Valmont Industries (VMI) 10-Q 30 Apr 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015	Apr. 22, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	VALMONT INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	102729
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	28-Mar-15
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-14
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		23,556,137
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Product sales	$603,894	$681,043
Services sales	66,504	70,697
Net sales	670,398	751,740
Product cost of sales	459,541	497,843
Services cost of sales	45,403	46,915
Total cost of sales	504,944	544,758
Gross profit	165,454	206,982
Selling, general and administrative expenses	107,771	108,134
Operating income	57,683	98,848
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense	-11,128	-8,197
Interest income	874	1,739
Other	1,016	-5,812
Total other income (expenses)	-9,238	-12,270
Earnings before income taxes	48,445	86,578
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	11,774	32,938
Deferred	5,164	-2,923
Total income tax expense (benefit)	16,938	30,015
Net earnings	31,507	56,563
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-768	-583
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$30,739	$55,980
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.29	$2.10
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.28	$2.08
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$0.38	$0.25
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Basic (000 omitted) (in shares)	23,868	26,715
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding - Diluted (000 omitted) (in shares)	23,982	26,950

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net earnings	$31,507	$56,563
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)	-58,178	11,637
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense	18	100
Gain on cash flow hedges	294
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan		-233
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-57,866	11,504
Comprehensive income (loss)	-26,359	68,067
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,327	88
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	($25,032)	$68,155

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$318,366	$371,579
Receivables, net	503,649	536,918
Inventories	379,514	359,522
Prepaid expenses	48,344	56,912
Refundable and deferred income taxes	53,032	68,010
Total current assets	1,302,905	1,392,941
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,124,251	1,139,569
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	537,505	533,116
Net property, plant and equipment	586,746	606,453
Goodwill	373,888	385,111
Other intangible assets, net	189,390	202,004
Other assets	131,201	143,159
Total assets	2,584,130	2,729,668
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	1,070	1,181
Notes payable to banks	14,459	13,952
Accounts payable	189,349	196,565
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	71,188	87,950
Accrued expenses	98,636	88,480
Dividends payable	8,889	9,086
Total current liabilities	383,591	397,214
Deferred income taxes	66,329	71,797
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	765,762	766,654
Defined benefit pension liability	127,708	150,124
Deferred compensation	51,027	47,932
Other noncurrent liabilities	45,849	45,542
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock of $1 par value - Authorized 500,000 shares; none issued
Common stock of $1 par value - Authorized 75,000,000 shares; issued 27,900,000 shares	27,900	27,900
Retained earnings	1,741,252	1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	-190,204	-134,433
Treasury stock	-481,039	-410,296
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,097,909	1,201,833
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	45,955	48,572
Total shareholders' equity	1,143,864	1,250,405
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$2,584,130	$2,729,668

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Preferred stock, Authorized shares	500,000	500,000
Preferred stock, issued shares	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, Authorized shares	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, issued shares	27,900,000	27,900,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$31,507	$56,563
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	23,901	19,601
Noncash loss on trading securities	4,415	3,386
Stock-based compensation	1,761	1,880
Defined benefit pension plan expense	-150	662
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	-15,735	-17,484
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-136	-127
Deferred income taxes	5,164	-2,923
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	18,584	31,668
Inventories	-27,041	-37,911
Prepaid expenses	4,954	-9,148
Accounts payable	-1,261	-12,471
Accrued expenses	-5,324	-29,889
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,684	1,551
Income taxes refundable	13,205	16,559
Net cash flows from operating activities	55,528	21,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-16,615	-23,526
Proceeds from sale of assets	185	1,391
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		-120,483
Other, net	2,930	-990
Net cash flows from investing activities	-13,500	-143,608
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	1,155	-4,056
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	-224	-63
Dividends paid	-9,086	-6,706
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	-1,290	-351
Purchase of treasury shares	-72,900
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	1,760	7,860
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	345	2,296
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	-2,156	-8,574
Net cash flows from financing activities	-82,396	-9,594
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-12,845	5,774
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-53,213	-125,511
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	371,579	613,706
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	$318,366	$488,195

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Locker [Member]	Locker [Member]	Common stock	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	Treasury stock	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries
Balance at Dec. 28, 2013			$27,900		$1,562,670	($47,685)	($20,860)	$22,821	$1,544,846
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings					55,980			583	56,563
Other comprehensive income (loss)						12,175		-671	11,504
Cash dividends declared					-6,721				-6,721
Dividends to noncontrolling interests								-351	-351
Acquisition of DS SM	9,232	9,232
Stock plan exercises; 16,950 and 57,854 shares aquired for the period ended March 2015 and 2014, respectively							-8,574		-8,574
Stock options exercised; 25,119 and 110,339 shares issued for the period ended March 2015 and 2014, respectively				-4,176	3,767		8,269		7,860
Tax benefit from stock option exercises				2,296					2,296
Stock option expense				1,263					1,263
Stock awards; 9,656 and 8,290 shares issued for the period ended March 2015 and 2014, respectively				617			1,268		1,885
Balance at Mar. 29, 2014			27,900		1,615,696	-35,510	-19,897	31,614	1,619,803
Balance at Dec. 27, 2014			27,900		1,718,662	-134,433	-410,296	48,572	1,250,405
Increase (Decrease) in Shareholders' Equity
Net earnings					30,739			768	31,507
Other comprehensive income (loss)						-55,771		-2,095	-57,866
Cash dividends declared					-8,889				-8,889
Dividends to noncontrolling interests								-1,290	-1,290
Purchase of treasury shares; 2,126,392 shares acquired							-72,900		-72,900
Stock plan exercises; 16,950 and 57,854 shares aquired for the period ended March 2015 and 2014, respectively							-2,156		-2,156
Stock options exercised; 25,119 and 110,339 shares issued for the period ended March 2015 and 2014, respectively				-2,106	740		3,126		1,760
Tax benefit from stock option exercises				345					345
Stock option expense				1,350					1,350
Stock awards; 9,656 and 8,290 shares issued for the period ended March 2015 and 2014, respectively				411			1,187		1,598
Balance at Mar. 28, 2015			$27,900		$1,741,252	($190,204)	($481,039)	$45,955	$1,143,864

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Purchase of treasury shares, shares	598,227
Stock plan exercises; shares acquired	16,950	57,854
Stock options exercised; shares issued	25,119	110,339
Stock awards; shares issued	9,656	8,290

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 28, 2015, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen week period then ended have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) have been made to present fairly the financial statements as of March 28, 2015 and for all periods presented.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014. The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in these interim financial statements are the same as those followed in the financial statements for the year ended December 27, 2014. The results of operations for the period ended March 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
	Inventories
	Approximately 41% and 44% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively. All other inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. Finished goods and manufactured goods inventories include the costs of acquired raw materials and related factory labor and overhead charges required to convert raw materials to manufactured and finished goods. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value is approximately $43,908 and $47,178 at March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively.
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		March 28,			December 27,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	187,281		$	179,093
	Work-in-process		26,078			27,835
	Finished goods and manufactured goods		210,063			199,772
	Subtotal		423,422			406,700
	Less: LIFO reserve		43,908			47,178
		$	379,514		$	359,522
	Income Taxes
	Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	United States	$	32,641		$	71,694
	Foreign		15,804			14,884
		$	48,445		$	86,578
	Pension Benefits
	The Company incurs expenses in connection with the Delta Pension Plan ("DPP"). The DPP was acquired as part of the Delta plc acquisition in fiscal 2010 and has no members that are active employees. 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.
	The components of the net periodic pension (benefit) expense for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	Net periodic (benefit) expense:
	Interest cost	$	6,111		$	7,197
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,261	)		(6,535	)
	Net periodic (benefit) expense	$	(150	)	$	662
	Stock Plans
	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, non-vested stock awards and bonuses of common stock. At March 28, 2015, 1,191,723 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans. Shares and options issued and available are subject to changes in capitalization.
	Under the plans, the exercise price of each option equals the closing market price at the date of the grant. Options vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three to six years or on the fifth anniversary of the grant.
	Expiration of grants is from six to ten years from the date of grant. The Company's compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and associated income tax benefits related to stock options for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively, were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	Compensation expense	$	1,350		$	1,263
	Income tax benefits		520			486
	Equity Method Investments
	The Company has equity method investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries, which are recorded within "Other assets" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Fair Value
	The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820") which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820 apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	ASC 820 establishes 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. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1:    Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2:    Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3:    Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
	Trading Securities: The assets and liabilities recorded for the investments held in the Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan of $39,718 ($36,439 at December 27, 2014) represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, considering the employee's ability to change investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time.
	The Company's ownership of shares in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd. (JSE:DTA) is also classified as trading securities. During first quarter of 2015, the Company received a special dividend of $5,010 from Delta EMD Pty. Ltd and the market price of the shares were proportionately decreased accordingly. The shares are valued at $4,826 and $9,034 as of March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively, which is the estimated fair value. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input.
					Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Carrying Value			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		March 28,			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
		2015			for Identical			Inputs			Inputs
					Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Trading Securities	$	44,544		$	44,544		$	—		$	—
					Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Carrying Value			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
December 27,		Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
2014		for Identical			Inputs			Inputs
		Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Assets:
Trading Securities	$	45,473		$	45,473		$	—		$	—
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes net earnings, 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. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following at March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014:
	Foreign			Unrealized			Defined			Accumulated
	Currency			Gain on Cash			Benefit			Other
	Translation			Flow Hedge			Pension Plan			Comprehensive
	Adjustments									Income
Balance at December 27, 2014	$	(99,618	)	$	3,879		$	(38,694	)	$	(134,433	)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)		(56,083	)		312			—			(55,771	)
Balance at March 28, 2015	$	(155,701	)	$	4,191		$	(38,694	)	$	(190,204	)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, Revenue Recognition. The new revenue recognition standard requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Subsequent Event
In April 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a broad restructuring plan (the "Plan") of up to $60 million to respond to the market environment in certain businesses. The initial restructuring activities primarily involve consolidation of operations in the Utility segment and consolidation of Asia Pacific operations within the Engineered Infrastructure Products and Coatings segments.  Accordingly, the Company expects to incur pre-tax cash severance and property relocation and site closure expenses of $19 million and asset impairments of approximately $11 million. The asset impairments are primarily write-downs of property, plant, and equipment in the Utility, Engineered Infrastructure Products, and Coatings segments. These charges are expected to be incurred over the remainder of 2015.
Certain of these initial restructuring actions are within the APAC Coatings reporting unit which has approximately $16 million of goodwill as of March 28, 2015. The Company expects these activities to improve the profitability of this reporting unit. Should operating income not improve within this reporting unit after these restructuring activities are implemented, the Company will have to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis. In addition to this goodwill, the Company is also evaluating other potential restructuring activities authorized under the Plan. In total, these restructuring items could result in asset impairments of up to $25 million and cash charges of $5 million.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
ACQUISITIONS
ACQUISITIONS	(2) ACQUISITIONS
	On March 3, 2014, the Company purchased 90% of the outstanding shares of DS SM A/S, which was renamed Valmont SM. Valmont SM is a manufacturer of heavy complex steel structures for a diverse range of industries including wind energy, offshore oil and gas, and electricity transmission. Valmont SM's operations are reported in the Engineered Infrastructure Products Segment. Valmont SM's annual sales are approximately $190,000 and it operates two manufacturing locations in Denmark. The purchase price paid for the business at closing (net of $56 cash acquired) was $120,483, including the payoff of an intercompany note payable by Valmont SM to its prior affiliates. The purchase is subject to an earn-out clause that is contingent on meeting future operational metrics for which no liability has been established based on expectations. The acquisition, which was funded by cash held by the Company, was completed to participate in markets for wind energy, oil and gas exploration, power transmission and other related infrastructure projects and to increase the Company's geographic footprint in Europe. The Company also funded a portion of the acquisition with an intercompany note payable. The excess purchase price over the fair value of assets resulted in goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes.
	The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition, which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2014.
		At March 3,
		2014
	Current assets	$	73,421
	Property, plant and equipment		85,645
	Intangible assets		30,340
	Goodwill		14,317
	Total fair value of assets acquired	$	203,723
	Current liabilities		50,953
	Deferred income taxes		14,114
	Intercompany note payable		37,448
	Long-term debt		8,941
	Total fair value of liabilities assumed		111,456
	Non-controlling interests		9,232
	Net assets acquired	$	83,035
	Based on the fair value assessments, the Company allocated $30,340 of the purchase price to acquired intangible assets. The following table summarizes the major classes of Valmont SM's acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted average amortization periods:
		Amount		Weighted
				Average
				Amortization
				Period
				(Years)
	Trade Names	$	11,470		Indefinite
	Backlog		3,145		1.5
	Customer Relationships		15,725		12.0
	Total Intangible Assets	$	30,340
	On October 6, 2014, the Company acquired Shakespeare Composite Structures (Shakespeare) for $48,272 in cash, plus assumed liabilities. Shakespeare is a manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced composite structures and products with two manufacturing facilities in South Carolina. Shakespeare's annual sales are approximately $55,000 and its operations will be included in the Engineered Infrastructure Products segment. The acquisition of Shakespeare was completed to expand our product offering of composite structure solutions.
	The preliminary fair value measurement disclosed below is subject to management reviews and completion of the fair value measurements of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company expects the fair value measurement process and purchase price allocation for Shakespeare to be completed in the second quarter of 2015.
	The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of the Shakespeare acquisition (goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes):
		At October 6,
		2014
	Current assets	$	12,532
	Property, plant and equipment		10,694
	Intangible assets		13,500
	Goodwill		15,416
	Total fair value of assets acquired	$	52,142
	Current liabilities		3,870
	Net assets acquired	$	48,272
	Based on the preliminary fair value assessments, the Company allocated $13,500 of the purchase price to acquired intangible assets. The following table summarizes the major classes of Shakespeare acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted-average amortization periods:
		Amount		Weighted
				Average
				Amortization
				Period
				(Years)
	Trade Names	$	4,000		Indefinite
	Customer Relationships		9,500		12.0
	Total Intangible Assets	$	13,500
	On August 25, 2014, the Company acquired 51% of AgSense, LLC (AgSense) for $17 million in cash. AgSense operates in South Dakota and is the creator of global WagNet network which provides growers with a more complete view of their entire farming operation by tying irrigation decision making to field, crop and weather conditions. In the measurement of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, goodwill of $17,343 and $13,510 of customer relationships, trade name and other intangible assets were recorded. A portion of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. AgSense is included in the Irrigation Segment.
	The Company's Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 included net sales of $41,924 and net earnings of $1,997 resulting from the Valmont SM, AgSense, and Shakespeare acquisitions. The pro forma effect of these acquisitions on the first quarter of the 2014 Statement of Earnings was as follows:
		Thirteen weeks Ended
		March 29, 2014
	Net sales	$	800,265
	Net earnings	$	58,692
	Earnings per share—diluted	$	2.18

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS	(3) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Amortized Intangible Assets
	The components of amortized intangible assets at March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows:
		March 28, 2015
		Gross			Accumulated		Weighted
		Carrying			Amortization		Average
		Amount					Life
	Customer Relationships	$	201,990		$	90,546		13 years
	Proprietary Software & Database		3,680			2,954		8 years
	Patents & Proprietary Technology		12,109			8,712		8 years
	Other		3,997			3,216		3 years
		$	221,776		$	105,428
		December 27, 2014
		Gross			Accumulated		Weighted
		Carrying			Amortization		Average
		Amount					Life
	Customer Relationships	$	207,509		$	88,538		13 years
	Proprietary Software & Database		3,769			2,977		8 years
	Patents & Proprietary Technology		12,394			8,537		8 years
	Other		4,355			2,998		3 years
		$	228,027		$	103,050
	Amortization expense for intangible assets for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively was as follows:
	Thirteen Weeks
	Ended
	2015	2014
	$4,913	$	4,103
	Estimated annual amortization expense related to finite-lived intangible assets is as follows:
		Estimated
		Amortization
		Expense
	2015	$	17,039
	2016		16,607
	2017		15,871
	2018		14,227
	2019		13,423
	The useful lives assigned to finite-lived intangible assets included consideration of factors such as the Company's past and expected experience related to customer retention rates, the remaining legal or contractual life of the underlying arrangement that resulted in the recognition of the intangible asset and the Company's expected use of the intangible asset.
	Non-amortized intangible assets
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized. The carrying values of trade names at March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014 were as follows:
		March 28,			December 27,		Year
		2015			2014		Acquired
	Webforge	$	16,052		$	16,801		2010
	Valmont SM		9,043			10,818		2014
	Newmark		11,111			11,111		2004
	Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products		8,472			8,867		2010
	Donhad		6,391			6,689		2010
	Shakespeare		4,000			4,000		2014
	Industrial Galvanizers		3,716			3,889		2010
	Other		14,257			14,852
		$	73,042		$	77,027
	In its determination of these intangible assets as indefinite-lived, the Company considered such factors as its expected future use of the intangible asset, legal, regulatory, technological and competitive factors that may impact the useful life or value of the intangible asset and the expected costs to maintain the value of the intangible asset. The Company expects that these intangible assets will maintain their value indefinitely. Accordingly, these assets are not amortized.
	The Company's trade names were tested for impairment in the third quarter of 2014. The values of the trade names were determined using the relief-from-royalty method. Based on this evaluation, the Company determined that its trade names were not impaired.
	Goodwill
	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014 was as follows:
		Engineered			Utility		Coatings			Irrigation			Other			Total
		Infrastructure			Support		Segment			Segment
		Products			Structures
		Segment			Segment
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	197,074		$	75,404	$	74,862		$	19,536		$	18,235		$	385,111
	Foreign currency translation		(8,654	)		—		(1,667	)		(89	)		(813	)		(11,223	)
	Balance at March 28, 2015	$	188,420		$	75,404	$	73,195		$	19,447		$	17,422		$	373,888
	The Company's goodwill was tested for impairment during the third quarter of 2014. As a result of that testing, the Company determined that its goodwill was not impaired, as the valuation of the reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values. The Company continues to monitor changes in the global economy that could impact future operating results of its reporting units. If such conditions arise, the Company will test a given reporting unit for impairment prior to the annual test.

CASH_FLOW_SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORM

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
	(4) 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 thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were as follows:
		2015		2014
	Interest	$	510	$	736
	Income taxes		5,047		13,345
	On May 13, 2014, the Company announced a new capital allocation philosophy which increased the dividend by 50% and covered a share repurchase program of up to $500 million of the Company's outstanding common stock to be acquired from time to time over twelve months at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately-negotiated transactions. On February 24, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized an additional purchase of up to $250 million of the Company's outstanding common stock with no stated expiration date. As of March 28, 2015, the Company has acquired 3,309,376 shares for approximately $467.9 million under the share repurchase program.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
EARNINGS PER SHARE
EARNINGS PER SHARE	(5) EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted earnings per share (EPS):
		Basic		Dilutive			Diluted
		EPS		Effect of			EPS
				Stock Options
	Thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015:
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	30,739	$	—		$	30,739
	Shares outstanding		23,868		114			23,982
	Per share amount	$	1.29	$	(0.01	)	$	1.28
	Thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014:
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	55,980	$	—		$	55,980
	Shares outstanding		26,715		235			26,950
	Per share amount	$	2.1	$	(0.02	)	$	2.08
	Earnings per share are computed independently for each of the quarters. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share does not equal the total for the year primarily due to the share buyback program that began in the second quarter of 2014.
	At March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, there were 452,103 and 1,172 outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock that were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share, respectively.

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS

BUSINESS SEGMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
BUSINESS SEGMENTS	(6) 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 INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS:    This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for the global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, wind energy, offshore oil and gas, roadway safety and access systems applications;
	UTILITY SUPPORT STRUCTURES:    This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry;
	COATINGS:    This segment consists of galvanizing, anodizing and powder coating services on a global basis; and
	IRRIGATION:    This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts and services for the global agricultural industry.
	In addition to these four reportable segments, the Company has other businesses and activities that individually are not more than 10% of consolidated sales. These include the manufacture of forged steel grinding media for the mining industry, tubular products for industrial customers, and the distribution of industrial fasteners and are reported in the "Other" category.
	The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1. The Company evaluates the performance of its business segments based upon operating income and invested capital. The Company does not allocate interest expense, non-operating income and deductions, or income taxes to its business segments.
	Summary by Business
		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 28,			March 29,
		2015			2014
	SALES:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment:
	Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products	$	145,267		$	138,977
	Communication Products		32,556			29,886
	Offshore Structures		24,848			17,304
	Access Systems		35,722			42,295
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment		238,393			228,462
	Utility Support Structures segment:
	Steel		158,273			191,437
	Concrete		18,068			23,290
	Utility Support Structures segment		176,341			214,727
	Coatings segment		74,360			82,171
	Irrigation segment		154,476			212,733
	Other		53,858			58,602
	Total		697,428			796,695
	INTERSEGMENT SALES:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment		7,074			19,565
	Utility Support Structures segment		289			495
	Coatings segment		12,547			14,953
	Irrigation segment		9			9
	Other		7,111			9,933
	Total		27,030			44,955
	NET SALES:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment		231,319			208,897
	Utility Support Structures segment		176,052			214,232
	Coatings segment		61,813			67,218
	Irrigation segment		154,467			212,724
	Other		46,747			48,669
	Total	$	670,398		$	751,740
	OPERATING INCOME:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment	$	11,982		$	13,709
	Utility Support Structures segment		15,357			32,757
	Coatings segment		10,999			13,886
	Irrigation segment		24,302			43,146
	Other		6,598			8,550
	Corporate		(11,555	)		(13,200	)
	Total	$	57,683		$	98,848

GUARANTORNONGUARANTOR_FINANCIA

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION	(7) GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	On September 22, 2014, the Company issued and sold $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's 5.00% senior notes due 2044 and $250,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company's 5.25% senior notes due 2054. On September 22, 2014, the Company repurchased through a partial tender offer $199,800 in aggregate principal amount of the Company's 6.625% senior notes due 2020, and $250,200 of the notes remain outstanding following the conclusion of the tender offer. All of the notes are guaranteed, jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally 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.
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, a subsidiary of the Company was removed as a guarantor of our revolving credit facility, and consequently was removed as a guarantor of the notes. All prior year consolidated financial information has been recast to reflect the current guarantor structure. 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 Thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors
	Net sales	$	329,131		$	95,948		$	302,236		$	(56,917	)	$	670,398
	Cost of sales		249,867			74,896			236,985			(56,804	)		504,944
	Gross profit		79,264			21,052			65,251			(113	)		165,454
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		48,042			11,297			48,432			—			107,771
	Operating income		31,222			9,755			16,819			(113	)		57,683
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense		(10,832	)		—			(296	)		—			(11,128	)
	Interest income		9			2			863			—			874
	Other		(649	)		(24	)		1,689			—			1,016
			(11,472	)		(22	)		2,256			—			(9,238	)
	Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		19,750			9,733			19,075			(113	)		48,445
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Current		1,392			4,627			5,797			(42	)		11,774
	Deferred		5,469			(533	)		228			—			5,164
			6,861			4,094			6,025			(42	)		16,938
	Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		12,889			5,639			13,050			(71	)		31,507
	Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		17,850			4,305			—			(22,155	)		—
	Net earnings		30,739			9,944			13,050			(22,226	)		31,507
	Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			(768	)		—			(768	)
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc	$	30,739		$	9,944		$	12,282		$	(22,226	)	$	30,739
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
	For the Thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors
	Net sales	$	376,642		$	135,897		$	300,281		$	(61,080	)	$	751,740
	Cost of sales		271,759			99,816			234,634			(61,451	)		544,758
	Gross profit		104,883			36,081			65,647			371			206,982
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		47,790			12,991			47,353			—			108,134
	Operating income		57,093			23,090			18,294			371			98,848
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense		(7,675	)		—			(522	)		—			(8,197	)
	Interest income		20			183			1,536			—			1,739
	Other		67			(492	)		(5,387	)		—			(5,812	)
			(7,588	)		(309	)		(4,373	)		—			(12,270	)
	Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		49,505			22,781			13,921			371			86,578
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Current		19,878			8,054			4,902			104			32,938
	Deferred		(1,843	)		(412	)		(668	)		—			(2,923	)
			18,035			7,642			4,234			104			30,015
	Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		31,470			15,139			9,687			267			56,563
	Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		24,510			545			—			(25,055	)		—
	Net earnings		55,980			15,684			9,687			(24,788	)		56,563
	Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			(583	)		—			(583	)
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc	$	55,980		$	15,684		$	9,104		$	(24,788	)	$	55,980
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	For the Thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors
	Net earnings	$	30,739		$	9,944		$	13,050		$	(22,226	)	$	31,507
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period		—			(8,888	)		(49,290	)		—			(58,178	)
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge:
	Amortization cost included in interest expense		18			—			—			—			18
	Gain on cash flow hedges		92			—			202						294
	Equity in other comprehensive income		(55,881	)		—			—			55,881			—
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(55,771	)		(8,888	)		(49,688	)		55,881			(57,866	)
Comprehensive income		(25,032	)		1,056			(36,038	)		33,655			(26,359	)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			1,327			—			1,327
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	(25,032	)	$	1,056		$	(39,711	)	$	33,655		$	(25,032	)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
							Guarantors
Net earnings	$	55,980		$	15,684		$	9,687		$	(24,788	)	$	56,563
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period		—			1,189			10,448			—			11,637
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge:
Amortization cost included in interest expense		100			—			—			—			100
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability		—			—			(233	)		—			(233	)
Equity in other comprehensive income		12,075			—			—			(12,075	)		—
Other comprehensive income (loss)		12,175			1,189			10,215			(12,075	)		11,504
Comprehensive income		68,155			16,873			19,902			(36,863	)		68,067
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			88			—			88
Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	68,155		$	16,873		$	19,990		$	(36,863	)	$	68,155
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
March 28, 2015
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,571		$	1,367		$	291,428		$	—		$	318,366
Receivables, net		163,095			61,818			278,736			—			503,649
Inventories		122,962			65,221			194,400			(3,069	)		379,514
Prepaid expenses		4,806			753			42,785			—			48,344
Refundable and deferred income taxes		39,909			6,397			6,726			—			53,032
Total current assets		356,343			135,556			814,075			(3,069	)		1,302,905
Property, plant and equipment, at cost		561,174			125,618			437,459			—			1,124,251
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		326,839			67,383			143,283			—			537,505
Net property, plant and equipment		234,335			58,235			294,176			—			586,746
Goodwill		20,108			107,542			246,238			—			373,888
Other intangible assets		279			42,439			146,672			—			189,390
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts		1,405,751			821,802			896,850			(3,124,403	)		—
Other assets		49,615			—			81,586			—			131,201
Total assets	$	2,066,431		$	1,165,574		$	2,479,597		$	(3,127,472	)	$	2,584,130
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	$	213		$	—		$	857		$	—		$	1,070
Notes payable to banks		—			—			14,459			—			14,459
Accounts payable		64,251			13,709			111,389			—			189,349
Accrued employee compensation and benefits		32,270			4,359			34,559			—			71,188
Accrued expenses		44,316			6,077			48,243			—			98,636
Dividends payable		8,889			—			—			—			8,889
Total current liabilities		149,939			24,145			209,507			—			383,591
Deferred income taxes		3,906			28,658			33,765						66,329
Long-term debt, excluding current installments		759,682			—			6,080						765,762
Defined benefit pension liability		—						127,708						127,708
Deferred compensation		45,121			—			5,906						51,027
Other noncurrent liabilities		9,874			—			35,975						45,849
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value		27,900			457,950			648,682			(1,106,632	)		27,900
Additional paid-in capital		—			150,286			1,098,408			(1,248,694	)		—
Retained earnings		1,741,252			562,619			409,583			(972,202	)		1,741,252
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(190,204	)		(58,084	)		(141,972	)		200,056			(190,204	)
Treasury stock		(481,039	)		—			—			—			(481,039	)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity		1,097,909			1,112,771			2,014,701			(3,127,472	)		1,097,909
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries		—			—			45,955			—			45,955
Total shareholders' equity		1,097,909			1,112,771			2,060,656			(3,127,472	)		1,143,864
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,066,431		$	1,165,574		$	2,479,597		$	(3,127,472	)	$	2,584,130
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 27, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	69,869		$	2,157		$	299,553		$	—		$	371,579
Receivables, net		158,316			68,414			310,188			—			536,918
Inventories		127,859			54,914			177,512			(763	)		359,522
Prepaid expenses		7,087			502			49,323			—			56,912
Refundable and deferred income taxes		53,307			6,194			8,509			—			68,010
Total current assets		416,438			132,181			845,085			(763	)		1,392,941
Property, plant and equipment, at cost		556,658			124,182			458,729			—			1,139,569
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		319,899			65,493			147,724			—			533,116
Net property, plant and equipment		236,759			58,689			311,005			—			606,453
Goodwill		20,108			107,542			257,461						385,111
Other intangible assets		292			43,644			158,068						202,004
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts		1,446,989			825,236			887,055			(3,159,280	)		—
Other assets		46,587			—			96,572						143,159
Total assets	$	2,167,173		$	1,167,292		$	2,555,246		$	(3,160,043	)	$	2,729,668
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	$	213		$	—		$	968		$	—		$	1,181
Notes payable to banks		—			—			13,952			—			13,952
Accounts payable		59,893			15,151			121,521						196,565
Accrued employee compensation and benefits		48,169			5,385			34,396			—			87,950
Accrued expenses		32,616			6,052			49,812			—			88,480
Dividends payable		9,086			—			—			—			9,086
Total current liabilities		149,977			26,588			220,649			—			397,214
Deferred income taxes		5,584			28,988			37,225			—			71,797
Long-term debt, excluding current installments		759,895			—			6,759			—			766,654
Defined benefit pension liability		—			—			150,124			—			150,124
Deferred compensation		41,803			—			6,129						47,932
Other noncurrent liabilities		8,081			—			37,461			—			45,542
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value		27,900			457,950			648,682			(1,106,632	)		27,900
Additional paid-in capital		—			150,286			1,098,408			(1,248,694	)		—
Retained earnings		1,718,662			552,676			397,302			(949,978	)		1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(134,433	)		(49,196	)		(96,065	)		145,261			(134,433	)
Treasury stock		(410,296	)		—			—			—			(410,296	)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity		1,201,833			1,111,716			2,048,327			(3,160,043	)		1,201,833
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries								48,572						48,572
Total shareholders' equity		1,201,833			1,111,716			2,096,899			(3,160,043	)		1,250,405
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,167,173		$	1,167,292		$	2,555,246		$	(3,160,043	)	$	2,729,668
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 28, 2015
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	30,739		$	9,944		$	13,050		$	(22,226	)	$	31,507
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization		7,478			3,151			13,272			—			23,901
Loss on investment		—			—			4,415			—			4,415
Stock-based compensation		1,761			—			—			—			1,761
Defined benefit pension plan expense		—			—			(150	)					(150	)
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan		—			—			(15,735	)		—			(15,735	)
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment		(13	)		(10	)		(113	)		—			(136	)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries		(17,850	)		(4,305	)		—			22,155			—
Deferred income taxes		5,469			(533	)		228			—			5,164
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables		(4,779	)		6,595			16,768			—			18,584
Inventories		4,897			(10,307	)		(21,631	)		—			(27,041	)
Prepaid expenses		2,282			(251	)		2,923			—			4,954
Accounts payable		4,358			(1,442	)		(4,177	)		—			(1,261	)
Accrued expenses		(2,966	)		(1,001	)		(1,357	)		—			(5,324	)
Other noncurrent liabilities		1,834			—			(150	)		—			1,684
Income taxes payable (refundable)		6,252			(4	)		6,957			—			13,205
Net cash flows from operating activities		39,462			1,837			14,300			(71	)		55,528
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(4,995	)		(1,492	)		(10,128	)		—			(16,615	)
Proceeds from sale of assets		15			19			151			—			185
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			—			—			—			—
Other, net		3,257			(1,130	)		732			71			2,930
Net cash flows from investing activities		(1,723	)		(2,603	)		(9,245	)		71			(13,500	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements		—			—			1,155			—			1,155
Proceeds from long-term borrowings		—			—			—			—			—
Principal payments on long-term borrowings		—			—			(224	)		—			(224	)
Settlement of financial derivative		—			—			—			—			—
Dividends paid		(9,086	)		—			—			—			(9,086	)
Intercompany dividends		—			—			—			—			—
Dividends to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(1,290	)		—			(1,290	)
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans		1,760			—			—			—			1,760
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises		345			—			—			—			345
Purchase of treasury shares		(72,900	)		—			—			—			(72,900	)
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises:		(2,156	)		—			—			—			(2,156	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(82,037	)		—			(359	)		—			(82,396	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			(24	)		(12,821	)		—			(12,845	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(44,298	)		(790	)		(8,125	)		—			(53,213	)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year		69,869			2,157			299,553			—			371,579
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	25,571		$	1,367		$	291,428		$	—		$	318,366
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 2014
	Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	55,980		$	15,684		$	9,687		$	(24,788	)	$	56,563
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization		6,041			3,278			10,282			—			19,601
Loss on investment		—			—			3,386			—			3,386
Stock-based compensation		1,880			—			—			—			1,880
Defined benefit pension plan expense		—			—			662			—			662
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan		—			—			(17,484	)		—			(17,484	)
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment		(9	)		(77	)		(41	)		—			(127	)
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries		(24,510	)		(545	)		—			25,055			—
Deferred income taxes		(1,843	)		(412	)		(668	)		—			(2,923	)
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables		(13,949	)		24,027			21,590			—			31,668
Inventories		(20,723	)		2,753			(19,941	)		—			(37,911	)
Prepaid expenses		286			89			(9,523	)		—			(9,148	)
Accounts payable		9,294			(1,175	)		(20,590	)		—			(12,471	)
Accrued expenses		(22,614	)		(9,943	)		2,668			—			(29,889	)
Other noncurrent liabilities		2,104			—			(553	)		—			1,551
Income taxes payable (refundable)		16,640			586			(667	)		—			16,559
Net cash flows from operating activities		8,577			34,265			(21,192	)		267			21,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(11,282	)		(1,767	)		(10,477	)		—			(23,526	)
Proceeds from sale of assets		19			77			1,295			—			1,391
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			—			(120,483	)		—			(120,483	)
Other, net		17,175			(36,918	)		19,020			(267	)		(990	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		5,912			(38,608	)		(110,645	)		(267	)		(143,608	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements		—			—			(4,056	)		—			(4,056	)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings		—			—			(63	)		—			(63	)
Dividends paid		(6,706	)		—			—			—			(6,706	)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(351	)		—			(351	)
Intercompany capital contribution		(143,000	)		—			143,000			—			—
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans		7,860			—			—			—			7,860
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises		2,296			—			—			—			2,296
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises:		(8,574	)		—			—			—			(8,574	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(148,124	)		—			138,530			—			(9,594	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			1,154			4,620			—			5,774
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(133,635	)		(3,189	)		11,313			—			(125,511	)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year		215,576			29,797			368,333			—			613,706
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	81,941		$	26,608		$	379,646		$	—		$	488,195

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
	The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 28, 2015, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Shareholders' Equity for the thirteen week period then ended have been prepared by the Company, without audit. In the opinion of management, all necessary adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) have been made to present fairly the financial statements as of March 28, 2015 and for all periods presented.
	Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2014. The accounting policies and methods of computation followed in these interim financial statements are the same as those followed in the financial statements for the year ended December 27, 2014. The results of operations for the period ended March 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.
Inventories	Inventories
	Approximately 41% and 44% of inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market as of March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively. All other inventory is valued at the lower of cost, determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market. Finished goods and manufactured goods inventories include the costs of acquired raw materials and related factory labor and overhead charges required to convert raw materials to manufactured and finished goods. The excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value is approximately $43,908 and $47,178 at March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively.
	Inventories consisted of the following:
		March 28,			December 27,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	187,281		$	179,093
	Work-in-process		26,078			27,835
	Finished goods and manufactured goods		210,063			199,772
	Subtotal		423,422			406,700
	Less: LIFO reserve		43,908			47,178
		$	379,514		$	359,522
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	United States	$	32,641		$	71,694
	Foreign		15,804			14,884
		$	48,445		$	86,578
Pension Benefits	Pension Benefits
	The Company incurs expenses in connection with the Delta Pension Plan ("DPP"). The DPP was acquired as part of the Delta plc acquisition in fiscal 2010 and has no members that are active employees. 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.
	The components of the net periodic pension (benefit) expense for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014 were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	Net periodic (benefit) expense:
	Interest cost	$	6,111		$	7,197
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,261	)		(6,535	)
	Net periodic (benefit) expense	$	(150	)	$	662
Stock Plans	Stock Plans
	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, non-vested stock awards and bonuses of common stock. At March 28, 2015, 1,191,723 shares of common stock remained available for issuance under the plans. Shares and options issued and available are subject to changes in capitalization.
	Under the plans, the exercise price of each option equals the closing market price at the date of the grant. Options vest beginning on the first anniversary of the grant in equal amounts over three to six years or on the fifth anniversary of the grant.
	Expiration of grants is from six to ten years from the date of grant. The Company's compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and associated income tax benefits related to stock options for the thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively, were as follows:
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	Compensation expense	$	1,350		$	1,263
	Income tax benefits		520			486
Equity Method Investments	Equity Method Investments
	The Company has equity method investments in non-consolidated subsidiaries, which are recorded within "Other assets" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Fair Value	Fair Value
	The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820") which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of ASC 820 apply to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
	ASC 820 establishes 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. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1:    Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2:    Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3:    Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value.
	Trading Securities: The assets and liabilities recorded for the investments held in the Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan of $39,718 ($36,439 at December 27, 2014) represent mutual funds, invested in debt and equity securities, classified as trading securities in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 320, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, considering the employee's ability to change investment allocation of their deferred compensation at any time.
	The Company's ownership of shares in Delta EMD Pty. Ltd. (JSE:DTA) is also classified as trading securities. During first quarter of 2015, the Company received a special dividend of $5,010 from Delta EMD Pty. Ltd and the market price of the shares were proportionately decreased accordingly. The shares are valued at $4,826 and $9,034 as of March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014, respectively, which is the estimated fair value. Quoted market prices are available for these securities in an active market and therefore categorized as a Level 1 input.
					Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Carrying Value			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		March 28,			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
		2015			for Identical			Inputs			Inputs
					Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Trading Securities	$	44,544		$	44,544		$	—		$	—
					Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Carrying Value			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 27,			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
		2014			for Identical			Inputs			Inputs
					Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Trading Securities	$	45,473		$	45,473		$	—		$	—
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income includes net earnings, 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. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following at March 28, 2015 and December 27, 2014:
		Foreign			Unrealized			Defined			Accumulated
		Currency			Gain on Cash			Benefit			Other
		Translation			Flow Hedge			Pension Plan			Comprehensive
		Adjustments									Income
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	(99,618	)	$	3,879		$	(38,694	)	$	(134,433	)
	Current-period comprehensive income (loss)		(56,083	)		312			—			(55,771	)
	Balance at March 28, 2015	$	(155,701	)	$	4,191		$	(38,694	)	$	(190,204	)
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, Revenue Recognition. The new revenue recognition standard requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
	In April 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a broad restructuring plan (the "Plan") of up to $60 million to respond to the market environment in certain businesses. The initial restructuring activities primarily involve consolidation of operations in the Utility segment and consolidation of Asia Pacific operations within the Engineered Infrastructure Products and Coatings segments. Accordingly, the Company expects to incur pre-tax cash severance and property relocation and site closure expenses of $19 million and asset impairments of approximately $11 million. The asset impairments are primarily write-downs of property, plant, and equipment in the Utility, Engineered Infrastructure Products, and Coatings segments. These charges are expected to be incurred over the remainder of 2015.
	Certain of these initial restructuring actions are within the APAC Coatings reporting unit which has approximately $16 million of goodwill as of March 28, 2015. The Company expects these activities to improve the profitability of this reporting unit. Should operating income not improve within this reporting unit after these restructuring activities are implemented, the Company will have to perform an interim goodwill impairment analysis. In addition to this goodwill, the Company is also evaluating other potential restructuring activities authorized under the Plan. In total, these restructuring items could result in asset impairments of up to $25 million and cash charges of $5 million.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Components of inventories
		March 28,			December 27,
		2015			2014
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	187,281		$	179,093
	Work-in-process		26,078			27,835
	Finished goods and manufactured goods		210,063			199,772
	Subtotal		423,422			406,700
	Less: LIFO reserve		43,908			47,178
		$	379,514		$	359,522
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	United States	$	32,641		$	71,694
	Foreign		15,804			14,884
		$	48,445		$	86,578
Schedule of components of the net periodic pension expense
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	Net periodic (benefit) expense:
	Interest cost	$	6,111		$	7,197
	Expected return on plan assets		(6,261	)		(6,535	)
	Net periodic (benefit) expense	$	(150	)	$	662
Compensation expense (included in selling, general and administrative expenses) and associated income tax benefits related to stock options
		Thirteen Weeks
		Ended
		2015			2014
	Compensation expense	$	1,350		$	1,263
	Income tax benefits		520			486
Valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value
					Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Carrying Value			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		March 28,			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
		2015			for Identical			Inputs			Inputs
					Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Trading Securities	$	44,544		$	44,544		$	—		$	—
					Fair Value Measurement Using:
		Carrying Value			Quoted Prices in			Significant Other			Significant
		December 27,			Active Markets			Observable			Unobservable
		2014			for Identical			Inputs			Inputs
					Assets (Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Assets:
	Trading Securities	$	45,473		$	45,473		$	—		$	—
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		Foreign			Unrealized			Defined			Accumulated
		Currency			Gain on Cash			Benefit			Other
		Translation			Flow Hedge			Pension Plan			Comprehensive
		Adjustments									Income
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	(99,618	)	$	3,879		$	(38,694	)	$	(134,433	)
	Current-period comprehensive income (loss)		(56,083	)		312			—			(55,771	)
	Balance at March 28, 2015	$	(155,701	)	$	4,191		$	(38,694	)	$	(190,204	)

ACQUISITIONS_Tables

ACQUISITIONS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
Valmont SM, AgSense, Locker, Armorflex and Shakespeare acquisitions
Pro forma results of operations		Thirteen weeks Ended
		March 29, 2014
	Net sales	$	800,265
	Net earnings	$	58,692
	Earnings per share—diluted	$	2.18
Valmont SM
Summary of preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed		At March 3,
		2014
	Current assets	$	73,421
	Property, plant and equipment		85,645
	Intangible assets		30,340
	Goodwill		14,317
	Total fair value of assets acquired	$	203,723
	Current liabilities		50,953
	Deferred income taxes		14,114
	Intercompany note payable		37,448
	Long-term debt		8,941
	Total fair value of liabilities assumed		111,456
	Non-controlling interests		9,232
	Net assets acquired	$	83,035
Summary of the major classes of acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted average amortization periods		Amount		Weighted
				Average
				Amortization
				Period
				(Years)
	Trade Names	$	11,470		Indefinite
	Backlog		3,145		1.5
	Customer Relationships		15,725		12.0
	Total Intangible Assets	$	30,340
Shakespeare
Summary of preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed		At October 6,
		2014
	Current assets	$	12,532
	Property, plant and equipment		10,694
	Intangible assets		13,500
	Goodwill		15,416
	Total fair value of assets acquired	$	52,142
	Current liabilities		3,870
	Net assets acquired	$	48,272
Summary of the major classes of acquired intangible assets and the respective weighted average amortization periods		Amount		Weighted
				Average
				Amortization
				Period
				(Years)
	Trade Names	$	4,000		Indefinite
	Customer Relationships		9,500		12.0
	Total Intangible Assets	$	13,500

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS1

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Components of amortized intangible assets		March 28, 2015
		Gross			Accumulated		Weighted
		Carrying			Amortization		Average
		Amount					Life
	Customer Relationships	$	201,990		$	90,546		13 years
	Proprietary Software & Database		3,680			2,954		8 years
	Patents & Proprietary Technology		12,109			8,712		8 years
	Other		3,997			3,216		3 years
		$	221,776		$	105,428
		December 27, 2014
		Gross			Accumulated		Weighted
		Carrying			Amortization		Average
		Amount					Life
	Customer Relationships	$	207,509		$	88,538		13 years
	Proprietary Software & Database		3,769			2,977		8 years
	Patents & Proprietary Technology		12,394			8,537		8 years
	Other		4,355			2,998		3 years
		$	228,027		$	103,050
Amortization expense for intangible assets	Thirteen Weeks
	Ended
	2015	2014
	$4,913	$	4,103
Schedule of future estimated amortization expense		Estimated
		Amortization
		Expense
	2015	$	17,039
	2016		16,607
	2017		15,871
	2018		14,227
	2019		13,423
Non-amortized intangible assets		March 28,			December 27,		Year
		2015			2014		Acquired
	Webforge	$	16,052		$	16,801		2010
	Valmont SM		9,043			10,818		2014
	Newmark		11,111			11,111		2004
	Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products		8,472			8,867		2010
	Donhad		6,391			6,689		2010
	Shakespeare		4,000			4,000		2014
	Industrial Galvanizers		3,716			3,889		2010
	Other		14,257			14,852
		$	73,042		$	77,027
Carrying amount of goodwill		Engineered			Utility		Coatings			Irrigation			Other			Total
		Infrastructure			Support		Segment			Segment
		Products			Structures
		Segment			Segment
	Balance at December 27, 2014	$	197,074		$	75,404	$	74,862		$	19,536		$	18,235		$	385,111
	Foreign currency translation		(8,654	)		—		(1,667	)		(89	)		(813	)		(11,223	)
	Balance at March 28, 2015	$	188,420		$	75,404	$	73,195		$	19,447		$	17,422		$	373,888

CASH_FLOW_SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORM1

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Cash payments for interest and income taxes (net of refunds)		2015		2014
	Interest	$	510	$	736
	Income taxes		5,047		13,345

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS)		Basic		Dilutive			Diluted
		EPS		Effect of			EPS
				Stock Options
	Thirteen weeks ended March 28, 2015:
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	30,739	$	—		$	30,739
	Shares outstanding		23,868		114			23,982
	Per share amount	$	1.29	$	(0.01	)	$	1.28
	Thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2014:
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	55,980	$	—		$	55,980
	Shares outstanding		26,715		235			26,950
	Per share amount	$	2.1	$	(0.02	)	$	2.08

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Tables

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Segment reporting information of sales and operating income		Thirteen Weeks Ended
		March 28,			March 29,
		2015			2014
	SALES:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment:
	Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products	$	145,267		$	138,977
	Communication Products		32,556			29,886
	Offshore Structures		24,848			17,304
	Access Systems		35,722			42,295
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment		238,393			228,462
	Utility Support Structures segment:
	Steel		158,273			191,437
	Concrete		18,068			23,290
	Utility Support Structures segment		176,341			214,727
	Coatings segment		74,360			82,171
	Irrigation segment		154,476			212,733
	Other		53,858			58,602
	Total		697,428			796,695
	INTERSEGMENT SALES:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment		7,074			19,565
	Utility Support Structures segment		289			495
	Coatings segment		12,547			14,953
	Irrigation segment		9			9
	Other		7,111			9,933
	Total		27,030			44,955
	NET SALES:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment		231,319			208,897
	Utility Support Structures segment		176,052			214,232
	Coatings segment		61,813			67,218
	Irrigation segment		154,467			212,724
	Other		46,747			48,669
	Total	$	670,398		$	751,740
	OPERATING INCOME:
	Engineered Infrastructure Products segment	$	11,982		$	13,709
	Utility Support Structures segment		15,357			32,757
	Coatings segment		10,999			13,886
	Irrigation segment		24,302			43,146
	Other		6,598			8,550
	Corporate		(11,555	)		(13,200	)
	Total	$	57,683		$	98,848

GUARANTORNONGUARANTOR_FINANCIA1

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 28, 2015
GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings		Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors
	Net sales	$	329,131		$	95,948		$	302,236		$	(56,917	)	$	670,398
	Cost of sales		249,867			74,896			236,985			(56,804	)		504,944
	Gross profit		79,264			21,052			65,251			(113	)		165,454
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		48,042			11,297			48,432			—			107,771
	Operating income		31,222			9,755			16,819			(113	)		57,683
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense		(10,832	)		—			(296	)		—			(11,128	)
	Interest income		9			2			863			—			874
	Other		(649	)		(24	)		1,689			—			1,016
			(11,472	)		(22	)		2,256			—			(9,238	)
	Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		19,750			9,733			19,075			(113	)		48,445
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Current		1,392			4,627			5,797			(42	)		11,774
	Deferred		5,469			(533	)		228			—			5,164
			6,861			4,094			6,025			(42	)		16,938
	Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		12,889			5,639			13,050			(71	)		31,507
	Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		17,850			4,305			—			(22,155	)		—
	Net earnings		30,739			9,944			13,050			(22,226	)		31,507
	Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			(768	)		—			(768	)
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc	$	30,739		$	9,944		$	12,282		$	(22,226	)	$	30,739
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors
	Net sales	$	376,642		$	135,897		$	300,281		$	(61,080	)	$	751,740
	Cost of sales		271,759			99,816			234,634			(61,451	)		544,758
	Gross profit		104,883			36,081			65,647			371			206,982
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		47,790			12,991			47,353			—			108,134
	Operating income		57,093			23,090			18,294			371			98,848
	Other income (expense):
	Interest expense		(7,675	)		—			(522	)		—			(8,197	)
	Interest income		20			183			1,536			—			1,739
	Other		67			(492	)		(5,387	)		—			(5,812	)
			(7,588	)		(309	)		(4,373	)		—			(12,270	)
	Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		49,505			22,781			13,921			371			86,578
	Income tax expense (benefit):
	Current		19,878			8,054			4,902			104			32,938
	Deferred		(1,843	)		(412	)		(668	)		—			(2,923	)
			18,035			7,642			4,234			104			30,015
	Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		31,470			15,139			9,687			267			56,563
	Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries		24,510			545			—			(25,055	)		—
	Net earnings		55,980			15,684			9,687			(24,788	)		56,563
	Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			(583	)		—			(583	)
	Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc	$	55,980		$	15,684		$	9,104		$	(24,788	)	$	55,980
Condensed Consolidated Comprehensive Income		Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors
	Net earnings	$	30,739		$	9,944		$	13,050		$	(22,226	)	$	31,507
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period		—			(8,888	)		(49,290	)		—			(58,178	)
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge:
	Amortization cost included in interest expense		18			—			—			—			18
	Gain on cash flow hedges		92			—			202						294
	Equity in other comprehensive income		(55,881	)		—			—			55,881			—
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		(55,771	)		(8,888	)		(49,688	)		55,881			(57,866	)
	Comprehensive income		(25,032	)		1,056			(36,038	)		33,655			(26,359	)
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			1,327			—			1,327
	Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	(25,032	)	$	1,056		$	(39,711	)	$	33,655		$	(25,032	)
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-			Eliminations			Total
								Guarantors
	Net earnings	$	55,980		$	15,684		$	9,687		$	(24,788	)	$	56,563
	Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
	Foreign currency translation adjustments:
	Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period		—			1,189			10,448			—			11,637
	Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge:
	Amortization cost included in interest expense		100			—			—			—			100
	Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability		—			—			(233	)		—			(233	)
	Equity in other comprehensive income		12,075			—			—			(12,075	)		—
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		12,175			1,189			10,215			(12,075	)		11,504
	Comprehensive income		68,155			16,873			19,902			(36,863	)		68,067
	Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			88			—			88
	Comprehensive income attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$	68,155		$	16,873		$	19,990		$	(36,863	)	$	68,155
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,571		$	1,367		$	291,428		$	—		$	318,366
	Receivables, net		163,095			61,818			278,736			—			503,649
	Inventories		122,962			65,221			194,400			(3,069	)		379,514
	Prepaid expenses		4,806			753			42,785			—			48,344
	Refundable and deferred income taxes		39,909			6,397			6,726			—			53,032
	Total current assets		356,343			135,556			814,075			(3,069	)		1,302,905
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost		561,174			125,618			437,459			—			1,124,251
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		326,839			67,383			143,283			—			537,505
	Net property, plant and equipment		234,335			58,235			294,176			—			586,746
	Goodwill		20,108			107,542			246,238			—			373,888
	Other intangible assets		279			42,439			146,672			—			189,390
	Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts		1,405,751			821,802			896,850			(3,124,403	)		—
	Other assets		49,615			—			81,586			—			131,201
	Total assets	$	2,066,431		$	1,165,574		$	2,479,597		$	(3,127,472	)	$	2,584,130
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current installments of long-term debt	$	213		$	—		$	857		$	—		$	1,070
	Notes payable to banks		—			—			14,459			—			14,459
	Accounts payable		64,251			13,709			111,389			—			189,349
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits		32,270			4,359			34,559			—			71,188
	Accrued expenses		44,316			6,077			48,243			—			98,636
	Dividends payable		8,889			—			—			—			8,889
	Total current liabilities		149,939			24,145			209,507			—			383,591
	Deferred income taxes		3,906			28,658			33,765						66,329
	Long-term debt, excluding current installments		759,682			—			6,080						765,762
	Defined benefit pension liability		—						127,708						127,708
	Deferred compensation		45,121			—			5,906						51,027
	Other noncurrent liabilities		9,874			—			35,975						45,849
	Shareholders' equity:
	Common stock of $1 par value		27,900			457,950			648,682			(1,106,632	)		27,900
	Additional paid-in capital		—			150,286			1,098,408			(1,248,694	)		—
	Retained earnings		1,741,252			562,619			409,583			(972,202	)		1,741,252
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(190,204	)		(58,084	)		(141,972	)		200,056			(190,204	)
	Treasury stock		(481,039	)		—			—			—			(481,039	)
	Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity		1,097,909			1,112,771			2,014,701			(3,127,472	)		1,097,909
	Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries		—			—			45,955			—			45,955
	Total shareholders' equity		1,097,909			1,112,771			2,060,656			(3,127,472	)		1,143,864
	Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,066,431		$	1,165,574		$	2,479,597		$	(3,127,472	)	$	2,584,130
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
	ASSETS
	Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	69,869		$	2,157		$	299,553		$	—		$	371,579
	Receivables, net		158,316			68,414			310,188			—			536,918
	Inventories		127,859			54,914			177,512			(763	)		359,522
	Prepaid expenses		7,087			502			49,323			—			56,912
	Refundable and deferred income taxes		53,307			6,194			8,509			—			68,010
	Total current assets		416,438			132,181			845,085			(763	)		1,392,941
	Property, plant and equipment, at cost		556,658			124,182			458,729			—			1,139,569
	Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		319,899			65,493			147,724			—			533,116
	Net property, plant and equipment		236,759			58,689			311,005			—			606,453
	Goodwill		20,108			107,542			257,461						385,111
	Other intangible assets		292			43,644			158,068						202,004
	Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts		1,446,989			825,236			887,055			(3,159,280	)		—
	Other assets		46,587			—			96,572						143,159
	Total assets	$	2,167,173		$	1,167,292		$	2,555,246		$	(3,160,043	)	$	2,729,668
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current liabilities:
	Current installments of long-term debt	$	213		$	—		$	968		$	—		$	1,181
	Notes payable to banks		—			—			13,952			—			13,952
	Accounts payable		59,893			15,151			121,521						196,565
	Accrued employee compensation and benefits		48,169			5,385			34,396			—			87,950
Accrued expenses		32,616			6,052			49,812			—			88,480
Dividends payable		9,086			—			—			—			9,086
Total current liabilities		149,977			26,588			220,649			—			397,214
Deferred income taxes		5,584			28,988			37,225			—			71,797
Long-term debt, excluding current installments		759,895			—			6,759			—			766,654
Defined benefit pension liability		—			—			150,124			—			150,124
Deferred compensation		41,803			—			6,129						47,932
Other noncurrent liabilities		8,081			—			37,461			—			45,542
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value		27,900			457,950			648,682			(1,106,632	)		27,900
Additional paid-in capital		—			150,286			1,098,408			(1,248,694	)		—
Retained earnings		1,718,662			552,676			397,302			(949,978	)		1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income		(134,433	)		(49,196	)		(96,065	)		145,261			(134,433	)
Treasury stock		(410,296	)		—			—			—			(410,296	)
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity		1,201,833			1,111,716			2,048,327			(3,160,043	)		1,201,833
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries								48,572						48,572
Total shareholders' equity		1,201,833			1,111,716			2,096,899			(3,160,043	)		1,250,405
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,167,173		$	1,167,292		$	2,555,246		$	(3,160,043	)	$	2,729,668
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net earnings	$	30,739		$	9,944		$	13,050		$	(22,226	)	$	31,507
	Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
	Depreciation and amortization		7,478			3,151			13,272			—			23,901
	Loss on investment		—			—			4,415			—			4,415
	Stock-based compensation		1,761			—			—			—			1,761
	Defined benefit pension plan expense		—			—			(150	)					(150	)
	Contribution to defined benefit pension plan		—			—			(15,735	)		—			(15,735	)
	Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment		(13	)		(10	)		(113	)		—			(136	)
	Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries		(17,850	)		(4,305	)		—			22,155			—
	Deferred income taxes		5,469			(533	)		228			—			5,164
	Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
	Receivables		(4,779	)		6,595			16,768			—			18,584
	Inventories		4,897			(10,307	)		(21,631	)		—			(27,041	)
	Prepaid expenses		2,282			(251	)		2,923			—			4,954
	Accounts payable		4,358			(1,442	)		(4,177	)		—			(1,261	)
	Accrued expenses		(2,966	)		(1,001	)		(1,357	)		—			(5,324	)
	Other noncurrent liabilities		1,834			—			(150	)		—			1,684
	Income taxes payable (refundable)		6,252			(4	)		6,957			—			13,205
	Net cash flows from operating activities		39,462			1,837			14,300			(71	)		55,528
	Cash flows from investing activities:
	Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(4,995	)		(1,492	)		(10,128	)		—			(16,615	)
	Proceeds from sale of assets		15			19			151			—			185
	Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			—			—			—			—
	Other, net		3,257			(1,130	)		732			71			2,930
	Net cash flows from investing activities		(1,723	)		(2,603	)		(9,245	)		71			(13,500	)
	Cash flows from financing activities:
	Net borrowings under short-term agreements		—			—			1,155			—			1,155
	Proceeds from long-term borrowings		—			—			—			—			—
	Principal payments on long-term borrowings		—			—			(224	)		—			(224	)
	Settlement of financial derivative		—			—			—			—			—
	Dividends paid		(9,086	)		—			—			—			(9,086	)
	Intercompany dividends		—			—			—			—			—
	Dividends to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(1,290	)		—			(1,290	)
	Proceeds from exercises under stock plans		1,760			—			—			—			1,760
	Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises		345			—			—			—			345
	Purchase of treasury shares		(72,900	)		—			—			—			(72,900	)
	Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises:		(2,156	)		—			—			—			(2,156	)
	Net cash flows from financing activities		(82,037	)		—			(359	)		—			(82,396	)
	Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			(24	)		(12,821	)		—			(12,845	)
	Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(44,298	)		(790	)		(8,125	)		—			(53,213	)
	Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year		69,869			2,157			299,553			—			371,579
	Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	25,571		$	1,367		$	291,428		$	—		$	318,366
		Parent			Guarantors			Non-Guarantors			Eliminations			Total
	Cash flows from operating activities:
	Net earnings	$	55,980		$	15,684		$	9,687		$	(24,788	)	$	56,563
	Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
	Depreciation and amortization		6,041			3,278			10,282			—			19,601
	Loss on investment		—			—			3,386			—			3,386
	Stock-based compensation		1,880			—			—			—			1,880
	Defined benefit pension plan expense		—			—			662			—			662
	Contribution to defined benefit pension plan		—			—			(17,484	)		—			(17,484	)
	Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment		(9	)		(77	)		(41	)		—			(127	)
	Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries		(24,510	)		(545	)		—			25,055			—
	Deferred income taxes		(1,843	)		(412	)		(668	)		—			(2,923	)
	Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
	Receivables		(13,949	)		24,027			21,590			—			31,668
	Inventories		(20,723	)		2,753			(19,941	)		—			(37,911	)
	Prepaid expenses		286			89			(9,523	)		—			(9,148	)
	Accounts payable		9,294			(1,175	)		(20,590	)		—			(12,471	)
	Accrued expenses		(22,614	)		(9,943	)		2,668			—			(29,889	)
	Other noncurrent liabilities		2,104			—			(553	)		—			1,551
	Income taxes payable (refundable)		16,640			586			(667	)		—			16,559
Net cash flows from operating activities		8,577			34,265			(21,192	)		267			21,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(11,282	)		(1,767	)		(10,477	)		—			(23,526	)
Proceeds from sale of assets		19			77			1,295			—			1,391
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		—			—			(120,483	)		—			(120,483	)
Other, net		17,175			(36,918	)		19,020			(267	)		(990	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		5,912			(38,608	)		(110,645	)		(267	)		(143,608	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements		—			—			(4,056	)		—			(4,056	)
Principal payments on long-term borrowings		—			—			(63	)		—			(63	)
Dividends paid		(6,706	)		—			—			—			(6,706	)
Dividends to noncontrolling interest		—			—			(351	)		—			(351	)
Intercompany capital contribution		(143,000	)		—			143,000			—			—
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans		7,860			—			—			—			7,860
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises		2,296			—			—			—			2,296
Purchase of common treasury shares—stock plan exercises:		(8,574	)		—			—			—			(8,574	)
Net cash flows from financing activities		(148,124	)		—			138,530			—			(9,594	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			1,154			4,620			—			5,774
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(133,635	)		(3,189	)		11,313			—			(125,511	)
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year		215,576			29,797			368,333			—			613,706
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period	$	81,941		$	26,608		$	379,646		$	—		$	488,195

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014
Inventories
Inventory valued at the lower of cost, determined on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market (as a percent)	41.00%		44.00%
Excess of replacement cost of inventories over the LIFO value	$43,908		$47,178
Raw materials and purchased parts	187,281		179,093
Work-in-process	26,078		27,835
Finished goods and manufactured goods	210,063		199,772
Subtotal	423,422		406,700
LIFO reserve	43,908		47,178
Net inventory	379,514		359,522
Earnings before income taxes and equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
United States	32,641	71,694
Foreign	15,804	14,884
Earnings before income taxes	$48,445	$86,578

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Net periodic benefit expense:
Interest cost	$6,111	$7,197
Expected return on plan assets	-6,261	-6,535
Net periodic (benefit) expense	-150	662
Stock Plans
Shares of common stock available for issuance	1,191,723
Stock option plans
Stock Plans
Compensation expense	1,350	1,263
Tax benefits associated with compensation expense	$520	$486
Stock option plans | Minimum
Stock Plans
Vesting period of options	3 years
Expiration period of grant	6 years
Stock option plans | Maximum
Stock Plans
Vesting period of options	6 years
Expiration period of grant	10 years

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Level 1 member
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Trading Securities	$44,544	$45,473
Carrying Value
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Trading Securities	44,544	45,473
EMD
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Fair value of remaining ownership	4,826	9,034
Special dividend	5,010
Valmont Deferred Compensation Plan
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value
Assets recorded for the investments held	$39,718	$36,439

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	($134,433)
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	-55,771
Balance at the end of the period	-190,204
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	-99,618
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	-56,083
Balance at the end of the period	-155,701
Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedge
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period	3,879
Current-period comprehensive income (loss)	312
Balance at the end of the period	4,191
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Balance at the beginning of the period		-38,694
Balance at the end of the period	($38,694)	($38,694)

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details 5) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
	Apr. 25, 2015	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Subsequent Events
Goodwill		$373,888,000	$385,111,000
Coatings segment
Subsequent Events
Goodwill		73,195,000	74,862,000
Subsequent event | Maximum
Subsequent Events
Restructuring charges	60,000,000
Subsequent event | Coatings segment
Subsequent Events
Goodwill	16,000,000
Subsequent event | Severance Property Relocation And Site Closure Expense
Subsequent Events
Restructuring charges	19,000,000
Subsequent event | Asset Impairment
Subsequent Events
Restructuring charges	11,000,000
Subsequent event | Asset Impairment | Maximum
Subsequent Events
Restructuring charges	25,000,000
Subsequent event | Cash Charges | Maximum
Subsequent Events
Restructuring charges	$5,000,000

ACQUISITIONS_Details

ACQUISITIONS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 03, 2014	Oct. 06, 2014	Aug. 25, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014
			item
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Goodwill	$373,888					$385,111
Valmont SM, AgSense, Locker, Armorflex and Shakespeare acquisitions
Net sales and net earnings included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Net sales included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings	41,924
Net earnings included in Consolidated Statements of Earnings	1,997
Pro forma results of operations
Net sales		800,265
Net earnings		58,692
Earnings per share-diluted		$2.18
Valmont SM
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired			90.00%
Annual sales			190,000
Number of manufacturing locations operated			2
Cash acquired			56
Cash paid for acquisition			120,483
Fair value of contingent consideration			0
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets			73,421
Property, plant and equipment			85,645
Intangible assets			30,340
Goodwill			14,317
Total fair value of assets acquired			203,723
Current liabilities			50,953
Deferred income taxes			14,114
Intercompany note payable			37,448
Long-term debt			8,941
Total fair value of liabilities assumed			111,456
Non-controlling interests			9,232
Net assets acquired			83,035
Shakespeare
Acquisitions
Annual sales				55,000
Number of manufacturing locations operated				2
Cash paid for acquisition				48,272
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Current assets				12,532
Property, plant and equipment				10,694
Intangible assets				13,500
Goodwill				15,416
Total fair value of assets acquired				52,142
Current liabilities				3,870
Net assets acquired				48,272
AgSense LLC
Acquisitions
Ownership percentage acquired					51.00%
Cash paid for acquisition					17,000
Fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed
Goodwill					17,343
Customer relationships, trade name and other intangible assets					$13,510

ACQUISITIONS_Details_2

ACQUISITIONS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Oct. 06, 2014
Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount	$30,340
Shakespeare
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount		13,500
Backlog | Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount	3,145
Weighted Average Amortization Period	1 year 6 months
Customer Relationships | Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount	15,725
Weighted Average Amortization Period	12 years
Customer Relationships | Shakespeare
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount		9,500
Weighted Average Amortization Period		12 years
Trade names | Valmont SM
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount	11,470
Trade names | Shakespeare
Major classes of acquired intangible assets and weighted-average amortization periods
Amount		$4,000

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS2

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 27, 2014
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$221,776		$228,027
Accumulated Amortization	105,428		103,050
Amortization expense for intangible assets	4,913	4,103
Estimated amortization expense
2015	17,039
2016	16,607
2017	15,871
2018	14,227
2019	13,423
Customer Relationships
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	201,990		207,509
Accumulated Amortization	90,546		88,538
Weighted Average Life	13 years		13 years
Proprietary Software and Database
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	3,680		3,769
Accumulated Amortization	2,954		2,977
Weighted Average Life	8 years		8 years
Patents and Proprietary Technology
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	12,109		12,394
Accumulated Amortization	8,712		8,537
Weighted Average Life	8 years		8 years
Other
Components of amortized intangible assets
Gross Carrying Amount	3,997		4,355
Accumulated Amortization	$3,216		$2,998
Weighted Average Life	3 years		3 years

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS3

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 2) (USD $)	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Webforge
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$16,052	$16,801
Valmont SM
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	9,043	10,818
Newmark
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	11,111	11,111
Ingal EPS/Ingal Civil Products
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	8,472	8,867
Donhad
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	6,391	6,689
Shakespeare Member
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	4,000	4,000
Industrial Galvanizers
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	3,716	3,889
Other
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	14,257	14,852
Trade names
Non-amortized intangible assets
Carrying value of trade names	$73,042	$77,027

GOODWILL_AND_INTANGIBLE_ASSETS4

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	$385,111
Foreign currency translation	-11,223
Balance at the end of the period	373,888
Engineered Infrastructure Products segment:
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	197,074
Foreign currency translation	-8,654
Balance at the end of the period	188,420
Utility Support Structures segment
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period		75,404
Balance at the end of the period	75,404	75,404
Coatings segment
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	74,862
Foreign currency translation	-1,667
Balance at the end of the period	73,195
Irrigation segment
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	19,536
Foreign currency translation	-89
Balance at the end of the period	19,447
Other
Carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at the beginning of the period	18,235
Foreign currency translation	-813
Balance at the end of the period	$17,422

CASH_FLOW_SUPPLEMENTARY_INFORM2

CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		11 Months Ended
	13-May-14	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014	Mar. 28, 2015	Feb. 24, 2015	13-May-14
CASH FLOW SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Interest		$510,000	$736,000
Income taxes		5,047,000	13,345,000
Increased Dividend (as a percent)	50.00%
Maximum amount of common stock authorized to repurchase under share repurchase program					250,000,000	500,000,000
Period over which common stock are authorized to repurchase under share repurchase program	12 months
Shares acquired under share repurchase program		598,227		3,309,376
Value of shares acquired under share repurchase program		$72,900,000		$467,900,000

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Basic EPS
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc, basic	$30,739	$55,980
Shares outstanding basic	23,868	26,715
Per share amount basic (in dollars per share)	$1.29	$2.10
Dilutive Effect of Stock Options
Dilutive effect of stock options number of shares	114	235
Dilutive effect of stock options (in dollars per share)	($0.01)	($0.02)
Diluted EPS
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc, diluted	$30,739	$55,980
Shares outstanding dilutive	23,982	26,950
Per share amount diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.28	$2.08
Antidilutive Securities
Outstanding stock options with exercise prices exceeding the market price of common stock, excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	452,103	1,172

BUSINESS_SEGMENTS_Details

BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
	item
Business Segments
Number of reportable segments	4
Maximum percentage of sales of other businesses and activities to consolidated sales as basis for aggregation	10.00%
Net sales	$670,398	$751,740
Operating Income	57,683	98,848
Engineered Infrastructure Products segment:
Business Segments
Net sales	231,319	208,897
Operating Income	11,982	13,709
Utility Support Structures segment
Business Segments
Net sales	176,052	214,232
Operating Income	15,357	32,757
Coatings segment
Business Segments
Net sales	61,813	67,218
Operating Income	10,999	13,886
Irrigation segment
Business Segments
Net sales	154,467	212,724
Operating Income	24,302	43,146
Other
Business Segments
Net sales	46,747	48,669
Operating Income	6,598	8,550
Corporate
Business Segments
Operating Income	-11,555	-13,200
Operating segment
Business Segments
Sales	697,428	796,695
Operating segment | Engineered Infrastructure Products segment:
Business Segments
Sales	238,393	228,462
Operating segment | Engineered Infrastructure Products segment: | Lighting, Traffic, and Roadway Products
Business Segments
Sales	145,267	138,977
Operating segment | Engineered Infrastructure Products segment: | Communication Products
Business Segments
Sales	32,556	29,886
Operating segment | Engineered Infrastructure Products segment: | Offshore Structures
Business Segments
Sales	24,848	17,304
Operating segment | Engineered Infrastructure Products segment: | Access Systems
Business Segments
Sales	35,722	42,295
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures segment
Business Segments
Sales	176,341	214,727
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures segment | Steel
Business Segments
Sales	158,273	191,437
Operating segment | Utility Support Structures segment | Concrete
Business Segments
Sales	18,068	23,290
Operating segment | Coatings segment
Business Segments
Sales	74,360	82,171
Operating segment | Irrigation segment
Business Segments
Sales	154,476	212,733
Operating segment | Other
Business Segments
Sales	53,858	58,602
Intersegment
Business Segments
Sales	27,030	44,955
Intersegment | Engineered Infrastructure Products segment:
Business Segments
Sales	7,074	19,565
Intersegment | Utility Support Structures segment
Business Segments
Sales	289	495
Intersegment | Coatings segment
Business Segments
Sales	12,547	14,953
Intersegment | Irrigation segment
Business Segments
Sales	9	9
Intersegment | Other
Business Segments
Sales	$7,111	$9,933

GUARANTORNONGUARANTOR_FINANCIA2

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 28, 2015	Sep. 22, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Long-term debt:
Parent company's percentage ownership of Guarantors	100.00%
5.00% senior unsecured notes due 2044
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount		$250,000
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)		5.00%
5.25% senior unsecured notes due 2054
Long-term debt:
Aggregate principal amount		250,000
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)		5.25%
6.625% senior unsecured notes due in April 2020
Long-term debt:
Interest rate on notes (as a percent)		6.63%
Debt Repurchase Amount		199,800
Total long-term debt		$250,200

GUARANTORNONGUARANTOR_FINANCIA3

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales	$670,398	$751,740
Cost of sales	504,944	544,758
Gross profit	165,454	206,982
Selling, general and administrative expenses	107,771	108,134
Operating income	57,683	98,848
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-11,128	-8,197
Interest income	874	1,739
Other	1,016	-5,812
Total other income (expenses)	-9,238	-12,270
Earnings before income taxes	48,445	86,578
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	11,774	32,938
Deferred	5,164	-2,923
Total income tax expense (benefit)	16,938	30,015
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	31,507	56,563
Net earnings	31,507	56,563
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-768	-583
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	30,739	55,980
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales	329,131	376,642
Cost of sales	249,867	271,759
Gross profit	79,264	104,883
Selling, general and administrative expenses	48,042	47,790
Operating income	31,222	57,093
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-10,832	-7,675
Interest income	9	20
Other	-649	67
Total other income (expenses)	-11,472	-7,588
Earnings before income taxes	19,750	49,505
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	1,392	19,878
Deferred	5,469	-1,843
Total income tax expense (benefit)	6,861	18,035
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	12,889	31,470
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	17,850	24,510
Net earnings	30,739	55,980
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	30,739	55,980
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales	95,948	135,897
Cost of sales	74,896	99,816
Gross profit	21,052	36,081
Selling, general and administrative expenses	11,297	12,991
Operating income	9,755	23,090
Other income (expense):
Interest income	2	183
Other	-24	-492
Total other income (expenses)	-22	-309
Earnings before income taxes	9,733	22,781
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	4,627	8,054
Deferred	-533	-412
Total income tax expense (benefit)	4,094	7,642
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	5,639	15,139
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	4,305	545
Net earnings	9,944	15,684
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	9,944	15,684
Non-Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales	302,236	300,281
Cost of sales	236,985	234,634
Gross profit	65,251	65,647
Selling, general and administrative expenses	48,432	47,353
Operating income	16,819	18,294
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	-296	-522
Interest income	863	1,536
Other	1,689	-5,387
Total other income (expenses)	2,256	-4,373
Earnings before income taxes	19,075	13,921
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	5,797	4,902
Deferred	228	-668
Total income tax expense (benefit)	6,025	4,234
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	13,050	9,687
Net earnings	13,050	9,687
Less: Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests	-768	-583
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	12,282	9,104
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net sales	-56,917	-61,080
Cost of sales	-56,804	-61,451
Gross profit	-113	371
Operating income	-113	371
Other income (expense):
Earnings before income taxes	-113	371
Income tax expense (benefit):
Current	-42	104
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-42	104
Earnings before equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	-71	267
Equity in earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries	-22,155	-25,055
Net earnings	-22,226	-24,788
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	($22,226)	($24,788)

GUARANTORNONGUARANTOR_FINANCIA4

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	$31,507	$56,563
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)	-58,178	11,637
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Gain on cash flow hedges	294
Amortization cost included in interest expense	18	100
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability		-233
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-57,866	11,504
Comprehensive income (loss)	-26,359	68,067
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,327	88
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	-25,032	68,155
Parent
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	30,739	55,980
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Gain on cash flow hedges	92
Amortization cost included in interest expense	18	100
Equity in other comprehensive income	-55,881	12,075
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-55,771	12,175
Comprehensive income (loss)	-25,032	68,155
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	-25,032	68,155
Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	9,944	15,684
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)	-8,888	1,189
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-8,888	1,189
Comprehensive income (loss)	1,056	16,873
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	1,056	16,873
Non-Guarantors
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	13,050	9,687
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Unrealized translation gain (loss)	-49,290	10,448
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Gain on cash flow hedges	202
Actuarial gain (loss) in defined benefit pension plan liability		-233
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-49,698	10,215
Comprehensive income (loss)	-36,038	19,902
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,327	88
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	-34,711	19,990
Eliminations
Condensed consolidated financial information for the Company (Parent), the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries
Net earnings	-22,226	-24,788
Unrealized gain/(loss) on cash flow hedge:
Equity in other comprehensive income	55,881	-12,075
Other comprehensive income (loss)	55,881	-12,075
Comprehensive income (loss)	33,655	-36,863
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.	$33,655	($36,863)

GUARANTORNONGUARANTOR_FINANCIA5

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 4) (USD $)	Mar. 28, 2015	Dec. 27, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 28, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$318,366	$371,579	$488,195	$613,706
Receivables, net	503,649	536,918
Inventories	379,514	359,522
Prepaid expenses	48,344	56,912
Refundable and deferred income taxes	53,032	68,010
Total current assets	1,302,905	1,392,941
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	1,124,251	1,139,569
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	537,505	533,116
Net property, plant and equipment	586,746	606,453
Goodwill	373,888	385,111
Other intangible assets	189,390	202,004
Other assets	131,201	143,159
Total assets	2,584,130	2,729,668
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	1,070	1,181
Notes payable to banks	14,459	13,952
Accounts payable	189,349	196,565
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	71,188	87,950
Accrued expenses	98,636	88,480
Dividends payable	8,889	9,086
Total current liabilities	383,591	397,214
Deferred income taxes	66,329	71,797
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	765,762	766,654
Defined benefit pension liability	127,708	150,124
Deferred compensation	51,027	47,932
Other noncurrent liabilities	45,849	45,542
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Retained earnings	1,741,252	1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-190,204	-134,433
Treasury stock	-481,039	-410,296
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,097,909	1,201,833
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	45,955	48,572
Total shareholders' equity	1,143,864	1,250,405	1,619,803	1,544,846
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	2,584,130	2,729,668
Parent
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	25,571	69,869	81,941	215,576
Receivables, net	163,095	158,316
Inventories	122,962	127,859
Prepaid expenses	4,806	7,087
Refundable and deferred income taxes	39,909	53,307
Total current assets	356,343	416,438
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	561,174	556,658
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	326,839	319,899
Net property, plant and equipment	234,335	236,759
Goodwill	20,108	20,108
Other intangible assets	279	292
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	1,405,751	1,446,989
Other assets	49,615	46,587
Total assets	2,066,431	2,167,173
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	213	213
Accounts payable	64,251	59,893
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	32,270	48,169
Accrued expenses	44,316	32,616
Dividends payable	8,889	9,086
Total current liabilities	149,939	149,977
Deferred income taxes	3,906	5,584
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	759,682	759,895
Deferred compensation	45,121	41,803
Other noncurrent liabilities	9,874	8,081
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	27,900	27,900
Retained earnings	1,741,252	1,718,662
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-190,204	-134,433
Treasury stock	-481,039	-410,296
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,097,909	1,201,833
Total shareholders' equity	1,097,909	1,201,833
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	2,066,431	2,167,173
Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	1,367	2,157	26,608	29,797
Receivables, net	61,818	68,414
Inventories	65,221	54,914
Prepaid expenses	753	502
Refundable and deferred income taxes	6,397	6,194
Total current assets	135,556	132,181
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	125,618	124,182
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	67,383	65,493
Net property, plant and equipment	58,235	58,689
Goodwill	107,542	107,542
Other intangible assets	42,439	43,644
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	821,802	825,236
Total assets	1,165,574	1,167,292
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	13,709	15,151
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	4,359	5,385
Accrued expenses	6,077	6,052
Total current liabilities	24,145	26,588
Deferred income taxes	28,658	28,988
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	457,950	457,950
Additional paid-in capital	150,286	150,286
Retained earnings	562,619	552,676
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-58,084	-49,196
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity	1,112,771	1,111,716
Total shareholders' equity	1,112,771	1,111,716
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,165,574	1,167,292
Non-Guarantors
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	291,428	299,553	379,646	368,333
Receivables, net	278,736	310,188
Inventories	194,400	177,512
Prepaid expenses	42,785	49,323
Refundable and deferred income taxes	6,726	8,509
Total current assets	814,075	845,085
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	437,459	458,729
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	143,283	147,724
Net property, plant and equipment	294,176	311,005
Goodwill	246,238	257,461
Other intangible assets	146,672	158,068
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	896,850	887,055
Other assets	81,586	96,572
Total assets	2,479,597	2,555,246
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	857	968
Notes payable to banks	14,459	13,952
Accounts payable	111,389	121,521
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	34,559	34,396
Accrued expenses	48,243	49,812
Total current liabilities	209,507	220,649
Deferred income taxes	33,765	37,225
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	6,080	6,759
Defined benefit pension liability	127,708	150,124
Deferred compensation	5,906	6,129
Other noncurrent liabilities	35,975	37,461
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	648,682	648,682
Additional paid-in capital	1,098,408	1,098,408
Retained earnings	409,583	397,302
Accumulated other comprehensive income	-141,972	-96,065
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity	2,014,701	2,048,327
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiaries	45,955	48,572
Total shareholders' equity	2,060,656	2,096,899
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	2,479,597	2,555,246
Eliminations
Current assets:
Inventories	-3,069	-763
Total current assets	-3,069	-763
Investment in subsidiaries and intercompany accounts	-3,124,403	-3,159,280
Total assets	-3,127,472	-3,160,043
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock of $1 par value	-1,106,632	-1,106,632
Additional paid-in capital	-1,248,694	-1,248,694
Retained earnings	-972,202	-949,978
Accumulated other comprehensive income	200,056	145,261
Total Valmont Industries, Inc. shareholders' equity	-3,127,472	-3,160,043
Total shareholders' equity	-3,127,472	-3,160,043
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	($3,127,472)	($3,160,043)

GUARANTORNONGUARANTOR_FINANCIA6

GUARANTOR/NON-GUARANTOR FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 28, 2015	Mar. 29, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$31,507	$56,563
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	23,901	19,601
Loss on investment	4,415	3,386
Stock-based compensation	1,761	1,880
Defined benefit pension plan expense	-150	662
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	-15,735	-17,484
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-136	-127
Deferred income taxes	5,164	-2,923
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	18,584	31,668
Inventories	-27,041	-37,911
Prepaid expenses	4,954	-9,148
Accounts payable	-1,261	-12,471
Accrued expenses	-5,324	-29,889
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,684	1,551
Income taxes payable (refundable)	13,205	16,559
Net cash flows from operating activities	55,528	21,917
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-16,615	-23,526
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		-120,483
Proceeds from sale of assets	185	1,391
Other, net	2,930	-990
Net cash flows from investing activities	-13,500	-143,608
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	1,155	-4,056
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	-224	-63
Dividends paid	-9,086	-6,706
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	-1,290	-351
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	1,760	7,860
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	345	2,296
Purchase of treasury shares	-72,900
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	-2,156	-8,574
Net cash flows from financing activities	-82,396	-9,594
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-12,845	5,774
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-53,213	-125,511
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	371,579	613,706
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	318,366	488,195
Parent
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	30,739	55,980
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	7,478	6,041
Stock-based compensation	1,761	1,880
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-13	-9
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	-17,850	-24,510
Deferred income taxes	5,469	-1,843
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	-4,779	-13,949
Inventories	4,897	-20,723
Prepaid expenses	2,282	286
Accounts payable	4,358	9,294
Accrued expenses	-2,966	-22,614
Other noncurrent liabilities	1,834	2,104
Income taxes payable (refundable)	6,252	16,640
Net cash flows from operating activities	39,462	8,577
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-4,995	-11,282
Proceeds from sale of assets	15	19
Other, net	3,257	17,175
Net cash flows from investing activities	-1,723	5,912
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	-9,086	-6,706
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		-143,000
Proceeds from exercises under stock plans	1,760	7,860
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	345	2,296
Purchase of treasury shares	-72,900
Purchase of common treasury shares - stock plan exercises	-2,156	-8,574
Net cash flows from financing activities	-82,037	-148,124
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-44,298	-133,635
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	69,869	215,576
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	25,571	81,941
Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	9,944	15,684
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	3,151	3,278
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-10	-77
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	-4,305	-545
Deferred income taxes	-533	-412
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	6,595	24,027
Inventories	-10,307	2,753
Prepaid expenses	-251	89
Accounts payable	-1,442	-1,175
Accrued expenses	-1,001	-9,943
Income taxes payable (refundable)	-4	586
Net cash flows from operating activities	1,837	34,265
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-1,492	-1,767
Proceeds from sale of assets	19	77
Other, net	-1,130	-36,918
Net cash flows from investing activities	-2,603	-38,608
Cash flows from financing activities:
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-24	1,154
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-790	-3,189
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	2,157	29,797
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	1,367	26,608
Non-Guarantors
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	13,050	9,687
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Depreciation and amortization	13,272	10,282
Loss on investment	4,415	3,386
Defined benefit pension plan expense	-150	662
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan	-15,735	-17,484
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	-113	-41
Deferred income taxes	228	-668
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Receivables	16,768	21,590
Inventories	-21,631	-19,941
Prepaid expenses	2,923	-9,523
Accounts payable	-4,177	-20,590
Accrued expenses	-1,357	2,668
Other noncurrent liabilities	-150	-553
Income taxes payable (refundable)	6,957	-667
Net cash flows from operating activities	14,300	-21,192
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-10,128	-10,477
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		-120,483
Proceeds from sale of assets	151	1,295
Other, net	732	19,020
Net cash flows from investing activities	-9,245	-110,645
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net borrowings under short-term agreements	1,155	-4,056
Principal payments on long-term borrowings	-224	-63
Dividends to noncontrolling interest	-1,290	-351
Proceeds from sale of partial ownership interest		143,000
Net cash flows from financing activities	-359	138,530
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-12,821	4,620
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	-8,125	11,313
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year	299,553	368,333
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period	291,428	379,646
Eliminations
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	-22,226	-24,788
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash flows from operations:
Equity in earnings in nonconsolidated subsidiaries	22,155	25,055
Changes in assets and liabilities (net of acquisitions):
Net cash flows from operating activities	-71	267
Cash flows from investing activities:
Other, net	71	-267
Net cash flows from investing activities	$71	($267)