,399)
Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedge
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	7,978
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(1,621)
Balance at the end of the period	6,357
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	(103,109)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(10,871)
Balance at the end of the period	$ (113,980)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN53

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			44 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2015
Research and Development
Research and development expenses		$ 11,600	$ 8,300	$ 11,600
Stock Repurchase Program
Authorized amount	$ 500,000					$ 250,000
Length of authorization period	12 months
Shares acquired under share repurchase program		0	441,949	1,435,488	4,588,131
Amount paid for share repurchase		$ 0	$ 53,800	$ 168,983	$ 617,800

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN54

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 6) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 266,432,000	$ 243,504,000	$ 131,695,000
Retained earnings	1,954,344,000	$ 1,874,722,000
Pro Forma | Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 | Accounting Standards Update 2014-09
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Sales	52,000,000
Operating income	13,100,000
Retained earnings	$ 9,800

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDAT55

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 30, 2017	May 31, 2016
Acquisitions
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired					$ 5,362	$ 0	$ 12,778
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners									10.00%
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Goodwill					$ 337,720	$ 321,110	$ 371,808
Aircon Guardrails Private Limited
Acquisitions
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 5,362
Annual sales	10,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Intangible assets								$ 2,109
Goodwill	$ 3,327
American Galvanizing
Acquisitions
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 12,778
Annual sales		8,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Intangible assets		2,178
Goodwill		$ 3,019
IGC Galvanizing Industries (M) Sdn Bhd [Member]
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired				30.00%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred				$ 5,841
Valmont SM
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired								5.20%
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred			$ 5,168

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDAT56

ACQUISITIONS AND DECONSOLIDATION (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Deconsolidation
Deconsolidation of subsidiary	$ 12,568	$ (13,652)	$ 0
Maximum
Deconsolidation
Ownership interest (as a percent)	50.00%

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Detai

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 30, 2017
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 34,892
Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	39,852		$ 4,581
Coatings Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	16,222
Coatings Segment | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,192
Engineered Support Structures
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	18,670
Engineered Support Structures | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	16,348
Utility Support Structures Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	0	$ 19,000
Coatings
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	0	$ 16,222
Coatings | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	6,580
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	0
Other | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,277
Other | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	10,455
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			7,825
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	18,144
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			585
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	6,719
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			2,195
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,716
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			2,780
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	9,709
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings Segment | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	642
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings Segment | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	404
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings Segment | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	238
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings Segment | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			7,286
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,888		1,040
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			349
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	3,665
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			1,961
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			2,310
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Engineered Support Structures | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	2,223
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			305
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	606		602
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			236
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	270
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	336
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			236
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Coatings | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	553		468
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	423
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	130
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	10,455		1,943
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,957
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,142
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	7,356
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Corporate and Other [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			234
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Corporate and Other [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Corporate and Other [Member] | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			234
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Corporate and Other [Member] | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			234
Cost of Sales | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			5,045
Cost of Sales | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	21,708
Cost of Sales | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			1,689
Cost of Sales | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	7,204
Cost of Sales | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			2,257
Cost of Sales | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	4,377
Cost of Sales | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			1,099
Cost of Sales | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	10,127
Cost of Sales | Coatings Segment | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	4,550		528
Cost of Sales | Coatings Segment | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,555
Cost of Sales | Coatings Segment | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,853
Cost of Sales | Coatings Segment | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,142
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			4,976
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	10,460
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			1,620
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	4,417
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			2,257
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	2,349
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			1,099
Cost of Sales | Engineered Support Structures | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	3,694
Cost of Sales | Coatings | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			69
Cost of Sales | Coatings | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,974
Cost of Sales | Coatings | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			69
Cost of Sales | Coatings | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	508
Cost of Sales | Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			0
Cost of Sales | Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	175
Cost of Sales | Coatings | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			0
Cost of Sales | Coatings | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	5,291
Cost of Sales | Other | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	724
Cost of Sales | Other | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	724
Cost of Sales | Other | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Cost of Sales | Other | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Cost of Sales | Other | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Cost of Sales | Other | Employee Severance [Member] | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Cost of Sales | Other | Other cash restructuring expenses | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	0
Cost of Sales | Other | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Broad Restructuring Plan
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 0
Cost of Sales | Corporate and Other [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			0
Cost of Sales | Corporate and Other [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			0
Cost of Sales | Corporate and Other [Member] | Other cash restructuring expenses | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			0
Cost of Sales | Corporate and Other [Member] | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 2016 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining			$ 0

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Det58

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details 2) - Broad Restructuring Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 4,581	$ 39,852
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		21,708
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		18,144
Severance | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		7,204
Severance | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		6,719
Other cash restructuring expenses | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		4,377
Other cash restructuring expenses | 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 | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		10,127
Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		9,709
Engineered Support Structures
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		16,348
Engineered Support Structures | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		10,460
Engineered Support Structures | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	1,040	5,888
Engineered Support Structures | Severance | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		4,417
Engineered Support Structures | Severance | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		3,665
Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		2,349
Engineered Support Structures | Other cash restructuring expenses | 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 | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		3,694
Engineered Support Structures | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		2,223
Utility
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		5,192
Utility | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	528	4,550
Utility | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		642
Utility | Severance | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		1,555
Utility | Severance | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		404
Utility | Other cash restructuring expenses | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		1,853
Utility | Other cash restructuring expenses | 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 | 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 | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Coatings
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		6,580
Coatings | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		5,974
Coatings | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	602	606
Coatings | Severance | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		508
Coatings | Severance | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		270
Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		175
Coatings | Other cash restructuring expenses | 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 | 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 | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Irrigation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		1,277
Irrigation | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		724
Irrigation | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	468	553
Irrigation | Severance | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		724
Irrigation | Severance | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		423
Irrigation | Other cash restructuring expenses | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Irrigation | Other cash restructuring expenses | 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 | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Irrigation | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		130
Other
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		10,455
Other | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Other | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 1,943	10,455
Other | Severance | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Other | Severance | 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 | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Other | Other cash restructuring expenses | 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 | Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining		0
Other | Asset impairments/net loss on disposals | 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. 30, 2017USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 6,178
Recognized Restructuring Expense	0
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled	(4,962)
Ending balance	1,216
Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,597
Recognized Restructuring Expense	0
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled	(1,597)
Ending balance	0
Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	4,581
Recognized Restructuring Expense	0
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled	(3,365)
Ending balance	$ 1,216

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFOR60

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			44 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 30, 2017	Feb. 28, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Maximum amount of common stock authorized to repurchase under share repurchase program	$ 500,000					$ 250,000
Period over which common stock are authorized to repurchase under share repurchase program	12 months
Shares acquired under share repurchase program		0	441,949	1,435,488	4,588,131
Amount paid for share repurchase		$ 0	$ 53,800	$ 168,983	$ 617,800
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest		44,528	45,683	44,974
Income taxes		$ 63,791	$ 48,203	$ 33,046

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased parts	$ 183,029	$ 143,659
Work-in-process	30,671	27,291
Finished goods and manufactured goods	250,975	217,125
Subtotal	464,675	388,075
Less: LIFO reserve	43,727	38,047
Net inventory	$ 420,948	$ 350,028

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT62

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 1,165,687	$ 1,105,736
Land and improvements
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	93,258	85,724
Buildings and improvements
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	350,937	325,813
Machinery and equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	588,439	564,171
Transportation equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	23,682	22,423
Office furniture and equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	82,025	77,453
Construction in progress
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 27,346	$ 30,152

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT63

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Operating leases
Rental expense for operating leases	$ 25,612	$ 24,756	$ 25,546
Minimum lease payments under operating leases
2,016	21,562
2,017	15,839
2,018	15,639
2,019	12,227
2,020	7,325
Subsequent	27,325
Total minimum lease payments	$ 99,917

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET64

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 216,035	$ 205,079
Accumulated Amortization	142,289	121,486
Amortization expense for intangible assets	15,911	15,935	$ 18,339
Estimated amortization expense
2,016	14,537
2,017	13,761
2,018	12,647
2,019	10,525
2,020	7,550
Customer Relationships
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	200,810	191,316
Accumulated Amortization	$ 131,062	$ 111,342
Weighted Average Life	13 years	13 years
Proprietary Software And Database
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 3,671	$ 3,616
Accumulated Amortization	$ 3,107	$ 3,056
Weighted Average Life	8 years	8 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 6,693	$ 6,434
Accumulated Amortization	$ 3,999	$ 3,420
Weighted Average Life	11 years	11 years
Other
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 4,861	$ 3,713
Accumulated Amortization	$ 4,121	$ 3,668
Weighted Average Life	3 years	3 years

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET65

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Webforge
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 9,432	$ 8,624
Valmont SM
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	9,973	8,765
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	7,690	7,032
Donhad
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	5,801	5,305
Shakespeare
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	4,000	4,000
Other
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	16,846	15,948
Trade Names
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 64,853	$ 60,785

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET66

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)
Webforge
Intangible assets
Impairment	$ 5,830
Industrial Galvanizers
Intangible assets
Impairment	$ 1,100

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET67

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		$ 321,110
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 321,110	371,808
Acquisitions		(34,892)
Acquisition		336,916
Foreign currency translation	13,161	(15,806)
Balance at the end of the period	337,720	321,110	$ 371,808
Engineered Support Structures
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		139,019
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	139,019	170,341
Acquisitions		(18,670)
Acquisition		151,671
Foreign currency translation		(12,652)
Balance at the end of the period	151,406	139,019	170,341
Utility Support Structures Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		88,451
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	88,451	88,680
Acquisitions		0	(19,000)
Acquisition		88,680
Foreign currency translation		(229)
Balance at the end of the period	90,248	88,451	88,680
Coatings Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		59,569
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	59,569	75,941
Acquisitions		(16,222)
Acquisition		59,719
Foreign currency translation		(150)
Balance at the end of the period	60,474	59,569	75,941
Irrigation Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		19,611
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	19,611	19,359
Acquisitions		0	(16,222)
Acquisition		19,359
Foreign currency translation		252
Balance at the end of the period	19,778	19,611	19,359
Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross		14,460
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	14,460	17,487
Acquisitions		0
Acquisition		17,487
Foreign currency translation		(3,027)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 15,814	$ 14,460	$ 17,487

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET68

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 5) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 34,892,000
Engineered Support Structures
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	18,670,000
Coatings
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	0	$ 16,222,000
Utility Support Structures Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment	$ 0	19,000,000
Webforge
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets		5,830
Industrial Galvanizers
Goodwill [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets		$ 1,100

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Detai

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Bank Credit Arrangements
Outstanding amount	$ 161	$ 746
Short-term borrowings
Bank Credit Arrangements
Total line of credit facility for short-term borrowings	113,437
Outstanding amount	161	0
Unused and available borrowings	$ 113,276
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings (as a percent)	5.00%
Other short-term bank loans
Bank Credit Arrangements
Outstanding amount	$ 161	$ 746

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
United States		$ 152,372,000	$ 136,682,000	$ 99,175,000
Foreign		76,092,000	83,772,000	(6,168,000)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		228,464,000	220,454,000	93,007,000
2017 tax act, estimated income tax expense		41,935
2017 tax act, estimated income tax expense from decrease related to deferred taxes	$ 20,372,000	20,372,000
Unremitted foreign earnings	400,000,000	400,000,000
Current:
Federal		49,324,000	41,539,000	23,130,000
State		4,415,000	5,467,000	4,431,000
Foreign		12,880,000	19,123,000	15,077,000
Total		66,619,000	66,129,000	42,638,000
Non-current:		(229,000)	(381,000)	(69,000)
Deferred:
Federal		(9,626,000)	8,504,000	3,382,000
State		(385,000)	202,000	(333,000)
Foreign	$ 11,673,000	49,766,000	(32,391,000)	1,809,000
Total		39,755,000	(23,685,000)	4,858,000
Total income tax expense (benefit)		$ 106,145,000	$ 42,063,000	$ 47,427,000
Reconciliations of statutory federal income tax rate and effective tax rate
Statutory federal income tax rate (as a percent)	25.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit (as a percent)		1.40%	1.70%	3.10%
Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (as a percent)		(1.40%)	2.90%	(0.10%)
Foreign tax rate differences (as a percent)		(4.10%)	(4.80%)	(5.70%)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (as a percent)		(0.10%)	(0.20%)	(0.10%)
Domestic production activities deduction (as a percent)		(2.10%)	(2.00%)	(3.80%)
Goodwill impairment (as a percent)		0.00%	0.00%	11.30%
UK tax rate reduction (as a percent)		0.00%	1.00%	7.70%
Reversal of contingent liability (as a percent)		(0.00%)	(2.20%)	(0.00%)
UK defined benefit pension plan (as a percent)		(0.00%)	(14.60%)	(0.00%)
Effects of 2017 Tax Act (as a percent)		18.40%	0.00%	0.00%
Other (as a percent)		(0.60%)	2.30%	3.60%
Total (as a percent)		46.50%	19.10%	51.00%
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued expenses and allowances	$ 13,373,000	$ 13,373,000	$ 16,549,000
Accrued insurance	818,000	818,000	1,071,000
Tax credits and loss carryforwards	54,521,000	54,521,000	104,439,000
Defined benefit pension liability	47,459,000	47,459,000	80,425,000
Inventory allowances	3,433,000	3,433,000	1,385,000
Accrued warranty	4,602,000	4,602,000	9,436,000
Deferred compensation	29,421,000	29,421,000	37,988,000
Gross deferred income tax assets	153,627,000	153,627,000	251,293,000
Valuation allowance	(27,864,000)	(27,864,000)	(81,923,000)
Net deferred income tax assets	125,763,000	125,763,000	169,370,000
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Work-in-process	1,805,000	1,805,000	2,161,000
Property, plant and equipment	26,826,000	26,826,000	37,961,000
Intangible assets	39,613,000	39,613,000	50,405,000
Withholding taxes	11,673,000	11,673,000	0
Other liabilities	1,819,000	1,819,000	6,164,000
Total deferred income tax liabilities	81,736,000	81,736,000	96,691,000
Net deferred income tax asset/(liability)	44,027,000	44,027,000	72,679,000
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), Balance Sheet Caption
Other assets	78,933,000	78,933,000	108,482,000
Deferred income taxes	(34,906,000)	(34,906,000)	(35,803,000)
Net deferred income tax asset/(liability)	44,027,000	44,027,000	72,679,000
Remeasurement of income tax benefit related to UK benefit plans		32,450,000
Provision for valuation allowance		9,888,000
Reversal of non-current contingent liability		16,591,000
Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards related to the defined benefit pension obligation	54,521,000	54,521,000	104,439,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits beginning of year		3,400,000	3,876,000
Gross decreases tax positions in prior period		5,000	99,000
Gross increases current period tax positions		1,044,000	695,000
Settlements with taxing authorities		(65,000)	(105,000)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(1,188,000)	(1,165,000)
Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits end of year	3,196,000	3,196,000	3,400,000	$ 3,876,000
Uncertain tax positions for which reversal is reasonably possible during the next 12 months	777,000	777,000
Reduction of income tax expense, due to expiration of statutes of limitation		772,000	810,000
Accrued interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits	187,000	187,000	192,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect effective tax rate	3,059,000	3,059,000	$ 3,328,000
Federal
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
2017 tax act, provisional transition tax obligation	9,890,000	9,890,000
Foreign
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
2017 tax act, provisional transition tax obligation	10,373,000	10,373,000
State
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
2017 tax act, provisional transition tax obligation	$ 1,300,000	1,300,000
U.K. | Capital Loss Carryforward
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), Balance Sheet Caption
Decrease in tax capital loss carryforwards		$ 60,691,000

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Oct. 18, 2017	Oct. 17, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount	$ 250,200,000			$ 250,200,000
Debt issuance costs	(6,112,000)			(6,646,000)
Total long-term debt	754,854,000			755,646,000
Less current installments of long-term debt	966,000			851,000
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	$ 753,888,000			$ 754,795,000
Effective interest rate (as a percent)	2.00%			1.00%
Minimum aggregate maturities of long-term debt
2,016	$ 966,000
2,017	765,000
2,018	250,969,000
2,019	773,000
2,020	582,000
5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount	250,000,000			$ 250,000,000
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes	$ 1,102,000
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%
5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount	$ 250,000,000			250,000,000
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes	$ 3,210,000
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%
Unamortized discount on 5.00% and 5.25% senior unsecured notes
Long-term debt:
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes	$ (4,312,000)			(4,360,000)
6.625% senior unsecured notes due in April 2020
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount	250,200,000
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes	$ 2,545,000			3,557,000
Redemption price of notes, stated as a percentage of principal amount (as a percent)	100.00%
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)	6.60%
Revolving credit agreement
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt	$ 0			0
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 600,000,000
Increase in borrowing capacity, maximum	200,000,000
Additional borrowing capacity	585,200,000
Standby letters of credit outstanding	$ 14,800,000
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%
Revolving credit agreement, foreign currency
Long-term debt:
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 400,000,000	$ 200,000,000
IDR Bonds
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt	$ 8,500,000			8,500,000
Other notes
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt	4,033,000			$ 4,395,000
Short Term Bank Lines Of Credit
Long-term debt:
Additional borrowing capacity	113,300,000
Balance	$ 113,400,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Stock Based Compensation
Shares of common stock available for issuance	529,000
Number of Shares
Exercised (in shares)	(284,574)	(109,893)	(169,493)
Stock option plans
Stock Based Compensation
Compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)	$ 5,137	$ 5,782	$ 5,137
Tax benefits associated with compensation expense	$ 1,952	$ 2,197	$ 1,952
Weighted average period over which unrecognized stock option compensation cost would be recognized	2 years 11 days
Unrecognized stock option compensation expense	$ 7,588
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant
Expected volatility (as a percent)	33.76%	33.88%	34.13%
Risk-free interest rate (as a percent)	2.12%	1.83%	1.58%
Expected life from vesting date	3 years	3 years	3 years
Dividend yield (as a percent)	1.17%	1.13%	0.94%
Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	793,173	849,609	768,595
Granted (in shares)	67,965	85,092	291,708
Exercised (in shares)	(284,574)	(109,893)	(169,493)
Forfeited (in shares)	(5,942)	(31,635)	(41,201)
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	570,622	793,173	849,609
Options vested or expected to vest (in shares)	558,114	774,139	818,300
Options exercisable (in shares)	351,794	469,844	409,068
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 122,770	$ 117,420	$ 113,720
Granted (in dollars per share)	164,350	151,370	104,890
Exercised (in dollars per share)	(121,920)	(101,690)	74,370
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	(104,260)	(129,360)	137,020
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	128,340	122,770	117,420
Options vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share)	128,000	124,180	117,610
Options exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 123,900	$ 123,750	$ 119,430
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding	4 years 7 months 28 days	4 years 9 months 12 days	5 years 2 months 4 days
Options vested or expected to vest	4 years 7 months 16 days	4 years 9 months 1 day	5 years 1 month 16 days
Options exercisable	3 years 11 months 8 days	3 years 11 months 16 days	3 years 8 months 26 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding	$ 21,806	$ 16,640	$ 4,536
Options vested or expected to vest	21,517	16,200	4,456
Options exercisable	$ 15,005	$ 9,056	$ 3,376
Other option disclosures
Weighted average per share fair value of option granted	$ 43.68	$ 40	$ 27.91
Stock option plans | Minimum
Stock Based Compensation
Vesting period of options	3 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Det73

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017$ / sharesshares
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	570,622
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	351,794
Range of exercise price per share from $60.97 and $85.32
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	239,480
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 259 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 103.23
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	147,216
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 102.42
Range of exercise price per share from $104.47 and $110.33
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	127,901
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 2 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 133.88
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	125,459
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 134.07
Range of exercise price per share from $120.91 to $151.45
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	203,241
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 6 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 154.42
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	79,119
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 147.73
Range of exercise price per share from $83.94 and $114.11
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
Range of exercise price per share from $120.91 and $136.42
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
Range of exercise price per share from $142.67 and $164.35
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

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Det74

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. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Stock Based Compensation
Shares issued	62,160	58,961	47,038
Weighted average per share price on grant date	$ 163.18	$ 150.48	$ 108.97
Compensation expense	$ 5,569	$ 4,069	$ 4,511
Weighted-average period for grant of stock-based compensation	2 years 10 days
Deferred stock-based compensation granted	$ 15,971

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Basic EPS
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ (3,611,000)	$ 35,208,000	$ 45,664,000	$ 38,979,000	$ 70,064,000	$ 28,173,000	$ 42,026,000	$ 32,969,000	$ 116,240,000	$ 173,232,000	$ 40,117,000
Shares outstanding basic (in shares)									22,520	22,562	23,288
Per share amount basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ 1.56	$ 2.03	$ 1.73	$ 3.12	$ 1.25	$ 1.86	$ 1.45	$ 5.16	$ 7.68	$ 1.72
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Dilutive effect of stock options number of shares (in shares)									218	147	117
Dilutive effect of stock options (in dollars per share)									$ 0.05	$ 0.05	$ 0.01
Diluted EPS
Diluted EPS									$ 116,240,000	$ 173,232,000	$ 40,117,000
Shares outstanding dilutive (in shares)									22,738	22,709	23,405
Per share amount diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ 1.55	$ 2.01	$ 1.72	$ 3.10	$ 1.24	$ 1.85	$ 1.45	$ 5.11	$ 7.63	$ 1.71

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. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Blended tax rate (percent)	25.00%		35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred income tax expense	$ 20,372		$ 20,372
Deferred income tax expense (in usd per share)	$ 0.90
Provision charge for deemed repatriation tax	$ 9,890
Provision charge for deemed repatriation tax (in usd per share)	$ 0.44
Deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and US state income taxes	$ 11,673		49,766	$ (32,391)	$ 1,809
Deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and US state income taxes (in usd per share)	$ 0.51
Deferred income tax benefit			$ 30,590
Deferred income tax benefit (in dollars per share)			$ 1.35
Provision for valuation allowance			$ 9,888
Valuation provision effect (in dollars per share)			$ 0.44
Reversal of contingent liability			$ 16,591
Reversal of contingent liability effect (in dollars per share)			$ 0.73
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets			$ 40,140
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (in dollars per share			$ 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
Outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock, excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)		197,303	0		426,388

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS P77

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee contribution limit per calendar year to 401 (k) plan	50.00%
Company contributions	$ 11,800,000	$ 10,900,000	$ 11,700,000
Assets related to non-qualified deferred compensation plan included in other assets	39,091,000	35,784,000
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	$ 2,672,000	$ 5,317,000

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA78

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets recorded for the investments held	$ 39,091,000	$ 35,784,000
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	41,042,000	37,800,000
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	754,854,000	755,646,000
Trading Securities	41,042,000	37,800,000
Estimated fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	799,258,000	731,633,000
EMD
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of remaining ownership	1,951,000	2,016,000
Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets recorded for the investments held	$ 39,091,000	$ 35,784,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME79

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 24, 2016
Derivative Instrument
Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Before Tax			$ 5,123
Derivatives used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax			$ 3,150
Derivative Contract, Counterparty One
Derivative Instrument
Deferred gain (loss) on discontinuation of interest rate fair value hedge		$ (2,500)
Derivative Contract, Counterparty Two
Derivative Instrument
Deferred gain (loss) on discontinuation of interest rate fair value hedge		4,300
Forward contracts
Derivative Instrument
Notional amount of derivative instrument				$ 44,000
Unrealized loss on derivative, before tax	$ 826
Unrealized loss on derivative, net of tax	$ 619
GBP | Forward contracts
Derivative Instrument
Notional amount of derivative instrument		24,059
Australian dollars | Forward contracts
Derivative Instrument
Notional amount of derivative instrument		$ 21,222

GUARANTEES (Details)

GUARANTEES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in the product warranty accrual recorded in accrued expenses
Balance, beginning of period	$ 26,538	$ 36,653
Payments made	(26,097)	(20,355)
Change in liability for warranties issued during the period	9,787	9,565
Change in liability for pre-existing warranties	9,881	675
Balance, end of period	$ 20,109	$ 26,538

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL81

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017GBP (£)item	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)item$ / £	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / £	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)
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 | $ / £		1.3490	1.2340
Defined benefit pension liability		$ 189,552	$ 209,470
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Beginning balance		696,137	697,449
Interest cost		18,152	23,496
Benefits paid		(22,172)	(17,792)
Actuarial loss			(125,765)
Ending balance		783,301	696,137
Plan Assets
Fair value beginning balance		486,667	518,126
Employer contributions		40,245	1,426
Actual return on plan assets		40,842	80,538
Benefits paid		(22,172)	(17,792)
Currency translation		48,167	(95,631)
Fair value ending balance		593,749	486,667
Funded status
Funded status		(189,552)	(209,470)	$ (179,323)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period		(156,878)	(106,959)
Actuarial loss		(1,789)	(66,957)
Currency translation gain (loss)		(9,583)	17,038
Balance at the end of the period		$ (168,250)	$ (156,878)
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation
Discount rate (as a percent)		2.55%	2.80%
CPI index (as a percent)		2.20%	2.25%
RPI Inflation (as a percent)		3.30%	3.15%
Net periodic benefit expense:
Interest cost		$ 18,152	$ 23,496
Expected return on plan assets		(20,486)	(22,986)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)		(2,982)	(1,360)
Net periodic benefit expense		$ 648	$ 1,870
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense
Discount rate (as a percent)	2.80%	2.80%	3.75%
Expected return on plan assets (as a percent)	4.22%	4.22%	5.15%
RPI index (as a percent)	2.25%	2.25%	2.15%
CPI index (as a percent)	3.35%	3.35%	3.35%
Limit on employer contributions per annum	£ 10,000	$ 13,490
Administrative costs of the Plan	£ 1,100	1,484
Expected pension benefit payments
2,016		23,879
2,017		24,689
2,018		25,500
2,019		26,308
2,020		27,117
2021-2025		$ 149,078
Weighted average maturity period of corporate bond portfolio	13 years	13 years
Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss)		$ 66,030	$ (132,781)

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL82

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Details 2) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017GBP (£)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Limit on employer contributions per annum	£ 10,000	$ 13,490
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs	£ 1,100	1,484
Plan assets at fair value		18,451	$ 2,380
Plan assets at NAV		575,298	484,287
Total plan assets		593,749	486,667	$ 518,126
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value		$ 18,451	2,380
Common stock mutual funds and diversified growth funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations	50.00%	50.00%
Temporary cash investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value		$ 17,915	1,900
Temporary cash investments | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value		17,915	1,900
Index linked gilts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at NAV		158,011	135,141
Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at NAV		88,905	83,834
Corporate stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value		536	480
Plan assets at NAV		212,505	165,338
Corporate stock | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value		536	480
Diversified growth funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at NAV		$ 115,877	$ 99,974

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 01, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 01, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 24, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 25, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 26, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 26, 2015USD ($)
Business Segments
Number of reportable segments | segment									4
Maximum percentage of sales of other businesses and activities to consolidated sales as basis for aggregation									10.00%
Net sales	$ 714,978	$ 680,779	$ 712,737	$ 637,473	$ 674,575	$ 610,247	$ 640,249	$ 596,605	$ 2,745,967	$ 2,521,676	$ 2,618,924
Operating Income									266,432	243,504	131,695
Interest expense, net									(39,908)	(41,304)	(41,325)
Other									1,940	18,254	2,637
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									228,464	220,454	93,007
Total assets	2,602,250				2,391,731				2,602,250	2,391,731	2,392,382
Capital expenditures									55,266	57,920	45,468
Depreciation and amortization									84,957	82,417	91,144
Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Net sales									912,240	891,099	880,802
Operating Income									62,960	72,273	28,792
Total assets	846,881				776,161				846,881	776,161	790,004
Capital expenditures									16,433	13,313	12,415
Depreciation and amortization									27,637	27,824	30,775
Coatings Segment
Business Segments
Net sales									856,244	735,617	777,750
Operating Income									97,853	71,171	38,324
Total assets	597,231				544,015				597,231	544,015	569,205
Capital expenditures									14,012	7,969	13,467
Depreciation and amortization									25,079	24,639	27,305
Coatings
Business Segments
Net sales									256,811	243,877	255,473
Operating Income									50,179	46,596	27,369
Total assets	288,890				274,666				288,890	274,666	270,793
Capital expenditures									11,080	24,873	6,836
Depreciation and amortization									15,115	12,883	12,962
Other
Business Segments
Net sales									644,372	567,973	605,771
Operating Income									101,498	90,945	78,218
Total assets	369,798				313,982				369,798	313,982	310,967
Capital expenditures									7,055	8,836	7,756
Depreciation and amortization									11,173	12,097	11,746
Other
Business Segments
Net sales									76,300	83,110	99,128
Operating Income									2,134	8,730	(4,767)
Total assets	68,934				65,296				68,934	65,296	72,646
Capital expenditures									2,376	1,601	2,318
Depreciation and amortization									2,486	2,502	3,992
LIFO Adjustment [Member]
Business Segments
Operating Income									(5,680)	(2,972)	12,103
Corporate
Business Segments
Operating Income									(42,512)	(43,239)	(48,344)
Total assets	430,516				417,611				430,516	417,611	378,767
Capital expenditures									4,310	1,328	2,676
Depreciation and amortization									3,467	2,472	4,364
Parent
Business Segments
Net sales									1,200,181	1,126,985	1,169,674
Operating Income									109,200	104,876	85,097
Other									5,681	1,480	(2,374)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									72,077	62,926	39,180
Total assets	$ 2,089,253				$ 1,885,818				2,089,253	1,885,818
Capital expenditures									20,460	9,031	14,362
Depreciation and amortization									26,237	27,096	29,433
Operating segment
Business Segments
Sales									2,844,838	2,590,878	2,681,716
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									938,102	906,719	881,861
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products
Business Segments
Sales									633,178	612,868	580,877
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Communication Products
Business Segments
Sales									171,718	162,148	162,635
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Access Systems
Business Segments
Sales									133,206	131,703	138,349
Operating segment | Coatings Segment
Business Segments
Sales									859,115	736,364	781,579
Operating segment | Coatings Segment | Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures
Business Segments
Sales									100,773	107,824	103,068
Operating segment | Coatings Segment | Steel
Business Segments
Sales									658,604	538,284	582,930
Operating segment | Coatings Segment | Concrete
Business Segments
Sales									99,738	90,256	95,581
Operating segment | Coatings
Business Segments
Sales									318,891	289,481	302,385
Operating segment | Other
Business Segments
Sales									652,430	575,204	612,201
Operating segment | Other
Business Segments
Sales									76,300	83,110	103,690
Intersegment
Business Segments
Sales									98,871	69,202	62,792
Intersegment | Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									25,862	15,620	1,059
Intersegment | Coatings Segment
Business Segments
Sales									2,871	747	3,829
Intersegment | Coatings
Business Segments
Sales									62,080	45,604	46,912
Intersegment | Other
Business Segments
Sales									8,058	7,231	6,430
Intersegment | Other
Business Segments
Sales									$ 0	$ 0	$ 4,562

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details 2)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales	$ 714,978	$ 680,779	$ 712,737	$ 637,473	$ 674,575	$ 610,247	$ 640,249	$ 596,605	$ 2,745,967	$ 2,521,676	$ 2,618,924
Long-lived assets	1,129,685				1,138,515				1,129,685	1,138,515	1,165,530
United States
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									1,702,826	1,535,321	1,586,702
Long-lived assets	544,724				568,085				544,724	568,085	575,737
Australia
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									356,959	315,470	347,975
Long-lived assets	$ 227,483				216,416				$ 227,483	216,416	259,326
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									$ 100,773	99,719	98,628
Long-lived assets	$ 90,372				85,654				90,372	85,654	90,463
Other
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									585,409	571,166	585,619
Long-lived assets	$ 267,106				$ 268,360				$ 267,106	$ 268,360	$ 240,004

COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES (De

COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Reversal of contingent liability	$ 16,591

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN86

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
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	$ 714,978	$ 680,779	$ 712,737	$ 637,473	$ 674,575	$ 610,247	$ 640,249	$ 596,605	$ 2,745,967	$ 2,521,676	$ 2,618,924
Cost of sales									2,064,199	1,865,433	1,997,891
Gross profit	170,289	163,594	183,280	164,605	165,135	155,023	175,117	160,968	681,768	656,243	621,033
Selling, general and administrative expenses									415,336	412,739	447,368
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets									0	0	41,970
Operating income									266,432	243,504	131,695
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(44,645)	(44,409)	(44,621)
Interest income									4,737	3,105	3,296
Other									1,940	18,254	2,637
Total other income (expenses)									(37,968)	(23,050)	(38,688)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									228,464	220,454	93,007
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									66,390	65,748	42,569
Deferred income taxes									39,755	(23,685)	4,858
Total income tax expense (benefit)									106,145	42,063	47,427
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									122,319	178,391	45,580
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									0	0	(247)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax									(12,568)	13,652	0
Net earnings									122,319	178,391	45,333
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									(6,079)	(5,159)	(5,216)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ (3,611)	$ 35,208	$ 45,664	$ 38,979	$ 70,064	$ 28,173	$ 42,026	$ 32,969	116,240	173,232	40,117
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									(251,876)	(191,877)	(213,287)
Cost of sales									(252,182)	(190,716)	(212,927)
Gross profit									306	(1,161)	(360)
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets										0	0
Operating income									306	(1,161)	(360)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(13,866)	0	0
Interest income									(13,866)	0	0
Other									0	0	0
Total other income (expenses)									0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									306	(1,161)	(360)
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									135	(323)	(1)
Deferred income taxes									0	0	0
Total income tax expense (benefit)									135	(323)	(1)
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									171	(838)	(359)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(106,023)	(207,189)	27,576
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax										0
Net earnings									(105,852)	(208,027)	27,217
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									(105,852)	(208,027)	27,217
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									1,200,181	1,126,985	1,169,674
Cost of sales									898,799	837,616	890,242
Gross profit									301,382	289,369	279,432
Selling, general and administrative expenses									192,182	184,493	194,335
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets										0	0
Operating income									109,200	104,876	85,097
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(43,642)	(43,703)	(43,552)
Interest income									838	273	9
Other									5,681	1,480	(2,374)
Total other income (expenses)									(37,123)	(41,950)	(45,917)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									72,077	62,926	39,180
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									29,407	24,539	863
Deferred income taxes									10,307	6,216	10,042
Total income tax expense (benefit)									39,714	30,755	10,905
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									32,363	32,171	28,275
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									83,877	141,061	11,842
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax										0
Net earnings									116,240	173,232	40,117
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									116,240	173,232	40,117
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									485,448	390,756	423,928
Cost of sales									375,383	285,924	332,847
Gross profit									110,065	104,832	91,081
Selling, general and administrative expenses									47,955	46,244	45,549
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets										0	0
Operating income									62,110	58,588	45,532
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(13,866)	(10)	0
Interest income									42	112	103
Other									58	77	60
Total other income (expenses)									(13,766)	179	163
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									48,344	58,767	45,695
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									17,928	20,270	23,261
Deferred income taxes									0	0	(6,224)
Total income tax expense (benefit)									17,928	20,270	17,037
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									30,416	38,497	28,658
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									22,146	66,128	(39,418)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax										0
Net earnings									52,562	104,625	(10,760)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									52,562	104,625	(10,760)
Non- Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									1,312,214	1,195,812	1,238,609
Cost of sales									1,042,199	932,609	987,729
Gross profit									270,015	263,203	250,880
Selling, general and administrative expenses									175,199	182,002	207,484
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets										0	41,970
Operating income									94,816	81,201	1,426
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(1,003)	(696)	(1,069)
Interest income									17,723	2,720	3,184
Other									(3,799)	16,697	4,951
Total other income (expenses)									12,921	18,721	7,066
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									107,737	99,922	8,492
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									18,920	21,262	18,446
Deferred income taxes									29,448	(29,901)	1,040
Total income tax expense (benefit)									48,368	(8,639)	19,486
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									59,369	108,561	(10,994)
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									0	0	(247)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax										13,652
Net earnings									59,369	108,561	(11,241)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									(6,079)	(5,159)	(5,216)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									$ 53,290	$ 103,402	$ (16,457)

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN87

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	$ 122,319	$ 178,391	$ 45,333
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	79,279	(58,315)	(96,694)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(58,315)	(96,694)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge	(1,695)	4,226	0
Amortization cost included in interest expense	74	74	74
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings	0	0	(3,130)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	0	0	2,855
Derivative adjustment	(1,621)	4,300	(201)
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	(10,871)	(24,141)	(40,274)
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	66,787	(78,156)	(137,169)
Comprehensive income (loss)	189,106	100,235	(91,836)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,529)	(6,144)	(832)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	183,577	94,091	(92,668)
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	(105,852)	(208,027)	27,217
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment		0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge	0	0
Amortization cost included in interest expense	0	0	0
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax			0
Derivative adjustment	0	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	(68,958)	83,252	132,584
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(68,958)	83,252	132,584
Comprehensive income (loss)	(174,810)	(124,775)	159,801
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	(174,810)	(124,775)	159,801
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	116,240	173,232	40,117
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment		0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge	(1,695)	4,226
Amortization cost included in interest expense	74	74	74
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings			(3,130)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax			2,855
Derivative adjustment	(1,621)	4,300	(201)
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	68,958	(83,252)	(132,584)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	67,337	(78,952)	(132,785)
Comprehensive income (loss)	183,577	94,280	(92,668)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	183,577	94,280	(92,668)
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	52,562	104,625	(10,760)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	138,795	49	(15,166)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		49	(15,166)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge	0	0
Amortization cost included in interest expense	0	0	0
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax			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)	138,795	49	(15,166)
Comprehensive income (loss)	191,357	104,674	(25,926)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	191,357	104,674	(25,926)
Non- Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	59,369	108,561	(11,241)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(59,516)	(58,364)	(81,528)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(58,364)	(81,528)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedge	0	0
Amortization cost included in interest expense	0	0	0
Realized (gain) loss included in net earnings			0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax			0
Derivative adjustment	0	0	0
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan	(10,871)	(24,141)	(40,274)
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(70,387)	(82,505)	(121,802)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(11,018)	26,056	(133,043)
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,529)	(6,144)	(832)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ (16,547)	$ 19,912	$ (133,875)

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN88

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Sep. 26, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 492,805	$ 399,948	$ 349,074	$ 399,948	$ 371,579
Receivables, less allowance of $9,396 in 2017 and $10,250 in 2016	503,677	439,342
Inventories	420,948	350,028
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	43,643	57,297
Refundable income taxes	11,492	6,601
Total current assets	1,472,565	1,253,216
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,165,687	1,105,736
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	646,759	587,401
Net property, plant and equipment	518,928	518,335
Goodwill	337,720	321,110	371,808
Other intangible assets	138,599	144,378
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	0	0
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $417 in 2017 and $8,741 in 2016	134,438	154,692
Total assets	2,602,250	2,391,731	2,392,382
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	966	851
Notes payable to banks	161	746
Accounts payable	227,906	177,488
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	84,426	72,404
Accrued expenses	81,029	89,914
Dividends payable	8,510	8,445
Total current liabilities	(402,998)	(349,848)
Deferred income taxes	34,906	35,803
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	753,888	754,795
Defined benefit pension liability	189,552	209,470
Deferred compensation	48,526	44,319
Other noncurrent liabilities	20,585	14,910
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	1,954,344	1,874,722
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(279,022)	(346,359)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,206,474 in 2017 and 5,379,106 in 2016	(590,386)	(612,781)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,112,836	943,482
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	38,959	39,104
Total shareholders’ equity	1,151,795	982,586	965,211		1,250,405
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,602,250	2,391,731
Eliminations
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0		0
Receivables, less allowance of $9,396 in 2017 and $10,250 in 2016	0	0
Inventories	(3,848)	(4,154)
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	0	0
Refundable income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	(3,848)	(4,154)
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	(3,525,162)	(3,270,540)
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $417 in 2017 and $8,741 in 2016	0	0
Total assets	(3,529,010)	(3,274,694)
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	(191,847)	0
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	(1,106,632)	(1,106,633)
Additional paid-in capital	(1,266,950)	(1,266,950)
Retained earnings	(1,241,666)	(1,250,087)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	278,085	348,976
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,206,474 in 2017 and 5,379,106 in 2016	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	(3,337,163)	(3,274,694)
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	(3,337,163)	(3,274,694)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	(3,529,010)	(3,274,694)
Parent
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	83,329	67,225	62,281		69,869
Receivables, less allowance of $9,396 in 2017 and $10,250 in 2016	149,221	134,351
Inventories	160,444	126,669
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	8,607	13,271
Refundable income taxes	11,492	6,601
Total current assets	413,093	348,117
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	557,371	547,076
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	368,668	352,960
Net property, plant and equipment	188,703	194,116
Goodwill	20,108	20,108
Other intangible assets	130	184
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	1,416,446	1,279,413
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $417 in 2017 and $8,741 in 2016	50,773	43,880
Total assets	2,089,253	1,885,818
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	0	0
Notes payable to banks	0	0
Accounts payable	69,915	52,272
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	44,086	34,508
Accrued expenses	28,198	30,261
Dividends payable	8,510	8,445
Total current liabilities	(150,709)	(125,486)
Deferred income taxes	20,885	22,481
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	750,821	751,251
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Deferred compensation	42,928	39,476
Other noncurrent liabilities	11,074	3,642
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	1,954,344	1,874,722
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(279,022)	(346,359)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,206,474 in 2017 and 5,379,106 in 2016	(590,386)	(612,781)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,112,836	943,482
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,112,836	943,482
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,089,253	1,885,818
Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	5,304	6,071	4,008		2,157
Receivables, less allowance of $9,396 in 2017 and $10,250 in 2016	82,995	60,522
Inventories	46,801	45,457
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	970	880
Refundable income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	136,070	112,930
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	160,767	153,596
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	84,508	76,776
Net property, plant and equipment	76,259	76,820
Goodwill	110,562	110,561
Other intangible assets	30,955	35,953
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	1,181,537	901,758
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $417 in 2017 and $8,741 in 2016	0	0
Total assets	1,535,383	1,238,022
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	0	0
Notes payable to banks	0	0
Accounts payable	18,039	15,732
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	8,749	7,243
Accrued expenses	9,621	15,242
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	(36,409)	(38,217)
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	185,078	0
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	6	5
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	457,950	457,950
Additional paid-in capital	159,414	159,414
Retained earnings	622,044	646,749
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	74,482	(64,313)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,206,474 in 2017 and 5,379,106 in 2016	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,313,890	1,199,800
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,313,890	1,199,800
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,535,383	1,238,022
Non- Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	404,172	326,652	$ 282,785		$ 299,553
Receivables, less allowance of $9,396 in 2017 and $10,250 in 2016	271,461	244,469
Inventories	217,551	182,056
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	34,066	43,146
Refundable income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	927,250	796,323
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	447,549	405,064
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	193,583	157,665
Net property, plant and equipment	253,966	247,399
Goodwill	207,050	190,441
Other intangible assets	107,514	108,241
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	927,179	1,089,369
Other assets, less allowance for doubtful receivables of $417 in 2017 and $8,741 in 2016	83,665	110,812
Total assets	2,506,624	2,542,585
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	966	851
Notes payable to banks	161	746
Accounts payable	139,952	109,484
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	31,591	30,653
Accrued expenses	43,210	44,411
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	(215,880)	(186,145)
Deferred income taxes	14,021	13,322
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	9,836	3,544
Defined benefit pension liability	189,552	209,470
Deferred compensation	5,598	4,843
Other noncurrent liabilities	9,505	11,263
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	648,682	648,683
Additional paid-in capital	1,107,536	1,107,536
Retained earnings	619,622	603,338
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(352,567)	(284,663)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 5,206,474 in 2017 and 5,379,106 in 2016	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	2,023,273	2,074,894
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	38,959	39,104
Total shareholders’ equity	2,062,232	2,113,998
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,506,624	$ 2,542,585

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN89

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 4) - $ / shares	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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			44 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015	Dec. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 122,319	$ 178,391	$ 45,333
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	84,957	82,417	91,144
Noncash loss on trading securities	237	586	4,555
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation	12,568	(13,652)	0
Impairment of Property Plant and Equipment	0	1,099	19,836
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	12,568
Impairment of property, plant and equipment	0	0	41,970
Stock-based compensation	10,706	9,931	7,244
Change in fair value of contingent consideration	0	(3,242)	0
Defined benefit pension plan expense	648	1,870	(610)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(40,245)	(1,488)	(16,500)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(3,924)	631	2,327
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	247
Deferred income taxes	39,755	(23,685)	4,858
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	(49,112)	24,622	50,267
Inventories	(57,442)	(11,461)	3,296
Prepaid expenses	(6,038)	1,138	10,844
Accounts payable	39,405	104	(6,805)
Accrued expenses	(1,998)	(12,207)	8,918
Other noncurrent liabilities	(7,228)	(23,880)	(1,764)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	1,108	7,994	7,107
Net cash flows from operating activities	145,716	219,168	272,267
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(55,266)	(57,920)	(45,468)
Proceeds from sale of assets	8,185	5,126	3,249
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,362)	0	(12,778)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	5,123	0	0
Other, net	(2,295)	(255)	6,826
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(49,615)	(53,049)	(48,171)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under short-term agreements	(585)	(200)	(12,853)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	0	68,000
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(887)	(2,006)	(69,098)
Dividends paid	(33,862)	(34,053)	(35,357)
Increase (Decrease) Payments of Intercompany Dividends	0		0
Proceeds from repayment of intercompany capital contributionn	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(5,674)	(2,938)	(2,634)
Intercompany capital contribution	0	(11,009)	0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	35,159	11,153	13,075
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	1,699
Purchase of treasury shares	0	(53,800)	(168,983)	$ (617,800)
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	(26,161)	(2,305)	(13,854)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(32,010)	(95,158)	(220,005)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	28,766	(20,087)	(26,596)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	92,857	50,874	(22,505)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	399,948	349,074	371,579
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	492,805	399,948	349,074	492,805
Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	(105,852)	(208,027)	27,217
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0	0
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation		0
Impairment of Property Plant and Equipment		0	0
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	0
Impairment of property, plant and equipment			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	106,023	207,189	(27,576)
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	0	0	0
Inventories	(306)	1,160	2,228
Prepaid expenses	0	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0	0
Accrued expenses	0	0	324
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0	0
Income taxes payable (refundable)	0	0	0
Net cash flows from operating activities	(135)	322	2,193
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
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	0
Other, net	135	(322)	(2,193)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	135	(322)	(2,193)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	0	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Increase (Decrease) Payments of Intercompany Dividends	0		0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany capital contribution		0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises			0
Purchase of treasury shares		0	0
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	0	0	0
Net cash flows used in 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
Parent
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	116,240	173,232	40,117
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	26,237	27,096	29,433
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0	0
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation		0
Impairment of Property Plant and Equipment		0	7,486
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	0
Impairment of property, plant and equipment			0
Stock-based compensation	10,706	9,931	7,244
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	(664)	165	983
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(83,877)	(141,061)	(11,842)
Deferred income taxes	10,307	6,216	10,042
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	(13,120)	(3,610)	27,576
Inventories	(33,775)	5,554	(4,364)
Prepaid expenses	(2,207)	(1,250)	2,337
Accounts payable	17,643	(14,452)	6,831
Accrued expenses	7,516	1,423	(16,485)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(140)	(2,333)	177
Income taxes payable (refundable)	(11,837)	32,873	7,895
Net cash flows from operating activities	43,029	93,784	107,430
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(20,460)	(9,031)	(14,362)
Proceeds from sale of assets	748	44	3,996
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0		0
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	5,123
Other, net	684	(633)	72,866
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(13,905)	(9,620)	62,500
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			68,000
Principal payments on long-term borrowings		(215)	(68,213)
Dividends paid	(33,862)	(34,053)	(35,357)
Increase (Decrease) Payments of Intercompany Dividends	(22,662)		(26,115)
Proceeds from repayment of intercompany capital contributionn	(10,818)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany capital contribution		0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	35,159	11,153	13,075
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises			1,699
Purchase of treasury shares		(53,800)	(168,983)
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	(26,161)	(2,305)	(13,854)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(13,020)	(79,220)	(177,518)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	16,104	4,944	(7,588)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	67,225	62,281	69,869
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	83,329	67,225	62,281	83,329
Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	52,562	104,625	(10,760)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	15,003	13,316	12,611
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0	0
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation		0
Impairment of Property Plant and Equipment		0	542
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	0
Impairment of property, plant and equipment			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	8	103	319
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(22,146)	(66,128)	39,418
Deferred income taxes	0	0	(6,224)
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	(22,473)	5,865	3,547
Inventories	(1,345)	(7,078)	18,130
Prepaid expenses	(90)	(114)	(172)
Accounts payable	2,307	2,052	(1,970)
Accrued expenses	(4,116)	(6,664)	17,713
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	5	0
Income taxes payable (refundable)	728	(16,567)	(306)
Net cash flows from operating activities	20,438	29,415	72,848
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(9,454)	(22,320)	(7,718)
Proceeds from sale of assets	3	102	302
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0		(12,778)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	0
Other, net	(22,777)	(5,085)	(50,447)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(32,228)	(27,303)	(70,641)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	0	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Increase (Decrease) Payments of Intercompany Dividends	0		0
Proceeds from repayment of intercompany capital contributionn	10,818
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany capital contribution		0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises			0
Purchase of treasury shares		0	0
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	0	0	0
Net cash flows used in financing activities	10,818	0	0
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	205	(49)	(356)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(767)	2,063	1,851
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	6,071	4,008	2,157
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	5,304	6,071	4,008	5,304
Non- Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	59,369	108,561	(11,241)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	43,717	42,005	49,100
Noncash loss on trading securities	237	586	4,555
Non-cash after-tax loss on deconsolidation		(13,652)
Impairment of Property Plant and Equipment		1,099	11,808
Impairment of assets - restructuring activities	12,568
Impairment of property, plant and equipment			41,970
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Change in fair value of contingent consideration		(3,242)
Defined benefit pension plan expense	648	1,870	(610)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(40,245)	(1,488)	(16,500)
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(3,268)	363	1,025
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	247
Deferred income taxes	29,448	(29,901)	1,040
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	(13,519)	22,367	19,144
Inventories	(22,016)	(11,097)	(12,698)
Prepaid expenses	(3,741)	2,502	8,679
Accounts payable	19,455	12,504	(11,666)
Accrued expenses	(5,398)	(6,966)	7,366
Other noncurrent liabilities	(7,088)	(21,552)	(1,941)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	12,217	(8,312)	(482)
Net cash flows from operating activities	82,384	95,647	89,796
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(25,352)	(26,569)	(23,388)
Proceeds from sale of assets	7,434	4,980	(1,049)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,362)		0
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	0
Other, net	19,663	5,785	(13,400)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(3,617)	(15,804)	(37,837)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments under short-term agreements	(585)	(200)	(12,853)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings			0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(887)	(1,791)	(885)
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Increase (Decrease) Payments of Intercompany Dividends	22,662		26,115
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(5,674)	(2,938)	(2,634)
Intercompany capital contribution		(11,009)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises			0
Purchase of treasury shares		0	0
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	0	0	0
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(29,808)	(15,938)	(42,487)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	28,561	(20,038)	(26,240)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	77,520	43,867	(16,768)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year	326,652	282,785	299,553
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$ 404,172	$ 326,652	$ 282,785	$ 404,172

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una91

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 24, 2016	Jun. 25, 2016	Mar. 26, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 26, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 714,978	$ 680,779	$ 712,737	$ 637,473	$ 674,575	$ 610,247	$ 640,249	$ 596,605	$ 2,745,967	$ 2,521,676	$ 2,618,924
Gross profit	170,289	163,594	183,280	164,605	165,135	155,023	175,117	160,968	681,768	656,243	621,033
Net Earnings, Amount	$ (3,611)	$ 35,208	$ 45,664	$ 38,979	$ 70,064	$ 28,173	$ 42,026	$ 32,969	$ 116,240	$ 173,232	$ 40,117
Net Earnings, Per Share, Basic (in dollars per share)	$ (0.16)	$ 1.56	$ 2.03	$ 1.73	$ 3.12	$ 1.25	$ 1.86	$ 1.45	$ 5.16	$ 7.68	$ 1.72
Net Earnings, Per Share, Diluted (in dollars per share)	(0.16)	1.55	2.01	1.72	3.10	1.24	1.85	1.45	5.11	7.63	1.71
Stock Price, High (in dollars per share)	176.35	160.35	157.60	165.20	156.05	139.62	145.94	125.69	176.35	156.05
Stock Price, Low (in dollars per share)	153.65	140.90	144.65	135.95	120.65	125.60	117.10	96.50	135.95	96.50
Dividends Declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 1.500	$ 1.500	$ 1.500
Quarterly Financial Data
Blended tax rate (percent)	25.00%								35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Deferred income tax expense	$ 20,372								$ 20,372
Deferred income tax expense (in usd per share)	$ 0.90
Provision charge for deemed repatriation tax	$ 9,890
Provision charge for deemed repatriation tax (in usd per share)	$ 0.44
Deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and US state income taxes	$ 11,673								49,766	$ (32,391)	$ 1,809
Deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and US state income taxes (in usd per share)	$ 0.51
Deferred income tax benefit									$ 30,590
Deferred income tax benefit (in dollars per share)									$ 1.35
Provision for valuation allowance									$ 9,888
Valuation provision effect (in dollars per share)									$ 0.44
Reversal of contingent liability									$ 16,591
Reversal of contingent liability effect (in dollars per share)									$ 0.73
Restructuring expenses (in dollars per share)									$ 0.58
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets									$ 0	0	$ 41,970
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (in dollars per share									$ 1.72
Goodwill impairment										34,892
Broad Restructuring Plan
Quarterly Financial Data
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining	$ 4,581				$ 39,852				$ 4,581	$ 39,852