Valmont Industries (VMI) 10-K 26 Feb 20 2019 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Feb. 20, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Cover page.
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 28, 2019
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-31429
Entity Registrant Name	Valmont Industries, Inc.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	47-0351813
Entity Address, Address Line One	One Valmont Plaza,
Entity Address, City or Town	Omaha,
Entity Address, State or Province	NE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	68154-5215
City Area Code	402
Local Phone Number	963-1000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock $1.00 par value
Trading Symbol	VMI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company	false
Emerging Growth Company	false
Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,544,582
Entity Public Float			$ 2,908,458,040
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the Company’s proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 28, 2020 (the “Proxy Statement”), to be filed within 120 days of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 , are incorporated by reference in Part III.
Entity Central Index Key	0000102729
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Net sales	$ 2,766,976	$ 2,757,144	$ 2,745,967
Total cost of sales	2,074,480	2,098,864	2,064,199
Gross profit	692,496	658,280	681,768
Selling, general and administrative expenses	454,776	440,220	414,688
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets	0	15,780	0
Operating income	237,720	202,280	267,080
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	(40,153)	(44,237)	(44,645)
Interest income	3,942	4,668	4,737
Gain (loss) on investments - unrealized	5,960	(839)	3,863
Costs associated with refinancing of debt	0	(14,820)	0
Loss from divestiture of grinding media business	0	(6,084)	0
Other	2,204	2,473	(2,571)
Total other income (expenses)	(28,047)	(58,839)	(38,616)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	209,673	143,441	228,464
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	46,267	44,794	66,390
Deferred	3,940	(1,659)	39,755
Total income tax expense (benefit)	50,207	43,135	106,145
Net earnings	159,466	100,306	122,319
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,697)	(5,955)	(6,079)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 153,769	$ 94,351	$ 116,240
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 7.10	$ 4.23	$ 5.16
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 7.06	$ 4.20	$ 5.11
Product
Net sales	$ 2,434,190	$ 2,437,334	$ 2,447,219
Total cost of sales	1,853,965	1,887,959	1,860,087
Service
Net sales	332,786	319,810	298,748
Total cost of sales	$ 220,515	$ 210,905	$ 204,112

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings	$ 159,466	$ 100,306	$ 122,319
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(2,506)	(65,436)	79,279
Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in other expense	0	9,203	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(2,506)	(56,233)	79,279
Gain/(loss) on hedging activities:
Unrealized gain (loss) on net investment hedges, net of tax expense (benefit) of $384 in 2019, $1,894 in 2018 and ($880) in 2017	1,154	5,291	(1,695)
Realized loss on grinding media net investment hedge	0	1,215	0
Amortization cost (benefit) included in interest expense	(64)	423	74
Deferred loss on interest rate hedges	0	(2,467)	0
Commodity hedges	(2,130)	1,021	0
Realized (gain) loss on commodity hedges recorded in earnings	2,130	(1,021)	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on cross currency swaps	1,815	352	0
Other Comprehensive Income Loss, Hedging Activities, Gain (loss), after Reclassification and Tax	2,905	4,814	(1,621)
Actuarial gain (loss) on defined benefit pension plan, net of tax expense (benefit) of ($2,710) in 2019, $8,177 in 2018, ($501) in 2017	(10,828)	29,885	(10,871)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,429)	(21,534)	66,787
Comprehensive income	149,037	78,772	189,106
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,505)	(8,584)	(5,529)
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 143,532	$ 70,188	$ 183,577

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on net investment hedge, tax	$ 384	$ 1,894	$ (880)
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability, tax	$ (2,710)	$ 8,177	$ (501)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 353,542	$ 313,210
Receivables, less allowance of $9,548 in 2019 and $8,277 in 2018	480,000	483,963
Inventories	374,565	383,566
Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings	141,322	112,525
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	32,043	42,800
Refundable income taxes	6,947	4,576
Total current assets	1,388,419	1,340,640
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,245,261	1,160,865
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	687,132	646,873
Net property, plant and equipment	558,129	513,992
Goodwill	428,864	385,207
Other intangible assets, net	175,742	175,956
Other assets	212,257	114,479
Total assets	2,763,411	2,530,274
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	760	779
Notes payable to banks	21,774	10,678
Accounts payable	197,957	218,115
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	83,528	79,291
Accrued expenses	201,681	91,942
Dividends payable	8,079	8,230
Total current liabilities	513,779	409,035
Deferred income taxes	47,955	43,489
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	764,944	741,822
Defined benefit pension liability	140,007	143,904
Operating lease liabilities	85,817	0
Deferred compensation	45,114	46,107
Other noncurrent liabilities	8,904	10,394
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
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	2,140,948	2,027,596
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(313,422)	(303,185)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 6,356,103 in 2019 and 5,951,971 in 2018	(743,942)	(692,549)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,111,484	1,059,762
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	45,407	75,761
Total shareholders’ equity	1,156,891	1,135,523
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,763,411	$ 2,530,274

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,548	$ 8,277
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	6,356,103	5,951,971

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 159,466	$ 100,306	$ 122,319
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	82,264	82,827	84,957
Noncash loss on trading securities	172	62	(237)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(18,461)	(1,537)	(40,245)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment	0	5,000	0
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets	0	15,780	0
Loss on divestiture of grinding media business	0	6,084	0
Stock-based compensation	11,587	10,392	10,706
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	(513)	(2,251)	648
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(2,513)	(225)	(3,924)
Deferred income taxes	3,940	(1,659)	39,755
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	5,408	12,571	(49,112)
Inventories	12,313	(13,774)	(57,442)
Prepaid expenses	4,413	(11,048)	(6,214)
Contract asset - costs and profits in excess of billings	(29,274)	(32,932)	176
Accounts payable	(21,410)	(1,486)	39,405
Accrued expenses	108,784	49	(1,998)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(1,274)	(10,888)	(7,228)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	(6,944)	(4,139)	1,108
Net cash flows from operating activities	307,614	153,008	133,148
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(97,425)	(71,985)	(55,266)
Proceeds from sale of assets	5,556	63,103	8,185
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(81,841)	(143,020)	(5,362)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	11,184	(1,621)	5,123
Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(6,169)	0	0
Other, net	545	(1,922)	(2,295)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(168,150)	(155,445)	(49,615)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) under short-term agreements	11,327	10,543	(585)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	31,000	251,655	0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(10,768)	(262,191)	(887)
Settlement of financial derivatives	0	(2,467)	0
Debt issuance costs	0	(2,322)	0
Dividends paid	(32,642)	(33,726)	(33,862)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(7,737)	(7,055)	(5,674)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(27,845)	(5,510)	0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	13,619	7,357	35,159
Purchase of treasury shares	(62,915)	(114,805)	0
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises	(12,989)	(3,589)	(26,161)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(98,950)	(162,110)	(32,010)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(182)	(15,048)	27,682
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	40,332	(179,595)	79,205
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year	313,210	492,805	413,600
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of year	$ 353,542	$ 313,210	$ 492,805

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
Beginning 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 ($1.50 per share)	(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
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings	100,306			94,351			5,955
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(21,534)				(24,163)		2,629
Cash dividends declared ($1.50 per share)	(33,426)			(33,426)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(7,055)						(7,055)
Stock plan exercises	(3,589)					(3,589)
Stock options exercised	7,357		(2,397)	1,518		8,236
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(5,510)		0				(5,510)
Stock option expense	4,064		4,064
Stock awards	6,328		(1,667)			7,995
Addition of noncontrolling interest	40,783						40,783
Purchase of treasury shares	(114,805)					(114,805)
Ending balance at Dec. 29, 2018	1,135,523	27,900	0	2,027,596	(303,185)	(692,549)	75,761
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings	159,466			153,769			5,697
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,429)				(10,237)		(192)
Cash dividends declared ($1.50 per share)	(32,503)			(32,503)
Dividends to noncontrolling interests	(7,737)						(7,737)
Stock plan exercises	(12,989)					(12,989)
Stock options exercised	13,619		(3,756)	972		16,403
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(27,845)		277				(28,122)
Stock option expense	2,772		2,772
Stock awards	8,815		707			8,108
Purchase of treasury shares	(62,915)					(62,915)
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2019	$ 1,156,891	$ 27,900	$ 0	$ 2,140,948	$ (313,422)	$ (743,942)	$ 45,407

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SH_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.50	$ 1.50	$ 1.50
Purchase of treasury shares acquired (in shares)	491,045	843,278
Stock plan exercises; shares acquired (in shares)	90,868	27,555	154,437
Stock options exercised; shares issued (in shares)	119,789	63,717	284,574
Stock awards; shares issued (in shares)	60,021	61,208	42,846

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
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). Investments in 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 $13,971 and $8,888 were classified as accounts payable at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , 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 poles, towers, and components for global lighting, traffic, and wireless communication markets, engineered access systems, integrated structure solutions for smart cities, and highway safety products; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for global utility transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, painting, and anodizing services to preserve and protect metal products; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment, parts, services, tubular products, water management solutions, and technology for precision agriculture. In addition to these four reportable segments, there are other businesses and activities which 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 until its divestiture in 2018. Fiscal Year The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year with each year ending on the last Saturday in December. Accordingly, the Company’s fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 , December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 consisted of 52 weeks. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are reported on the balance sheet net of any allowance for doubtful accounts. Allowances are maintained in amounts considered to be appropriate in relation to the outstanding receivables based on age of the receivable, economic conditions and customer credit quality. As the Company’s international Irrigation business has grown, the exposure to potential losses in international markets has also increased. These exposures can be difficult to estimate, particularly in areas of political instability, or with governments with which the Company has limited experience, or where there is a lack of transparency as to the current credit condition of governmental units. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts related to current accounts receivable was $9,548 at December 28, 2019 . Inventories Approximately 41% and 37% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , 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 $43,805 and $53,619 at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , 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 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was $64,177 , $67,499 and $69,046 , 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. Upon adoption of ASC 842 in 2019, the Company impaired the right-of-use (lease) asset for one of its galvanizing facilities in Australia as it will not generate sufficient cash flows to recover the carrying value. Impairment losses were recorded in 2018 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. See footnote 8 for details of impairments recognized during 2018. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Income Taxes The Company uses the asset and liability method to calculate deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized on temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates. The effect of tax rate changes on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income during the period that includes the enactment date. Warranties The Company's provision for product warranty reflects management's best estimate of probable liability under its product warranties. Estimated future warranty costs are recorded at the time a sale is recognized. Future warranty liability is determined based on applying historical claim rate experience to units sold that are still within the warranty period. In addition, the Company records provisions for known warranty claims. Pension Benefits Certain expenses are incurred in connection with a defined benefit pension plan. In order to measure expense and the related benefit obligation, various assumptions are made including discount rates used to value the obligation, expected return on plan assets used to fund these expenses and estimated future inflation rates. These assumptions are based on historical experience as well as current facts and circumstances. An actuarial analysis is used to measure the expense and liability associated with pension benefits. Derivative Instruments 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 29, 2018 $ (230,261 ) $ 11,171 $ (84,095 ) $ (303,185 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) (2,314 ) 2,905 (10,828 ) (10,237 ) Balance at December 28, 2019 $ (232,575 ) $ 14,076 $ (94,923 ) $ (313,422 ) (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Revenue Recognition On December 31, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) . The Company elected to use the modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new revenue standard. The Company determines the appropriate revenue recognition for our contracts by analyzing the type, terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement with a customer. Contracts with customers for all businesses are fixed-price with sales tax excluded from revenue, and do not include variable consideration. Discounts included in contracts with customers, typically early pay discounts, are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the period in which the sale is recognized. Contract revenues are classified as product when the performance obligation is related to the manufacturing of goods. Contract revenues are classified as service when the performance obligation is the performance of a service. Service revenue is primarily related to the Coatings segment. Customer acceptance provisions exist only in the design stage of our products and acceptance of the design by the customer is required before the project 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 revenue associated with the design stage. There is one performance obligation for revenue recognition. No general rights of return exist for customers once the product has been delivered and the Company establishes provisions for estimated warranties. The Company does not sell extended warranties for any of its products. Shipping and handling costs associated with sales are recorded as cost of goods sold. The Company elected to use the practical expedient of treating freight as a fulfillment obligation instead of a separate performance obligation and ratably recognize freight expense as the structure is being manufactured, when the revenue from the associated customer contract is being recognized over time. With the exception of the Utility segment and the wireless communication structures product line, the Company’s inventory is interchangeable for a variety of each segment’s customers. The Company elected the practical expedient to not disclose the partially satisfied performance obligation at the end of the period when the contract has an original expected duration of one year or less. The Company did not have any significant contracts with an original expected duration of more than one year at December 28, 2019. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to not adjust the amount of consideration to be received in a contract for any significant financing component if payment is expected within twelve months of transfer of control of goods or services; the Company expects all consideration to be received in one year or less at contract inception. Segment and Product Line Revenue Recognition The global Utility segment revenues are derived from manufactured steel and concrete structures for the North America utility industry and offshore and other complex structures used in energy generation and distribution outside of the United States. Steel and concrete utility structures are engineered to customer specifications resulting in limited ability to sell the structure to a different customer if an order is canceled after production commences. The continuous transfer of control to the customer is evidenced either by contractual termination clauses or by our rights to payment for work performed to-date plus a reasonable profit as the products do not have an alternative use to the Company. Since control is transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment. For our steel and concrete utility and wireless communication structure product lines, we generally recognize revenue on an inputs basis, using total production hours incurred to-date for each order as a percentage of total hours estimated to produce the order. The completion percentage is applied to the order’s total revenue and total estimated costs to determine reported revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit. Production of an order, once started, is typically completed within three months. Revenue from the offshore and other complex structures business is also recognized using an inputs method, based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. External sales agents are used in certain sales of steel and concrete structures; the Company has chosen to use the practical expedient to expense estimated commissions owed to third parties by recognizing them proportionately as the goods are manufactured. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) The global ESS segment revenues are derived from the manufacture and distribution of engineered metal, composite structures and components for lighting and traffic and roadway safety, engineered access systems, and wireless communication. For the lighting and traffic and roadway safety product lines, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of goods to the customer depending on contract terms, which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. For Access Systems, revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The wireless communication monopole product line has large regional customers who have unique product specifications for these larger communication structures. When the customer contract includes a cancellation clause that would require them to pay for work completed plus a reasonable margin if an order was canceled, revenue is recognized over time based on hours worked as a percent of total estimated hours to complete production. For the remaining wireless communication product line customers which do not provide a contractual right to bill for work completed on a canceled order, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. For wireless communication towers and components, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of goods to the customer depending on contract terms, which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The global Coatings segment revenues are derived by providing coating services to customers’ products, which include galvanizing, anodizing, and powder coating. Revenue is recognized once the coating service has been performed and the goods are ready to be picked up or delivered to the customer which is the same time that the customer is billed. The global Irrigation segment revenues are derived from the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the agricultural industry and tubular products for industrial customers. Revenue recognition for the irrigation segment is generally upon shipment of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The remote monitoring subscription services are primarily billed annually and revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the subsequent twelve months. Disaggregation of revenue by product line is disclosed in the Segment footnote. A breakdown by segment of revenue recognized over time and revenue recognized at a point in time for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 is as follows: Point in Time Over Time Point in Time Over Time Fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 Fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 Fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 Fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 Utility Support Structures $ 47,450 $ 838,158 $ 16,760 $ 838,446 Engineered Support Structures 952,056 50,020 922,677 44,681 Coatings 300,640 — 286,739 — Irrigation 564,918 13,734 612,385 12,376 Other — — 23,080 — Total $ 1,865,064 $ 901,912 $ 1,861,641 $ 895,503 The Company's contract asset as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 was $141,322 and $112,525 , respectively. Both steel and concrete utility customers in North America are generally invoiced upon shipment or delivery of the goods to the customer's specified location and there are typically no up-front or progress payments. The increase in the contract asset in 2019 is attributed to an increase in finished structures that had not yet been shipped to the customers. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) At December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , the liability for revenue recognized over time was $117,945 and $4,906 . The liability for customer billings in excess of costs and earnings is included in Accrued Expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the Company recognized $3,921 and $5,222 of revenue that was included in the liability as of December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017. The revenue recognized was due to applying advance payments received for projects completed during the period. 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 Sheets. 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 at that time 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 and again in October 2018, 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 28, 2019 , the Company has acquired 5,922,454 shares for approximately $795,549 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 $13,900 in 2019 , $11,500 in 2018 , and $11,600 in 2017 . Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements 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). The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2019. The Company made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet for all classes of underlying assets. In addition, the Company elected certain practical expedients not to reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification of any existing leases, to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, and to not separate lease components for all classes of underlying assets. The Company did not to recast its comparative periods in transition (the “Comparatives Under 840 Option”) as allowed under ASU 2018-11. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses on instruments within its scope, including trade receivables. This update is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses. The effective date of ASU No. 2016-13 will be the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal 2020. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 to be significant on its consolidated financial statements.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	(2) ACQUISITIONS Acquisitions of Businesses On May 13, 2019, the Company acquired the assets of Connect-It Wireless, Inc. ("Connect-It") for $6,034 in cash. Connect-It operates in Florida and is a manufacturer and distributor of wireless site components and safety products. In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,299 and customer relationships of $828 were recorded and the remainder is net working capital. A portion of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Connect-It is included in the ESS segment and was acquired to expand the Company's wireless component distribution network. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2019. On February 11, 2019, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of United Galvanizing ("United"), a provider of coatings services for $26,000 in cash. The agreed upon purchase price was $28,000 , with $2,000 being contingent on seller representations and warranties that was settled in the first quarter of 2020. The acquisition of United, located in Houston, Texas further expands the Company's galvanizing footprint in North America and will be reported in the Coatings segment. The fair values assigned were $12,374 for goodwill, $3,170 for customer relationships, trade name of $894 , $10,987 for property, plant, and equipment, and the remainder is net working capital. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and the customer relationship will be amortized over 10 years . The trade name has an indefinite life. The Company finalized the purchase price allocation in the fourth quarter of 2019. On December 31, 2018, the Company acquired the assets of Larson Camouflage ("Larson"), an industry leading provider of architectural and camouflage concealment solutions for the wireless telecommunication market for $31,106 in cash. The agreed upon purchase price was $34,562 , with 10% being held back for seller representations and warranties (paid in the first quarter of 2020). Larson was acquired to grow our product offerings in the wireless communication market and will be reported in the ESS segment. The fair values assigned were $16,223 for customer relationships, $15,346 for goodwill, $1,151 for property, plant, and equipment and the remainder is net working capital. Goodwill is deductible for tax purposes and the customer relationships will be amortized over 12 years . The purchase price allocation was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2019. On October 18, 2018, the Company acquired CSP Coatings Systems of Auckland, New Zealand, a provider of a wide range of coatings services for approximately $17,711 . The acquisition further strengthens the Company's Asia-Pacific market position and will be reported in the Coatings segment. The preliminary fair values assigned were $7,373 to property, plant, and equipment, $3,113 for customer relationships, $5,120 for goodwill, with the remainder net working capital. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes and the customer relationships will be amortized over 10 years. The Company finalized the purchase price allocation in the second quarter of 2019. (2) ACQUISITIONS (Continued) On August 3, 2018, the Company purchased approximately 72% of the outstanding shares of Walpar, LLC ("Walpar") for $57,805 in cash. Walpar is an industry leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of overhead sign structures for the North America transportation market. Walpar is located in Birmingham, Alabama and its operations are reported in the ESS segment. The transaction was funded with cash on hand. The acquisition of Walpar was completed to expand the Company's product offering in the sign structure market. Customer relationships will be amortized over 12 years and the trade name has an indefinite life. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. In January 2019, the 28% non-controlling interest shares of Walpar, LLC were acquired for $23,082 . During the third quarter of 2019, the Company finalized its purchase price allocation including its assessment of the value of intangibles on the opening balance sheet. As a result of updated cash flow projections it was determined that a $3,500 reduction in customer relationships, along with an offsetting increase in goodwill less deferred tax, was necessary to adjust the allocation of fair value to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Walpar as of the date of acquisition: At August 3, 2018 Current assets $ 13,210 Customer relationships 28,500 Trade name 3,500 Goodwill 45,453 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 90,663 Current liabilities 2,197 Deferred taxes 7,579 Total fair value of liabilities assumed $ 9,776 Non-controlling interests 23,082 Net assets acquired $ 57,805 On August 3, 2018, the Company acquired 75% of the outstanding shares of Convert Italia SpA ("Convert") for $43,504 in cash. In the second quarter of 2019, the Company paid the former owners approximately $18,700 additional purchase price which was reflected in the contingent consideration liability on the fair value of assets and liabilities assumed on acquisition. Convert is a designer and provider of engineered solar tracker solutions that is headquartered in Italy, with offices in Brazil and Argentina. The Company acquired Convert to grow market adjacencies in the Utility Support Structures segment. (2) ACQUISITIONS (Continued) Patents and proprietary technology will be amortized over 15 years and the trade name has an indefinite life. Goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes. The fair value measurement process and purchase price allocation was finalized in the third quarter of 2019. The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Convert at the date of acquisition: At August 3, 2018 Current assets $ 18,349 Other assets 3,166 Patent and Proprietary Technology 16,554 Trade name 8,701 Goodwill 42,169 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 88,939 Current liabilities 5,376 Contingent consideration liability 19,497 Deferred taxes 6,061 Total fair value of liabilities assumed $ 30,934 Non-controlling interests 14,501 Net assets acquired $ 43,504 On August 1, 2018, the Company acquired the operational assets of Derit Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. ("Derit") for $14,700 in cash, net of assumed liabilities. The Company acquired the net assets at fair value with no value assigned to intangible assets in the purchase price allocation. Derit has a manufacturing facility in India with production capabilities for steel lattice structures for power transmission, wireless communication, and a provider of zinc galvanizing services. Derit was acquired to provide the Company with lattice structure manufacturing capabilities and to further expand the geographic footprint of the galvanizing business. The majority of the business will be reported in the Utility Support Structures segment, while the galvanizing business will be reported in the Coatings segment. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2018. On January 26, 2018, the Company acquired 60% of the assets of Torrent Engineering and Equipment ("Torrent") for $4,800 in cash. Torrent operates in Indiana and is an integrator of prefabricated pump stations that involves designing high pressure water and compressed air process systems. Torrent has annual sales of approximately $9,000 . In the purchase price allocation, goodwill of $3,922 and $4,020 of customer relationships and other intangible assets were recorded. A portion of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. Torrent is included in the Irrigation segment and was acquired to expand the Company's water management capabilities. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the second quarter of 2018. (2) ACQUISITIONS (Continued) The Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 included net sales from acquisitions of $117,296 . In aggregate, these acquisitions did not contribute net earnings to the Company's consolidated 2019 results. The proforma effect of these acquisitions on the 2019, 2018, and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Earnings is as follows: Fifty-two Weeks Ended December 28, 2019 Fifty-two Weeks Ended December 29, 2018 Fifty-two Weeks Ended December 30, 2017 Net sales $ 2,772,150 $ 2,842,162 $ 2,818,035 Net earnings 154,302 98,292 122,407 Earnings per share-diluted 7.09 4.38 5.39 Acquisitions of Noncontrolling Interests In April 2019, the Company acquired the remaining 4.8% of Valmont SM that it did not own for $4,763 . In March 2018, the Company acquired the remaining 10% of Valmont Industria e Commercio Ltda. that it did not own for $5,510 . As this transaction was for acquisitions of all of the remaining shares of consolidated subsidiaries with no change in control, it was recorded within shareholders' equity and as a financing cash flow in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

DIVESTITURE

DIVESTITURE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DIVESTITURE	On April 30, 2018, the Company completed the sale of Donhad, its grinding media business in Australia, reported in the Other segment. The business was sold because it did not fit the long-term strategic plans for the Company. The grinding media business historical annual sales, operating profit, and net assets are not significant for discontinued operations presentation. The grinding media business had an operating loss of $913 for the year ended December 29, 2018, and operating income of $2,134 for the ended December 30, 2017. The Company received Australian $82,500 (U.S. $62,518 ). The pre-tax loss from the divestiture is reported in other income (expense). The loss is comprised of the proceeds from buyer, less deal-related costs, less the net assets of the business which resulted in a gain of $4,334 . Offsetting this amount is a $(10,418) realized loss on foreign exchange translation adjustments and net investment hedges previously reported in shareholders' equity. Pre-tax gain from divestiture, before recognition of currency translation loss $ 4,334 Recognition of cumulative currency translation loss and hedges (out of OCI) (10,418 ) Net pre-tax loss from divestiture of the grinding media business $ (6,084 )

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES	(4) RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES 2018 Plan During 2018, the Company executed certain regional restructuring activities (the "2018 Plan") primarily in the ESS and Utility segments to transform its operational business model including exiting certain local markets. The 2018 Plan included the closure of seven facilities, including three in China. The one Utility facility and one ESS facility in Europe ceased production in the second quarter of 2019. All other facilities were closed by December 29, 2018. The Company recorded the following pre-tax expenses: ESS Utility Irrigation Other/ Corporate TOTAL Severance $ 6,255 $ 1,825 $ — $ — $ 8,080 Other cash restructuring expenses 3,512 2,228 — — 5,740 Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals 4,560 — — — 4,560 Total cost of sales 14,327 4,053 — — 18,380 Severance 10,654 1,100 129 — 11,883 Other cash restructuring expenses 3,151 — 51 126 3,328 Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals 440 — — — 440 Total selling, general and administrative expenses 14,245 1,100 180 126 15,651 Consolidated total $ 28,572 $ 5,153 $ 180 $ 126 $ 34,031 In connection with exiting certain local markets as a result of the 2018 Plan, the Company also recorded $7,944 of impairments of current and other assets during fiscal 2018, primarily inventory. Change in the liabilities recorded for the restructuring plans were as follows: Balance at December 29, 2018 Recognized Restructuring Expense Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at December 28, 2019 Severance $ 6,594 $ — $ (6,594 ) $ — Other cash restructuring expenses 3,462 — (3,462 ) — Total $ 10,056 $ — $ (10,056 ) $ —

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMA

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION	5) 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 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , and December 30, 2017 were as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Interest $ 39,032 $ 43,305 $ 44,528 Income taxes 43,629 47,355 63,791 The 2019 acquisition of United and Larson included hold back payments contingent on seller representations and warranties of $2,000 and $3,456 , respectively. The hold back payments were paid in the first quarter of 2020 and will be shown as an investing use of cash in the acquisitions line item of the consolidated statements of cash flows in 2020.

INVENTORIES

INVENTORIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORIES	(6) INVENTORIES Inventories consisted of the following at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 : 2019 2018 Raw materials and purchased parts $ 158,314 $ 190,115 Work-in-process 38,088 35,566 Finished goods and manufactured goods 221,968 211,504 Subtotal 418,370 437,185 Less: LIFO reserve 43,805 53,619 $ 374,565 $ 383,566

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT	(7) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consist of the following: 2019 2018 Land and improvements $ 111,091 $ 99,797 Buildings and improvements 364,396 348,836 Machinery and equipment 584,447 549,311 Transportation equipment 23,650 24,380 Office furniture and equipment 85,130 85,239 Construction in progress 76,547 53,302 $ 1,245,261 $ 1,160,865

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	(8) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS Amortized Intangible Assets The components of amortized intangible assets at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: December 28, 2019 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 237,626 $ 149,720 13 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 24,068 6,358 14 years Other 8,054 7,035 5 years $ 269,748 $ 163,113 December 29, 2018 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 219,508 $ 132,180 13 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 23,662 4,837 14 years Other 7,971 6,891 5 years $ 251,141 $ 143,908 Amortization expense for intangible assets was $ 18,087 , $ 15,328 and $ 15,911 for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 , December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 , respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑lived intangible assets is as follows: Estimated 2020 $ 17,343 2021 15,298 2022 13,120 2023 11,345 2024 9,434 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. (8) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) Non-amortized intangible assets Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. The carrying values of trade names at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: December 28, December 29, Year Acquired Newmark $ 11,111 $ 11,111 2004 Webforge 9,143 8,872 2010 Valmont SM 7,966 8,155 2014 Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products 7,454 7,233 2010 Shakespeare 4,000 4,000 2014 Walpar 3,500 4,300 2018 Convert 8,378 8,580 2018 Other 17,555 16,472 $ 69,107 $ 68,723 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 2019. The value of each trade name was determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, no trade names were determined to be impaired. The Company recorded a charge of $1,425 in the third quarter of 2018 for the offshore and other complex steel structures (Valmont SM) trade name. Goodwill The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 was as follows: Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Total Gross balance at December 29, 2018 $ 204,735 $ 123,618 $ 80,937 $ 25,164 $ 434,454 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) (14,355 ) (16,222 ) — (49,247 ) Balance at December 29, 2018 186,065 109,263 64,715 25,164 $ 385,207 Acquisitions 21,870 7,889 12,374 — 42,133 Foreign currency translation 2,029 (913 ) 436 (28 ) 1,524 Balance at December 28, 2019 $ 209,964 $ 116,239 $ 77,525 $ 25,136 $ 428,864 (8) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Other Total Gross balance at December 30, 2017 $ 170,076 $ 90,248 $ 76,696 $ 19,778 $ 15,814 $ 372,612 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — — (34,892 ) Balance at December 30, 2017 151,406 90,248 60,474 19,778 15,814 337,720 Acquisitions 42,216 34,280 5,120 5,503 — 87,119 Impairment — (14,355 ) — — — (14,355 ) Divestiture of grinding media — — — — (15,814 ) (15,814 ) Foreign currency translation (7,557 ) (910 ) (879 ) (117 ) — (9,463 ) Balance at December 29, 2018 $ 186,065 $ 109,263 $ 64,715 $ 25,164 $ — $ 385,207 The Company’s annual impairment test of goodwill was performed during the third quarter of 2019, using the discounted cash flow method. The estimated fair value of all of our reporting units exceeded their respective carrying value, so no goodwill was impaired. The access systems reporting unit with $45,727 of goodwill, is the reporting unit that did not have a substantial excess of estimated fair value over its carrying value. The model assumes geographic expansion of its architectural product lines with realized recent organic growth in its existing market. If architectural systems sales do not increase, the Company will be required to perform an interim test of goodwill. A hypothetical 1% change in the discount rate would increase/decrease the fair value of the reporting unit by approximately $15,000 , which approximates the cushion between estimated fair value and carrying value. In the third quarter of 2018, the Company recognized a goodwill impairment totaling $14,355 , which represented all of the goodwill of the offshore and other complex steel reporting unit.

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS	BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS The Company maintains various lines of credit for short-term borrowings totaling $132,849 at December 28, 2019 . As of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , $21,774 and $10,678 was outstanding and recorded as notes payable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. The interest rates charged on these lines of credit vary in relation to the banks’ costs of funds. The weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings was 2.54% at December 28, 2019 . The unused and available borrowings under the lines of credit were $111,075 at December 28, 2019

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	(10) INCOME TAXES Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries are as follows: 2019 2018 2017 United States $ 175,923 $ 127,852 $ 152,372 Foreign 33,750 15,589 76,092 $ 209,673 $ 143,441 $ 228,464 In fiscal 2017, the Company estimated and recognized approximately $ 41,935 of tax expense for the 2017 Tax Act. The SEC staff issued SAB 118, which provided guidance on accounting for the tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act. (10) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The Company's accounting for the following element of the 2017 Tax Act was finalized as of December 30, 2017: 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, the Company 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. The Company's accounting for the following elements of the 2017 Tax Act were provisional estimates at December 30, 2017, and were finalized as of December 29, 2018 as follows: Deemed Repatriation transition tax : The Deemed Repatriation transition tax (“Transition Tax”) is a tax on unremitted foreign earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries, which subjected the Company's unremitted foreign earnings of approximately $394,000 to tax at certain specified rates less associated foreign tax credits. The Company recorded a Transition Tax obligation of $9,890 during fiscal 2017 and reduced this expense by $550 in 2018 upon finalization. At December 28, 2019, $785 of the Transition Tax has not been paid and is due in fiscal 2024. Indefinite reinvestment assertion: The Company position remains that unremitted foreign earnings subject to the Transition Tax are not indefinitely reinvested. The Company recorded foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes of $10,373 and $1,300 . This expense was recorded in 2017 with a decrease of $140 recognized in 2018 as it was finalized. In addition, the Company has taken the position that on non-U.S. subsidiaries, unremitted foreign earnings are not indefinitely reinvested and it recorded additional foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes of $754 and $43 , respectively during 2019. Income tax expense (benefit) consists of: 2019 2018 2017 Current: Federal $ 27,809 $ 21,106 $ 49,324 State 5,568 6,585 4,415 Foreign 13,130 17,559 12,880 46,507 45,250 66,619 Non-current: (240 ) (456 ) (229 ) Deferred: Federal 2,108 213 (9,626 ) State 553 9 (385 ) Foreign 1,279 (1,881 ) 49,766 3,940 (1,659 ) 39,755 $ 50,207 $ 43,135 $ 106,145 (10) INCOME TAXES (Continued) The reconciliations of the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate follows: 2019 2018 2017 Statutory federal income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.5 3.5 1.4 Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (1.0 ) 3.2 (1.4 ) Foreign tax rate differences 0.3 (1.0 ) (4.1 ) Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (0.1 ) (0.3 ) (0.1 ) Domestic production activities deduction — — (2.1 ) Goodwill impairment — 2.2 — Effects of 2017 Tax Act — (0.5 ) 18.4 Other 1.3 2.0 (0.6 ) 24.0 % 30.1 % 46.5 % Fiscal 2018 includes $3,171 of tax expense related to non-tax deductible goodwill and $6,756 of tax expense primarily related to restructuring charges for which no tax benefits have been recorded due to the increase in valuation allowance. Fiscal 2017 includes $41,935 of tax expense related to the 2017 Tax Act. 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: 2019 2018 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses and allowances $ 16,148 $ 8,268 Tax credits and loss carryforwards 64,116 56,867 Defined benefit pension liability 35,539 36,328 Inventory allowances 5,599 3,320 Accrued compensation and benefits 14,122 13,122 Lease liabilities 21,763 — Deferred compensation 15,174 16,228 Gross deferred income tax assets 172,461 134,133 Valuation allowance (35,215 ) (33,228 ) Net deferred income tax assets 137,246 100,905 Deferred income tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment 31,628 25,477 Intangible assets 49,686 44,850 Lease assets 22,066 — Other deferred tax liabilities 6,067 7,291 Total deferred income tax liabilities 109,447 77,618 Net deferred income tax asset $ 27,799 $ 23,287 (10) INCOME TAXES (Continued) ASC 740 requires an entity to disclose the approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets. As a result, the 2018 component of Deferred compensation in the amount of $28,706 has been disaggregated into Deferred compensation and Accrued compensation and benefits in the amounts of $16,228 and $12,478 , respectively. In addition, several components previously considered to be significant but no longer rise to a significant level have been aggregated. The 2018 components that have been aggregated are $3,914 of Accrued warranty aggregated with Accrued expenses and allowances, $644 of Accrued insurance aggregated with Accrued compensation and benefits, $1,064 of Work in progress aggregated with Inventory allowances, and $2,746 of Future repatriation of foreign earnings aggregated with Other deferred tax liabilities. Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are presented as follows on the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Balance Sheet Caption 2019 2018 Other assets $ 75,754 $ 66,776 Deferred income taxes (47,955 ) (43,489 ) Net deferred income tax asset $ 27,799 $ 23,287 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 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 respectively, there were $64,116 and $56,867 relating to tax credits and loss carryforwards. 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 28, 2019 that are associated with tax loss and tax credit carryforwards not reduced by valuation allowances expire in periods starting 2023. 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. The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits in 2019 and 2018 , in thousands: 2019 2018 Gross unrecognized tax benefits—beginning of year $ 2,599 $ 3,196 Gross increases—tax positions in prior period 29 103 Gross decreases—tax positions in prior period — (199 ) Gross increases—current‑period tax positions 593 280 Settlements with taxing authorities (150 ) (50 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (771 ) (731 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits—end of year $ 2,300 $ 2,599 There are approximately $685 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 2019, the Company recorded a reduction of its gross unrecognized tax benefit of $771 with $609 recorded as a reduction of income tax expense, due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in the United States. During 2018, the Company recorded a reduction of its gross unrecognized tax benefit of $731 , with $577 recorded as a reduction of its income tax expense, due to the expiration of statutes of limitation in the United States. In (10) INCOME TAXES (Continued) addition to these amounts, there was an aggregate of $178 and $196 of interest and penalties at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , 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 2016 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 $2,224 and $2,536 at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , respectively.

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	(11) LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt is as follows: December 28, December 29, 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044(a) $ 450,000 $ 450,000 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054(b) 305,000 305,000 Unamortized discount on 5.00% and 5.25% senior unsecured notes (a)(b) (21,143 ) (21,468 ) Revolving credit agreement (c) 29,044 5,719 IDR Bonds(d) 8,500 8,500 Other notes 2,089 2,918 Debt issuance costs (7,786 ) (8,068 ) Long-term debt 765,704 742,601 Less current installments of long-term debt 760 779 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 764,944 $ 741,822 (a) The 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 include an aggregate principal amount of $450,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $13,675 at December 28, 2019 . 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 $305,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $7,468 at December 28, 2019 . 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 amended and restated revolving credit facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto has a maturity date of October 18, 2022. The credit facility provides for $600,000 of committed unsecured revolving credit loans with available borrowings thereunder to $400,000 in foreign currencies. We may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200,000 at any time, subject to lenders increasing the amount of their commitments. 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; (11) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) (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. At December 28, 2019 , the Company had $29,044 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 28, 2019 , the Company had the ability to borrow $556,569 under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $14,608 associated with certain insurance obligations. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $132,849 , $111,075 of which was unused at December 28, 2019 . (d) 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 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were 2.73% and 3.27% 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 28, 2019 . The minimum aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five years following 2019 are: $760 , $761 , $568 , $0 and $0 . The obligations arising under the 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044, the 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054, 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. 28, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	(12) 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 28, 2019 , 1,208,223 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 or vesting of restricted stock units or issuance of restricted stock 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. Restricted stock units and awards generally vest in equal installments over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant. The Company recorded $11,587 , $10,392 and $10,706 of compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) in the 2019 , 2018 and 2017 fiscal years for all share-based compensation programs, respectively. The associated tax benefits recorded in the 2019 , 2018 and 2017 fiscal years was $2,897 , $2,598 and $4,068 , respectively. At December 28, 2019 , the amount of unrecognized stock option compensation expense, to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.31 years, was approximately $4,979 . (12) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) The Company uses a binomial option pricing model to value its stock options. The fair value of each option grant made in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was estimated using the following assumptions: 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 33.13 % 33.39 % 33.76 % Risk-free interest rate 1.69 % 2.67 % 2.12 % Expected life from vesting date 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs Dividend yield 1.07 % 1.07 % 1.17 % Following is a summary of the stock option activity during 2017 , 2018 and 2019 : 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 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 30, 2017 570,622 $ 128.34 Granted 105,135 112.08 Exercised (63,717 ) 106.26 Forfeited (33,627 ) 129.52 Outstanding at December 29, 2018 578,413 $ 127.74 4.35 $ 909 Options vested or expected to vest at December 29, 2018 565,952 $ 127.84 4.30 909 Options exercisable at December 29, 2018 405,128 $ 126.61 3.47 909 (12) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2018 was $ 30.48 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 29, 2018 578,413 $ 127.74 Granted 57,648 147.31 Exercised (119,789 ) 113.02 Forfeited (27,712 ) 137.07 Outstanding at December 28, 2019 488,560 $ 133.13 4.04 $ 9,291 Options vested or expected to vest at December 28, 2019 478,575 $ 133.21 3.99 9,078 Options exercisable at December 28, 2019 341,828 $ 133.32 3.19 6,470 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2019 was $ 37.85 . Following is a summary of the status of stock options outstanding at December 28, 2019 : Outstanding and Exercisable By Price Range Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Number Weighted Weighted Number Weighted $104.47 - 112.08 183,658 4.59 years $ 108.58 113,866 $ 106.43 $123.87 - 132.84 70,396 1.95 years 132.70 70,396 132.70 $142.67 - 164.35 234,506 4.24 years 152.75 157,566 152.97 488,560 341,828 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. Restricted stock units and awards generally vest in equal installments over three years beginning on the first anniversary of the grant. During fiscal 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , 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): 2019 2018 2017 Shares granted 78,318 88,127 62,160 Weighted‑average per share price on grant date $ 145.89 $ 114.89 $ 163.18 Recognized compensation expense $ 8,815 $ 6,328 $ 5,569 At December 28, 2019 the amount of deferred stock‑based compensation granted, to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of 1.70 years, was approximately $19,501 .

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	(13) EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS): Basic EPS Dilutive Diluted EPS 2019: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 153,769 $ — $ 153,769 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 21,659 110 21,769 Per share amount $ 7.10 $ 0.04 $ 7.06 2018: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 94,351 $ — $ 94,351 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 22,306 140 22,446 Per share amount $ 4.23 $ 0.03 $ 4.20 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 Basic and diluted net earnings and earnings per share in fiscal 2018 was impacted by impairments of goodwill and intangible assets of $14,736 after-tax ( $0.66 per share), restructuring expenses and non-recurring asset impairments arising from exiting certain local markets of $37,779 after-tax ( $1.68 per share), refinancing of long-term debt expenses of $11,115 after-tax ( $0.50 per share), and a loss from the divestiture of the grinding media business of $5,350 after-tax ( $0.24 per share). 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. 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 2019 , 2018 , and 2017 there were 130,704 , 406,806 , and 0 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. 28, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN	(14) 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 2019 , 2018 and 2017 Company contributions to these plans amounted to approximately $12,600 , $12,300 and $11,800 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 $36,290 and $37,516 at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , 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 $8,335 and $2,352 at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , respectively. All distributions were made in cash.

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	(15) 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 28, 2019 , the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt was $765,704 with an estimated fair value of approximately $826,413 . At December 29, 2018 , the carrying amount of the Company’s long-term debt was $742,601 with an estimated fair value of approximately $683,602 . 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 $36,290 ( $37,516 in 2018 ) 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 $210 ( $2,508 in 2018 ) is recorded at fair value at December 28, 2019 . 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. Derivative Financial Instruments: The fair value of foreign currency and commodity forward and cross currency contracts is based on a valuation model that discounts cash flows resulting from the differential between the contract price and the market-based forward rate. (15) DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued) Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value December 28, 2019 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading securities $ 36,500 $ 36,500 $ — $ — Derivative financial instruments, net 3,247 — 3,247 — Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value December 29, 2018 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading securities $ 40,024 $ 40,024 $ — $ — Derivative financial instruments, net $ 9,147 $ — 9,147 $ —

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	(16) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Company manages interest rate risk, commodity price risk, and foreign currency risk related to foreign currency denominated transactions and investments in foreign subsidiaries. Depending on the circumstances, the Company may manage these risks by utilizing derivative financial instruments. Some derivative financial instruments are marked to market and recorded in the Company's consolidated statements of earnings, while others may be accounted for as fair value, cash flow, or net investment hedges. The Company had open foreign currency forward contracts that are marked to market at December 28, 2019, which are insignificant and thus excluded from the tables below. Derivative financial instruments have credit and market risk. The Company manages these risks of derivative instruments by monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that can be taken, and by entering into transactions with counterparties who are recognized, stable multinational banks. Fair value of derivative instruments at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 are as follows: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Balance sheet location December 28, 2019 December 29, 2018 Commodity forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other assets $ — $ (285 ) Foreign currency forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,119 8,357 Cross currency swap contracts Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,128 1,075 $ 3,247 $ 9,147 (16) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued) Gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 28, 2019 , December 29, 2018 , and December 30, 2017 are as follows: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Statements of earnings location 2019 2018 2017 Commodity forward contracts Product cost of sales $ (2,130 ) $ 1,021 $ — Foreign currency forward contracts Loss from divestiture of grinding media business — (1,215 ) — Foreign currency forward contracts Other income (expense) 950 782 — Interest rate contracts Interest expense (64 ) (423 ) (74 ) Cross currency swap contracts Interest expense 2,823 828 — $ 1,579 $ 993 $ (74 ) Cash Flow Hedges In 2019 and 2018, the Company entered into steel hot rolled coil (HRC) forward contracts which qualified as a cash flow hedge of the variability in the cash flows attributable to future steel purchases. In 2019, the forward contracts had a notional amount of $12,128 for the purchase of 3,500 short tons for each month from May 2019 to September 2019. In 2018, the forward contracts entered into had a notional amount of $8,469 for the purchase of 3,500 short tons for each month from July 2018 to September 2018 and a notional amount of $15,563 for the purchase of 6,500 short tons for each month from October 2018 to December 2018. The gain (loss) realized upon settlement is recorded in product cost of sales in the consolidated statements of earnings over average inventory turns. On June 19, 2018, the Company issued and sold $200,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.00% senior notes due 2044 and $55,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 5.25% senior notes due 2054. During the second quarter of 2018, the Company executed contracts to hedge the risk of potential fluctuations in the treasury rates on the 2044 Notes and 2054 Notes which would change the amount of net proceeds received from the debt offering. These contracts had a combined notional amount of $175,000 . On June 8, 2018, these contracts were settled with the Company paying $2,467 to the counterparties which was recorded in OCI and will be amortized as an increase to interest expense over the term of the debt. Due to the retirement of the 2020 bonds in July 2018, the Company wrote off the remaining $411 unamortized loss on the related cash flow hedge. Net Investment Hedges In the second quarter of 2019, all net investment hedges incepted in 2018 were early settled and the Company received proceeds of $11,184 , which will remain in OCI until either the sale or substantially complete liquidation of the related subsidiaries. In the second quarter of 2019, the Company entered into a foreign currency forward contract to mitigate foreign currency risk of the Company's investment in its Australian dollar denominated businesses. The forward contract qualifies as a net investment hedge and has a maturity date of April 2021 and a notional amount to sell Australian dollars to receive $100,000 . The Australian dollar forward contract effectiveness was assessed under the spot method with forward points excluded totaling $881 , which the Company has elected to amortize in other income (expense) in the consolidated statements of earnings using the straight-line method over the remaining term of the contract. (16) DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued) In the second quarter of 2019, the Company entered into two fixed-for-fixed cross currency swaps ("CCS"), swapping U.S. dollar principal and interest payments on a portion of its 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 for Danish krone (DKK) and euro denominated payments. The CCS were entered into in order to mitigate foreign currency risk on the Company's euro and DKK investments and to reduce interest expense. Interest is exchanged twice per year on April 1 and October 1. Key terms of the two CCS are as follows: Currency Notional Amount Termination Date Swapped Interest Rate Net Settlement Amount Danish Krone (DKK) $ 50,000 April 1, 2024 2.68% DKK 333,625 Euro $ 80,000 April 1, 2024 2.825% €71,550 The Company designated the full notional amount of the three CCS ( $130,000 ) as a hedge of the net investment in certain Danish and European subsidiaries under the spot method, with all changes in the fair value of the CCS that are included in the assessment of effectiveness (changes due to spot foreign exchange rates) are recorded as cumulative foreign currency translation within OCI, and will remain in OCI until either the sale or substantially complete liquidation of the related subsidiaries. Net interest receipts will be recorded as a reduction of interest expense over the life of the CCS.

GUARANTEES

GUARANTEES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Guarantees [Abstract]
GUARANTEES	(17) 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 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , were as follows: 2019 2018 Balance, beginning of period $ 17,008 $ 20,109 Payments made (17,484 ) (18,920 ) Change in liability for warranties issued during the period 16,080 13,566 Change in liability for pre-existing warranties (2,072 ) 2,253 Balance, end of period $ 13,532 $ 17,008

COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES	(18) COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN	(19) 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 28, 2019 . 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 $1.269 /£ and $1.308 /£ to translate the net pension liability into U.S. dollars at December 29, 2018 and December 28, 2019 , respectively. The net funded status of $140,007 at December 28, 2019 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. On October 26, 2018, the High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom ruled that pension plans which offered guaranteed minimum pension ("GMP") benefits between 1990 and 1997 must ensure the benefit accrued between men and women were equal. The Company estimated the cost of GMP equalization at £9,500 , which is being treated as a prior service cost at December 29, 2018. Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 30, 2017 to December 29, 2018 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 30, 2017 $ 783,301 $ 593,749 $ (189,552 ) Employer contributions — 1,537 Interest cost 17,878 — Prior service costs - GMP equalization 12,056 — Actual return on plan assets — (32,120 ) Benefits paid (28,207 ) (28,207 ) Actuarial (gain) loss (95,480 ) — Currency translation (42,108 ) (31,423 ) Fair Value at December 29, 2018 $ 647,440 $ 503,536 $ (143,904 ) (19) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 29, 2018 to December 28, 2019 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 29, 2018 $ 647,440 $ 503,536 $ (143,904 ) Employer contributions — 18,461 Interest cost 16,923 — Actual return on plan assets — 86,081 Benefits paid (20,769 ) (20,769 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 79,485 — Currency translation 21,324 17,087 Fair Value at December 28, 2019 $ 744,403 $ 604,396 $ (140,007 ) Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 consisted of actuarial gains (losses): Balance December 30, 2017 $ (168,250 ) Actuarial gain 44,760 Prior service costs - GMP equalization (12,056 ) Currency translation gain (loss) 5,358 Balance December 29, 2018 (130,188 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (10,839 ) Currency translation gain (loss) (2,699 ) Balance December 28, 2019 $ (143,726 ) The estimated amount to be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2020 is approximately $3,008 . Assumptions —The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: Percentages 2019 2018 Discount rate 2.05 % 2.90 % Salary increase N/A N/A CPI inflation 2.15 % 2.20 % RPI inflation 3.05 % 3.30 % 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. (19) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) The components of the net periodic pension expense for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: 2019 2018 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Interest cost $ 16,923 $ 17,878 Expected return on plan assets (20,000 ) (23,175 ) Amortization of prior service cost 513 — Amortization of actuarial loss 2,051 3,046 Net periodic benefit expense (benefit) $ (513 ) $ (2,251 ) Assumptions —The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense are as follows for fiscal 2019 and 2018 : Percentages 2019 2018 Discount rate 2.90 % 2.55 % Expected return on plan assets 4.25 % 4.29 % CPI Inflation 2.20 % 2.20 % RPI Inflation 3.30 % 3.30 % 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 2019 regarding annual funding for the Plan. The annual contributions into the Plan are $17,132 (/£ 13,100 ) per annum as part of the Plan’s recovery plan, along with a contribution to cover the administrative costs of the Plan of approximately $1,700 (/£ 1,300 ) per annum. Benefit Payments The following table details expected pension benefit payments for the years 2020 through 2029: 2020 $ 21,840 2021 22,494 2022 23,148 2023 23,802 2024 24,587 Years 2024 - 2029 134,442 (19) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) 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 28, 2019 . 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. Temporary Cash Investments – These investments consist of British pound sterling, reported in terms of U.S. dollars based on currency exchange rates readily available in active markets. These temporary cash investments are classified as Level 1 investments. 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 (which is the level 1 investment). 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. (19) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Secured income asset (SIA) funds - This investment category consists of holdings which will have a high level of expected inflation linkage. Examples of underlying assets classes are rental streams and infrastructure debt. Due to the private nature of these investments, pricing inputs are not readily observable. Asset valuations are developed by the fund manager. These valuations are based on the application of public market multiples to private company cash flows, market transactions that provide valuation information for comparable companies, and other methods. The fair value recorded by the Plan is calculated using NAV. At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 38,388 $ — $ — $ 38,388 Corporate stock — — — — Total plan net assets at fair value $ 38,388 $ — $ — $ 38,388 Plan assets at NAV: Leveraged inflation-linked gilt funds 123,637 Corporate bonds 97,638 Corporate stock 234,612 Secured income asset funds 110,121 Total plan assets at NAV 566,008 Total plan assets $ 604,396 December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 61,040 $ — $ — $ 61,040 Corporate stock 506 — — 506 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 61,546 $ — $ — $ 61,546 Plan assets at NAV: Leveraged inflation-linked gilt funds 122,711 Corporate bonds 80,454 Corporate stock 183,750 Secured income asset funds 55,075 Total plan assets at NAV 441,990 Total plan assets $ 503,536

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES The Company has operating leases for plant locations, corporate offices, sales offices, and certain equipment. Outstanding leases at December 28, 2019 have remaining lease terms of one year to fifteen years , some of which include options to extend leases for up to five years . The Company does not have any financing leases. The Company elected practical expedients not to reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification of any existing leases, to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, to use hindsight in determining the lease term and in assessing impairment of the right-of-use asset, and to not separate lease and non-lease components for all classes of underlying assets. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in other assets, accrued expenses, and lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make future lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company used its collateralized incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of future lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes any lease incentives and impairments. Some of the Company's facility leases include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the option will be exercised. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease cost and other information related to the Company's operating leases are as follows: Fifty-Two weeks ended December 28, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 24,073 Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 24,835 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations $ 13,474 Weighted average remaining lease term 10 years Weighted average discount rate 3.8 % Operating lease cost includes approximately $2,500 for short-term lease costs and approximately $2,000 for variable lease payments. As part of the adoption of ASC 842, the Company evaluated at the historical and projected cash flow generation of the operations at each of its long-term leased facilities. One of those facilities, a galvanizing operation in Melbourne, Australia, will not generate sufficient cash flows on an undiscounted cash flow basis to recover the carrying value of the right of use asset. The Company then estimated a value for this operation using a discounted cash flow model. The result was an impairment of the right-of-use lease asset of approximately $12,063 . The after-tax balance of $8,444 was recorded as a reduction to retained earnings for the transition adjustment of adoption. (20) LEASES (Continued) Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases as of December 28, 2019 is as follows: Classification December 28, 2019 Operating lease assets Other assets $ 86,998 Operating lease short-term liabilities Accrued expenses 15,226 Operating lease long-term liabilities Operating lease liabilities 85,817 Total lease liabilities $ 101,043 Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to December 28, 2019 are as follows: Fiscal year ending: 2020 $ 18,744 2021 15,504 2022 12,706 2023 9,731 2024 8,453 Subsequent 58,015 Total minimum lease payments $ 123,153 Less: Interest $ 22,110 Present value of minimum lease payments $ 101,043 The below table as of December 29, 2018 is carried forward, including certain amounts that were historically included in the table as a result of the historical lease term conclusions but were not included in the initial ROU asset and lease liability measurement as of December 30, 2018 due to the Company's election of the hindsight practical expedient. The Company also determined one of its leases with escalating rent payments should be expensed using the straight-line method over a longer term and the result was an additional reduction to retained earnings of $442 for a transition adjustment. Minimum lease payments for operating leases under ASC 840 expiring subsequent to December 29, 2018 are as follows: Fiscal year ending: 2019 $ 18,757 2020 16,830 2021 13,992 2022 11,932 2023 8,866 Subsequent 76,438 Total minimum lease payments $ 146,815

BUSINESS SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	(21) BUSINESS 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 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 poles, towers, and components for global lighting, traffic, and wireless communication markets, engineered access systems, integrated structure solutions for smart cities, and highway safety products; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for global utility transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, painting, and anodizing services to preserve and protect metal products; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment, parts, services, tubular products, water management solutions, and technology for precision agriculture. 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 until its divestiture in 2018. 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. (21) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) Summary by Business 2019 2018 2017 SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment: Lighting, Traffic, and Highway Safety Products $ 708,853 $ 706,582 $ 633,178 Communication Products 188,912 149,817 171,718 Access Systems 114,525 130,481 133,206 Engineered Support Structures segment 1,012,290 986,880 938,102 Utility Support Structures segment: Steel 630,892 637,979 658,604 Concrete 122,032 111,875 99,738 Engineered Solar Tracker Solutions 47,450 16,760 — Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures 90,206 92,559 100,773 Utility Support Structures segment 890,580 859,173 859,115 Coatings segment 367,835 353,351 318,891 Irrigation segment: North America 378,613 386,683 369,832 International 206,583 246,983 282,598 Irrigation segment 585,196 633,666 652,430 Other — 23,080 76,300 Total 2,855,901 2,856,150 2,844,838 INTERSEGMENT SALES: Engineered Support Structures 10,214 19,522 25,862 Utility Support Structures 4,972 3,967 2,871 Coatings 67,195 66,612 62,080 Irrigation 6,544 8,905 8,058 Total 88,925 99,006 98,871 NET SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment 1,002,076 967,358 912,240 Utility Support Structures segment 885,608 855,206 856,244 Coatings segment 300,640 286,739 256,811 Irrigation segment 578,652 624,761 644,372 Other — 23,080 76,300 Total $ 2,766,976 $ 2,757,144 $ 2,745,967 (21) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2019 2018 2017 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS): Engineered Support Structures $ 65,627 $ 34,776 $ 62,960 Utility Support Structures 87,788 64,766 97,853 Coatings 51,008 55,325 50,179 Irrigation 71,687 97,722 101,498 Other — (913 ) 2,134 Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method 9,815 (9,892 ) (5,680 ) Corporate (48,205 ) (39,504 ) (41,864 ) Total 237,720 202,280 267,080 Interest expense, net (36,211 ) (39,569 ) (39,908 ) Costs associated with refinancing of debt — (14,820 ) — Loss from divestiture of grinding media business — (6,084 ) — Other 8,164 1,634 1,292 Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries $ 209,673 $ 143,441 $ 228,464 TOTAL ASSETS: Engineered Support Structures $ 943,841 $ 867,735 $ 846,881 Utility Support Structures 742,194 700,915 597,231 Coatings 363,070 294,951 288,890 Irrigation 347,887 347,894 369,798 Other — — 68,934 Corporate 366,419 318,779 430,516 Total $ 2,763,411 $ 2,530,274 $ 2,602,250 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Engineered Support Structures $ 25,344 $ 26,783 $ 16,433 Utility Support Structures 26,306 17,442 14,012 Coatings 23,610 10,320 11,080 Irrigation 15,644 7,249 7,055 Other — 7 2,376 Corporate 6,521 10,184 4,310 Total $ 97,425 $ 71,985 $ 55,266 (21) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2019 2018 2017 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: Engineered Support Structures $ 26,280 $ 27,274 $ 27,637 Utility Support Structures 23,779 23,618 25,079 Coatings 15,907 15,956 15,115 Irrigation 10,943 11,335 11,173 Other — 775 2,486 Corporate 5,355 3,869 3,467 Total $ 82,264 $ 82,827 $ 84,957 Summary by Geographical Area by Location of Valmont Facilities: 2019 2018 2017 NET SALES: United States $ 1,872,840 $ 1,771,390 $ 1,702,826 Australia 255,271 325,553 356,959 Denmark 90,206 92,559 100,773 Other 548,659 567,642 585,409 Total $ 2,766,976 $ 2,757,144 $ 2,745,967 LONG-LIVED ASSETS: United States $ 753,545 $ 624,143 $ 544,724 Australia 193,029 168,438 227,483 Denmark 58,435 64,497 90,372 Other 369,983 332,556 267,106 Total $ 1,374,992 $ 1,189,634 $ 1,129,685 No single customer accounted for more than 10% of net sales in 2019 , 2018 , or 2017 . 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 9% of the Company's net sales in 2019; no other foreign country accounted for more than 4% 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.

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINANCI

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	(22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION The Company has two 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 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,207,865 $ 563,935 $ 1,242,812 $ (247,636 ) $ 2,766,976 Cost of sales 887,403 420,287 1,014,071 (247,281 ) 2,074,480 Gross profit 320,462 143,648 228,741 (355 ) 692,496 Selling, general and administrative expenses 236,574 38,732 179,470 — 454,776 Operating income 83,888 104,916 49,271 (355 ) 237,720 Other income (expense): Interest expense (37,984 ) (11,150 ) (2,249 ) 11,230 (40,153 ) Interest income 1,676 37 13,459 (11,230 ) 3,942 Other 7,805 44 315 — 8,164 (28,503 ) (11,069 ) 11,525 — (28,047 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 55,385 93,847 60,796 (355 ) 209,673 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 8,918 26,166 11,181 2 46,267 Deferred (3,120 ) — 7,060 — 3,940 5,798 26,166 18,241 2 50,207 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 49,587 67,681 42,555 (357 ) 159,466 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 104,182 7,900 — (112,082 ) — Net earnings 153,769 75,581 42,555 (112,439 ) 159,466 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,697 ) — (5,697 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 153,769 $ 75,581 $ 36,858 $ (112,439 ) $ 153,769 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,192,134 $ 522,366 $ 1,303,323 $ (260,679 ) $ 2,757,144 Cost of sales 906,646 399,451 1,055,215 (262,448 ) 2,098,864 Gross profit 285,488 122,915 248,108 1,769 658,280 Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,343 51,127 212,530 — 456,000 Operating income 93,145 71,788 35,578 1,769 202,280 Other income (expense): Interest expense (42,524 ) (14,815 ) (1,713 ) 14,815 (44,237 ) Interest income 791 82 18,610 (14,815 ) 4,668 Other (17,602 ) 59 (1,727 ) — (19,270 ) (59,335 ) (14,674 ) 15,170 — (58,839 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 33,810 57,114 50,748 1,769 143,441 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 6,310 14,948 23,290 246 44,794 Deferred 1,532 1,791 (4,982 ) — (1,659 ) 7,842 16,739 18,308 246 43,135 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 25,968 40,375 32,440 1,523 100,306 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 68,383 37,304 — (105,687 ) — Net earnings 94,351 77,679 32,440 (104,164 ) 100,306 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,955 ) — (5,955 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 94,351 $ 77,679 $ 26,485 $ (104,164 ) $ 94,351 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) 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 47,955 174,551 — 414,688 Operating income 109,200 62,110 95,464 306 267,080 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 (4,447 ) — 1,292 (37,123 ) (13,766 ) 12,273 — (38,616 ) 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 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 153,769 $ 75,581 $ 42,555 $ (112,439 ) $ 159,466 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (1,564 ) (942 ) — (2,506 ) Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in earnings — — — — — Gain (loss) on hedging activities 2,905 — — — 2,905 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (10,828 ) — (10,828 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (13,142 ) — — 13,142 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (10,237 ) (1,564 ) (11,770 ) 13,142 (10,429 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 143,532 74,017 30,785 (99,297 ) 149,037 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,505 ) — (5,505 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 143,532 $ 74,017 $ 25,280 $ (99,297 ) $ 143,532 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 94,351 $ 77,679 $ 32,440 $ (104,164 ) $ 100,306 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (6,509 ) (58,927 ) — (65,436 ) Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in earnings — — 9,203 — 9,203 Gain (loss) on hedging activities 4,814 — — — 4,814 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — 29,885 — 29,885 Equity in other comprehensive income (28,977 ) — — 28,977 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (24,163 ) (6,509 ) (19,839 ) 28,977 (21,534 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 70,188 71,170 12,601 (75,187 ) 78,772 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (8,584 ) — (8,584 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 70,188 $ 71,170 $ 4,017 $ (75,187 ) $ 70,188 (22) 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 activities (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 183,577 191,357 (11,018 ) (174,810 ) 189,106 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,529 ) — (5,529 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 183,577 $ 191,357 $ (16,547 ) $ (174,810 ) $ 183,577 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 182,453 $ 6,169 $ 164,920 $ — $ 353,542 Receivables, net 134,972 94,090 250,938 — 480,000 Inventories 130,686 45,673 200,963 (2,757 ) 374,565 Contra asset - costs and profits in excess of billings 65,528 47,402 28,392 — 141,322 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets 13,820 717 17,506 — 32,043 Refundable income taxes 6,947 — — — 6,947 Total current assets 534,406 194,051 662,719 (2,757 ) 1,388,419 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 635,322 175,862 434,077 — 1,245,261 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 413,054 90,384 183,694 — 687,132 Net property, plant and equipment 222,268 85,478 250,383 — 558,129 Goodwill 20,108 141,581 267,175 — 428,864 Other intangible assets 763 43,933 131,046 — 175,742 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,339,206 1,150,458 908,212 (3,397,876 ) — Other assets 88,549 4,323 119,385 — 212,257 Total assets $ 2,205,300 $ 1,619,824 $ 2,338,920 $ (3,400,633 ) $ 2,763,411 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ — $ — $ 760 $ — $ 760 Notes payable to banks — — 21,774 — 21,774 Accounts payable 68,677 21,464 107,816 — 197,957 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 45,294 6,344 31,890 — 83,528 Accrued expenses 147,498 11,353 42,830 — 201,681 Dividends payable 8,079 — — — 8,079 Total current liabilities 269,548 39,161 205,070 — 513,779 Deferred income taxes 16,925 — 31,030 — 47,955 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 734,571 123,560 30,373 (123,560 ) 764,944 Defined benefit pension liability — — 140,007 — 140,007 Other noncurrent liabilities 72,772 3,168 63,895 — 139,835 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,957 (1,106,907 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 162,906 1,107,536 (1,270,442 ) — Retained earnings 2,140,948 753,652 400,933 (1,154,585 ) 2,140,948 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (313,422 ) 79,427 (334,288 ) 254,861 (313,422 ) Treasury stock (743,942 ) — — — (743,942 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,111,484 1,453,935 1,823,138 (3,277,073 ) 1,111,484 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 45,407 — 45,407 Total shareholders’ equity 1,111,484 1,453,935 1,868,545 (3,277,073 ) 1,156,891 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,205,300 $ 1,619,824 $ 2,338,920 $ (3,400,633 ) $ 2,763,411 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 104,256 $ 5,518 $ 203,436 $ — $ 313,210 Receivables, net 134,943 75,204 273,816 — 483,963 Inventories 138,158 37,019 210,791 (2,402 ) 383,566 Contra asset - costs and profits in excess of billings 50,271 35,200 27,054 — 112,525 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets 21,858 746 20,196 — 42,800 Refundable income taxes 4,576 — — — 4,576 Total current assets 454,062 153,687 735,293 (2,402 ) 1,340,640 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 579,046 172,050 409,769 — 1,160,865 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 390,438 93,374 163,061 — 646,873 Net property, plant and equipment 188,608 78,676 246,708 — 513,992 Goodwill 20,108 110,562 254,537 — 385,207 Other intangible assets 76 27,452 148,428 — 175,956 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,286,545 1,161,612 932,982 (3,381,139 ) — Other assets 47,674 — 66,805 — 114,479 Total assets $ 1,997,073 $ 1,531,989 $ 2,384,753 $ (3,383,541 ) $ 2,530,274 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ — $ — $ 779 $ — $ 779 Notes payable to banks — — 10,678 — 10,678 Accounts payable 68,304 21,081 128,730 — 218,115 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 41,418 7,186 30,687 — 79,291 Accrued expenses 25,936 10,132 55,874 — 91,942 Dividends payable 8,230 — — — 8,230 Total current liabilities 143,888 38,399 226,748 — 409,035 Deferred income taxes 14,376 — 29,113 — 43,489 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 733,964 166,729 7,858 (166,729 ) 741,822 Defined benefit pension liability — — 143,904 — 143,904 Other noncurrent liabilities 45,083 620 10,798 — 56,501 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,682 (1,106,632 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 162,906 1,107,536 (1,270,442 ) — Retained earnings 2,027,596 624,394 467,699 (1,092,093 ) 2,027,596 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (303,185 ) 80,991 (333,346 ) 252,355 (303,185 ) Treasury stock (692,549 ) — — — (692,549 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,059,762 1,326,241 1,890,571 (3,216,812 ) 1,059,762 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 75,761 — 75,761 Total shareholders’ equity 1,059,762 1,326,241 1,966,332 (3,216,812 ) 1,135,523 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,997,073 $ 1,531,989 $ 2,384,753 $ (3,383,541 ) $ 2,530,274 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 153,769 $ 75,581 $ 42,555 $ (112,439 ) $ 159,466 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 26,734 13,518 42,012 — 82,264 Noncash loss on trading securities — — (172 ) — (172 ) Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (18,461 ) — (18,461 ) Stock-based compensation 11,587 — — — 11,587 Defined benefit pension plan (benefit) — — (513 ) — (513 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 133 240 (2,886 ) — (2,513 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (104,182 ) (7,900 ) — 112,082 — Deferred income taxes (3,120 ) — 7,060 — 3,940 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Net working capital 103,019 (36,781 ) 13,641 355 80,234 Other noncurrent liabilities (505 ) (5 ) (764 ) — (1,274 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) 1,714 (2,012 ) (6,646 ) — (6,944 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 189,149 42,641 75,826 (2 ) 307,614 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (59,394 ) (1,592 ) (36,439 ) — (97,425 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 87 48 5,421 — 5,556 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — (63,141 ) (18,700 ) — (81,841 ) Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge 11,184 — — — 11,184 Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (3,500 ) — (2,669 ) — (6,169 ) Other, net (14,964 ) 14,210 1,297 2 545 Net cash flows from investing activities (66,587 ) (50,475 ) (51,090 ) 2 (168,150 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings under short-term agreements — — 11,327 — 11,327 Proceeds from long-term borrowings 31,000 — — — 31,000 Principal payments on long-term borrowings (10,000 ) — (768 ) — (10,768 ) Dividends paid (32,642 ) — — — (32,642 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (7,737 ) — (7,737 ) Intercompany dividends 65,651 53,676 (119,327 ) — — Purchase of noncontrolling interest (22,805 ) — (5,040 ) — (27,845 ) Intercompany capital contribution (13,284 ) — 13,284 — — Intercompany interest on long-term note — (45,155 ) 45,155 — — Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 13,619 — — — 13,619 Purchase of treasury shares (62,915 ) — — — (62,915 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (12,989 ) — — — (12,989 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (44,365 ) 8,521 (63,106 ) — (98,950 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (36 ) (146 ) — (182 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 78,197 651 (38,516 ) — 40,332 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year 104,256 5,518 203,436 — 313,210 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period $ 182,453 $ 6,169 $ 164,920 $ — $ 353,542 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 94,351 $ 77,679 $ 32,440 $ (104,164 ) $ 100,306 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 26,155 13,959 42,713 — 82,827 Noncash loss on trading securities — — (62 ) — (62 ) Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (1,537 ) — (1,537 ) Impairment of property, plant and equipment — — 5,000 — 5,000 Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets — — 15,780 — 15,780 Loss on divestiture of grinding media business 2,518 — 3,566 — 6,084 Stock-based compensation 10,392 — — — 10,392 Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — (2,251 ) — (2,251 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 57 (37 ) (245 ) — (225 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (68,383 ) (37,304 ) — 105,687 — Deferred income taxes 1,532 1,791 (4,982 ) — (1,659 ) Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Net working capital (17,681 ) (13,962 ) (13,208 ) (1,769 ) (46,620 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (7,345 ) 615 (4,158 ) — (10,888 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) (6,176 ) (1,303 ) 3,340 — (4,139 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 35,420 41,438 76,396 (246 ) 153,008 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (25,255 ) (13,115 ) (33,615 ) — (71,985 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 44 268 62,791 — 63,103 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (57,805 ) — (85,215 ) — (143,020 ) Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge (1,621 ) — — — (1,621 ) Other, net 69,714 (42,667 ) (29,215 ) 246 (1,922 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (14,923 ) (55,514 ) (85,254 ) 246 (155,445 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under short-term agreements — — 10,543 — 10,543 Proceeds from long-term borrowings 245,936 — 5,719 — 251,655 Principal payments on long-term borrowings (261,219 ) — (972 ) — (262,191 ) Settlement of financial derivative (2,467 ) — — — (2,467 ) Debt issuance costs (2,322 ) — — — (2,322 ) Dividends paid (33,726 ) — — — (33,726 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (7,055 ) — (7,055 ) Intercompany dividends 168,757 11,296 (180,053 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution (3,492 ) 3,492 — — — Purchase of noncontrolling interest — — (5,510 ) — (5,510 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 7,357 — — — 7,357 Purchase of treasury shares (114,805 ) — — — (114,805 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (3,589 ) — — — (3,589 ) Net cash flows from financing activities 430 14,788 (177,328 ) — (162,110 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (498 ) (14,550 ) — (15,048 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 20,927 214 (200,736 ) — (179,595 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year 83,329 5,304 404,172 — 492,805 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period $ 104,256 $ 5,518 $ 203,436 $ — $ 313,210 (22) 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 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): Net working capital (23,943 ) (25,717 ) (25,219 ) (306 ) (75,185 ) 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 69,816 (135 ) 133,148 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 27,477 — 27,682 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 16,104 (767 ) 63,868 — 79,205 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year 67,225 6,071 340,304 — 413,600 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period $ 83,329 $ 5,304 $ 404,172 $ — $ 492,805

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaud

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	23) QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) Net Earnings Gross Per Share Stock Price Dividends Net Sales Profit Amount Basic Diluted High Low Declared 2019 First $ 692,139 $ 165,129 $ 36,481 $ 1.67 $ 1.66 $ 139.50 $ 107.43 $ 0.375 Second 700,871 180,414 41,397 1.90 1.90 136.75 112.94 0.375 Third 690,340 176,086 40,144 1.86 1.85 146.46 123.74 0.375 Fourth 683,626 170,867 35,747 1.67 1.66 151.46 123.80 0.375 Year $ 2,766,976 $ 692,496 $ 153,769 $ 7.10 $ 7.06 $ 151.46 $ 107.43 $ 1.50 2018 First $ 698,684 $ 169,240 $ 39,281 $ 1.74 $ 1.72 $ 171.55 $ 140.10 $ 0.375 Second 682,405 174,999 32,960 1.47 1.46 154.60 137.90 0.375 Third (1) 678,692 164,340 4,448 0.20 0.20 157.15 135.00 0.375 Fourth (2) 697,363 149,701 17,662 0.80 0.80 141.38 103.01 0.375 Year $ 2,757,144 $ 658,280 $ 94,351 $ 4.23 $ 4.20 $ 171.55 $ 103.01 $ 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 third quarter of 2018 included an impairment of goodwill and intangible assets totaling $14,736 after tax ( $0.66 per share) and refinancing of long-term debt expenses of $11,115 after-tax ( $0.50 per share). (2) In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recognized restructuring activities expenses and non-recurring asset impairment charges from exiting certain markets of $20,625 after-tax ( $0.92

Schedule II-Valuation and Quali

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Dollars in thousands) Balance at Charged to Currency Translation Adjustment Deductions Balance at Fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2019 Reserve deducted in balance sheet from the asset to which it applies— Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 8,277 2,543 (76 ) (1,196 ) $ 9,548 Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation 33,228 4,141 (296 ) (1,858 ) 35,215 Fifty-two weeks ended December 29, 2018 Reserve deducted in balance sheet from the asset to which it applies— Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 9,813 994 (365 ) (2,165 ) $ 8,277 Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation 27,864 10,769 (384 ) (5,021 ) 33,228 Fifty-two weeks ended December 30, 2017 Reserve deducted in balance sheet from the asset to which it applies— Allowance for doubtful receivables $ 18,991 2,060 510 (11,748 ) $ 9,813 Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation 81,923 7,728 5,762 (67,549 ) 27,864 ______________________________________________ * The deductions from reserves are net of recoveries.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
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). Investments in 20% to 50% owned affiliates and joint ventures are accounted for by the equity method. Investments in less than 20%
Cash overdrafts	Cash overdrafts Cash book overdrafts totaling $13,971 and $8,888 were classified as accounts payable at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , 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 poles, towers, and components for global lighting, traffic, and wireless communication markets, engineered access systems, integrated structure solutions for smart cities, and highway safety products; UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES: This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for global utility transmission, distribution, substations, and renewable energy generation equipment; COATINGS: This segment consists of galvanizing, painting, and anodizing services to preserve and protect metal products; and IRRIGATION: This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment, parts, services, tubular products, water management solutions, and technology for precision agriculture. In addition to these four reportable segments, there are other businesses and activities which 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 until its divestiture in 2018.
Fiscal Year	Fiscal Year The Company operates on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year with each year ending on the last Saturday in December. Accordingly, the Company’s fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 , December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 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,
Inventories	Inventories Approximately 41% and 37% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018
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 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was $64,177 , $67,499 and $69,046 , 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. Upon adoption of ASC 842 in 2019, the Company impaired the right-of-use (lease) asset for one of its galvanizing facilities in Australia as it will not generate sufficient cash flows to recover the carrying value. Impairment losses were recorded in 2018 as facilities were closed and future plans for certain fixed assets changed in connection with the Company's restructuring plans.
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 Instruments 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)
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition On December 31, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) . The Company elected to use the modified retrospective approach for the adoption of the new revenue standard. The Company determines the appropriate revenue recognition for our contracts by analyzing the type, terms and conditions of each contract or arrangement with a customer. Contracts with customers for all businesses are fixed-price with sales tax excluded from revenue, and do not include variable consideration. Discounts included in contracts with customers, typically early pay discounts, are recorded as a reduction of net sales in the period in which the sale is recognized. Contract revenues are classified as product when the performance obligation is related to the manufacturing of goods. Contract revenues are classified as service when the performance obligation is the performance of a service. Service revenue is primarily related to the Coatings segment. Customer acceptance provisions exist only in the design stage of our products and acceptance of the design by the customer is required before the project 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 revenue associated with the design stage. There is one performance obligation for revenue recognition. No general rights of return exist for customers once the product has been delivered and the Company establishes provisions for estimated warranties. The Company does not sell extended warranties for any of its products. Shipping and handling costs associated with sales are recorded as cost of goods sold. The Company elected to use the practical expedient of treating freight as a fulfillment obligation instead of a separate performance obligation and ratably recognize freight expense as the structure is being manufactured, when the revenue from the associated customer contract is being recognized over time. With the exception of the Utility segment and the wireless communication structures product line, the Company’s inventory is interchangeable for a variety of each segment’s customers. The Company elected the practical expedient to not disclose the partially satisfied performance obligation at the end of the period when the contract has an original expected duration of one year or less. The Company did not have any significant contracts with an original expected duration of more than one year at December 28, 2019. In addition, the Company elected the practical expedient to not adjust the amount of consideration to be received in a contract for any significant financing component if payment is expected within twelve months of transfer of control of goods or services; the Company expects all consideration to be received in one year or less at contract inception. Segment and Product Line Revenue Recognition The global Utility segment revenues are derived from manufactured steel and concrete structures for the North America utility industry and offshore and other complex structures used in energy generation and distribution outside of the United States. Steel and concrete utility structures are engineered to customer specifications resulting in limited ability to sell the structure to a different customer if an order is canceled after production commences. The continuous transfer of control to the customer is evidenced either by contractual termination clauses or by our rights to payment for work performed to-date plus a reasonable profit as the products do not have an alternative use to the Company. Since control is transferring over time, revenue is recognized based on the extent of progress towards completion of the performance obligation. The selection of the method to measure progress towards completion requires judgment. For our steel and concrete utility and wireless communication structure product lines, we generally recognize revenue on an inputs basis, using total production hours incurred to-date for each order as a percentage of total hours estimated to produce the order. The completion percentage is applied to the order’s total revenue and total estimated costs to determine reported revenue, cost of goods sold and gross profit. Production of an order, once started, is typically completed within three months. Revenue from the offshore and other complex structures business is also recognized using an inputs method, based on the ratio of costs incurred to date to the total estimated costs at completion of the performance obligation. External sales agents are used in certain sales of steel and concrete structures; the Company has chosen to use the practical expedient to expense estimated commissions owed to third parties by recognizing them proportionately as the goods are manufactured. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) The global ESS segment revenues are derived from the manufacture and distribution of engineered metal, composite structures and components for lighting and traffic and roadway safety, engineered access systems, and wireless communication. For the lighting and traffic and roadway safety product lines, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of goods to the customer depending on contract terms, which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. For Access Systems, revenue is generally recognized upon delivery of goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The wireless communication monopole product line has large regional customers who have unique product specifications for these larger communication structures. When the customer contract includes a cancellation clause that would require them to pay for work completed plus a reasonable margin if an order was canceled, revenue is recognized over time based on hours worked as a percent of total estimated hours to complete production. For the remaining wireless communication product line customers which do not provide a contractual right to bill for work completed on a canceled order, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. For wireless communication towers and components, revenue is recognized upon shipment or delivery of goods to the customer depending on contract terms, which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The global Coatings segment revenues are derived by providing coating services to customers’ products, which include galvanizing, anodizing, and powder coating. Revenue is recognized once the coating service has been performed and the goods are ready to be picked up or delivered to the customer which is the same time that the customer is billed. The global Irrigation segment revenues are derived from the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the agricultural industry and tubular products for industrial customers. Revenue recognition for the irrigation segment is generally upon shipment of the goods to the customer which is the same point in time that the customer is billed. The remote monitoring subscription services are primarily billed annually and revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the subsequent twelve months.
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 Sheets.
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 at that time 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 and again in October 2018, the Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $250,000
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 $13,900 in 2019 , $11,500 in 2018 , and $11,600 in 2017 .
New Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements 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). The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2019. The Company made an accounting policy election to keep leases with an initial term of 12 months or less off of the balance sheet for all classes of underlying assets. In addition, the Company elected certain practical expedients not to reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, to not reassess the lease classification of any existing leases, to not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases, and to not separate lease components for all classes of underlying assets. The Company did not to recast its comparative periods in transition (the “Comparatives Under 840 Option”) as allowed under ASU 2018-11. (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The standard replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses on instruments within its scope, including trade receivables. This update is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses. The effective date of ASU No. 2016-13 will be the first quarter of the Company’s fiscal 2020. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-13 to be significant on its consolidated financial statements.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
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 29, 2018 $ (230,261 ) $ 11,171 $ (84,095 ) $ (303,185 ) Current-period comprehensive income (loss) (2,314 ) 2,905 (10,828 ) (10,237 ) Balance at December 28, 2019 $ (232,575 ) $ 14,076 $ (94,923 ) $ (313,422 )
Disaggregation of Revenue	Disaggregation of revenue by product line is disclosed in the Segment footnote. A breakdown by segment of revenue recognized over time and revenue recognized at a point in time for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 is as follows: Point in Time Over Time Point in Time Over Time Fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 Fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 Fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 Fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 Utility Support Structures $ 47,450 $ 838,158 $ 16,760 $ 838,446 Engineered Support Structures 952,056 50,020 922,677 44,681 Coatings 300,640 — 286,739 — Irrigation 564,918 13,734 612,385 12,376 Other — — 23,080 — Total $ 1,865,064 $ 901,912 $ 1,861,641 $ 895,503

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Walpar as of the date of acquisition: At August 3, 2018 Current assets $ 13,210 Customer relationships 28,500 Trade name 3,500 Goodwill 45,453 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 90,663 Current liabilities 2,197 Deferred taxes 7,579 Total fair value of liabilities assumed $ 9,776 Non-controlling interests 23,082 Net assets acquired $ 57,805 At August 3, 2018 Current assets $ 18,349 Other assets 3,166 Patent and Proprietary Technology 16,554 Trade name 8,701 Goodwill 42,169 Total fair value of assets acquired $ 88,939 Current liabilities 5,376 Contingent consideration liability 19,497 Deferred taxes 6,061 Total fair value of liabilities assumed $ 30,934 Non-controlling interests 14,501 Net assets acquired $ 43,504
Pro forma results of operations	The Company's Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019 included net sales from acquisitions of $117,296 . In aggregate, these acquisitions did not contribute net earnings to the Company's consolidated 2019 results. The proforma effect of these acquisitions on the 2019, 2018, and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Earnings is as follows: Fifty-two Weeks Ended December 28, 2019 Fifty-two Weeks Ended December 29, 2018 Fifty-two Weeks Ended December 30, 2017 Net sales $ 2,772,150 $ 2,842,162 $ 2,818,035 Net earnings 154,302 98,292 122,407 Earnings per share-diluted 7.09 4.38 5.39

DIVESTITURE (Tables)

DIVESTITURE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations	Pre-tax gain from divestiture, before recognition of currency translation loss $ 4,334 Recognition of cumulative currency translation loss and hedges (out of OCI) (10,418 ) Net pre-tax loss from divestiture of the grinding media business $ (6,084 )

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Table

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of restructuring activities	The Company recorded the following pre-tax expenses: ESS Utility Irrigation Other/ Corporate TOTAL Severance $ 6,255 $ 1,825 $ — $ — $ 8,080 Other cash restructuring expenses 3,512 2,228 — — 5,740 Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals 4,560 — — — 4,560 Total cost of sales 14,327 4,053 — — 18,380 Severance 10,654 1,100 129 — 11,883 Other cash restructuring expenses 3,151 — 51 126 3,328 Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals 440 — — — 440 Total selling, general and administrative expenses 14,245 1,100 180 126 15,651 Consolidated total $ 28,572 $ 5,153 $ 180 $ 126 $ 34,031
Schedule of liabilities recorded for the restructuring plan and changes	Change in the liabilities recorded for the restructuring plans were as follows: Balance at December 29, 2018 Recognized Restructuring Expense Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled Balance at December 28, 2019 Severance $ 6,594 $ — $ (6,594 ) $ — Other cash restructuring expenses 3,462 — (3,462 ) — Total $ 10,056 $ — $ (10,056 ) $ —

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFOR_2

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
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 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 , and December 30, 2017 were as follows: 2019 2018 2017 Interest $ 39,032 $ 43,305 $ 44,528 Income taxes 43,629 47,355 63,791

INVENTORIES (Tables)

INVENTORIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of inventories	Inventories consisted of the following at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 : 2019 2018 Raw materials and purchased parts $ 158,314 $ 190,115 Work-in-process 38,088 35,566 Finished goods and manufactured goods 221,968 211,504 Subtotal 418,370 437,185 Less: LIFO reserve 43,805 53,619 $ 374,565 $ 383,566

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of property, plant and equipment, at cost	Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consist of the following: 2019 2018 Land and improvements $ 111,091 $ 99,797 Buildings and improvements 364,396 348,836 Machinery and equipment 584,447 549,311 Transportation equipment 23,650 24,380 Office furniture and equipment 85,130 85,239 Construction in progress 76,547 53,302 $ 1,245,261 $ 1,160,865

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of components of amortized intangible assets	The components of amortized intangible assets at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: December 28, 2019 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 237,626 $ 149,720 13 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 24,068 6,358 14 years Other 8,054 7,035 5 years $ 269,748 $ 163,113 December 29, 2018 Gross Accumulated Weighted Customer Relationships $ 219,508 $ 132,180 13 years Patents & Proprietary Technology 23,662 4,837 14 years Other 7,971 6,891 5 years $ 251,141 $ 143,908
Schedule of future estimated amortization expense	Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite‑lived intangible assets is as follows: Estimated 2020 $ 17,343 2021 15,298 2022 13,120 2023 11,345 2024 9,434
Schedule of non-amortized intangible assets	The carrying values of trade names at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: December 28, December 29, Year Acquired Newmark $ 11,111 $ 11,111 2004 Webforge 9,143 8,872 2010 Valmont SM 7,966 8,155 2014 Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products 7,454 7,233 2010 Shakespeare 4,000 4,000 2014 Walpar 3,500 4,300 2018 Convert 8,378 8,580 2018 Other 17,555 16,472 $ 69,107 $ 68,723
Schedule of carrying amount of goodwill	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 was as follows: Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Total Gross balance at December 29, 2018 $ 204,735 $ 123,618 $ 80,937 $ 25,164 $ 434,454 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) (14,355 ) (16,222 ) — (49,247 ) Balance at December 29, 2018 186,065 109,263 64,715 25,164 $ 385,207 Acquisitions 21,870 7,889 12,374 — 42,133 Foreign currency translation 2,029 (913 ) 436 (28 ) 1,524 Balance at December 28, 2019 $ 209,964 $ 116,239 $ 77,525 $ 25,136 $ 428,864 (8) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Continued) Engineered Utility Coatings Irrigation Other Total Gross balance at December 30, 2017 $ 170,076 $ 90,248 $ 76,696 $ 19,778 $ 15,814 $ 372,612 Accumulated impairment losses (18,670 ) — (16,222 ) — — (34,892 ) Balance at December 30, 2017 151,406 90,248 60,474 19,778 15,814 337,720 Acquisitions 42,216 34,280 5,120 5,503 — 87,119 Impairment — (14,355 ) — — — (14,355 ) Divestiture of grinding media — — — — (15,814 ) (15,814 ) Foreign currency translation (7,557 ) (910 ) (879 ) (117 ) — (9,463 ) Balance at December 29, 2018 $ 186,065 $ 109,263 $ 64,715 $ 25,164 $ — $ 385,207

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of income before income tax, domestic and foreign	Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries are as follows: 2019 2018 2017 United States $ 175,923 $ 127,852 $ 152,372 Foreign 33,750 15,589 76,092 $ 209,673 $ 143,441 $ 228,464
Schedule of income tax expense (benefit)	Income tax expense (benefit) consists of: 2019 2018 2017 Current: Federal $ 27,809 $ 21,106 $ 49,324 State 5,568 6,585 4,415 Foreign 13,130 17,559 12,880 46,507 45,250 66,619 Non-current: (240 ) (456 ) (229 ) Deferred: Federal 2,108 213 (9,626 ) State 553 9 (385 ) Foreign 1,279 (1,881 ) 49,766 3,940 (1,659 ) 39,755 $ 50,207 $ 43,135 $ 106,145
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: 2019 2018 2017 Statutory federal income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 35.0 % State income taxes, net of federal benefit 2.5 3.5 1.4 Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances (1.0 ) 3.2 (1.4 ) Foreign tax rate differences 0.3 (1.0 ) (4.1 ) Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (0.1 ) (0.3 ) (0.1 ) Domestic production activities deduction — — (2.1 ) Goodwill impairment — 2.2 — Effects of 2017 Tax Act — (0.5 ) 18.4 Other 1.3 2.0 (0.6 ) 24.0 % 30.1 % 46.5 %
Schedule of tax effects of significant items comprising net deferred income tax liabilities	The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company’s net deferred income tax liabilities are as follows: 2019 2018 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses and allowances $ 16,148 $ 8,268 Tax credits and loss carryforwards 64,116 56,867 Defined benefit pension liability 35,539 36,328 Inventory allowances 5,599 3,320 Accrued compensation and benefits 14,122 13,122 Lease liabilities 21,763 — Deferred compensation 15,174 16,228 Gross deferred income tax assets 172,461 134,133 Valuation allowance (35,215 ) (33,228 ) Net deferred income tax assets 137,246 100,905 Deferred income tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment 31,628 25,477 Intangible assets 49,686 44,850 Lease assets 22,066 — Other deferred tax liabilities 6,067 7,291 Total deferred income tax liabilities 109,447 77,618 Net deferred income tax asset $ 27,799 $ 23,287
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 2019 2018 Other assets $ 75,754 $ 66,776 Deferred income taxes (47,955 ) (43,489 ) Net deferred income tax asset $ 27,799 $ 23,287
Schedule of activity related to unrecognized tax benefits	The following summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits in 2019 and 2018 , in thousands: 2019 2018 Gross unrecognized tax benefits—beginning of year $ 2,599 $ 3,196 Gross increases—tax positions in prior period 29 103 Gross decreases—tax positions in prior period — (199 ) Gross increases—current‑period tax positions 593 280 Settlements with taxing authorities (150 ) (50 ) Lapse of statute of limitations (771 ) (731 ) Gross unrecognized tax benefits—end of year $ 2,300 $ 2,599

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term debt	Long-term debt is as follows: December 28, December 29, 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044(a) $ 450,000 $ 450,000 5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054(b) 305,000 305,000 Unamortized discount on 5.00% and 5.25% senior unsecured notes (a)(b) (21,143 ) (21,468 ) Revolving credit agreement (c) 29,044 5,719 IDR Bonds(d) 8,500 8,500 Other notes 2,089 2,918 Debt issuance costs (7,786 ) (8,068 ) Long-term debt 765,704 742,601 Less current installments of long-term debt 760 779 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 764,944 $ 741,822 (a) The 5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044 include an aggregate principal amount of $450,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $13,675 at December 28, 2019 . 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 $305,000 on which interest is paid and an unamortized discount balance of $7,468 at December 28, 2019 . 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 amended and restated revolving credit facility with JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders party thereto has a maturity date of October 18, 2022. The credit facility provides for $600,000 of committed unsecured revolving credit loans with available borrowings thereunder to $400,000 in foreign currencies. We may increase the credit facility by up to an additional $200,000 at any time, subject to lenders increasing the amount of their commitments. 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; (11) LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued) (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. At December 28, 2019 , the Company had $29,044 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 28, 2019 , the Company had the ability to borrow $556,569 under this facility, after consideration of standby letters of credit of $14,608 associated with certain insurance obligations. We also maintain certain short-term bank lines of credit totaling $132,849 , $111,075 of which was unused at December 28, 2019 . (d) 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 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were 2.73% and 3.27% respectively.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Schedule of assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant	The fair value of each option grant made in 2019 , 2018 and 2017 was estimated using the following assumptions: 2019 2018 2017 Expected volatility 33.13 % 33.39 % 33.76 % Risk-free interest rate 1.69 % 2.67 % 2.12 % Expected life from vesting date 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs 3.0 yrs Dividend yield 1.07 % 1.07 % 1.17 %
Summary of activity of stock plans	Following is a summary of the stock option activity during 2017 , 2018 and 2019 : 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 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 30, 2017 570,622 $ 128.34 Granted 105,135 112.08 Exercised (63,717 ) 106.26 Forfeited (33,627 ) 129.52 Outstanding at December 29, 2018 578,413 $ 127.74 4.35 $ 909 Options vested or expected to vest at December 29, 2018 565,952 $ 127.84 4.30 909 Options exercisable at December 29, 2018 405,128 $ 126.61 3.47 909 (12) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued) The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2018 was $ 30.48 . Number of Weighted Weighted Aggregate Outstanding at December 29, 2018 578,413 $ 127.74 Granted 57,648 147.31 Exercised (119,789 ) 113.02 Forfeited (27,712 ) 137.07 Outstanding at December 28, 2019 488,560 $ 133.13 4.04 $ 9,291 Options vested or expected to vest at December 28, 2019 478,575 $ 133.21 3.99 9,078 Options exercisable at December 28, 2019 341,828 $ 133.32 3.19 6,470 The weighted average per share fair value of options granted during 2019 was $ 37.85 .
Summary of status of stock options outstanding	Following is a summary of the status of stock options outstanding at December 28, 2019 : Outstanding and Exercisable By Price Range Options Outstanding Options Exercisable Exercise Price Number Weighted Weighted Number Weighted $104.47 - 112.08 183,658 4.59 years $ 108.58 113,866 $ 106.43 $123.87 - 132.84 70,396 1.95 years 132.70 70,396 132.70 $142.67 - 164.35 234,506 4.24 years 152.75 157,566 152.97 488,560 341,828
Schedule of non-vested stock and restricted stock units	During fiscal 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , 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): 2019 2018 2017 Shares granted 78,318 88,127 62,160 Weighted‑average per share price on grant date $ 145.89 $ 114.89 $ 163.18 Recognized compensation expense $ 8,815 $ 6,328 $ 5,569

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
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 2019: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 153,769 $ — $ 153,769 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 21,659 110 21,769 Per share amount $ 7.10 $ 0.04 $ 7.06 2018: Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 94,351 $ — $ 94,351 Weighted average shares outstanding (000's) 22,306 140 22,446 Per share amount $ 4.23 $ 0.03 $ 4.20 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

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_2

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Trading Securities measured at fair value	Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value December 28, 2019 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading securities $ 36,500 $ 36,500 $ — $ — Derivative financial instruments, net 3,247 — 3,247 — Fair Value Measurement Using: Carrying Value December 29, 2018 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Assets: Trading securities $ 40,024 $ 40,024 $ — $ — Derivative financial instruments, net $ 9,147 $ — 9,147 $ —

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_2

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair value of derivative instruments	Fair value of derivative instruments at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 are as follows: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Balance sheet location December 28, 2019 December 29, 2018 Commodity forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other assets $ — $ (285 ) Foreign currency forward contracts Prepaid expenses and other assets 2,119 8,357 Cross currency swap contracts Prepaid expenses and other assets 1,128 1,075 $ 3,247 $ 9,147
Gains (losses) on derivatives recognized on statements of earnings	Gains (losses) on derivatives recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings for the years ended December 28, 2019 , December 29, 2018 , and December 30, 2017 are as follows: Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: Statements of earnings location 2019 2018 2017 Commodity forward contracts Product cost of sales $ (2,130 ) $ 1,021 $ — Foreign currency forward contracts Loss from divestiture of grinding media business — (1,215 ) — Foreign currency forward contracts Other income (expense) 950 782 — Interest rate contracts Interest expense (64 ) (423 ) (74 ) Cross currency swap contracts Interest expense 2,823 828 — $ 1,579 $ 993 $ (74 )
Schedule of notional amounts of outstanding derivative	Key terms of the two CCS are as follows: Currency Notional Amount Termination Date Swapped Interest Rate Net Settlement Amount Danish Krone (DKK) $ 50,000 April 1, 2024 2.68% DKK 333,625 Euro $ 80,000 April 1, 2024 2.825% €71,550

GUARANTEES (Tables)

GUARANTEES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Guarantees [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in the product warranty accrual	2019 2018 Balance, beginning of period $ 17,008 $ 20,109 Payments made (17,484 ) (18,920 ) Change in liability for warranties issued during the period 16,080 13,566 Change in liability for pre-existing warranties (2,072 ) 2,253 Balance, end of period $ 13,532 $ 17,008

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL_2

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]
Schedule of changes in PBO and fair value of plan assets for pension plan	Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 30, 2017 to December 29, 2018 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 30, 2017 $ 783,301 $ 593,749 $ (189,552 ) Employer contributions — 1,537 Interest cost 17,878 — Prior service costs - GMP equalization 12,056 — Actual return on plan assets — (32,120 ) Benefits paid (28,207 ) (28,207 ) Actuarial (gain) loss (95,480 ) — Currency translation (42,108 ) (31,423 ) Fair Value at December 29, 2018 $ 647,440 $ 503,536 $ (143,904 ) (19) DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Continued) Changes in the PBO and fair value of plan assets for the pension plan for the period from December 29, 2018 to December 28, 2019 were as follows: Projected Plan Funded Fair Value at December 29, 2018 $ 647,440 $ 503,536 $ (143,904 ) Employer contributions — 18,461 Interest cost 16,923 — Actual return on plan assets — 86,081 Benefits paid (20,769 ) (20,769 ) Actuarial (gain) loss 79,485 — Currency translation 21,324 17,087 Fair Value at December 28, 2019 $ 744,403 $ 604,396 $ (140,007 )
Schedule of pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 consisted of actuarial gains (losses): Balance December 30, 2017 $ (168,250 ) Actuarial gain 44,760 Prior service costs - GMP equalization (12,056 ) Currency translation gain (loss) 5,358 Balance December 29, 2018 (130,188 ) Actuarial gain (loss) (10,839 ) Currency translation gain (loss) (2,699 ) Balance December 28, 2019 $ (143,726 )
Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation	The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation at December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: Percentages 2019 2018 Discount rate 2.05 % 2.90 % Salary increase N/A N/A CPI inflation 2.15 % 2.20 % RPI inflation 3.05 % 3.30 %
Schedule of components of the net periodic pension (benefit) expense	The components of the net periodic pension expense for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2019 and December 29, 2018 were as follows: 2019 2018 Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Interest cost $ 16,923 $ 17,878 Expected return on plan assets (20,000 ) (23,175 ) Amortization of prior service cost 513 — Amortization of actuarial loss 2,051 3,046 Net periodic benefit expense (benefit) $ (513 ) $ (2,251 )
Schedule of weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense	The weighted-average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense are as follows for fiscal 2019 and 2018 : Percentages 2019 2018 Discount rate 2.90 % 2.55 % Expected return on plan assets 4.25 % 4.29 % CPI Inflation 2.20 % 2.20 % RPI Inflation 3.30 % 3.30 %
Schedule of expected pension benefit payments	The following table details expected pension benefit payments for the years 2020 through 2029: 2020 $ 21,840 2021 22,494 2022 23,148 2023 23,802 2024 24,587 Years 2024 - 2029 134,442
Schedule of pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows: December 31, 2019 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 38,388 $ — $ — $ 38,388 Corporate stock — — — — Total plan net assets at fair value $ 38,388 $ — $ — $ 38,388 Plan assets at NAV: Leveraged inflation-linked gilt funds 123,637 Corporate bonds 97,638 Corporate stock 234,612 Secured income asset funds 110,121 Total plan assets at NAV 566,008 Total plan assets $ 604,396 December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Significant Other Significant Total Plan assets at fair value: Temporary cash investments $ 61,040 $ — $ — $ 61,040 Corporate stock 506 — — 506 Total plan net assets at fair value $ 61,546 $ — $ — $ 61,546 Plan assets at NAV: Leveraged inflation-linked gilt funds 122,711 Corporate bonds 80,454 Corporate stock 183,750 Secured income asset funds 55,075 Total plan assets at NAV 441,990 Total plan assets $ 503,536

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Lease cost	Lease cost and other information related to the Company's operating leases are as follows: Fifty-Two weeks ended December 28, 2019 Operating lease cost $ 24,073 Operating cash outflows from operating leases $ 24,835 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations $ 13,474 Weighted average remaining lease term 10 years Weighted average discount rate 3.8 %
Assets and liabilities lessee	Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases as of December 28, 2019 is as follows: Classification December 28, 2019 Operating lease assets Other assets $ 86,998 Operating lease short-term liabilities Accrued expenses 15,226 Operating lease long-term liabilities Operating lease liabilities 85,817 Total lease liabilities $ 101,043
Future minimum lease payments	Minimum lease payments under operating leases expiring subsequent to December 28, 2019 are as follows: Fiscal year ending: 2020 $ 18,744 2021 15,504 2022 12,706 2023 9,731 2024 8,453 Subsequent 58,015 Total minimum lease payments $ 123,153 Less: Interest $ 22,110 Present value of minimum lease payments $ 101,043
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Minimum lease payments for operating leases under ASC 840 expiring subsequent to December 29, 2018 are as follows: Fiscal year ending: 2019 $ 18,757 2020 16,830 2021 13,992 2022 11,932 2023 8,866 Subsequent 76,438 Total minimum lease payments $ 146,815

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment reporting information of sales and operating income	Summary by Business 2019 2018 2017 SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment: Lighting, Traffic, and Highway Safety Products $ 708,853 $ 706,582 $ 633,178 Communication Products 188,912 149,817 171,718 Access Systems 114,525 130,481 133,206 Engineered Support Structures segment 1,012,290 986,880 938,102 Utility Support Structures segment: Steel 630,892 637,979 658,604 Concrete 122,032 111,875 99,738 Engineered Solar Tracker Solutions 47,450 16,760 — Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures 90,206 92,559 100,773 Utility Support Structures segment 890,580 859,173 859,115 Coatings segment 367,835 353,351 318,891 Irrigation segment: North America 378,613 386,683 369,832 International 206,583 246,983 282,598 Irrigation segment 585,196 633,666 652,430 Other — 23,080 76,300 Total 2,855,901 2,856,150 2,844,838 INTERSEGMENT SALES: Engineered Support Structures 10,214 19,522 25,862 Utility Support Structures 4,972 3,967 2,871 Coatings 67,195 66,612 62,080 Irrigation 6,544 8,905 8,058 Total 88,925 99,006 98,871 NET SALES: Engineered Support Structures segment 1,002,076 967,358 912,240 Utility Support Structures segment 885,608 855,206 856,244 Coatings segment 300,640 286,739 256,811 Irrigation segment 578,652 624,761 644,372 Other — 23,080 76,300 Total $ 2,766,976 $ 2,757,144 $ 2,745,967 (21) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2019 2018 2017 OPERATING INCOME (LOSS): Engineered Support Structures $ 65,627 $ 34,776 $ 62,960 Utility Support Structures 87,788 64,766 97,853 Coatings 51,008 55,325 50,179 Irrigation 71,687 97,722 101,498 Other — (913 ) 2,134 Adjustment to LIFO inventory valuation method 9,815 (9,892 ) (5,680 ) Corporate (48,205 ) (39,504 ) (41,864 ) Total 237,720 202,280 267,080 Interest expense, net (36,211 ) (39,569 ) (39,908 ) Costs associated with refinancing of debt — (14,820 ) — Loss from divestiture of grinding media business — (6,084 ) — Other 8,164 1,634 1,292 Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries $ 209,673 $ 143,441 $ 228,464 TOTAL ASSETS: Engineered Support Structures $ 943,841 $ 867,735 $ 846,881 Utility Support Structures 742,194 700,915 597,231 Coatings 363,070 294,951 288,890 Irrigation 347,887 347,894 369,798 Other — — 68,934 Corporate 366,419 318,779 430,516 Total $ 2,763,411 $ 2,530,274 $ 2,602,250 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES: Engineered Support Structures $ 25,344 $ 26,783 $ 16,433 Utility Support Structures 26,306 17,442 14,012 Coatings 23,610 10,320 11,080 Irrigation 15,644 7,249 7,055 Other — 7 2,376 Corporate 6,521 10,184 4,310 Total $ 97,425 $ 71,985 $ 55,266 (21) BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Continued) 2019 2018 2017 DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION: Engineered Support Structures $ 26,280 $ 27,274 $ 27,637 Utility Support Structures 23,779 23,618 25,079 Coatings 15,907 15,956 15,115 Irrigation 10,943 11,335 11,173 Other — 775 2,486 Corporate 5,355 3,869 3,467 Total $ 82,264 $ 82,827 $ 84,957
Summary by geographical area by location	Summary by Geographical Area by Location of Valmont Facilities: 2019 2018 2017 NET SALES: United States $ 1,872,840 $ 1,771,390 $ 1,702,826 Australia 255,271 325,553 356,959 Denmark 90,206 92,559 100,773 Other 548,659 567,642 585,409 Total $ 2,766,976 $ 2,757,144 $ 2,745,967 LONG-LIVED ASSETS: United States $ 753,545 $ 624,143 $ 544,724 Australia 193,029 168,438 227,483 Denmark 58,435 64,497 90,372 Other 369,983 332,556 267,106 Total $ 1,374,992 $ 1,189,634 $ 1,129,685

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN_2

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 30, 2017
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,207,865 $ 563,935 $ 1,242,812 $ (247,636 ) $ 2,766,976 Cost of sales 887,403 420,287 1,014,071 (247,281 ) 2,074,480 Gross profit 320,462 143,648 228,741 (355 ) 692,496 Selling, general and administrative expenses 236,574 38,732 179,470 — 454,776 Operating income 83,888 104,916 49,271 (355 ) 237,720 Other income (expense): Interest expense (37,984 ) (11,150 ) (2,249 ) 11,230 (40,153 ) Interest income 1,676 37 13,459 (11,230 ) 3,942 Other 7,805 44 315 — 8,164 (28,503 ) (11,069 ) 11,525 — (28,047 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 55,385 93,847 60,796 (355 ) 209,673 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 8,918 26,166 11,181 2 46,267 Deferred (3,120 ) — 7,060 — 3,940 5,798 26,166 18,241 2 50,207 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 49,587 67,681 42,555 (357 ) 159,466 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 104,182 7,900 — (112,082 ) — Net earnings 153,769 75,581 42,555 (112,439 ) 159,466 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,697 ) — (5,697 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 153,769 $ 75,581 $ 36,858 $ (112,439 ) $ 153,769 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS For the Year ended December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net sales $ 1,192,134 $ 522,366 $ 1,303,323 $ (260,679 ) $ 2,757,144 Cost of sales 906,646 399,451 1,055,215 (262,448 ) 2,098,864 Gross profit 285,488 122,915 248,108 1,769 658,280 Selling, general and administrative expenses 192,343 51,127 212,530 — 456,000 Operating income 93,145 71,788 35,578 1,769 202,280 Other income (expense): Interest expense (42,524 ) (14,815 ) (1,713 ) 14,815 (44,237 ) Interest income 791 82 18,610 (14,815 ) 4,668 Other (17,602 ) 59 (1,727 ) — (19,270 ) (59,335 ) (14,674 ) 15,170 — (58,839 ) Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 33,810 57,114 50,748 1,769 143,441 Income tax expense (benefit): Current 6,310 14,948 23,290 246 44,794 Deferred 1,532 1,791 (4,982 ) — (1,659 ) 7,842 16,739 18,308 246 43,135 Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 25,968 40,375 32,440 1,523 100,306 Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries 68,383 37,304 — (105,687 ) — Net earnings 94,351 77,679 32,440 (104,164 ) 100,306 Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,955 ) — (5,955 ) Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc $ 94,351 $ 77,679 $ 26,485 $ (104,164 ) $ 94,351	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 47,955 174,551 — 414,688 Operating income 109,200 62,110 95,464 306 267,080 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 (4,447 ) — 1,292 (37,123 ) (13,766 ) 12,273 — (38,616 ) 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
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 153,769 $ 75,581 $ 42,555 $ (112,439 ) $ 159,466 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (1,564 ) (942 ) — (2,506 ) Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in earnings — — — — — Gain (loss) on hedging activities 2,905 — — — 2,905 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — (10,828 ) — (10,828 ) Equity in other comprehensive income (13,142 ) — — 13,142 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (10,237 ) (1,564 ) (11,770 ) 13,142 (10,429 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 143,532 74,017 30,785 (99,297 ) 149,037 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,505 ) — (5,505 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 143,532 $ 74,017 $ 25,280 $ (99,297 ) $ 143,532 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year ended December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Net earnings $ 94,351 $ 77,679 $ 32,440 $ (104,164 ) $ 100,306 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments: Unrealized translation gains (losses) — (6,509 ) (58,927 ) — (65,436 ) Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in earnings — — 9,203 — 9,203 Gain (loss) on hedging activities 4,814 — — — 4,814 Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability — — 29,885 — 29,885 Equity in other comprehensive income (28,977 ) — — 28,977 — Other comprehensive income (loss) (24,163 ) (6,509 ) (19,839 ) 28,977 (21,534 ) Comprehensive income (loss) 70,188 71,170 12,601 (75,187 ) 78,772 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (8,584 ) — (8,584 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 70,188 $ 71,170 $ 4,017 $ (75,187 ) $ 70,188 (22) 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 activities (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 183,577 191,357 (11,018 ) (174,810 ) 189,106 Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests — — (5,529 ) — (5,529 ) Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. $ 183,577 $ 191,357 $ (16,547 ) $ (174,810 ) $ 183,577
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 182,453 $ 6,169 $ 164,920 $ — $ 353,542 Receivables, net 134,972 94,090 250,938 — 480,000 Inventories 130,686 45,673 200,963 (2,757 ) 374,565 Contra asset - costs and profits in excess of billings 65,528 47,402 28,392 — 141,322 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets 13,820 717 17,506 — 32,043 Refundable income taxes 6,947 — — — 6,947 Total current assets 534,406 194,051 662,719 (2,757 ) 1,388,419 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 635,322 175,862 434,077 — 1,245,261 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 413,054 90,384 183,694 — 687,132 Net property, plant and equipment 222,268 85,478 250,383 — 558,129 Goodwill 20,108 141,581 267,175 — 428,864 Other intangible assets 763 43,933 131,046 — 175,742 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,339,206 1,150,458 908,212 (3,397,876 ) — Other assets 88,549 4,323 119,385 — 212,257 Total assets $ 2,205,300 $ 1,619,824 $ 2,338,920 $ (3,400,633 ) $ 2,763,411 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ — $ — $ 760 $ — $ 760 Notes payable to banks — — 21,774 — 21,774 Accounts payable 68,677 21,464 107,816 — 197,957 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 45,294 6,344 31,890 — 83,528 Accrued expenses 147,498 11,353 42,830 — 201,681 Dividends payable 8,079 — — — 8,079 Total current liabilities 269,548 39,161 205,070 — 513,779 Deferred income taxes 16,925 — 31,030 — 47,955 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 734,571 123,560 30,373 (123,560 ) 764,944 Defined benefit pension liability — — 140,007 — 140,007 Other noncurrent liabilities 72,772 3,168 63,895 — 139,835 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,957 (1,106,907 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 162,906 1,107,536 (1,270,442 ) — Retained earnings 2,140,948 753,652 400,933 (1,154,585 ) 2,140,948 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (313,422 ) 79,427 (334,288 ) 254,861 (313,422 ) Treasury stock (743,942 ) — — — (743,942 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,111,484 1,453,935 1,823,138 (3,277,073 ) 1,111,484 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 45,407 — 45,407 Total shareholders’ equity 1,111,484 1,453,935 1,868,545 (3,277,073 ) 1,156,891 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 2,205,300 $ 1,619,824 $ 2,338,920 $ (3,400,633 ) $ 2,763,411 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 104,256 $ 5,518 $ 203,436 $ — $ 313,210 Receivables, net 134,943 75,204 273,816 — 483,963 Inventories 138,158 37,019 210,791 (2,402 ) 383,566 Contra asset - costs and profits in excess of billings 50,271 35,200 27,054 — 112,525 Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets 21,858 746 20,196 — 42,800 Refundable income taxes 4,576 — — — 4,576 Total current assets 454,062 153,687 735,293 (2,402 ) 1,340,640 Property, plant and equipment, at cost 579,046 172,050 409,769 — 1,160,865 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 390,438 93,374 163,061 — 646,873 Net property, plant and equipment 188,608 78,676 246,708 — 513,992 Goodwill 20,108 110,562 254,537 — 385,207 Other intangible assets 76 27,452 148,428 — 175,956 Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts 1,286,545 1,161,612 932,982 (3,381,139 ) — Other assets 47,674 — 66,805 — 114,479 Total assets $ 1,997,073 $ 1,531,989 $ 2,384,753 $ (3,383,541 ) $ 2,530,274 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current installments of long-term debt $ — $ — $ 779 $ — $ 779 Notes payable to banks — — 10,678 — 10,678 Accounts payable 68,304 21,081 128,730 — 218,115 Accrued employee compensation and benefits 41,418 7,186 30,687 — 79,291 Accrued expenses 25,936 10,132 55,874 — 91,942 Dividends payable 8,230 — — — 8,230 Total current liabilities 143,888 38,399 226,748 — 409,035 Deferred income taxes 14,376 — 29,113 — 43,489 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 733,964 166,729 7,858 (166,729 ) 741,822 Defined benefit pension liability — — 143,904 — 143,904 Other noncurrent liabilities 45,083 620 10,798 — 56,501 Shareholders’ equity: Common stock of $1 par value 27,900 457,950 648,682 (1,106,632 ) 27,900 Additional paid-in capital — 162,906 1,107,536 (1,270,442 ) — Retained earnings 2,027,596 624,394 467,699 (1,092,093 ) 2,027,596 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (303,185 ) 80,991 (333,346 ) 252,355 (303,185 ) Treasury stock (692,549 ) — — — (692,549 ) Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity 1,059,762 1,326,241 1,890,571 (3,216,812 ) 1,059,762 Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries — — 75,761 — 75,761 Total shareholders’ equity 1,059,762 1,326,241 1,966,332 (3,216,812 ) 1,135,523 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 1,997,073 $ 1,531,989 $ 2,384,753 $ (3,383,541 ) $ 2,530,274
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 28, 2019 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 153,769 $ 75,581 $ 42,555 $ (112,439 ) $ 159,466 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 26,734 13,518 42,012 — 82,264 Noncash loss on trading securities — — (172 ) — (172 ) Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (18,461 ) — (18,461 ) Stock-based compensation 11,587 — — — 11,587 Defined benefit pension plan (benefit) — — (513 ) — (513 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 133 240 (2,886 ) — (2,513 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (104,182 ) (7,900 ) — 112,082 — Deferred income taxes (3,120 ) — 7,060 — 3,940 Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Net working capital 103,019 (36,781 ) 13,641 355 80,234 Other noncurrent liabilities (505 ) (5 ) (764 ) — (1,274 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) 1,714 (2,012 ) (6,646 ) — (6,944 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 189,149 42,641 75,826 (2 ) 307,614 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (59,394 ) (1,592 ) (36,439 ) — (97,425 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 87 48 5,421 — 5,556 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired — (63,141 ) (18,700 ) — (81,841 ) Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge 11,184 — — — 11,184 Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (3,500 ) — (2,669 ) — (6,169 ) Other, net (14,964 ) 14,210 1,297 2 545 Net cash flows from investing activities (66,587 ) (50,475 ) (51,090 ) 2 (168,150 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings under short-term agreements — — 11,327 — 11,327 Proceeds from long-term borrowings 31,000 — — — 31,000 Principal payments on long-term borrowings (10,000 ) — (768 ) — (10,768 ) Dividends paid (32,642 ) — — — (32,642 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (7,737 ) — (7,737 ) Intercompany dividends 65,651 53,676 (119,327 ) — — Purchase of noncontrolling interest (22,805 ) — (5,040 ) — (27,845 ) Intercompany capital contribution (13,284 ) — 13,284 — — Intercompany interest on long-term note — (45,155 ) 45,155 — — Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 13,619 — — — 13,619 Purchase of treasury shares (62,915 ) — — — (62,915 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (12,989 ) — — — (12,989 ) Net cash flows from financing activities (44,365 ) 8,521 (63,106 ) — (98,950 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (36 ) (146 ) — (182 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 78,197 651 (38,516 ) — 40,332 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year 104,256 5,518 203,436 — 313,210 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period $ 182,453 $ 6,169 $ 164,920 $ — $ 353,542 (22) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Continued) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the Year ended December 29, 2018 Parent Guarantors Non- Eliminations Total Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings $ 94,351 $ 77,679 $ 32,440 $ (104,164 ) $ 100,306 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations: Depreciation and amortization 26,155 13,959 42,713 — 82,827 Noncash loss on trading securities — — (62 ) — (62 ) Contribution to defined benefit pension plan — — (1,537 ) — (1,537 ) Impairment of property, plant and equipment — — 5,000 — 5,000 Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets — — 15,780 — 15,780 Loss on divestiture of grinding media business 2,518 — 3,566 — 6,084 Stock-based compensation 10,392 — — — 10,392 Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit) — — (2,251 ) — (2,251 ) (Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 57 (37 ) (245 ) — (225 ) Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries (68,383 ) (37,304 ) — 105,687 — Deferred income taxes 1,532 1,791 (4,982 ) — (1,659 ) Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions): Net working capital (17,681 ) (13,962 ) (13,208 ) (1,769 ) (46,620 ) Other noncurrent liabilities (7,345 ) 615 (4,158 ) — (10,888 ) Income taxes payable (refundable) (6,176 ) (1,303 ) 3,340 — (4,139 ) Net cash flows from operating activities 35,420 41,438 76,396 (246 ) 153,008 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (25,255 ) (13,115 ) (33,615 ) — (71,985 ) Proceeds from sale of assets 44 268 62,791 — 63,103 Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (57,805 ) — (85,215 ) — (143,020 ) Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge (1,621 ) — — — (1,621 ) Other, net 69,714 (42,667 ) (29,215 ) 246 (1,922 ) Net cash flows from investing activities (14,923 ) (55,514 ) (85,254 ) 246 (155,445 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Payments under short-term agreements — — 10,543 — 10,543 Proceeds from long-term borrowings 245,936 — 5,719 — 251,655 Principal payments on long-term borrowings (261,219 ) — (972 ) — (262,191 ) Settlement of financial derivative (2,467 ) — — — (2,467 ) Debt issuance costs (2,322 ) — — — (2,322 ) Dividends paid (33,726 ) — — — (33,726 ) Dividends to noncontrolling interest — — (7,055 ) — (7,055 ) Intercompany dividends 168,757 11,296 (180,053 ) — — Intercompany capital contribution (3,492 ) 3,492 — — — Purchase of noncontrolling interest — — (5,510 ) — (5,510 ) Proceeds from exercises under stock plans 7,357 — — — 7,357 Purchase of treasury shares (114,805 ) — — — (114,805 ) Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises (3,589 ) — — — (3,589 ) Net cash flows from financing activities 430 14,788 (177,328 ) — (162,110 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — (498 ) (14,550 ) — (15,048 ) Net change in cash and cash equivalents 20,927 214 (200,736 ) — (179,595 ) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year 83,329 5,304 404,172 — 492,805 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period $ 104,256 $ 5,518 $ 203,436 $ — $ 313,210 (22) 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 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): Net working capital (23,943 ) (25,717 ) (25,219 ) (306 ) (75,185 ) 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 69,816 (135 ) 133,148 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 27,477 — 27,682 Net change in cash and cash equivalents 16,104 (767 ) 63,868 — 79,205 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year 67,225 6,071 340,304 — 413,600 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of period $ 83,329 $ 5,304 $ 404,172 $ — $ 492,805

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una_2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
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 2019 First $ 692,139 $ 165,129 $ 36,481 $ 1.67 $ 1.66 $ 139.50 $ 107.43 $ 0.375 Second 700,871 180,414 41,397 1.90 1.90 136.75 112.94 0.375 Third 690,340 176,086 40,144 1.86 1.85 146.46 123.74 0.375 Fourth 683,626 170,867 35,747 1.67 1.66 151.46 123.80 0.375 Year $ 2,766,976 $ 692,496 $ 153,769 $ 7.10 $ 7.06 $ 151.46 $ 107.43 $ 1.50 2018 First $ 698,684 $ 169,240 $ 39,281 $ 1.74 $ 1.72 $ 171.55 $ 140.10 $ 0.375 Second 682,405 174,999 32,960 1.47 1.46 154.60 137.90 0.375 Third (1) 678,692 164,340 4,448 0.20 0.20 157.15 135.00 0.375 Fourth (2) 697,363 149,701 17,662 0.80 0.80 141.38 103.01 0.375 Year $ 2,757,144 $ 658,280 $ 94,351 $ 4.23 $ 4.20 $ 171.55 $ 103.01 $ 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 third quarter of 2018 included an impairment of goodwill and intangible assets totaling $14,736 after tax ( $0.66 per share) and refinancing of long-term debt expenses of $11,115 after-tax ( $0.50 per share). (2) In the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company recognized restructuring activities expenses and non-recurring asset impairment charges from exiting certain markets of $20,625 after-tax ( $0.92 per share).

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)segment	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Cash overdrafts
Cash book overdrafts	$ 13,971	$ 8,888
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%
Fiscal year
Length of fiscal year	364 days	371 days	364 days
Accounts receivable
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 9,548
Inventories
Inventory valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market	41.00%	37.00%
Excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value	$ 43,805	$ 53,619
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	64,177	67,499	$ 69,046
Research and Development [Abstract]
Research and development expense	$ 13,900	$ 11,500	$ 11,600
Minimum
Principles of Consolidation
Equity method investment in affiliates, ownership percentage	20.00%
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Intangible assets lives	5 years
Maximum
Principles of Consolidation
Equity method investment in affiliates, ownership percentage	50.00%
Cost method investment in affiliates, ownership percentage	20.00%
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Intangible assets lives	20 years
Buildings and improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	15 years
Buildings and improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	40 years
Machinery and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Machinery and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	12 years
Transportation equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Transportation equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	24 years
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	3 years
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Estimated useful lives	7 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - PP&E (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Long-lived assets
Depreciation expense	$ 64,177	$ 67,499	$ 69,046
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 ACCOUN_6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Intangible Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019
Minimum
Intangible assets
Intangible assets lives	5 years
Maximum
Intangible assets
Intangible assets lives	20 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	$ 1,135,523
Ending balance	1,156,891
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	(230,261)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(2,314)
Ending balance	(232,575)
Gain on Hedging Activities
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	11,171
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	2,905
Ending balance	14,076
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	(84,095)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(10,828)
Ending balance	(94,923)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Beginning balance	(303,185)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	(10,237)
Ending balance	$ (313,422)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_8

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Inventories	$ 374,565				$ 383,566				$ 374,565	$ 383,566
Contract assets	141,322				112,525				141,322	112,525
Accrued expenses	201,681				91,942				201,681	91,942
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	47,955				43,489				47,955	43,489
Retained earnings	2,140,948				2,027,596				2,140,948	2,027,596
Net sales	683,626	$ 690,340	$ 700,871	$ 692,139	697,363	$ 678,692	$ 682,405	$ 698,684	2,766,976	2,757,144	$ 2,745,967
Operating income									237,720	202,280	267,080
Contract with customer, liability, current	$ 117,945				$ 4,906				117,945	4,906
Contract with customer, liability, revenue recognized									3,921	5,222
Utility Support Structures
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									885,608	855,206	856,244
Operating income									87,788	64,766	97,853
Engineered Support Structures
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									1,002,076	967,358	912,240
Operating income									65,627	34,776	62,960
Coatings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									300,640	286,739	256,811
Operating income									51,008	55,325	50,179
Irrigation
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									578,652	624,761	644,372
Operating income									71,687	97,722	101,498
Other
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating income									0	(913)	$ 2,134
Point in Time
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									1,865,064	1,861,641
Point in Time | Utility Support Structures
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									47,450	16,760
Point in Time | Engineered Support Structures
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									952,056	922,677
Point in Time | Coatings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales										286,739
Point in Time | Irrigation
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									564,918	612,385
Point in Time | Other
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									0	23,080
Over Time
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									901,912	895,503
Over Time | Utility Support Structures
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									838,158	838,446
Over Time | Engineered Support Structures
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									50,020	44,681
Over Time | Coatings
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0
Over Time | Irrigation
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									13,734	12,376
Over Time | Other
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 0	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_9

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			68 Months Ended
	May 31, 2014	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 28, 2019	Feb. 28, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Authorized amount	$ 500,000,000					$ 250,000,000
Length of authorization period	12 months
Shares acquired under share repurchase program		491,045	843,278		5,922,454
Amount paid for share repurchase		$ 62,915,000	$ 114,805,000	$ 0	$ 795,549,000

ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Detai

ACQUISITIONS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

May 13, 2019

Feb. 11, 2019

Dec. 31, 2018

Oct. 18, 2018

Aug. 03, 2018

Aug. 01, 2018

Jan. 26, 2018

Apr. 30, 2019

Jan. 31, 2019

Mar. 30, 2018

Jun. 29, 2019

Dec. 28, 2019

Dec. 29, 2018

Dec. 30, 2017

Mar. 31, 2018

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

$ 428,864

$ 385,207

$ 337,720

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

27,845

$ 5,510

$ 0

Connect-It Wireless, Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 6,034

Goodwill

3,299

United Galvanizing

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 26,000

Consideration transferred

28,000

Contingent consideration liability, current

2,000

2,000

Goodwill

12,374

Property, plant, and equipment acquired

10,987

Larson Camouflage

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 31,106

Consideration transferred

34,562

Contingent consideration liability, current

3,456

Goodwill

15,346

Property, plant, and equipment acquired

$ 1,151

Contingent consideration liability, as percent of purchase price

10.00%

CSP Coatings Systems Of Auckland

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 17,711

Goodwill

5,120

Property, plant, and equipment acquired

7,373

Walpar

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 57,805

$ 23,082

Goodwill

$ 45,453

Percentage acquired

72.00%

28.00%

Convert

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 43,504

$ 18,700

Goodwill

$ 42,169

Percentage acquired

75.00%

Derit Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 14,700

Torrent Engineering and Equipment

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid to acquire business

$ 4,800

Goodwill

3,922

Customer relationships and other intangible assets

$ 4,020

Percentage acquired

60.00%

Annual sales

$ 9,000

Walpar, Convert, Torrent and CSP Coatings

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Net sales of acquiree

$ 117,296

Valmont SM

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage acquired

4.80%

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

$ 4,763

Valmont Industria e Commercio Ltda.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage acquired

10.00%

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

$ 5,510

Customer Relationships | Connect-It Wireless, Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Customer relationships and other intangible assets

$ 828

Customer Relationships | United Galvanizing

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Customer relationships and other intangible assets

$ 3,170

Useful life

10 years

Customer Relationships | Larson Camouflage

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Customer relationships and other intangible assets

$ 16,223

Useful life

12 years

Customer Relationships | CSP Coatings Systems Of Auckland

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Customer relationships and other intangible assets

$ 3,113

Useful life

10 years

Customer Relationships | Walpar

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life

12 years

Reduction in customer relationships

$ 3,500

Patents & Proprietary Technology | Convert

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life

15 years

Trade Names | United Galvanizing

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Customer relationships and other intangible assets

$ 894

ACQUISITIONS - Assets acquired

ACQUISITIONS - Assets acquired and liabilities assumed (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Aug. 03, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 428,864	$ 385,207		$ 337,720
Walpar
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets			$ 13,210
Trade name			3,500
Goodwill			45,453
Total fair value of assets acquired			90,663
Current liabilities			2,197
Deferred taxes			7,579
Total fair value of liabilities assumed			9,776
Non-controlling interests			23,082
Net assets acquired			57,805
Convert
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets			18,349
Other assets			3,166
Trade name			8,701
Goodwill			42,169
Total fair value of assets acquired			88,939
Current liabilities			5,376
Contingent consideration liability			19,497
Deferred taxes			6,061
Total fair value of liabilities assumed			30,934
Non-controlling interests			14,501
Net assets acquired			43,504
Intellectual Property | Convert
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships			16,554
Customer Relationships | Walpar
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Customer relationships			$ 28,500

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Inform

ACQUISITIONS - Pro Forma Information (Details) - Walpar, Convert, Torrent and CSP Coatings - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,772,150	$ 2,842,162	$ 2,818,035
Net earnings	$ 154,302	$ 98,292	$ 122,407
Earnings per share-diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 7.09	$ 4.38	$ 5.39

DIVESTITURE - Narrative (Detail

DIVESTITURE - Narrative (Details) - Donhad $ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018AUD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pre-tax income/(loss)			$ (913)	$ 2,134
Disposed by sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from divestiture	$ 82,500	$ 62,518
Pre-tax gain from divestiture, before recognition of currency translation loss		4,334
Recognition of cumulative currency translation gain (loss) and hedges (out of OCI)		$ 10,418

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Detai

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2019facility	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 34,031
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	7
ESS
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		28,572
ESS | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	1
ESS | Restructuring Asset Impairment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Impairments of current and other assets		7,944
Utility Support Structures Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		5,153
Utility Support Structures Segment | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	1
Irrigation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		180
Other/ Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		126
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		18,380
Cost of Sales | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		8,080
Cost of Sales | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		5,740
Cost of Sales | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		4,560
Cost of Sales | ESS
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		14,327
Cost of Sales | ESS | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		6,255
Cost of Sales | ESS | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		3,512
Cost of Sales | ESS | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		4,560
Cost of Sales | Utility Support Structures Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		4,053
Cost of Sales | Utility Support Structures Segment | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		1,825
Cost of Sales | Utility Support Structures Segment | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		2,228
Cost of Sales | Utility Support Structures Segment | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Irrigation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Irrigation | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Irrigation | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Irrigation | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Other/ Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Other/ Corporate | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Other/ Corporate | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Cost of Sales | Other/ Corporate | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		15,651
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		11,883
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		3,328
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		440
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | ESS
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		14,245
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | ESS | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		10,654
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | ESS | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		3,151
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | ESS | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		440
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Utility Support Structures Segment
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		1,100
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Utility Support Structures Segment | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		1,100
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Utility Support Structures Segment | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Utility Support Structures Segment | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Irrigation
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		180
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Irrigation | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		129
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Irrigation | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		51
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Irrigation | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other/ Corporate
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		126
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other/ Corporate | Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other/ Corporate | Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		126
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Other/ Corporate | Impairments of fixed assets/net loss on disposals
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 0
CHINA | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	3

DIVESTITURE - Summary of Gain (

DIVESTITURE - Summary of Gain (Loss) on Divestiture (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net pre-tax loss from divestiture of the grinding media business		$ 0	$ (6,084)	$ 0
Donhad | Disposed by sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain from divestiture, before recognition of currency translation loss	$ 4,334
Recognition of cumulative currency translation loss and hedges (out of OCI)	(10,418)
Net pre-tax loss from divestiture of the grinding media business	$ (6,084)

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES RESTRU

RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES RESTRUCTURING ACTIVITIES (Details 2) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2019USD ($)facility	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 10,056	$ 10,056
Recognized Restructuring Expense		0
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled		(10,056)
Ending balance		0
Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	7
Severance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 6,594	6,594
Recognized Restructuring Expense		0
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled		(6,594)
Ending balance		0
Other cash restructuring expenses
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 3,462	3,462
Recognized Restructuring Expense		0
Costs Paid or Otherwise Settled		(3,462)
Ending balance		$ 0
CHINA | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	3
Utility | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	1
ESS | Facility Closing
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Number of facilities closed | facility	1

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFOR_3

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Feb. 11, 2019
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Interest	$ 39,032	$ 43,305	$ 44,528
Income taxes	43,629	$ 47,355	$ 63,791
United Galvanizing
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	2,000			$ 2,000
Larson Camouflage
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisitions [Line Items]
Consideration transferred	$ 3,456

INVENTORIES (Details)

INVENTORIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased parts	$ 158,314	$ 190,115
Work-in-process	38,088	35,566
Finished goods and manufactured goods	221,968	211,504
Subtotal	418,370	437,185
Less: LIFO reserve	43,805	53,619
Net inventory	$ 374,565	$ 383,566

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT_2

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 1,245,261	$ 1,160,865
Land and improvements
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	111,091	99,797
Buildings and improvements
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	364,396	348,836
Machinery and equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	584,447	549,311
Transportation equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	23,650	24,380
Office furniture and equipment
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	85,130	85,239
Construction in progress
Long-lived assets
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	$ 76,547	$ 53,302

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 269,748	$ 251,141	$ 269,748	$ 251,141
Accumulated Amortization	163,113	143,908	163,113	143,908
Amortization expense for intangible assets	18,087	15,328			$ 15,911
Estimated Amortization Expense
2020	17,343		17,343
2021	15,298		15,298
2022	13,120		13,120
2023	11,345		11,345
2024	9,434		9,434
Customer Relationships
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	237,626	219,508	237,626	219,508
Accumulated Amortization	149,720	132,180	$ 149,720	$ 132,180
Weighted Average Life			13 years	13 years
Patents & Proprietary Technology
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	24,068	23,662	$ 24,068	$ 23,662
Accumulated Amortization	6,358	4,837	$ 6,358	$ 4,837
Weighted Average Life			14 years	14 years
Other
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	8,054	7,971	$ 8,054	$ 7,971
Accumulated Amortization	$ 7,035	$ 6,891	$ 7,035	$ 6,891
Weighted Average Life			5 years	5 years

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Newmark
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 11,111	$ 11,111
Webforge
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	9,143	8,872
Valmont SM
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	7,966	8,155
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	7,454	7,233
Shakespeare
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	4,000	4,000
Walpar
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	3,500	4,300
Convert
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	8,378	8,580
Other
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	17,555	16,472
Trade Names
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$ 69,107	$ 68,723

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross			$ 434,454	$ 372,612
Accumulated impairment losses			(49,247)	(34,892)
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 385,207	337,720
Acquisitions		42,133	87,119
Impairment	$ (14,355)		(14,355)
Divestiture of grinding media			(15,814)
Foreign currency translation		1,524	(9,463)
Balance at the end of the period		428,864	385,207
Engineered Support Structures Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross			204,735	170,076
Accumulated impairment losses			(18,670)	(18,670)
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		186,065	151,406
Acquisitions		21,870	42,216
Impairment			0
Divestiture of grinding media			0
Foreign currency translation		2,029	(7,557)
Balance at the end of the period		209,964	186,065
Utility Support Structures Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross			123,618	90,248
Accumulated impairment losses			(14,355)	0
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		109,263	90,248
Acquisitions		7,889	34,280
Impairment			(14,355)
Divestiture of grinding media			0
Foreign currency translation		(913)	(910)
Balance at the end of the period		116,239	109,263
Coatings Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross			80,937	76,696
Accumulated impairment losses			(16,222)	(16,222)
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		64,715	60,474
Acquisitions		12,374	5,120
Impairment			0
Divestiture of grinding media			0
Foreign currency translation		436	(879)
Balance at the end of the period		77,525	64,715
Irrigation Segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross			25,164	19,778
Accumulated impairment losses			0	0
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		25,164	19,778
Acquisitions		0	5,503
Impairment			0
Divestiture of grinding media			0
Foreign currency translation		(28)	(117)
Balance at the end of the period		25,136	25,164
Other
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross				15,814
Accumulated impairment losses				$ 0
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 0	15,814
Acquisitions			0
Impairment			0
Divestiture of grinding media			(15,814)
Foreign currency translation			0
Balance at the end of the period			$ 0

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSET_5

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 28, 2019	Dec. 30, 2017
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill		$ 428,864	$ 385,207		$ 337,720
Hypothetical change in discount rate		1.00%
Effect of change in discount rate on fair value of reporting unit		$ 15,000
Goodwill impairment	$ 14,355		$ 14,355
Access Systems
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill				$ 45,727
Valmont SM
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Impairment of intangible assets	$ 1,425

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Detai

BANK CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Bank Credit Arrangements
Outstanding amount	$ 21,774,000	$ 10,678,000
Short-term borrowings
Bank Credit Arrangements
Total line of credit facility for short-term borrowings	132,849,000
Outstanding amount	$ 21,774,000	$ 10,678,000
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings	2.54%
Unused and available borrowings	$ 111,075,000

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
United States		$ 175,923,000	$ 127,852,000	$ 152,372,000
Foreign		33,750,000	15,589,000	76,092,000
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		209,673,000	143,441,000	228,464,000
2017 tax act, estimated income tax expense			41,935,000
2017 tax act, estimated income tax expense from decrease related to deferred taxes	$ 20,372,000			20,372,000
Unremitted foreign earnings	394,000,000		394,000,000
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
2017 tax act, provisional transition tax obligation		785,000
Current:
Federal		27,809,000	21,106,000	49,324,000
State		5,568,000	6,585,000	4,415,000
Foreign		13,130,000	17,559,000	12,880,000
Total		46,507,000	45,250,000	66,619,000
Non-current:		(240,000)	(456,000)	(229,000)
Deferred:
Federal		2,108,000	213,000	(9,626,000)
State		553,000	9,000	(385,000)
Foreign	11,673,000	1,279,000	(1,881,000)	49,766,000
Total		3,940,000	(1,659,000)	39,755,000
Total income tax expense (benefit)		$ 50,207,000	$ 43,135,000	$ 106,145,000
Reconciliations of statutory federal income tax rate and effective tax rate
Statutory federal income tax rate		21.00%	21.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		2.50%	3.50%	1.40%
Carryforwards, credits and changes in valuation allowances		(1.00%)	3.20%	(1.40%)
Foreign tax rate differences		0.30%	(1.00%)	(4.10%)
Changes in unrecognized tax benefits		(0.10%)	(0.30%)	(0.10%)
Domestic production activities deduction		0.00%	0.00%	(2.10%)
Goodwill impairment		0.00%	2.20%	0.00%
Effects of 2017 Tax Act		0.00%	(0.50%)	18.40%
Other		1.30%	2.00%	(0.60%)
Total		24.00%	30.10%	46.50%
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued expenses and allowances	8,268,000	$ 16,148,000	$ 8,268,000
Tax credits and loss carryforwards	56,867,000	64,116,000	56,867,000
Defined benefit pension liability	36,328,000	35,539,000	36,328,000
Inventory allowances	3,320,000	5,599,000	3,320,000
Accrued compensation and benefits	13,122,000	14,122,000	13,122,000
Lease liabilities		21,763,000
Deferred compensation	16,228,000	15,174,000	16,228,000
Gross deferred income tax assets	134,133,000	172,461,000	134,133,000
Valuation allowance	(33,228,000)	(35,215,000)	(33,228,000)
Net deferred income tax assets	100,905,000	137,246,000	100,905,000
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	25,477,000	31,628,000	25,477,000
Intangible assets	44,850,000	49,686,000	44,850,000
Lease assets		22,066,000
Other deferred tax liabilities	7,291,000	6,067,000	7,291,000
Total deferred income tax liabilities	77,618,000	109,447,000	77,618,000
Net deferred income tax asset	23,287,000	27,799,000	23,287,000
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), Balance Sheet Caption
Other assets	66,776,000	75,754,000	66,776,000
Deferred income taxes	(43,489,000)	(47,955,000)	(43,489,000)
Net deferred income tax asset	23,287,000	27,799,000	23,287,000
Income tax expense due to nondeductible goodwill impairment		3,171,000
Income tax expense due to nondeductible restructuring charges		6,756,000
Tax credit and net operating loss carryforwards related to the defined benefit pension obligation	56,867,000	64,116,000	56,867,000
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits beginning of year		2,599,000	3,196,000
Gross increases—tax positions in prior period		29,000	103,000
Gross decreases—tax positions in prior period		0	(199,000)
Gross increases—current‑period tax positions		593,000	280,000
Settlements with taxing authorities		(150,000)	(50,000)
Lapse of statute of limitations		(771,000)	(731,000)
Gross Unrecognized Tax Benefits end of year	2,599,000	2,300,000	2,599,000	$ 3,196,000
Uncertain tax positions for which reversal is reasonably possible during the next 12 months		685,000
Reduction of income tax expense, due to expiration of statutes of limitation		609,000	577,000
Accrued interest and penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits	196,000	178,000	196,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect effective tax rate	2,536,000	2,224,000	2,536,000
Federal
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
2017 tax act, provisional transition tax obligation				9,890,000
2017 tax act, measurement basis adjustment, expense (benefit)			(550,000)
Foreign
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
2017 tax act, provisional transition tax obligation				10,373,000
2017 tax act, measurement basis adjustment, expense (benefit)			(140,000)
2017 tax act, transition tax obligation		754,000
State
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
2017 tax act, provisional transition tax obligation				$ 1,300,000
2017 tax act, transition tax obligation		$ 43,000
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued compensation and benefits	12,478,000		12,478,000
Deferred compensation	28,706,000		28,706,000
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities), Balance Sheet Caption
Accrued warranty amount aggregated with accrued expenses and allowances	3,914,000		3,914,000
Accrued insurance aggregated with accrued compensation and benefits	644,000		644,000
Work in progress aggregated with inventory allowances	1,064,000		1,064,000
Future repatriation of foreign earnings aggregated with other deferred tax liabilities	$ 2,746,000		$ 2,746,000

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Jun. 19, 2018
Long-term debt:
Debt issuance costs	$ (7,786,000)		$ (8,068,000)
Total long-term debt	765,704,000		742,601,000
Less current installments of long-term debt	760,000		779,000
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	$ 764,944,000		$ 741,822,000
Effective interest rate	2.73%		3.27%
Minimum aggregate maturities of long-term debt
2020	$ 760,000
2021	761,000
2022	568,000
2023	0
2024	$ 0
Senior Unsecured Notes 5.00% Due 2044
Long-term debt:
Interest rate on notes	5.00%
Redemption price of notes, stated as a percentage of principal amount	100.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes 5.25% Due 2054
Long-term debt:
Aggregate amount	$ 305,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ 7,468,000
Interest rate on notes	5.25%
Redemption price of notes, stated as a percentage of principal amount	100.00%
Unamortized discount on 5.00% and 5.25% senior unsecured notes
Long-term debt:
Unamortized premium on senior unsecured notes	$ (21,143,000)		$ (21,468,000)
Revolving credit agreement
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt	29,044,000		5,719,000
Outstanding line of credit	14,608,000
Unused and available borrowings	$ 556,569,000
Revolving credit agreement | Minimum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate	0.00%
Revolving credit agreement | Maximum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate	0.625%
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	1.00%
Variable interest rate, base period	1 month
Revolving credit agreement | LIBOR | Minimum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate	1.00%
Revolving credit agreement | LIBOR | Maximum
Long-term debt:
Basis points added to variable rate	1.65%
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	0.50%
IDR Bonds
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt	$ 8,500,000		8,500,000
Other notes
Long-term debt:
Total long-term debt	2,089,000		2,918,000
Short Term Bank Lines Of Credit
Long-term debt:
Balance	132,849,000
Unused and available borrowings	111,075,000
Senior Unsecured Notes 5.00% Due 2044
Long-term debt:
Interest rate on notes		5.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes 5.00% Due 2044 | Senior Notes
Long-term debt:
Aggregate amount	450,000,000		$ 450,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	13,675,000
Interest rate on notes			5.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes 5.25% Due 2054 | Senior Notes
Long-term debt:
Aggregate amount	305,000,000		$ 305,000,000	$ 55,000,000
Interest rate on notes			5.25%
Revolving Credit Facility
Long-term debt:
Total line of credit facility for short-term borrowings	600,000
Unused and available borrowings	400,000
Additional borrowing capacity	200,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Revolving credit agreement
Long-term debt:
Outstanding line of credit	$ 29,044,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Stock Based Compensation
Shares of common stock available for issuance	1,208,223
Number of Shares
Exercised (in shares)	(119,789)	(63,717)	(284,574)
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option
Stock Based Compensation
Compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses)	$ 11,587	$ 10,392	$ 10,706
Tax benefits associated with compensation expense	$ 2,897	$ 2,598	$ 4,068
Weighted average period over which unrecognized stock option compensation cost would be recognized	2 years 3 months 21 days
Unrecognized stock option compensation expense	$ 4,979
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant
Expected volatility	33.13%	33.39%	33.76%
Risk-free interest rate	1.69%	2.67%	2.12%
Expected life from vesting date	3 years	3 years	3 years
Dividend yield	1.07%	1.07%	1.17%
Number of Shares
Balance at the beginning of the period (in shares)	578,413	570,622	793,173
Granted (in shares)	57,648	105,135	67,965
Exercised (in shares)	(119,789)	(63,717)	(284,574)
Forfeited (in shares)	(27,712)	(33,627)	(5,942)
Balance at the end of the period (in shares)	488,560	578,413	570,622
Options vested or expected to vest (in shares)	478,575	565,952	558,114
Options exercisable (in shares)	341,828	405,128	351,794
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 127.74	$ 128.34	$ 122.77
Granted (in dollars per share)	147.31	112.08	164.35
Exercised (in dollars per share)	113.02	106.26	121.92
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	137.07	129.52	104.26
Balance at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	133.13	127.74	128.34
Options vested or expected to vest (in dollars per share)	133.21	127.84	128
Options exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 133.32	$ 126.61	$ 123.90
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding	4 years 14 days	4 years 4 months 6 days	4 years 7 months 28 days
Options vested or expected to vest	3 years 11 months 26 days	4 years 3 months 18 days	4 years 7 months 17 days
Options exercisable	3 years 2 months 8 days	3 years 5 months 19 days	3 years 11 months 8 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Options outstanding	$ 9,291	$ 909	$ 21,806
Options vested or expected to vest	9,078	909	21,517
Options exercisable	$ 6,470	$ 909	$ 15,005
Other option disclosures
Weighted average per share fair value of option granted	$ 37.85	$ 30.48	$ 43.68
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option | Minimum
Stock Based Compensation
Vesting period of options	3 years
Expiration period of grant	7 years
Restricted Stock and Awards
Assumptions used in estimating fair value of each option grant
Expected life from vesting date	3 years

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Det_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019$ / sharesshares
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	488,560
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	341,828
Range of exercise price per share from $104.47 and $112.08
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	183,658
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 7 months 2 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 108.58
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	113,866
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 106.43
Range of exercise price per share from $123.87 and $132.84
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	70,396
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 11 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 132.70
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	70,396
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 132.70
Range of exercise price per share from $142.67 to $164.35
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Options Outstanding, Number (in shares) | shares	234,506
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 years 2 months 26 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 152.75
Options Exercisable, Number (in shares) | shares	157,566
Options Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 152.97
Minimum | Range of exercise price per share from $104.47 and $112.08
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, low end of range (in dollars per share)	104.47
Minimum | Range of exercise price per share from $123.87 and $132.84
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, low end of range (in dollars per share)	123.87
Minimum | Range of exercise price per share from $142.67 to $164.35
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, low end of range (in dollars per share)	142.67
Maximum | Range of exercise price per share from $104.47 and $112.08
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, high end of range (in dollars per share)	112.08
Maximum | Range of exercise price per share from $123.87 and $132.84
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, high end of range (in dollars per share)	132.84
Maximum | Range of exercise price per share from $142.67 to $164.35
Options outstanding and exercisable by price range
Exercise price range, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 164.35

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Det_3

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 3) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option
Stock Based Compensation
Compensation expense	$ 11,587	$ 10,392	$ 10,706
Weighted-average period for grant of stock-based compensation	2 years 3 months 21 days
Deferred stock-based compensation granted	$ 4,979
Directors and certain management employees | Non-vested stock and restricted stock units
Stock Based Compensation
Shares granted	78,318	88,127	62,160
Weighted‑average per share price on grant date	$ 145.89	$ 114.89	$ 163.18
Compensation expense	$ 8,815	$ 6,328	$ 5,569
Weighted-average period for grant of stock-based compensation	1 year 8 months 12 days
Deferred stock-based compensation granted	$ 19,501

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Basic EPS
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 35,747	$ 40,144	$ 41,397	$ 36,481	$ 17,662	$ 4,448	$ 32,960	$ 39,281	$ 153,769	$ 94,351	$ 116,240
Shares outstanding basic (in shares)									21,659	22,306	22,520
Per share amount basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.67	$ 1.86	$ 1.90	$ 1.67	$ 0.80	$ 0.20	$ 1.47	$ 1.74	$ 7.10	$ 4.23	$ 5.16
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Dilutive effect of stock options number of shares (in shares)									110	140	218
Dilutive effect of stock options (in dollars per share)									$ 0.04	$ 0.03	$ 0.05
Diluted EPS
Diluted EPS									$ 153,769	$ 94,351	$ 116,240
Shares outstanding dilutive (in shares)									21,769	22,446	22,738
Per share amount diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.66	$ 1.85	$ 1.90	$ 1.66	$ 0.80	$ 0.20	$ 1.46	$ 1.72	$ 7.06	$ 4.20	$ 5.11

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details 2)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets									$ 0	$ 15,780	$ 0
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (in dollars per share)						$ 0.66
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 35,747	$ 40,144	$ 41,397	$ 36,481	$ 17,662	$ 4,448	$ 32,960	$ 39,281	$ 153,769	$ 94,351	$ 116,240
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.67	$ 1.86	$ 1.90	$ 1.67	$ 0.80	$ 0.20	$ 1.47	$ 1.74	$ 7.10	$ 4.23	$ 5.16
Blended tax rate (percent)					25.00%
Refinancing of long-term debt expense						$ 11,115			$ 11,115
Refinancing of long-term debt expense (in dollars per share)									$ 0.50
Deferred income tax expense					$ 20,372						$ 20,372
Deferred income tax expense (in dollars per share)					$ 0.90
Provision charge for deemed repatriation tax					$ 9,890
Provision charge for deemed repatriation tax (in dollars per share)					$ 0.44
Deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and US state income taxes					$ 11,673				$ 1,279	$ (1,881)	$ 49,766
Deferred expenses related to foreign withholding taxes and US state income taxes (in dollars per share)					$ 0.51
Outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock, excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)									130,704	406,806	0
Goodwill And Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets									$ 14,736
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (in dollars per share)									$ 0.66
2018 Restructuring Plan
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									$ (37,779)
Basic (in dollars per share)									$ (1.68)
Disposed by sale | Donhad
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									$ 5,350
Basic (in dollars per share)									$ 0.24

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS P_2

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Employee contribution limit per calendar year to 401 (k) plan	50.00%
Company contributions	$ 12,600,000	$ 12,300,000	$ 11,800,000
Assets related to non-qualified deferred compensation plan included in other assets	36,290,000	37,516,000
Liabilities related to non-qualified deferred compensation plan included in other noncurrent liabilities	36,290	37,516
Total amount distributed from non-qualified deferred compensation plan	$ 8,335,000	$ 2,352,000

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_3

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets recorded for the investments held	$ 36,290,000	$ 37,516,000
Liabilities recorded for the investments held	36,290	37,516
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	36,500,000	40,024,000
Derivative financial instruments, net	0	0
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Derivative financial instruments, net	3,247,000	9,147,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading securities	0	0
Derivative financial instruments, net	0	0
Carrying Value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	765,704,000	742,601,000
Trading securities	36,500,000	40,024,000
Derivative financial instruments, net	3,247,000	9,147,000
Estimated Fair value
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt	826,413,000	683,602,000
EMD
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of remaining ownership	210,000	2,508,000
Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets recorded for the investments held	36,290,000	37,516,000
Liabilities recorded for the investments held	$ 36,290	$ 37,516

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_3

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Fair Value of Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	$ 3,247	$ 9,147
Commodity forward contracts | Prepaid expenses and other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	0	(285)
Foreign currency forward contracts | Prepaid expenses and other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	2,119	8,357
Cross currency swap contracts | Prepaid expenses and other assets
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net	$ 1,128	$ 1,075

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_4

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Gain (Loss) on Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ 1,579	$ 993	$ (74)
Commodity forward contracts | Product cost of sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(2,130)	1,021	0
Foreign currency forward contracts | Loss from divestiture of grinding media business
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	0	(1,215)	0
Foreign currency forward contracts | Other income (expense)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	950	782	0
Interest rate contracts | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	(64)	(423)	(74)
Cross currency swap contracts | Interest expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$ 2,823	$ 828	$ 0

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_5

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)T	Sep. 29, 2018USD ($)T	Jun. 29, 2019USD ($)derivative	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)T	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 19, 2018USD ($)
Derivative [Line Items]
Deferred loss on interest rate hedges				$ 0	$ (2,467,000)	$ 0
Other comprehensive income (loss), cash flow hedge, reclassification for discontinuance, before tax					411,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency transaction upon sale or liquidation, net of tax				0	(9,203,000)	$ 0
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 175,000,000				175,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Commodity forward contracts | Long
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 15,563,000	$ 8,469,000		$ 12,128,000	15,563,000
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount, mass | T	6,500	3,500		3,500
Net Investment Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, number of instruments held | derivative			2
Net Investment Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Cross currency swap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			$ 130,000,000
Derivative, number of instruments held | derivative			3
Senior Unsecured Notes 5.00% Due 2044
Derivative [Line Items]
Stated rate			5.00%
Senior Notes | Senior Unsecured Notes 5.00% Due 2044
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate amount	$ 450,000,000			$ 450,000,000	$ 450,000,000		$ 200,000,000
Stated rate	5.00%				5.00%
Senior Notes | Senior Unsecured Notes 5.25% Due 2054
Derivative [Line Items]
Aggregate amount	$ 305,000,000			$ 305,000,000	$ 305,000,000		$ 55,000,000
Stated rate	5.25%				5.25%
Australia, Dollars | Net Investment Hedging | Designated as Hedging Instrument | Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount			$ 100,000,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), net investment hedge, gain (loss), reclassification, before tax			881,000
Other comprehensive income (loss), foreign currency transaction upon sale or liquidation, net of tax			$ 11,184,000

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUME_6

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS - Schedule of Notional Amounts Outstanding (Details) - Designated as Hedging Instrument - Net Investment Hedging € in Thousands, kr in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2019DKK (kr)	Dec. 28, 2019EUR (€)	Jun. 29, 2019USD ($)
Cross currency swap contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount				$ 130,000
Denmark, Kroner | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, One
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 50,000	kr 333,625
Swapped Interest Rate	2.68%	2.68%	2.68%
Euro Member Countries, Euro | Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract, Two
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, notional amount	$ 80,000		€ 71,550
Swapped Interest Rate	2.825%	2.825%	2.825%

GUARANTEES (Details)

GUARANTEES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Changes in the product warranty accrual recorded in accrued expenses
Balance, beginning of period	$ 17,008	$ 20,109
Payments made	(17,484)	(18,920)
Change in liability for warranties issued during the period	16,080	13,566
Change in liability for pre-existing warranties	(2,072)	2,253
Balance, end of period	$ 13,532	$ 17,008

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL_3

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)item$ / £	Dec. 28, 2019GBP (£)item	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)$ / £	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan [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 | $ / £	1.308		1.269
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 3,008
Projected Benefit Obligation
Beginning balance	647,440		$ 783,301
Interest cost	16,923		17,878
Prior service costs - GMP equalization		£ 9,500	12,056
Benefits paid	(20,769)		(28,207)
Actuarial (gain) loss	79,485		(95,480)
Currency translation	21,324		(42,108)
Ending balance	744,403		647,440
Plan Assets
Fair value beginning balance	503,536		593,749
Employer contributions	18,461		1,537
Actual return on plan assets	86,081		(32,120)
Benefits paid	(20,769)		(28,207)
Currency translation	17,087		(31,423)
Fair value ending balance	604,396		503,536
Funded status
Funded status	(140,007)		(143,904)	$ (189,552)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	(130,188)		(168,250)
Actuarial gain (loss)	(10,839)		44,760
Prior service costs - GMP equalization			(12,056)
Currency translation gain (loss)	(2,699)		5,358
Balance at the end of the period	$ (143,726)		$ (130,188)
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation
Discount rate	2.05%		2.90%
CPI inflation	2.15%		2.20%
RPI inflation	3.05%		3.30%
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Interest cost	$ 16,923		$ 17,878
Expected return on plan assets	(20,000)		(23,175)
Amortization of prior service cost	513		0
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,051		3,046
Net periodic benefit expense (benefit)	$ (513)		$ (2,251)
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine expense
Discount rate	2.90%	2.90%	2.55%
Expected return on plan assets	4.25%	4.25%	4.29%
CPI Inflation	2.20%	2.20%	2.20%
RPI Inflation	3.30%	3.30%	3.30%
Limit on employer contributions per annum	$ 17,132	£ 13,100
Administrative costs of the Plan	1,700	£ 1,300
Expected pension benefit payments
2020	21,840
2021	22,494
2022	23,148
2023	23,802
2024	24,587
Years 2024 - 2029	$ 134,442
Weighted average maturity period of corporate bond portfolio	13 years	13 years

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PL_4

DEFINED BENEFIT RETIREMENT PLAN (Details 2) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2019GBP (£)	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Limit on employer contributions per annum	$ 17,132	£ 13,100
Administrative costs of the Plan	1,700	£ 1,300
Plan assets at fair value	38,388		$ 61,546
Plan assets at NAV	566,008		441,990
Total plan assets	604,396		503,536	$ 593,749
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value	$ 38,388		61,546
Mutual funds and diversified growth funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation percentage	50.00%
Temporary cash investments
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value	$ 38,388		61,040
Temporary cash investments | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value	38,388		61,040
Corporate stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value	0		506
Plan assets at NAV	234,612		183,750
Corporate stock | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at fair value	0		506
Leveraged inflation-linked gilt funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at NAV	123,637		122,711
Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at NAV	97,638		80,454
Secured income asset funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets at NAV	$ 110,121		$ 55,075

LEASES (Details)

LEASES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease renewal term	5 years
Impairment of right-of-use asset	$ 12,063
After tax adjustment to retained earnings	$ 8,444
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	1 year
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Remaining lease term	15 years
Impact of ASU 842 adoption
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
After tax adjustment to retained earnings		$ 442

LEASES Lease Cost (Details)

LEASES Lease Cost (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 24,073
Operating cash outflows from operating leases	24,835
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations	$ 13,474
Weighted average remaining lease term	10 years
Weighted average discount rate	3.80%
Short-term lease cost	$ 2,500
Variable lease payments	$ 2,000

LEASES Supplemental Balance She

LEASES Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease long-term liabilities	$ 85,817	$ 0
Total lease liabilities	101,043
Other assets
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease assets	86,998
Accrued expenses
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease short-term liabilities	15,226
Operating lease liabilities
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Operating lease long-term liabilities	$ 85,817

LEASES Minimum Lease Payments (

LEASES Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2020	$ 18,744
2021	15,504
2022	12,706
2023	9,731
2024	8,453
Subsequent	58,015
Total minimum lease payments	123,153
Less: Interest	22,110
Present value of minimum lease payments	$ 101,043

LEASES - Future Minimum Operati

LEASES - Future Minimum Operating Lease Payments under ASC 840 (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2019	$ 18,757
2020	16,830
2021	13,992
2022	11,932
2023	8,866
Subsequent	76,438
Total minimum lease payments	$ 146,815

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2019USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2019USD ($)	Mar. 30, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2018USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2019USD ($)segment	Dec. 29, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017USD ($)
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	$ 683,626	$ 690,340	$ 700,871	$ 692,139	$ 697,363	$ 678,692	$ 682,405	$ 698,684	$ 2,766,976	$ 2,757,144	$ 2,745,967
Operating income									237,720	202,280	267,080
Interest expense, net									(36,211)	(39,569)	(39,908)
Costs associated with refinancing of debt									0	(14,820)	0
Loss from divestiture of grinding media business									0	(6,084)	0
Other									8,164	1,634	1,292
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									209,673	143,441	228,464
Total assets	2,763,411				2,530,274				2,763,411	2,530,274	2,602,250
Capital expenditures									97,425	71,985	55,266
Depreciation and amortization									82,264	82,827	84,957
Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Net sales									1,002,076	967,358	912,240
Operating income									65,627	34,776	62,960
Total assets	943,841				867,735				943,841	867,735	846,881
Capital expenditures									25,344	26,783	16,433
Depreciation and amortization									26,280	27,274	27,637
Utility Support Structures
Business Segments
Net sales									885,608	855,206	856,244
Operating income									87,788	64,766	97,853
Total assets	742,194				700,915				742,194	700,915	597,231
Capital expenditures									26,306	17,442	14,012
Depreciation and amortization									23,779	23,618	25,079
Coatings
Business Segments
Net sales									300,640	286,739	256,811
Operating income									51,008	55,325	50,179
Total assets	363,070				294,951				363,070	294,951	288,890
Capital expenditures									23,610	10,320	11,080
Depreciation and amortization									15,907	15,956	15,115
Irrigation
Business Segments
Net sales									578,652	624,761	644,372
Operating income									71,687	97,722	101,498
Total assets	347,887				347,894				347,887	347,894	369,798
Capital expenditures									15,644	7,249	7,055
Depreciation and amortization									10,943	11,335	11,173
Other
Business Segments
Operating income									0	(913)	2,134
Total assets	0				0				0	0	68,934
Capital expenditures									0	7	2,376
Depreciation and amortization									0	775	2,486
Segment Reconciling Items
Business Segments
Net sales											76,300
Operating income											(41,864)
Total assets	$ 366,419				$ 318,779				366,419	318,779	430,516
Capital expenditures									6,521	10,184	4,310
Depreciation and amortization									5,355	3,869	3,467
Operating segment
Business Segments
Sales									2,855,901	2,856,150	2,844,838
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									1,012,290	986,880	938,102
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Lighting, Traffic, and Highway Safety Products
Business Segments
Sales									708,853	706,582	633,178
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Communication Products
Business Segments
Sales									188,912	149,817	171,718
Operating segment | Engineered Support Structures | Access Systems
Business Segments
Sales									114,525	130,481	133,206
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									890,580	859,173	859,115
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures | Steel
Business Segments
Sales									630,892	637,979	658,604
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures | Concrete
Business Segments
Sales									122,032	111,875	99,738
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures | Engineered Solar Tracker Solutions
Business Segments
Sales									47,450	16,760	0
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures | Offshore and Other Complex Steel Structures
Business Segments
Sales									90,206	92,559	100,773
Operating segment | Coatings
Business Segments
Sales									367,835	353,351	318,891
Operating segment | Irrigation
Business Segments
Sales									585,196	633,666	652,430
Operating segment | Irrigation | North America
Business Segments
Sales									378,613	386,683	369,832
Operating segment | Irrigation | International
Business Segments
Sales									206,583	246,983	282,598
Segment Reconciling Items
Business Segments
Operating income									(48,205)	(39,504)
Segment Reconciling Items | Other
Business Segments
Sales									0	23,080	76,300
Net sales									0	23,080
Intersegment
Business Segments
Sales									88,925	99,006	98,871
Intersegment | Engineered Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									10,214	19,522	25,862
Intersegment | Utility Support Structures
Business Segments
Sales									4,972	3,967	2,871
Intersegment | Coatings
Business Segments
Sales									67,195	66,612	62,080
Intersegment | Irrigation
Business Segments
Sales									6,544	8,905	8,058
Inventory Valuation and Obsolescence | LIFO Adjustment
Business Segments
Operating income									$ 9,815	$ (9,892)	$ (5,680)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details 2)

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales	$ 683,626	$ 690,340	$ 700,871	$ 692,139	$ 697,363	$ 678,692	$ 682,405	$ 698,684	$ 2,766,976	$ 2,757,144	$ 2,745,967
Long-lived assets	1,374,992				1,189,634				1,374,992	1,189,634	1,129,685
United States
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									1,872,840	1,771,390	1,702,826
Long-lived assets	753,545				624,143				753,545	624,143	544,724
Australia
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									255,271	325,553	356,959
Long-lived assets	$ 193,029				168,438				$ 193,029	168,438	227,483
Australia | Foreign country | Net Sales
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Threshold for disclosure as percentage of net sales by customer	9.00%								9.00%
Denmark
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									$ 90,206	92,559	100,773
Long-lived assets	$ 58,435				64,497				58,435	64,497	90,372
Other
Summary by Geographical Area by Location
Net sales									548,659	567,642	585,409
Long-lived assets	$ 369,983				$ 332,556				$ 369,983	$ 332,556	$ 267,106

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN_3

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
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	$ 683,626	$ 690,340	$ 700,871	$ 692,139	$ 697,363	$ 678,692	$ 682,405	$ 698,684	$ 2,766,976	$ 2,757,144	$ 2,745,967
Cost of sales									2,074,480	2,098,864	2,064,199
Gross profit	170,867	176,086	180,414	165,129	149,701	164,340	174,999	169,240	692,496	658,280	681,768
Selling, general and administrative expenses									454,776	456,000	414,688
Operating income									237,720	202,280	267,080
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(40,153)	(44,237)	(44,645)
Interest income									3,942	4,668	4,737
Other									8,164	(19,270)	1,292
Total other income (expenses)									(28,047)	(58,839)	(38,616)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									209,673	143,441	228,464
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									46,267	44,794	66,390
Deferred income taxes									3,940	(1,659)	39,755
Total income tax expense (benefit)									50,207	43,135	106,145
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									159,466	100,306	122,319
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net earnings									159,466	100,306	122,319
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									(5,697)	(5,955)	(6,079)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 35,747	$ 40,144	$ 41,397	$ 36,481	$ 17,662	$ 4,448	$ 32,960	$ 39,281	153,769	94,351	116,240
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									(247,636)	(260,679)	(251,876)
Cost of sales									(247,281)	(262,448)	(252,182)
Gross profit									(355)	1,769	306
Selling, general and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Operating income									(355)	1,769	306
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									11,230	14,815	13,866
Interest income									(11,230)	(14,815)	(13,866)
Other									0	0	0
Total other income (expenses)									0	0	0
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(355)	1,769	306
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									2	246	135
Deferred income taxes									0	0	0
Total income tax expense (benefit)									2	246	135
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(357)	1,523	171
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries									(112,082)	(105,687)	(106,023)
Net earnings									(112,439)	(104,164)	(105,852)
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									(112,439)	(104,164)	(105,852)
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									1,207,865	1,192,134	1,200,181
Cost of sales									887,403	906,646	898,799
Gross profit									320,462	285,488	301,382
Selling, general and administrative expenses									236,574	192,343	192,182
Operating income									83,888	93,145	109,200
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(37,984)	(42,524)	(43,642)
Interest income									1,676	791	838
Other									7,805	(17,602)	5,681
Total other income (expenses)									(28,503)	(59,335)	(37,123)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									55,385	33,810	72,077
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									8,918	6,310	29,407
Deferred income taxes									(3,120)	1,532	10,307
Total income tax expense (benefit)									5,798	7,842	39,714
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									49,587	25,968	32,363
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries									104,182	68,383	83,877
Net earnings									153,769	94,351	116,240
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									153,769	94,351	116,240
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									563,935	522,366	485,448
Cost of sales									420,287	399,451	375,383
Gross profit									143,648	122,915	110,065
Selling, general and administrative expenses									38,732	51,127	47,955
Operating income									104,916	71,788	62,110
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(11,150)	(14,815)	(13,866)
Interest income									37	82	42
Other									44	59	58
Total other income (expenses)									(11,069)	(14,674)	(13,766)
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									93,847	57,114	48,344
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									26,166	14,948	17,928
Deferred income taxes									0	1,791	0
Total income tax expense (benefit)									26,166	16,739	17,928
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									67,681	40,375	30,416
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries									7,900	37,304	22,146
Net earnings									75,581	77,679	52,562
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									0	0	0
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									75,581	77,679	52,562
Non- Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales									1,242,812	1,303,323	1,312,214
Cost of sales									1,014,071	1,055,215	1,042,199
Gross profit									228,741	248,108	270,015
Selling, general and administrative expenses									179,470	212,530	174,551
Operating income									49,271	35,578	95,464
Other income (expense):
Interest expense									(2,249)	(1,713)	(1,003)
Interest income									13,459	18,610	17,723
Other									315	(1,727)	(4,447)
Total other income (expenses)									11,525	15,170	12,273
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									60,796	50,748	107,737
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current									11,181	23,290	18,920
Deferred income taxes									7,060	(4,982)	29,448
Total income tax expense (benefit)									18,241	18,308	48,368
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries									42,555	32,440	59,369
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries									0	0	0
Net earnings									42,555	32,440	59,369
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests									(5,697)	(5,955)	(6,079)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.									$ 36,858	$ 26,485	$ 53,290

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN_4

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	$ 159,466	$ 100,306	$ 122,319
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(2,506)	(65,436)	79,279
Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in other expense	0	9,203	0
Gain (loss) on hedging activities	2,905	4,814	(1,621)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability	(10,828)	29,885	(10,871)
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,429)	(21,534)	66,787
Comprehensive income (loss)	149,037	78,772	189,106
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,505)	(8,584)	(5,529)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	143,532	70,188	183,577
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	(112,439)	(104,164)	(105,852)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	0	0	0
Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in other expense	0	0
Gain (loss) on hedging activities	0	0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	13,142	28,977	(68,958)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	13,142	28,977	(68,958)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(99,297)	(75,187)	(174,810)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	(99,297)	(75,187)	(174,810)
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	153,769	94,351	116,240
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	0	0	0
Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in other expense	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax	2,905
Gain (loss) on hedging activities		4,814	(1,621)
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	(13,142)	(28,977)	68,958
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(10,237)	(24,163)	67,337
Comprehensive income (loss)	143,532	70,188	183,577
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	143,532	70,188	183,577
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	75,581	77,679	52,562
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(1,564)	(6,509)	138,795
Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in other expense	0	0
Gain (loss) on hedging activities	0	0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability	0	0	0
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,564)	(6,509)	138,795
Comprehensive income (loss)	74,017	71,170	191,357
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	74,017	71,170	191,357
Non- Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	42,555	32,440	59,369
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gains (losses)	(942)	(58,927)	(59,516)
Realized loss on divestiture of grinding media business recorded in other expense	0	9,203
Gain (loss) on hedging activities	0	0	0
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability	(10,828)	29,885	(10,871)
Equity in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(11,770)	(19,839)	(70,387)
Comprehensive income (loss)	30,785	12,601	(11,018)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5,505)	(8,584)	(5,529)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$ 25,280	$ 4,017	$ (16,547)

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN_5

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 353,542	$ 313,210
Receivables, less allowance of $9,548 in 2019 and $8,277 in 2018	480,000	483,963
Inventories	374,565	383,566
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	141,322	112,525
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	32,043	42,800
Refundable income taxes	6,947	4,576
Total current assets	1,388,419	1,340,640
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,245,261	1,160,865
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	687,132	646,873
Net property, plant and equipment	558,129	513,992
Goodwill	428,864	385,207	$ 337,720
Other intangible assets	175,742	175,956
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	0	0
Other assets	212,257	114,479
Total assets	2,763,411	2,530,274	2,602,250
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	760	779
Notes payable to banks	21,774	10,678
Accounts payable	197,957	218,115
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	83,528	79,291
Accrued expenses	201,681	91,942
Dividends payable	8,079	8,230
Total current liabilities	513,779	409,035
Deferred income taxes	47,955	43,489
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	764,944	741,822
Defined benefit pension liability	140,007	143,904
Other noncurrent liabilities	139,835	56,501
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	2,140,948	2,027,596
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(313,422)	(303,185)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 6,356,103 in 2019 and 5,951,971 in 2018	(743,942)	(692,549)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,111,484	1,059,762
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	45,407	75,761
Total shareholders’ equity	1,156,891	1,135,523	$ 1,151,795	$ 982,586
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,763,411	2,530,274
Eliminations
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Receivables, less allowance of $9,548 in 2019 and $8,277 in 2018	0	0
Inventories	(2,757)	(2,402)
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	0	0
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	0	0
Refundable income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	(2,757)	(2,402)
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	(3,397,876)	(3,381,139)
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	(3,400,633)	(3,383,541)
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	(123,560)	(166,729)
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	(1,106,907)	(1,106,632)
Additional paid-in capital	(1,270,442)	(1,270,442)
Retained earnings	(1,154,585)	(1,092,093)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	254,861	252,355
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 6,356,103 in 2019 and 5,951,971 in 2018	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	(3,277,073)	(3,216,812)
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	(3,277,073)	(3,216,812)
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	(3,400,633)	(3,383,541)
Parent
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	182,453	104,256
Receivables, less allowance of $9,548 in 2019 and $8,277 in 2018	134,972	134,943
Inventories	130,686	138,158
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	65,528	50,271
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	13,820	21,858
Refundable income taxes	6,947	4,576
Total current assets	534,406	454,062
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	635,322	579,046
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	413,054	390,438
Net property, plant and equipment	222,268	188,608
Goodwill	20,108	20,108
Other intangible assets	763	76
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	1,339,206	1,286,545
Other assets	88,549	47,674
Total assets	2,205,300	1,997,073
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	0	0
Notes payable to banks	0	0
Accounts payable	68,677	68,304
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	45,294	41,418
Accrued expenses	147,498	25,936
Dividends payable	8,079	8,230
Total current liabilities	269,548	143,888
Deferred income taxes	16,925	14,376
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	734,571	733,964
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	72,772	45,083
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Retained earnings	2,140,948	2,027,596
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(313,422)	(303,185)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 6,356,103 in 2019 and 5,951,971 in 2018	(743,942)	(692,549)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,111,484	1,059,762
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,111,484	1,059,762
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	2,205,300	1,997,073
Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	6,169	5,518
Receivables, less allowance of $9,548 in 2019 and $8,277 in 2018	94,090	75,204
Inventories	45,673	37,019
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	47,402	35,200
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	717	746
Refundable income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	194,051	153,687
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	175,862	172,050
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	90,384	93,374
Net property, plant and equipment	85,478	78,676
Goodwill	141,581	110,562
Other intangible assets	43,933	27,452
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	1,150,458	1,161,612
Other assets	4,323	0
Total assets	1,619,824	1,531,989
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	0	0
Notes payable to banks	0	0
Accounts payable	21,464	21,081
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	6,344	7,186
Accrued expenses	11,353	10,132
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	39,161	38,399
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	123,560	166,729
Defined benefit pension liability	0	0
Other noncurrent liabilities	3,168	620
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	457,950	457,950
Additional paid-in capital	162,906	162,906
Retained earnings	753,652	624,394
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	79,427	80,991
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 6,356,103 in 2019 and 5,951,971 in 2018	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,453,935	1,326,241
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Total shareholders’ equity	1,453,935	1,326,241
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	1,619,824	1,531,989
Non- Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	164,920	203,436
Receivables, less allowance of $9,548 in 2019 and $8,277 in 2018	250,938	273,816
Inventories	200,963	210,791
Contract with Customer, Asset, Net, Current	28,392	27,054
Prepaid expenses, restricted cash, and other assets	17,506	20,196
Refundable income taxes	0	0
Total current assets	662,719	735,293
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	434,077	409,769
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	183,694	163,061
Net property, plant and equipment	250,383	246,708
Goodwill	267,175	254,537
Other intangible assets	131,046	148,428
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	908,212	932,982
Other assets	119,385	66,805
Total assets	2,338,920	2,384,753
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	760	779
Notes payable to banks	21,774	10,678
Accounts payable	107,816	128,730
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	31,890	30,687
Accrued expenses	42,830	55,874
Dividends payable	0	0
Total current liabilities	205,070	226,748
Deferred income taxes	31,030	29,113
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	30,373	7,858
Defined benefit pension liability	140,007	143,904
Other noncurrent liabilities	63,895	10,798
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	648,957	648,682
Additional paid-in capital	1,107,536	1,107,536
Retained earnings	400,933	467,699
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(334,288)	(333,346)
Cost of treasury stock, common shares of 6,356,103 in 2019 and 5,951,971 in 2018	0	0
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders’ equity	1,823,138	1,890,571
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	45,407	75,761
Total shareholders’ equity	1,868,545	1,966,332
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,338,920	$ 2,384,753

GUARANTOR_NON-GUARANTOR FINAN_6

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended			68 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 28, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$ 159,466	$ 100,306	$ 122,319
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	82,264	82,827	84,957
Noncash loss on trading securities	(172)	(62)	237
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(18,461)	(1,537)	(40,245)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment	0	5,000	0
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets	0	15,780	0
Loss from divestiture of grinding media business	0	6,084	0
Stock-based compensation	11,587	10,392	10,706
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	(513)	(2,251)	648
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(2,513)	(225)	(3,924)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0
Deferred income taxes	3,940	(1,659)	39,755
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Net working capital	80,234	(46,620)	(75,185)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(1,274)	(10,888)	(7,228)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	(6,944)	(4,139)	1,108
Net cash flows from operating activities	307,614	153,008	133,148
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(97,425)	(71,985)	(55,266)
Proceeds from sale of assets	5,556	63,103	8,185
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(81,841)	(143,020)	(5,362)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	11,184	(1,621)	5,123
Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(6,169)	0	0
Other, net	545	(1,922)	(2,295)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(168,150)	(155,445)	(49,615)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) under short-term agreements	11,327	10,543	(585)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	31,000	251,655	0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(10,768)	(262,191)	(887)
Settlement of financial derivative		2,467
Debt issuance costs	0	(2,322)	0
Dividends paid	(32,642)	(33,726)	(33,862)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(7,737)	(7,055)	(5,674)
Intercompany dividends	0	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany interest on long-term note	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(27,845)	(5,510)	0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	13,619	7,357	35,159
Purchase of treasury shares	(62,915)	(114,805)	0	$ (795,549)
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	(12,989)	(3,589)	(26,161)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(98,950)	(162,110)	(32,010)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(182)	(15,048)	27,682
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	40,332	(179,595)	79,205
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year	313,210	492,805	413,600
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of year	353,542	313,210	492,805	353,542
Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	(112,439)	(104,164)	(105,852)
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
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Impairment of property, plant and equipment		0
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets		0
Loss from divestiture of grinding media business		0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	112,082	105,687	106,023
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Net working capital	355	(1,769)	(306)
Other noncurrent liabilities	0	0	0
Income taxes payable (refundable)	0	0	0
Net cash flows from operating activities	(2)	(246)	(135)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of assets	0	0	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	0	0	0
Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0
Other, net	2	246	135
Net cash flows used in investing activities	2	246	135
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	0	0	0
Settlement of financial derivative		0
Debt issuance costs		0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany dividends	0	0	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany interest on long-term note	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	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, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year	0	0	0
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of year	0	0	0	0
Parent
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	153,769	94,351	116,240
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	26,734	26,155	26,237
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0	0
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Impairment of property, plant and equipment		0
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets		0
Loss from divestiture of grinding media business		2,518
Stock-based compensation	11,587	10,392	10,706
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	133	57	(664)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(104,182)	(68,383)	(83,877)
Deferred income taxes	(3,120)	1,532	10,307
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Net working capital	103,019	(17,681)	(23,943)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(505)	(7,345)	(140)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	1,714	(6,176)	(11,837)
Net cash flows from operating activities	189,149	35,420	43,029
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(59,394)	(25,255)	(20,460)
Proceeds from sale of assets	87	44	748
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(57,805)	0
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	11,184	(1,621)	5,123
Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(3,500)
Other, net	(14,964)	69,714	684
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(66,587)	(14,923)	(13,905)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	31,000	245,936
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(10,000)	(261,219)	0
Settlement of financial derivative		2,467
Debt issuance costs		(2,322)
Dividends paid	(32,642)	(33,726)	(33,862)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany dividends	65,651	168,757	22,662
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(13,284)	(3,492)	(10,818)
Intercompany interest on long-term note	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(22,805)	0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	13,619	7,357	35,159
Purchase of treasury shares	(62,915)	(114,805)
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	(12,989)	(3,589)	(26,161)
Net cash flows used in financing activities	(44,365)	430	(13,020)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	78,197	20,927	16,104
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year	104,256	83,329	67,225
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of year	182,453	104,256	83,329	182,453
Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	75,581	77,679	52,562
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	13,518	13,959	15,003
Noncash loss on trading securities	0	0	0
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	0	0	0
Impairment of property, plant and equipment		0
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets		0
Loss from divestiture of grinding media business		0
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	0	0	0
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	240	(37)	8
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(7,900)	(37,304)	(22,146)
Deferred income taxes	0	1,791	0
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Net working capital	(36,781)	(13,962)	(25,717)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(5)	615	0
Income taxes payable (refundable)	(2,012)	(1,303)	728
Net cash flows from operating activities	42,641	41,438	20,438
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(1,592)	(13,115)	(9,454)
Proceeds from sale of assets	48	268	3
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(63,141)	0	0
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	0	0	0
Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0
Other, net	14,210	(42,667)	(22,777)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(50,475)	(55,514)	(32,228)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) under short-term agreements	0	0	0
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	0
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	0	0	0
Settlement of financial derivative		0
Debt issuance costs		0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0
Intercompany dividends	53,676	11,296	0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	3,492	10,818
Intercompany interest on long-term note	(45,155)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	0	0
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	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	8,521	14,788	10,818
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(36)	(498)	205
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	651	214	(767)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year	5,518	5,304	6,071
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of year	6,169	5,518	5,304	6,169
Non- Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	42,555	32,440	59,369
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	42,012	42,713	43,717
Noncash loss on trading securities	(172)	(62)	237
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	(18,461)	(1,537)	(40,245)
Impairment of property, plant and equipment		5,000
Impairment of goodwill & intangible assets		15,780
Loss from divestiture of grinding media business		3,566
Stock-based compensation	0	0	0
Defined benefit pension plan expense (benefit)	(513)	(2,251)	648
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	(2,886)	(245)	(3,268)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0
Deferred income taxes	7,060	(4,982)	29,448
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Net working capital	13,641	(13,208)	(25,219)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(764)	(4,158)	(7,088)
Income taxes payable (refundable)	(6,646)	3,340	12,217
Net cash flows from operating activities	75,826	76,396	69,816
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(36,439)	(33,615)	(25,352)
Proceeds from sale of assets	5,421	62,791	7,434
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(18,700)	(85,215)	(5,362)
Proceeds from settlement of net investment hedge	0	0	0
Investments in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	(2,669)
Other, net	1,297	(29,215)	19,663
Net cash flows used in investing activities	(51,090)	(85,254)	(3,617)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings (payments) under short-term agreements	11,327	10,543	(585)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	5,719
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	(768)	(972)	(887)
Settlement of financial derivative		0
Debt issuance costs		0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	(7,737)	(7,055)	(5,674)
Intercompany dividends	(119,327)	(180,053)	(22,662)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	13,284	0	0
Intercompany interest on long-term note	45,155
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	(5,040)	(5,510)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	0	0	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	(63,106)	(177,328)	(29,808)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(146)	(14,550)	27,477
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(38,516)	(200,736)	63,868
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—beginning of year	203,436	404,172	340,304
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash—end of year	$ 164,920	$ 203,436	$ 404,172	$ 164,920

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Una_3

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 30, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Sep. 29, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 683,626	$ 690,340	$ 700,871	$ 692,139	$ 697,363	$ 678,692	$ 682,405	$ 698,684	$ 2,766,976	$ 2,757,144	$ 2,745,967
Gross profit	170,867	176,086	180,414	165,129	149,701	164,340	174,999	169,240	692,496	658,280	681,768
Net earnings, amount	$ 35,747	$ 40,144	$ 41,397	$ 36,481	$ 17,662	$ 4,448	$ 32,960	$ 39,281	$ 153,769	$ 94,351	$ 116,240
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.67	$ 1.86	$ 1.90	$ 1.67	$ 0.80	$ 0.20	$ 1.47	$ 1.74	$ 7.10	$ 4.23	$ 5.16
Diluted (in dollars per share)	1.66	1.85	1.90	1.66	0.80	0.20	1.46	1.72	7.06	4.20	$ 5.11
Stock Price, High (in dollars per share)	151.46	146.46	136.75	139.50	141.38	157.15	154.60	171.55	151.46	171.55
Stock Price, Low (in dollars per share)	123.80	123.74	112.94	107.43	103.01	135	137.90	140.10	107.43	103.01
Dividends Declared (in dollars per share)	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 0.375	$ 1.50	$ 1.50
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets						$ 14,736			$ 0	$ 15,780	$ 0
Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets (in dollars per share)						$ 0.66
Refinancing of long-term debt expense						$ 11,115			$ 11,115
Refinancing of long-term debt (in dollars per share)						$ 0.50
Restructuring and related cost, expected cost remaining					$ 20,625					$ 20,625
Restructuring expenses (in dollars per share)										$ 0.92

Schedule II-Valuation and Qua_2

Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2019	Dec. 29, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017
Movement in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at beginning of period	$ 8,277	$ 9,813	$ 18,991
Charged to profit and loss	2,543	994	2,060
Currency Translation Adjustment	(76)	(365)	510
Deductions from reserves	(1,196)	(2,165)	(11,748)
Balance at close of period	9,548	8,277	9,813
Allowance for deferred income tax asset valuation
Movement in Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Balance at beginning of period	33,228	27,864	81,923
Charged to profit and loss	4,141	10,769	7,728
Currency Translation Adjustment	(296)	(384)	5,762
Deductions from reserves	(1,858)	(5,021)	(67,549)
Balance at close of period	$ 35,215	$ 33,228	$ 27,864

Uncategorized Items - a10-k1228

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ 9,771,000
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	0
Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	9,771,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	1,038,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-16 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	1,038,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	(8,886,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	us-gaap_CumulativeEffectOfNewAccountingPrincipleInPeriodOfAdoption	$ (8,886,000)