Lincoln Electric (LECO) 10-K 27 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS INC
Entity Central Index Key	59,527
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 5,556,447,259
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		63,238,446
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net sales	$ 3,028,674	$ 2,624,431	$ 2,274,614
Cost of goods sold	2,000,153	1,749,324	1,488,055
Gross profit	1,028,521	875,107	786,559
Selling, general & administrative expenses	627,697	541,225	468,597
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (Notes 5 and 7)	25,285	6,590	0
Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary (Note 1)	0	0	34,348
Bargain purchase gain (Note 4)	0	(49,650)	0
Operating income	375,539	376,942	283,614
Other income (expense):
Interest income	6,938	4,788	2,092
Interest expense	(24,503)	(24,220)	(19,079)
Total other income (expense)	10,686	8,726	10,761
Interest Income (Expense), Net	17,565	19,432	16,987
Income before income taxes	368,660	366,236	277,388
Income taxes (Note 14)	81,667	118,761	79,015
Net income including non-controlling interests	286,993	247,475	198,373
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' loss	(73)	(28)	(26)
Net income	$ 287,066	$ 247,503	$ 198,399
Basic earnings per share	$ 4.42	$ 3.76	$ 2.94
Diluted earnings per share	4.37	3.71	2.91
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.64	$ 1.44	$ 1.31

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income including non-controlling interests	$ 286,993	$ 247,475	$ 198,373
Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $346 in 2018; $17 in 2017; $(21) in 2016	819	288	39
Defined pension plan activity, net of tax of $1,681 in 2018, $19,252 in 2017; $4,297 in 2016	3,228	10,662	3,837
Currency translation adjustment	(50,693)	71,016	(36,752)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(46,646)	81,966	(32,876)
Comprehensive income	240,347	329,441	165,497
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to non-controlling interests	(166)	87	(132)
Comprehensive income attributable to shareholders	240,513	329,354	165,629
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $346 in 2018; $17 in 2017; $(21) in 2016	819	288	39
Defined pension plan activity, net of tax of $1,681 in 2018, $19,252 in 2017; $4,297 in 2016	3,228	10,662	3,837
Currency translation adjustment	$ (50,600)	$ 70,901	$ (36,646)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Parenthetical - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, tax	$ (346)	$ 17	$ (21)
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, tax	$ 1,681	$ 19,252	$ 4,297

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 358,849	$ 326,701
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,827 in 2018; $15,943 in 2017)	396,885	395,279
Inventories
Raw materials	103,820	97,577
Work-in-process	53,950	50,695
Finished goods	204,059	200,395
Inventories (Note 17)	361,829	348,667
Marketable Securities	0	179,125
Other current assets	120,236	123,836
Total Current Assets	1,237,799	1,373,608
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 1)	478,801	477,031
Other Assets
Intangibles, net (Note 5)	147,946	127,452
Goodwill (Note 5)	281,294	234,582
Deferred income taxes	20,395	15,937
Other non-current assets	183,590	177,937
TOTAL ASSETS	2,349,825	2,406,547
Current Liabilities
Amounts due banks (Note 9)	0	2,020
Trade accounts payable	268,600	269,763
Accrued employee compensation and benefits	94,202	91,902
Dividends payable	29,867	25,608
Customer Advances	17,023	19,683
Other current liabilities	128,379	119,655
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)	111	111
Total Current Liabilities	538,182	528,742
Long-Term Liabilities
Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 9)	702,549	704,136
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)	45,985	40,716
Other long-term liabilities	175,517	200,500
Liabilities	1,462,233	1,474,094
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred shares, without par value – at stated capital amount; authorized – 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding – none	0	0
Common shares, without par value – at stated capital amount; authorized – 240,000,000 shares; issued – 98,581,434 shares in 2018 and 2017; outstanding – 63,545,878 shares in 2018 and 65,662,546 shares in 2017	9,858	9,858
Additional paid-in capital	360,308	334,309
Retained earnings	2,564,440	2,388,219
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(293,739)	(247,186)
Treasury shares, at cost – 35,035,556 shares in 2018 and 32,918,888 shares in 2017	(1,753,925)	(1,553,563)
Total Shareholders' Equity	886,942	931,637
Noncontrolling interests	650	816
Total Equity	887,592	932,453
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 2,349,825	$ 2,406,547

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$ 12,827	$ 15,943
Preferred shares, authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred shares, issued	0	0
Preferred shares, outstanding	0	0
Common shares, authorized	240,000,000	240,000,000
Common shares, issued	98,581,434	98,581,434
Common shares, outstanding	63,545,878	65,662,546
Treasury shares	35,035,556	32,918,888

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUI

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Shares	Noncontrolling Interests
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 932,448	$ 9,858	$ 272,908	$ 2,125,838	$ (296,267)	$ (1,180,750)	$ 861
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015		70,693,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	198,373			198,399			(26)
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	3,837				3,837
Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	39				39
Currency translation adjustment	(36,752)				(36,646)		(106)
Cash dividends declared - $1.64, $1.44, and $1.31 per share during the year 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively	(88,166)			(88,166)
Stock-based compensation activity	44,430		36,509			7,921
Issuance of shares under benefit plans (in shares)		843,000
Purchase of shares for treasury	(342,003)					(342,003)
Purchase of shares for treasury (in shares)		(5,862,000)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	712,206	$ 9,858	309,417	2,236,071	(329,037)	(1,514,832)	729
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016		65,674,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	247,475			247,503			(28)
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	10,662				10,662
Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	288				288
Currency translation adjustment	71,016				70,901		115
Cash dividends declared - $1.64, $1.44, and $1.31 per share during the year 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively	(95,355)			(95,355)
Stock-based compensation activity	29,325		24,892			4,433
Issuance of shares under benefit plans (in shares)		470,000
Purchase of shares for treasury	(43,164)					(43,164)
Purchase of shares for treasury (in shares)		(481,000)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 932,453	$ 9,858	334,309	2,388,219	(247,186)	(1,553,563)	816
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	65,662,546	65,663,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Net income	$ 286,993			287,066			(73)
Unrecognized amounts from defined benefit pension plans, net of tax	3,228				3,228
Unrealized gain on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, net of tax	819				819
Currency translation adjustment	(50,693)				(50,600)		(93)
Cash dividends declared - $1.64, $1.44, and $1.31 per share during the year 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively	(106,802)			(106,802)
Stock-based compensation activity	23,244		21,956			1,288
Issuance of shares under benefit plans (in shares)		158,000
Purchase of shares for treasury	$ (201,650)					(201,650)
Purchase of shares for treasury (in shares)	(2,251,350)	(2,275,000)
Stockholders' Equity, Other	$ 0		4,043	(4,043)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 887,592	$ 9,858	$ 360,308	$ 2,564,440	$ (293,739)	$ (1,753,925)	$ 650
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018	63,545,878	63,546,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQ_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.64	$ 1.44	$ 1.31

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 287,066	$ 247,503	$ 198,399
Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries' (loss) earnings	(73)	(28)	(26)
Net income including non-controlling interests	286,993	247,475	198,373
Adjustments to reconcile Net income including non-controlling interests to Net cash provided by operating activities:
Rationalization and asset impairment net (gains) charges (Notes 5 and 7)	(5,978)	1,441	0
Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary	0	0	34,348
Bargain purchase gain (Note 4)	0	(49,650)	0
Net impact of U.S. Tax Act (Note 14)	399	28,616	0
Depreciation and amortization	72,346	68,115	65,073
Equity earnings in affiliates, net	(3,034)	(337)	(261)
Deferred income taxes (Note 14)	1,490	4,058	(9,805)
Stock-based compensation (Note 10)	18,554	12,698	10,332
Pension expense, settlements and curtailments	3,068	2,517	13,988
Other, net	(11,002)	1,402	(26,560)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Increase in accounts receivable	(4,061)	(16,811)	(12,314)
(Increase) decrease in inventories	(23,904)	19,448	14,601
Decrease (increase) in other current assets	1,324	(8,143)	1,532
Increase in trade accounts payable	3,636	17,871	29,627
Decrease in other current liabilities	(13,657)	(13)	(9,286)
Net change in other assets and liabilities	2,978	6,158	2,909
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	329,152	334,845	312,557
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(71,246)	(61,656)	(49,877)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (Note 4)	(101,792)	(72,468)	(71,567)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment	16,755	2,301	1,127
Purchase of marketable securities	(268,335)	(205,584)	(38,920)
Proceeds from marketable securities	447,459	65,380	0
Other investing activities	(2,000)	0	(709)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED BY) INVESTING ACTIVITIES	20,841	(272,027)	(159,946)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	0	0	1,892
Payments on short-term borrowings	0	0	(1,822)
Amounts due banks, net	(835)	(491)	1,469
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	0	34	350,261
Payments on long-term borrowings	(107)	(39)	(481)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	4,690	16,627	25,049
Purchase of shares for treasury	(201,650)	(43,164)	(342,003)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(102,058)	(92,452)	(87,330)
Other Financing Activities	(2,170)	(15,552)	(19,043)
NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(302,130)	(135,037)	(72,008)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(15,715)	19,741	(5,607)
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	32,148	(52,478)	74,996
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR	358,849	326,701
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	$ 358,849	$ 326,701	$ 379,179

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest (the "Company") after elimination of all inter-company accounts, transactions and profits. General Information The Company is a manufacturer of welding, cutting and brazing products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes and welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. The Company's product offering also includes computer numeric controlled ("CNC") plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. In addition, the Company has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. Translation of Foreign Currencies Asset and liability accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the dates of the Consolidated Balance Sheets; revenue and expense accounts are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Translation adjustments are reflected as a component of Total equity. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, both historical and current exchange rates are used in translating balance sheet accounts and translation adjustments are included in Net income. The translation of assets and liabilities originally denominated in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is for consolidation purposes, and does not necessarily indicate that the Company could realize or settle the reported value of those assets and liabilities in U.S. dollars. Additionally, such a translation does not necessarily indicate that the Company could return or distribute the reported U.S. dollar value of the net equity of its foreign operations to shareholders. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in Selling, general & administrative expenses and were gains of $4,885 , $5,654 and $3,741 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Venezuela – Deconsolidation Effective June 30, 2016, the Company determined that deteriorating conditions in Venezuela had led the Company to no longer meet the accounting criteria for control over its Venezuelan subsidiary. The restrictive exchange controls in Venezuela and the lack of access to U.S. dollars through official currency exchange mechanisms resulted in an other-than-temporary lack of exchangeability between the Venezuela bolivar and the U.S. dollar, and restricted the Venezuela operations ability to pay dividends and satisfy other obligations denominated in U.S. dollars. Additionally, other operating restrictions including government controls on pricing, profits, imports and restrictive labor laws significantly impacted the Company’s ability to make key operational decisions, including the ability to manage its capital structure, purchasing, product pricing and labor relations. Therefore, as of June 30, 2016, the Company deconsolidated the financial statements of its subsidiary in Venezuela and began reporting the results under the cost method of accounting. As a result of the deconsolidation, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $34,348 ( $33,251 after-tax) in the second quarter of 2016. The pretax charge includes the write-off of the Company’s investment in Venezuela, including all inter-company balances and $283 of Cash and cash equivalents. Additionally, the charge includes foreign currency translation losses and pension losses previously included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Beginning July 1, 2016, the Company no longer includes the results of the Venezuelan subsidiary in its consolidated financial statements. Under the cost method of accounting, if cash were to be received from the Venezuela entity in future periods from the sale of inventory, dividends or royalties, income would be recognized. The Company does not anticipate dividend or royalty payments being made in the foreseeable future and has no outstanding receivables or payables with the Venezuelan entity. The factors that led to the Company’s conclusion to deconsolidate at June 30, 2016 continued to exist through December 31, 2018. The Company expects these conditions to continue for the foreseeable future. Subsequent to the deconsolidation under the voting interest consolidation model, the Company determined that the Venezuelan subsidiary is considered to be a variable interest entity ("VIE"). As the Company does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the Venezuela subsidiary's economic performance, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the VIE and therefore would not consolidate the entity under the VIE consolidation model. Due to the lack of ability to settle U.S. dollar obligations, the Company does not intend to sell into nor purchase inventory from the Venezuela entity at this time. Additionally, the Company has no remaining financial commitments to the Venezuelan subsidiary and therefore believes the exposure to future losses are not material. Prior to deconsolidation, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation had been reported under highly inflationary accounting rules since January 1, 2010. Under highly inflationary accounting, the financial statements of the Company’s Venezuelan operation had been remeasured into the Company’s reporting currency and exchange gains and losses from the remeasurement of monetary assets and liabilities were reflected in current earnings. Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Accounts Receivable The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses from the failure of its customers to make required payments for products delivered. The Company estimates this allowance based on the age of the related receivable, knowledge of the financial condition of customers, review of historical receivables and reserve trends and other pertinent information. If the financial condition of customers deteriorates or an unfavorable trend in receivable collections is experienced in the future, additional allowances may be required. Historically, the Company's reserves have approximated actual experience. Marketable Securities The Company's marketable securities consist of short-term highly liquid investments classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value using quoted market prices for similar assets at the end of the reporting period. Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. Cost for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories is determined on a last-in, first-out (“ LIFO”) basis. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , approximately 37% and 32% of total inventories, respectively, were valued using the LIFO method. Cost of other inventories is determined by costing methods that approximate a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Refer to Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. The reserve for excess and obsolete inventory was $24,502 and $27,544 at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Prepaid Expenses Prepaid expenses include prepaid insurance, prepaid rent, prepaid service contracts and other prepaid items. Prepaid expenses are included in Other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and amounted to $17,078 and $15,599 at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Equity Investments Investments in businesses which the Company does not own a majority interest and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. The Company's 50% ownership interest in equity investments includes investments in Turkey and Chile. The amount of retained earnings that represents undistributed earnings of 50% or less owned equity investments was $22,704 and $19,670 at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and include improvements which significantly increase capacities or extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment. Depreciation and amortization are computed using a straight-line method over useful lives ranging from three to 20 years for machinery, tools and equipment, and up to 40 years for buildings. Net gains or losses related to asset dispositions are recognized in earnings in the period in which dispositions occur. Routine maintenance, repairs and replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes interest costs associated with long-term construction in progress. Property, plant and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is comprised of the following components: December 31, 2018 2017 Land $ 61,784 $ 66,653 Buildings 414,698 421,722 Machinery and equipment 781,136 776,436 1,257,618 1,264,811 Less accumulated depreciation 778,817 787,780 Total $ 478,801 $ 477,031 Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Intangible assets other than goodwill are recorded at fair value at the time acquired or at cost, if applicable. Intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives are amortized in line with the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. If the pattern of economic benefit cannot be reliably determined, the intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the legal or estimated life. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment in the fourth quarter using the same dates each year or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicate potential impairment. In performing the annual impairment test, the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to its carrying value and an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. For goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. For quantitative testing, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Fair values are determined using established business valuation techniques and models developed by the Company, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions, actual growth below the assumed market participant assumptions or an increase in the discount rate could result in an impairment charge in a future period. Refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Long-Lived Assets The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its depreciable long-lived assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by the long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset is determined to be impaired, a loss is recognized to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value. Fair value is measured based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows. Refer to Notes 5 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Fair Value Measurements Financial assets and liabilities, such as the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets and derivative contracts, are valued at fair value using the market and income valuation approaches. Fair value is defined as 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 (exit price). The following hierarchy is used to classify the inputs that measure fair value: Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include: • Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; • Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; • Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and • Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. If the asset or liability has a specific (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Refer to Notes 12 and 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Product Warranties The Company accrues for product warranty claims based on historical experience and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty service. Warranty services are generally provided for periods up to three years from the date of sale. The accrual for product warranty claims is included in Other current liabilities. Refer to Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 (“Topic 606”) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historic accounting. The cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of Topic 606 to be material to the consolidated financial statements on an ongoing basis. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied and control is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. The Company recognizes any discounts, credits, returns, rebates and incentive programs based on reasonable estimates as a reduction of sales to arrive at Net sales at the same time the related revenue is recorded. Taxes collected by the Company, including sales tax and value add tax, are excluded from Net sales. The Company recognizes freight billed as a component of Net sales and shipping costs as a component of Cost of goods sold when control transfers to the customer. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is generally one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. The Company does not offer any payment terms that would meet the requirements for consideration as a financing component under Topic 606. Distribution Costs Distribution costs, including warehousing and freight related to product shipments, are included in Cost of goods sold. Stock-Based Compensation Expense is recognized for all awards of stock-based compensation by allocating the aggregate grant date fair value over the vesting period. No expense is recognized for any stock options, restricted or deferred shares or restricted stock units ultimately forfeited because the recipients fail to meet vesting requirements. Common stock issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options is excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share when the calculation of option equivalent shares is anti-dilutive. Refer to Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates, commodity prices and currency exchange rate fluctuations on certain purchase and sales transactions, balance sheet and net investment exposures. Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis, but may cover exposures for up to two years while interest rate contracts may cover longer periods consistent with the terms of the underlying debt. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company formally documents the relationship of the hedge with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy for all designated hedges. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued. The cash flows from settled derivative contracts are recognized in Net cash provided by operating activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments. Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages individual counterparty exposure by monitoring the credit rating of the counterparty and the size of financial commitments and exposures between the Company and the counterparty. Cash flow hedges Certain foreign currency forward contracts are qualified and designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the fair value unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") with offsetting amounts recorded as Other current assets, Other assets, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities depending on the position and the duration of the contract. At settlement, the realized gain or loss is recorded in Cost of goods sold or Net sales for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion on cash flow hedges is recognized in current earnings. Fair value hedges Certain interest rate swap agreements were qualified and designated as fair value hedges. The interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges meet the shortcut method requirements under accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these agreements are considered to exactly offset changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt. Changes in fair value are recorded in Other assets or Other liabilities with offsetting amounts recorded as a fair value adjustment to the carrying value of Long-term debt, less current portion. Net investment hedges For derivative instruments that qualify as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the fair value gains or losses are recognized in AOCI with offsetting amounts recorded as Other current assets, Other assets, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities depending on the position and the duration of the contract. The gains or losses are subsequently reclassified to Selling, general and administrative expenses, as the underlying hedged investment is liquidated. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts which are not designated as hedges. These derivatives are held as hedges of certain balance sheet exposures. The gains or losses on t hese contracts are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged. Refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to Selling, general & administrative expenses as incurred and totaled $54,168 , $47,899 and $44,720 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Bonus Included in Selling, general & administrative expenses are the costs related to the Company's discretionary employee bonus programs, which for certain U.S.-based employees are net of hospitalization costs. Bonus costs were $123,799 , $97,392 and $83,620 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the GAAP and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Provisions of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax Act") became effective for the Company in 2018. The Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) provision generates a deduction against the Company’s U.S. taxable income for U.S. earnings derived offshore that utilize intangibles held by the Company in the U.S. Conversely, the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provision requires the Company to subject to U.S. taxation a portion of its foreign subsidiary earnings that exceed an allowable return. The Company has elected to treat any GILTI inclusion as a period expense in the year incurred. Refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Acquisitions Upon acquisition of a business, the Company uses the income, market or cost approach (or a combination thereof) for the valuation as appropriate. The valuation inputs in these models and analyses are based on market participant assumptions. Market participants are considered to be buyers and sellers unrelated to the Company in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value estimates are based on a series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. Management values property, plant and equipment using the cost approach supported where available by observable market data, which includes consideration of obsolescence. Management values acquired intangible assets using the relief from royalty method, a form of the income approach supported by observable market data for peer companies. Acquired inventories are marked to fair value. For certain items, the carrying value is determined to be a reasonable approximation of fair value based on information available to the Company. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Reclassification Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to current year classifications. New Accounting Pronouncements The following section provides a description of new ASUs issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that are applicable to the Company. The following ASUs were adopted as of January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements unless otherwise described within the table below: Standard Description ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities , issued August 2017. ASU 2017-12 provides updated guidance to more closely align hedge accounting with a company's risk management strategy, to simplify the application of hedge accounting and to better portray the economic results of hedging instruments in the financial statements. The Company early adopted the ASU on January 1, 2018. ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Period Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost , issued March 2017. ASU 2017-07 requires an entity to report the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs. The other components of the net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of any subtotal of operating income. Additionally, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in assets. The impact of the adoption resulted in the reclassification of the other components of net periodic benefit cost from Cost of goods sold and Selling, general and administrative expenses to Other income (expense). The reclassification resulted in a decrease in Operating income of $769 as a result of increases in Cost of goods sold of $5,219 and Selling, general & administrative expenses of $3,700 partially offset by a decrease in Pension settlement charges of $8,150 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The reclassification resulted in a decrease in Operating income of $4,660 as a result of a increases in Cost of goods sold of $2,739 and Selling, general and administrative expenses of $1,921 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further details. ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, issued January 2017. ASU 2017-01 provides updated guidance for evaluating whether certain transactions should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of an asset or a business. ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash , issued November 2016. ASU 2016-18 requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , issued October 2016. ASU 2016-16 requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , issued August 2016. ASU 2016-15 reduces existing diversity in practice by addressing eight specific cash flow issues related to how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) issued May 2014 and ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , issued August 2015. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also specifies the accounting of some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands the disclosure requirements around contracts with customers. ASU 2015-14 deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of that date. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further details. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements of the following ASUs: Standard Description ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) , issued August 2018. ASU 2018-14 modifies disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The ASU also requires an entity to disclose the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and to explain the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation. The ASU is effective January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 944) , issued August 2018. ASU 2018-13 eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The ASU impacts various elements of fair value disclosure, including but not limited to, changes in unrealized gains or losses, significant unobservable inputs and measurement uncertainty. The ASU is effective January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) , issued February 2018. ASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Act (as defined within Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements). The ASU only applies to the income tax effects of the U.S. Tax Act, all other existing guidance remains the same. The ASU is effective January 1, 2019, early adoption is permitted and the ASU should be applied retrospectively to each period impacted by the U.S. Tax Act. ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , issued February 2016 ASU 2016-02 ("Topic 842") aims to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing a right of use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a lease term greater than twelve months. Topic 842 also requires the disclosure of key information about leasing agreements. The Company adopted Topic 842 on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition option of applying the new standard at the adoption date. The Company also elected the package of practical expedients, which among other things, allows it to not reassess the identification, classification and initial direct costs of leases commencing before the effective date of Topic 842.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	REVENUE RECOGNITION The following table presents the Company's Net sales disaggregated by product line: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Consumables $ 1,755,652 Equipment 1,273,022 Net sales $ 3,028,674 Consumable sales consist of electrodes, fluxes, specialty welding consumables and brazing and soldering alloys. Equipment sales consist of arc welding power sources, welding accessories, fabrication, plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, CNC plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. Consumable and Equipment products are sold within each of the Company’s operating segments. Substantially all of the Company's sales arrangements are short-term in nature involving a single performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenue when the performance obligation is satisfied and control of the product is transferred to the customer based upon shipping terms. Within the Equipment product line, there are certain customer contracts related to automation products that may include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the Company allocates revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. The Company generally determines the standalone selling price based on the prices charged to customers or using expected cost plus margin. In addition, certain customized automation performance obligations within the Equipment product line, are accounted for over time. Under this method, revenue recognition is primarily based upon the ratio of costs incurred to date compared with estimated total costs to complete. The cumulative impact of revisions to total estimated costs is reflected in the period of the change, including anticipated losses. Less than 10% of the Company's Net sales are recognized over time. At December 31, 2018 , the Company recorded $17,023 related to advance customer payments and $17,013 related to billings in excess of revenue recognized. These contract liabilities are included in Other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At January 1, 2018, the balances related to advance customer payments and billings in excess of revenue recognized were $19,683 and $11,132 , respectively. Substantially all of the Company’s contract liabilities are recognized within twelve months based on contract duration. The Company records an asset for contracts where it has recognized revenue, but has not yet invoiced the customer for goods or services. At December 31, 2018 and January 1, 2018, $25,032 and $22,229 , respectively, related to these future customer receivables was included in Other current assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Contract asset amounts are expected to be billed within the next twelve months.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income $ 287,066 $ 247,503 $ 198,399 Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 64,886 65,739 67,462 Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards 796 904 694 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 65,682 66,643 68,156 Basic earnings per share $ 4.42 $ 3.76 $ 2.94 Diluted earnings per share $ 4.37 $ 3.71 $ 2.91 For the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , common shares subject to equity-based awards of 324,688 , 157,033 and 774,502 , respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect of their exercise would be anti-dilutive.

ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
ACQUISITIONS	ACQUISITIONS During December 2018, the Company acquired the soldering business of Worthington Industries (“Worthington”). The Worthington business, based in Winston Salem, North Carolina, broadens the Harris Products Group’s portfolio of industry-leading consumables with the addition of premium solders and fluxes. Also during December 2018, the Company acquired Coldwater Machine Company (“Coldwater”) and Pro Systems. Coldwater, based in Coldwater, Ohio, is a flexible automation integrator and precision machining and assembly manufacturer serving diverse end markets. Pro Systems, based in Churubusco, Indiana, is an automation systems designer and integrator serving automotive, industrial, electrical and medical applications. The acquisitions accelerate growth and expand the Company’s industry-leading portfolio of automated cutting and joining solutions. Also during December 2018, the Company acquired Inovatech Engineering Corporation (“Inovatech”). Inovatech, based in Ontario, Canada, is a manufacturer of advanced robotic plasma cutting solutions for structural steel applications. The acquisition scales our automated cutting solutions and application expertise and supports long-term growth in that market. During July 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of Air Liquide Welding, a subsidiary of Air Liquide. The agreed upon purchase price was $135,123 , which was adjusted for certain debt like obligations, for a net purchase price of $61,953 , net of cash acquired. The primary debt like obligation was a pension liability. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination. The funding of the cash portion of the purchase price and acquisition costs was provided for with available cash. The complementary business enhanced the Company’s global specialty consumables portfolio and extended its channel reach for equipment systems and cutting, soldering and brazing solutions in Europe. The acquisition also offered European customers more comprehensive welding solutions, greater technical application expertise and improved service levels. The fair value of the net assets acquired exceeded the purchase consideration by $49,650 , resulting in a bargain purchase gain at acquisition, which is included in Bargain purchase gain in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company believes that the bargain purchase gain was primarily the result of the divestiture by Air Liquide of the welding business, which was outside Air Liquide’s core business, as part of an overall repositioning of its core business. The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation for the Air Liquide Welding acquisition: Assets acquired and liabilities assumed As of July 31, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 89,442 Inventory (1) 97,803 Property, plant and equipment (2) 73,056 Intangible assets (3) 11,715 Accounts payable (65,640 ) Pension liability (67,563 ) Bargain purchase gain (49,650 ) Net other assets and liabilities (4) (27,210 ) Total purchase price, net of cash acquired (5) $ 61,953 (1) Inventories acquired were sold in 2017 resulting in a $4,578 increase in cost of sales for the amortization of step up in the value of acquired inventories. (2) Property, plant and equipment acquired includes a number of manufacturing and distribution sites, including the related facilities, land and leased sites, and machinery and equipment for use in manufacturing operations. (3) $7,099 of the intangible asset balance was assigned to a trade name expected to have an indefinite life. Of the remaining amount, $1,183 was assigned to a finite-lived trade name ( 10 year weighted average useful life) and $3,433 was assigned to other intangible assets ( 9 year weighted average life). (4) Consists primarily of other accrued liabilities. (5) Reflects a receivable from seller for an agreed upon purchase price adjustment. The payment of $10,983 was received in the first quarter of 2018. In 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $4,498 and $15,002 , respectively, in acquisition transaction and integration costs related to the acquisition of Air Liquide Welding. Such costs were expensed as incurred and are included in the "Selling, general and administrative expenses" line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Beginning August 1, 2017, the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income include the results of the Air Liquide Welding businesses, including sales revenue of $182 million through December 31, 2017. The impact on net income in the year ended December 31, 2017 from Air Liquide Welding businesses was immaterial. During May 2016, the Company acquired Vizient Manufacturing Solutions ("Vizient"). Vizient, based in Bettendorf, Iowa, is a robotic integrator specializing in custom engineered tooling and automated arc welding systems for general and heavy fabrication applications. The acquisition assisted in diversifying end-market exposure and broadening global growth opportunities. Pro forma information related to the acquisitions discussed above has not been presented because the impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income is not material. Acquired companies are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES	GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Americas Welding International Welding The Harris Products Group Consolidated Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 196,378 $ 23,664 $ 11,877 $ 231,919 Additions and adjustments (1) (76 ) — (301 ) (377 ) Impairment charges (2) (1,091 ) — — (1,091 ) Foreign currency translation 2,048 2,003 80 4,131 Balance as of December 31, 2017 197,259 25,667 11,656 234,582 Additions and adjustments (3) 44,408 1,224 6,525 52,157 Foreign currency translation (2,452 ) (2,643 ) (350 ) (5,445 ) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 239,215 $ 24,248 $ 17,831 $ 281,294 (1) Adjustments to Harris Products Group include the tax benefit attributable to the amortization of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill recorded for financial reporting purposes. (2) The Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test, using a combination of income and market valuation approaches, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. (3) Additions to Americas Welding reflect goodwill recognized in the acquisitions of Coldwater, Pro Systems and Inovatech in 2018. Additions to The Harris Products Group reflect goodwill recognized in the acquisition of Worthington in 2018. Gross carrying values and accumulated amortization of intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Intangible assets not subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names $ 23,385 $ 24,235 Intangible assets subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names $ 50,458 $ 26,357 $ 41,203 $ 24,147 Customer relationships 113,837 52,518 93,139 47,175 Patents 26,848 13,307 27,777 12,978 Other 60,373 34,773 57,351 31,953 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 251,516 $ 126,955 $ 219,470 $ 116,253 During 2018, the Company acquired intangible assets either individually or as part of a group of assets, with an initial purchase price allocation and weighted-average lives as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Purchase Price Allocation Weighted Average Life Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names 8,786 10 Customer relationships 21,493 10 Other 5,632 9 Total acquired intangible assets subject to amortization 35,911 Aggregate amortization expense was $15,744 , $15,671 and $14,525 for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five years is $17,316 in 2019 , $16,101 in 2020 , $15,264 in 2021 , $13,801 in 2022 and $12,441 in 2023 .

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company's primary business is the design and manufacture of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, CNC and plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes and welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. The Company's product offering also includes oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. In addition, the Company has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company realigned its organizational and leadership structure into three operating segments to support growth strategies and enhance the utilization of the Company's worldwide resources and global sourcing initiatives. The operating segments consist of Americas Welding, International Welding and The Harris Products Group. The Americas Welding segment includes welding operations in North and South America. The International Welding segment primarily includes welding operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Harris Products Group includes the Company's global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as its retail business in the United States. Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes ("Adjusted EBIT") profit measure. EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Equity earnings in affiliates and Other income. Segment EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets. The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level with the exception of LIFO. Segment assets include inventories measured on a FIFO basis while consolidated inventories include inventories reported on a LIFO basis. Segment and consolidated income before interest and income taxes include the effect of inventories reported on a LIFO basis. At December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 approximately 37% , 32% and 40% , respectively, of total inventories were valued using the LIFO method. LIFO is used for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories included in Americas Welding. Inter-segment sales are recorded at agreed upon prices that approximate arm's length prices and are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate-level expenses are allocated to the operating segments. Financial information for the reportable segments follows: Americas Welding (1) International Welding (2) The Harris Products Group Corporate / Eliminations (3) Consolidated For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net sales $ 1,806,514 $ 919,771 $ 302,389 $ — $ 3,028,674 Inter-segment sales 118,936 18,576 6,969 (144,481 ) $ — Total $ 1,925,450 $ 938,347 $ 309,358 $ (144,481 ) $ 3,028,674 Adjusted EBIT $ 340,744 $ 54,273 $ 36,564 $ (8,887 ) $ 422,694 Special items charge (gain) 6,686 25,285 — 4,498 $ 36,469 EBIT $ 334,058 $ 28,988 $ 36,564 $ (13,385 ) $ 386,225 Interest income 6,938 Interest expense (24,503 ) Income before income taxes $ 368,660 Total assets $ 1,418,905 $ 827,132 $ 203,095 $ (99,307 ) $ 2,349,825 Equity investments in affiliates 4,204 27,024 — — $ 31,228 Capital expenditures 42,053 26,284 2,909 — $ 71,246 Depreciation and amortization 47,008 22,384 3,045 (91 ) $ 72,346 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Net sales $ 1,609,779 $ 724,024 $ 290,628 $ — $ 2,624,431 Inter-segment sales 97,382 18,860 8,190 (124,432 ) $ — Total $ 1,707,161 $ 742,884 $ 298,818 $ (124,432 ) $ 2,624,431 Adjusted EBIT $ 291,866 $ 41,721 $ 36,442 $ 309 $ 370,338 Special items charge (gain) 9,242 10,076 — (34,648 ) $ (15,330 ) EBIT $ 282,624 $ 31,645 $ 36,442 $ 34,957 $ 385,668 Interest income 4,788 Interest expense (24,220 ) Income before income taxes $ 366,236 Total assets $ 1,253,411 $ 919,995 $ 175,151 $ 57,990 $ 2,406,547 Equity investments in affiliates 4,037 24,489 — — $ 28,526 Capital expenditures 43,158 14,549 3,949 — $ 61,656 Depreciation and amortization 47,038 18,364 2,885 (172 ) $ 68,115 For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Net sales $ 1,494,982 $ 507,289 $ 272,343 $ — $ 2,274,614 Inter-segment sales 93,612 15,975 8,709 (118,296 ) $ — Total $ 1,588,594 $ 523,264 $ 281,052 $ (118,296 ) $ 2,274,614 Adjusted EBIT $ 266,633 $ 29,146 $ 32,380 $ 564 $ 328,723 Special items charge — — — 34,348 $ 34,348 EBIT $ 266,633 $ 29,146 $ 32,380 $ (33,784 ) $ 294,375 Interest income 2,092 Interest expense (19,079 ) Income before income taxes $ 277,388 Total assets $ 1,278,417 $ 529,223 $ 161,391 $ (25,594 ) $ 1,943,437 Equity investments in affiliates 3,946 23,355 — — $ 27,301 Capital expenditures 35,314 12,354 2,209 — $ 49,877 Depreciation and amortization 47,359 15,063 2,860 (209 ) $ 65,073 (1) Special items in 2018 reflect pension settlement charges of $6,686 in Americas Welding related to lump sum pension payments. 2017 special items reflect pension settlement charges of $8,150 related to lump sum pension payments, as well as non-cash charges of $1,091 related to the impairment of goodwill. (2) 2018 special items reflect charges of $25,285 related to employee severance, asset impairments, gains or losses on disposal of assets and other related costs. 2017 special items reflect amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $4,578 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, as well as charges of $5,498 related to employee severance, asset impairments and other related costs. (3) 2018 special items reflect acquisition and acquisition transaction and integration costs of $4,498 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. 2017 special items reflect a bargain purchase gain of $49,650 and acquisition transaction and integration costs of $15,002 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. 2016 special items reflect a loss of $34,348 related to the deconsolidation of the Company's Venezuelan subsidiary. Export sales (excluding inter-company sales) from the United States were $160,064 in 2018 , $151,630 in 2017 and $134,216 in 2016 . No individual customer comprised more than 10% of the Company's total revenues for any of the three years ended December 31, 2018 . The geographic split of the Company's Net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Net sales: United States $ 1,554,688 $ 1,388,816 $ 1,308,635 Foreign countries 1,473,986 1,235,615 965,979 Total $ 3,028,674 $ 2,624,431 $ 2,274,614 December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment, net: United States $ 214,943 $ 194,491 $ 176,041 Foreign countries 264,110 282,931 196,679 Eliminations (252 ) (391 ) (343 ) Total $ 478,801 $ 477,031 $ 372,377

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAI

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS	RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS The Company recorded rationalization and asset impairment net charges of $25,285 and $6,590 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. The charges are primarily related to employee severance, asset impairments and gains or losses on the disposal of assets. A description of each restructuring plan and the related costs follows: International Welding Plans: During 2018, the Company initiated rationalization plans within International Welding. The plans include headcount restructuring and the consolidation of manufacturing operations to better align the cost structures with economic conditions and operating needs. At December 31, 2018 , liabilities relating to the International Welding plans of $10,903 were recognized in Other current liabilities. The Company does not anticipate significant additional charges related to the completion of these plans. During 2017, the Company initiated rationalization plans within International Welding. The plans include headcount restructuring and the consolidation of manufacturing operations to better align the cost structures with economic conditions and operating needs. Liabilities related to these plans were substantially paid at December 31, 2018. The Company believes the rationalization actions will positively impact future results of operations and will not have a material effect on liquidity and sources and uses of capital. The Company continues to evaluate its cost structure and additional rationalization actions may result in charges in future periods. The following table summarizes the activity related to the rationalization liabilities: Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 5,190 Payments and other adjustments (3,536 ) Charged to expense 5,149 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 6,803 Payments and other adjustments (26,874 ) Charged to expense 31,263 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 11,192

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ("AOCI") The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges Defined benefit pension plan activity Currency translation adjustment Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 587 $ (95,939 ) $ (233,685 ) $ (329,037 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (2,074 ) 2,736 (2) 70,901 (3) 71,563 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 2,362 (1) 7,926 (2) — 10,288 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 288 10,662 70,901 81,851 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 875 $ (85,277 ) $ (162,784 ) $ (247,186 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification 624 (4,396 ) (2) (50,600 ) (3) (54,372 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 195 (1) 7,624 (2) — 7,819 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 819 3,228 (50,600 ) (46,553 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,694 $ (82,049 ) $ (213,384 ) $ (293,739 ) (1) During 2018 , this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(152) (net of tax of $(73) and Cost of goods sold of $43 (net of tax of $(40) ); during 2017 , the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $1,860 (net of tax of $693 ) and Cost of goods sold of $502 (net of tax of $93 ). Refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. (2) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,691 and $19,252 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively). Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. (3) The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $(93) and $115 attributable to Non-controlling interests in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The reclassified AOCI component is included in the computation of Non-controlling interests. Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Equity for additional details.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Long-term debt Senior Unsecured Notes due through 2045, interest at 2.8% to 4.0% (net of debt issuance costs of $1,392 and $1,491 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively), swapped $125,000 to variable interest rates of 3.1% to 4.4% $ 691,877 $ 693,424 Other borrowings due through 2023, interest up to 8.0% 10,783 10,823 702,660 704,247 Less current portion 111 111 Long-term debt, less current portion 702,549 704,136 Short-term debt Amounts due banks, interest at 31.8% in 2017 — 2,020 Current portion long-term debt 111 111 Total short-term debt 111 2,131 Total debt $ 702,660 $ 706,267 At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the fair value of long-term debt, including the current portion, was approximately $649,714 and $687,428 , respectively, which was determined using available market information and methodologies requiring judgment. Since judgment is required in interpreting market information, the fair value of the debt is not necessarily the amount which could be realized in a current market exchange. Senior Unsecured Notes On April 1, 2015 , the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "2015 Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000 through a private placement. On October 20, 2016 the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement pursuant to which it issued senior unsecured notes (the "2016 Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $350,000 through a private placement. Interest on the notes are payable semi-annually. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes. The 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes contain certain affirmative and negative covenants. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants . The maturity and interest rates of the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes are as follows: Amount Maturity Date Interest Rate 2015 Notes Series A $ 100,000 August 20, 2025 3.15 % Series B 100,000 August 20, 2030 3.35 % Series C 50,000 April 1, 2035 3.61 % Series D 100,000 April 1, 2035 4.02 % 2016 Notes Series A $ 100,000 October 20, 2028 2.75 % Series B 100,000 October 20, 2033 3.03 % Series C 100,000 October 20, 2037 3.27 % Series D 50,000 October 20, 2041 3.52 % The Company's total weighted average effective interest rate and remaining weighted average term, inclusive of the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes, is 3.3% and 15 years, respectively. Revolving Credit Agreement The Company has a line of credit totaling $400,000 through the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a five -year term and may be increased, subject to certain conditions, by an additional amount up to $100,000 . The interest rate on borrowings is based on either the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or the prime rate, plus a spread based on the Company’s leverage ratio, at the Company’s election. The Company amended and restated the Credit Agreement on June 30, 2017 , extending the maturity of the line of credit to June 30, 2022 . The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Company and its subsidiaries with respect to liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets, transactions with affiliates, a fixed charges coverage ratio and total leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement. Shelf Agreements On November 27, 2018, the Company entered into seven uncommitted master note facilities (the "Shelf Agreements") that allow borrowings up to $700,000 in the aggregate. The Shelf Agreements have a five -year term and the average life of borrowings cannot exceed 15 years. The Company is required to comply with covenants similar to those contained in the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes. As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants and had no outstanding borrowings under the Shelf Agreements. Other Maturities of long-term debt, including payments for amounts due banks, for the five years succeeding December 31, 2018 are $111 in 2019 , $114 in 2020 , $110 in 2021 , $107 in 2022 , $10,607 in 2023 and $700,000 thereafter. Total interest paid was $23,790 in 2018 , $23,820 in 2017 and $15,332 in 2016 . The difference between interest paid and interest expense is due to the accrual of interest associated with the Senior Unsecured Notes and adjustments to the swap contract discussed in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

STOCK PLANS

STOCK PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK PLANS	STOCK PLANS On April 23, 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2015 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan ("Employee Plan"), which replaced the 2006 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan, as amended ("EPI Plan"). The Employee Plan provides for the granting of options, appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units and performance-based awards up to an additional 5,400,000 of the Company's common shares. In addition, on April 23, 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2015 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors ("2015 Director Plan"), which replaced the 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors ("2006 Director Plan"). The 2015 Director Plan provides for the granting of options, restricted shares and restricted stock units up to an additional 300,000 of the Company's common shares. At December 31, 2018 , there were 3,710,464 common shares available for future grant under all plans. Stock Options The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 under all Plans: Number of Weighted Average Exercise Price Balance at beginning of year 1,362,448 $ 58.45 Options granted 171,843 90.70 Options exercised (101,272 ) 46.20 Options canceled (1,981 ) 58.79 Balance at end of year 1,431,038 63.19 Exercisable at end of year 1,070,594 56.70 Options granted under both the Employee Plan and its predecessor plans may be outstanding for a maximum of 10 years from the date of grant. The majority of options granted vest ratably over a period of three years from the grant date. The exercise prices of all options were equal to the quoted market price of the Company's common shares at the date of grant. The Company issued shares of common stock from treasury upon all exercises of stock options in 2018 . In 2018 , all options issued were under the Employee Plan. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating fair values of options. In estimating the fair value of options granted, the expected option life is based on the Company's historical experience. The expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The weighted average assumptions for each of the three years ended December 31 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Expected volatility 25.36 % 25.77 % 28.86 % Dividend yield 1.92 % 1.62 % 1.70 % Risk-free interest rate 2.69 % 1.90 % 1.27 % Expected option life (years) 4.6 4.5 4.5 Weighted average fair value per option granted during the year $ 18.97 $ 17.50 $ 12.55 The following table summarizes non-vested stock options for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Options Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date Balance at beginning of year 409,559 $ 15.47 Granted 171,843 18.97 Vested (220,958 ) 15.75 Balance at end of year 360,444 17.21 The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable which would have been received by the optionees had all awards been exercised at December 31, 2018 was $22,411 and $23,714 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of awards exercised during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $4,779 , $19,328 and $30,967 , respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $3,511 , $3,040 and $2,865 , respectively. The following table summarizes information about awards outstanding as of December 31, 2018 : Outstanding Exercisable Exercise Price Range Number of Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Number of Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Under $49.99 447,315 $ 39.78 3.0 447,315 $ 39.79 3.0 $50.00 - $59.99 217,143 58.12 7.1 144,768 58.11 7.1 Over $60.00 766,580 78.28 7.0 478,511 72.09 5.9 1,431,038 5.8 1,070,594 4.9 Restricted Share Awards ("RSAs") The following table summarizes restricted share award activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 under all Plans: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at beginning of year 47,856 $ 71.54 Shares granted 1,662 91.02 Shares vested (32,922 ) 82.48 Shares forfeited (4,158 ) 78.65 Balance at end of year 12,438 80.98 RSAs are valued at the quoted market price on the grant date. The majority of RSAs vest over a period of one to three years. The Company issued common shares from treasury upon the granting of RSAs in 2018 . Restricted shares issued in 2018 were under the 2015 Director Plan. The remaining weighted average vesting period of all non-vested RSAs is 1 year as of December 31, 2018 . Restricted Stock Units ("RSUs") and Performance Share Units ("PSUs") The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 under all Plans: Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at beginning of year 418,966 $ 69.98 Units granted 148,833 89.51 Units vested (49,653 ) 69.24 Units forfeited (12,116 ) 74.16 Balance at end of year 506,030 75.69 RSUs are valued at the quoted market price on the grant date. The majority of RSUs vest over a period of three to five years. The Company issues shares of common stock from treasury upon the vesting of RSUs and any earned dividend equivalents. Conversion of 1,980 RSUs to common shares in 2018 were deferred as part of the 2005 Deferred Compensation Plan for Executives (the "2005 Plan"). As of December 31, 2018 , 99,801 RSUs, including related dividend equivalents, have been deferred under the 2005 Plan. These units are reflected within dilutive shares in the calculation of earnings per share. In 2018 , 117,073 RSUs were issued under the Employee Plan and the 2015 Director Plan. The remaining weighted average vesting period of all non-vested RSUs is 1.4 years as of December 31, 2018 . PSUs are valued at the quoted market price on the grant date. PSUs vest over a three year period and are based on the Company's performance relative to pre-established performance goals. The Company issues common stock from treasury upon the vesting of PSUs and any earned dividend equivalents. In 2018 , the Company issued 31,760 PSU's and has 107,045 PSUs outstanding under the Employee Plan at a weighted average fair value of $76.20 per share. The remaining weighted average vesting period of all non-vested PSUs is 1 year as of December 31, 2018 . Stock-Based Compensation Expense Expense is recognized for all awards of stock-based compensation by allocating the aggregate grant date fair value over the vesting period. No expense is recognized for any stock options, restricted or deferred shares, RSUs or PSUs ultimately forfeited because recipients fail to meet vesting requirements. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $18,554 , $12,698 and $10,332 , respectively. The related tax benefit for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 was $4,632 , $4,861 and $3,955 , respectively. As of December 31, 2018 , total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested stock options, RSAs, RSUs and PSUs was $21,223 , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2 years. Lincoln Stock Purchase Plan The 1995 Lincoln Stock Purchase Plan provides employees the ability to purchase open market shares on a commission-free basis up to a limit of ten thousand dollars annually. Under this plan, 800,000 shares have been authorized to be purchased. Shares purchased were 8,324 in 2018 , 10,458 in 2017 and 15,827 in 2016 .

COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM The Company has a share repurchase program for up to 55 million of the Company's common shares. At management's discretion, the Company repurchases its common shares from time to time in the open market, depending on market conditions, stock price and other factors. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , the Company purchased a total of 2.3 million shares at an average cost per share of $88.84 . As of December 31, 2018 , 6.2 million shares remained available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program. The treasury shares have not been retired.

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTE

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS	RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS The Company maintains a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans to provide retirement benefits for employees. These plans are maintained and contributions are made in accordance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), local statutory law or as determined by the Board of Directors. The plans generally provide benefits based upon years of service and compensation. Pension plans are funded except for a domestic non-qualified pension plan for certain key employees and certain foreign plans. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date for its plans. The Company does not have, and does not provide for, any postretirement or postemployment benefits other than pensions and certain non-U.S. statutory termination benefits. Defined Benefit Plans Contributions are made in amounts sufficient to fund current service costs on a current basis and to fund past service costs, if any, over various amortization periods. Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 507,075 $ 193,523 $ 484,758 $ 79,972 Service cost 139 3,252 608 2,678 Interest cost 18,084 3,703 19,497 3,253 Plan participants' contributions — 196 — 176 Acquisitions & other adjustments (1) — (5,322 ) — 100,551 Actuarial (gain) loss (46,924 ) (5,674 ) 46,144 4,926 Benefits paid (7,973 ) (9,723 ) (6,409 ) (4,909 ) Settlements/curtailments (2) (31,456 ) (1,886 ) (37,523 ) (700 ) Currency translation — (9,258 ) — 7,576 Benefit obligations at end of year 438,945 168,811 507,075 193,523 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 568,388 113,344 528,744 70,341 Actual return on plan assets (23,012 ) (2,855 ) 82,732 5,770 Employer contributions 690 2,087 55 1,684 Plan participants' contributions — 196 — 176 Acquisitions (1) — 586 — 32,599 Benefits paid (7,047 ) (5,904 ) (5,620 ) (3,196 ) Settlements (2) (26,941 ) (1,455 ) (37,523 ) (22 ) Currency translation — (5,812 ) — 5,992 Fair value of plan assets at end of year 512,078 100,187 568,388 113,344 Funded status at end of year 73,133 (68,624 ) 61,313 (80,179 ) Unrecognized actuarial net loss 85,624 25,581 90,679 25,987 Unrecognized prior service cost — 534 — (11 ) Unrecognized transition assets, net — 32 — 35 Net amount recognized $ 158,757 $ (42,477 ) $ 151,992 $ (54,168 ) (1) Acquisitions in 2017 relate to acquisition of Air Liquide Welding as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. (2) Settlements in 2018 and 2017 resulting from lump sum pension payments. In October 2016, The Lincoln Electric Company amended the plan to freeze all benefit accruals for participants under the Lincoln Electric Retirement Annuity Program ("RAP") effective as of December 31, 2016. The RAP includes approximately 1,500 domestic employees who fully transitioned to The Lincoln Electric Company Employee Savings Plan (“Savings Plan”), a defined contribution retirement savings plan. The Company recorded pension curtailment gains of $2,206 for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the amendment. The Company did not make significant contributions to the defined benefit plans in the United States in 2018 or 2017. The after-tax amounts of unrecognized actuarial net loss, prior service costs and transition assets included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2018 were $81,580 , $446 and $23 , respectively. The actuarial loss represents changes in the estimated obligation not yet recognized in the Consolidated Income Statement. The pre-tax amounts of unrecognized actuarial net loss, prior service credits and transition obligations expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during 2019 are $3,924 , $59 and $3 , respectively. Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Prepaid pensions (1) $ 87,786 $ 77 $ 81,485 $ 368 Accrued pension liability, current (2) (786 ) (2,996 ) (5,332 ) (3,483 ) Accrued pension liability, long-term (3) (13,867 ) (65,705 ) (14,840 ) (77,064 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects 85,624 26,147 90,679 26,011 Net amount recognized in the balance sheets $ 158,757 $ (42,477 ) $ 151,992 $ (54,168 ) (1) I ncluded in Other assets. (2) I ncluded in Other current liabilities. (3) I ncluded in Other liabilities. Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Service cost $ 139 $ 3,252 $ 608 $ 2,678 $ 15,474 $ 2,215 Interest cost 18,084 3,703 19,497 3,253 20,676 2,902 Expected return on plan assets (27,052 ) (5,057 ) (31,530 ) (4,270 ) (31,682 ) (4,034 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — 15 (412 ) 18 Amortization of net loss (1) 1,498 2,211 2,133 1,881 7,717 2,176 Settlement/curtailment loss (gain) (2) 6,686 (397 ) 8,150 102 (1,062 ) — Pension cost for defined benefit plans (3) $ (645 ) $ 3,713 $ (1,142 ) $ 3,659 $ 10,711 $ 3,277 (1) The amortization of net loss includes a $959 charge resulting from the deconsolidation of the Venezuelan subsidiary during the year ended December 31, 2016. (2) Pension settlement charges for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 resulting from lump sum pension payments. (3) The decrease in pension cost for defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was due to the U.S. plan freeze effective December 31, 2016. The components of Pension cost for defined benefit plans, other than service cost, are included in Other income (expense) in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Projected benefit obligation $ 14,653 $ 158,746 $ 26,149 $ 182,512 Accumulated benefit obligation 14,406 152,724 25,870 174,667 Fair value of plan assets — 90,076 5,977 102,107 The total accumulated benefit obligation for all plans was $600,998 as of December 31, 2018 and $691,827 as of December 31, 2017 . Benefit Payments for Plans Benefits expected to be paid for the plans are as follows: U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Estimated Payments 2019 $ 28,101 $ 8,278 2020 31,581 8,243 2021 26,998 8,513 2022 28,754 8,055 2023 30,593 7,966 2024 through 2028 137,369 42,925 Assumptions Weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation for the Company's significant defined benefit plans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Discount Rate 4.4 % 2.3 % 3.7 % 2.0 % Rate of increase in compensation 2.5 % 2.6 % 2.5 % 2.7 % Weighted average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's significant defined benefit plans for each of the three years ended December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Discount rate 3.7 % 2.0 % 4.2 % 2.2 % 4.5 % 3.9 % Rate of increase in compensation 2.5 % 2.7 % 2.5 % 2.5 % 2.6 % 3.7 % Expected return on plan assets 5.0 % 4.6 % 6.0 % 4.5 % 6.2 % 5.7 % To develop the discount rate assumptions, the Company refers to the yield derived from matching projected pension payments with maturities of bonds rated AA or an equivalent quality. The expected long-term rate of return assumption is based on the weighted average expected return of the various asset classes in the plans' portfolio and the targeted allocation of plan assets. The asset class return is developed using historical asset return performance as well as current market conditions such as inflation, interest rates and equity market performance. The rate of compensation increase is determined by the Company based upon annual reviews. Pension Plans' Assets The primary objective of the pension plans' investment policy is to ensure sufficient assets are available to provide benefit obligations when such obligations mature. Investment management practices must comply with ERISA or any other applicable regulations and rulings. The overall investment strategy for the defined benefit pension plans' assets is to achieve a rate of return over a normal business cycle relative to an acceptable level of risk that is consistent with the long-term objectives of the portfolio. The target allocation for plan assets is 10% to 20% equity securities and 80% to 90% debt securities. The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans' assets as of December 31, 2018 : Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 13,029 $ — $ — $ 13,029 Equity securities (1) 3,851 — — 3,851 Fixed income securities (2) U.S. government bonds 16,743 — — 16,743 Corporate debt and other obligations — 392,090 — 392,090 Investments measured at NAV (3) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (4) 151,153 Private equity funds (5) 35,399 Total investments at fair value $ 33,623 $ 392,090 $ — $ 612,265 The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans' assets as of December 31, 2017 : Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,922 $ — $ — $ 8,922 Equity securities (1) 4,566 — — 4,566 Fixed income securities (2) U.S. government bonds 33,205 — — 33,205 Corporate debt and other obligations — 398,578 — 398,578 Investments measured at NAV (3) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (4) 199,066 Private equity funds (5) 37,395 Total investments at fair value $ 46,693 $ 398,578 $ — $ 681,732 (1) Equity securities are primarily comprised of corporate stock and mutual funds directly held by the plans. Equity securities are valued using the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. (2) Fixed income securities are primarily comprised of governmental and corporate bonds directly held by the plans. Governmental and corporate bonds are valued using both market observable inputs for similar assets that are traded on an active market and the closing price on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. (3) Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. (4) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (collectively "Trusts") are comprised of a number of investment funds that invest in a diverse portfolio of assets including equity securities, corporate and governmental bonds, equity and credit indexes and money markets. Trusts are valued at the NAV as determined by their custodian. NAV represents the accumulation of the unadjusted quoted close prices on the reporting date for the underlying investments divided by the total shares outstanding at the reporting dates. (5) Private equity funds consist of four funds seeking capital appreciation by investing in private equity investment partnerships and venture capital companies. Private equity fund valuations are based on the NAV of the underlying assets. Funds are comprised of unrestricted and restricted publicly traded securities and privately held securities. Unrestricted securities are valued at the closing market price on the reporting date. Restricted securities may be valued at a discount from such closing public market price, depending on facts and circumstances. Privately held securities are valued at fair value as determined by the fund directors and general partners. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan The Company maintained a domestic unfunded Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") under which non-qualified supplemental pension benefits are paid to certain employees in addition to amounts received under the Company's qualified retirement plan which is subject to Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limitations on covered compensation. The annual cost of this program has been included in the determination of total net pension costs shown above and was $1,268 , $772 and $2,113 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The projected benefit obligation associated with this plan is also included in the pension disclosure shown above and was $12,183 , $17,047 and $16,738 at December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. In October 2016, the Company announced an amendment to freeze and vest all benefit accruals under the SERP, effective November 30, 2016. The Company recorded a curtailment loss of $1,144 for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to the amendment. The value of the frozen vested benefit was converted into an account balance and deferred. In addition, the Company created The Lincoln Electric Company Restoration Plan (“Restoration Plan”) effective January 1, 2017. The Restoration Plan is a domestic unfunded plan maintained for the purpose of providing certain employees the ability to fully participate in standard employee retirement offerings, which are limited by IRS regulations on covered compensation. Defined Contribution Plans Substantially all U.S. employees are covered under defined contribution plans. In October 2016, the Company announced a plan redesign of the Savings Plan that was effective January 1, 2017. The Savings Plan provides that eligible employees receive up to 6% of employees' annual compensation through Company matching contributions of 100% of the first 3% of employee compensation contributed to the plan, and automatic Company contributions equal to 3% of annual compensation. In addition, certain employees affected by the RAP freeze are also eligible to receive employer contributions equal to 6% of annual compensation for a minimum period of five years or to the end of the year in which they complete thirty years of service. The annual costs recognized for defined contribution plans were $26,477 , $25,285 and $8,361 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Other Benefits The Cleveland, Ohio, area operations have a Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan covering substantially all employees which, in general, provides that the Company will provide work for at least 75% of every standard work week (presently 40 hours). This plan does not guarantee employment when the Company's ability to continue normal operations is seriously restricted by events beyond the control of the Company. The Company has reserved the right to terminate this plan effective at the end of a calendar year by giving notice of such termination not less than six months prior to the end of such year.

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Nonoperating Income and Other Expense Disclosure	OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) The components of Other income (expense) were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Equity earnings in affiliates $ 5,481 2,742 $ 2,928 Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income (1) 502 769 4,660 Other income 4,703 5,215 3,173 Total Other income (expense) $ 10,686 8,726 $ 10,761 (1) Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income includes pension settlements and curtailments. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for details.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The components of income before income taxes for the three years ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. $ 255,088 $ 213,171 $ 209,409 Non-U.S. 113,572 153,065 67,979 Total $ 368,660 $ 366,236 $ 277,388 The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the three years ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 45,521 $ 89,182 $ 57,090 Non-U.S. 28,894 25,746 23,344 State and local 10,515 7,640 8,386 84,930 122,568 88,820 Deferred: Federal (691 ) (4,391 ) (1,716 ) Non-U.S. (3,121 ) (82 ) (8,261 ) State and local 549 666 172 (3,263 ) (3,807 ) (9,805 ) Total $ 81,667 $ 118,761 $ 79,015 The U.S. Tax Act was enacted on December 22, 2017. The U.S. Tax Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate to 21% from 35% , required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and created new taxes on certain foreign-sourced earnings. The SEC staff issued SAB 118 related to the U.S. Tax Act, which provided for a one-year measurement period and guidance for the application of ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes . At December 31, 2017, the Company had not completed its accounting related to the U.S. Tax Act. All provisional amounts were based on reasonable estimates using the best information available at the time. At December 31, 2018, the Company has completed its accounting related to the U.S. Tax Act. In 2018, the Company recognized a net adjustment of $399 to provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase to income tax expense. As described in more detail below, the net adjustment includes additional transition tax expense, offset by a tax benefit from the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities and a reduction of foreign withholding taxes. The one-time transition tax is based on total post-1986 earnings and profits for which the Company had previously deferred from U.S. income taxes. At December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a provisional amount of $36,387 for the one-time transition tax resulting in an increase to income tax expense. The transition tax is based partially on the earnings and profits held in cash and partially on the earnings and profits invested in assets. Considering all additional guidance and regulations proposed and issued during the year, the Company finalized calculations of the transition tax liability during 2018. The result was an increase of $5,152 to the December 31, 2017 provisional amount. The Company has elected to pay the transition tax liability over the eight-year period provided in the U.S. Tax Act. At December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a provisional tax benefit of $14,532 related to the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities as a result of the U.S. Tax Act. The Company finalized the remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities during 2018. The result was an increase of $329 to the December 31, 2017 provisional benefit. At December 31, 2017, the provisional amount recorded for taxes on the planned repatriation of certain earnings and profits subject to the transition tax was $6,667 . This additional tax pertains to foreign withholding taxes associated with the repatriation of earnings that are not indefinitely reinvested in the foreign operations. Based on the Company’s final transition tax calculations, an adjustment of $4,424 was recorded in 2018 to reduce the foreign withholding taxes associated with the planned repatriation set forth in 2017. Other provisions of the U.S. Tax Act became effective for the Company in 2018. The Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) provision generates a deduction against the Company’s U.S. taxable income for U.S. earnings derived offshore that utilize intangibles held by the Company in the U.S. Conversely, the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provision requires the Company to subject to U.S. taxation a portion of its foreign subsidiary earnings that exceed an allowable return. The Company has elected to treat any GILTI inclusion as a period expense in the year incurred. The differences between total income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the three years ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income $ 77,419 $ 128,182 $ 97,086 State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 8,844 5,671 5,554 Excess tax benefits resulting from exercises of stock-based compensation (1,094 ) (6,276 ) — Net impact of the U.S. Tax Act 4,823 21,949 — Foreign withholding taxes (4,424 ) 6,667 — Intangible and asset impairments/(write-off) — — (4,438 ) Foreign rate variance (4,560 ) (13,929 ) (8,128 ) Venezuela deconsolidation/devaluation — — 5,192 Bargain purchase gain — (17,556 ) — Valuation allowances 5,596 102 (8,525 ) Manufacturing deduction — (5,922 ) (5,190 ) Research and development credit (3,859 ) (2,688 ) (2,748 ) Other (1,078 ) 2,561 212 Total $ 81,667 $ 118,761 $ 79,015 Effective tax rate 22.2 % 32.4 % 28.5 % The 2018 effective tax rate is impacted by the reduced corporate income tax rate associated with the U.S. Tax Act, rationalization charges in regions with low or no tax benefit, as well as the incremental adjustments recognized in 2018 related to the U.S. Tax Act provisional amounts, as discussed in the paragraphs above. Total income tax payments, net of refunds, were $85,805 in 2018 , $81,691 in 2017 and $72,965 in 2016 . Deferred Taxes Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Tax loss and credit carry-forwards $ 60,756 $ 60,454 Inventory 3,544 2,501 Other accruals 13,172 14,873 Employee benefits 22,963 18,468 Pension obligations 12,122 12,363 Other 3,739 4,923 Deferred tax assets, gross 116,296 113,582 Valuation allowance (69,400 ) (68,694 ) Deferred tax assets, net 46,896 44,888 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment 28,606 21,427 Intangible assets 10,950 10,729 Inventory 4,814 5,891 Pension obligations 19,346 16,137 Other 8,770 15,483 Deferred tax liabilities 72,486 69,667 Total deferred taxes $ (25,590 ) $ (24,779 ) At December 31, 2018 , certain subsidiaries had net operating loss carry-forwards of approximately $61,931 that expire in various years from 2019 through 2034, plus $214,438 for which there is no expiration date. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. At December 31, 2018 , a valuation allowance of $69,400 was recorded against certain deferred tax assets based on this assessment. The Company believes it is more likely than not that the tax benefit of the remaining net deferred tax assets will be realized. The amount of net deferred tax assets considered realizable could be increased or reduced in the future if the Company's assessment of future taxable income or tax planning strategies changes. The Company previously considered the earnings in non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, recorded no deferred income taxes. As a result of the U.S. Tax Act, the Company determined it will repatriate earnings for certain non-U.S. subsidiaries, which are subject to foreign withholding taxes. The Company has estimated the associated tax to be $2,243 . The Company considers remaining earnings and outside basis in all other non-U.S. subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested and has not recorded any deferred taxes as such estimate is not practicable. Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are classified as Other liabilities unless expected to be paid in one year, with a portion recorded to Deferred income taxes to offset tax attributes. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in Income taxes. Current income tax expense included benefits of $1,277 for the year ended December 31, 2018 and expense of $1,079 for the year ended December 31, 2017 for interest and penalties. For those same years, the Company's accrual for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits totaled $6,655 and $8,135 , respectively. The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits: 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 28,449 $ 18,499 Increase related to current year tax provisions 1,431 1,448 Increase related to prior years' tax positions 4,917 1,460 Increase related to acquisitions — 8,223 Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities (111 ) (522 ) Resolution of and other decreases in prior years' tax liabilities (1,501 ) (1,734 ) Other (4,381 ) 1,075 Balance at end of year $ 28,804 $ 28,449 The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate was $25,069 at December 31, 2018 and $25,024 at December 31, 2017 . The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2014. The Company is currently subject to U.S. federal, various state audits and non-U.S. income tax audits. The Company is generally not able to precisely estimate the ultimate settlement amounts or timing until after the close of an audit. The Company evaluates its tax positions and establishes liabilities for uncertain tax positions that may be challenged by local authorities and may not be fully sustained. Unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted for changing facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits and closing of statutes of limitations. Based on information currently available, management believes that additional audit activity could be completed and/or statutes of limitations may close relating to existing unrecognized tax benefits. It is reasonably possible there could be a further reduction of $1,759 in prior years' unrecognized tax benefits in 2019 .

DERIVATIVES

DERIVATIVES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVES	DERIVATIVES The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices arising in the normal course of business. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are assessed as to their effectiveness, when applicable. Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018. The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments. Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions. None of the concentrations of risk with any individual counterparty was considered significant at December 31, 2018 . The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. Cash flow hedges Certain foreign currency forward contracts are qualified and designated as cash flow hedges. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these short-term contracts was $45,909 at December 31, 2018 and $35,489 at December 31, 2017 . Fair value hedges Certain interest rate swap agreements were qualified and designated as fair value hedges. At December 31, 2018 , the Company had interest rate swap agreements outstanding that effectively convert notional amounts of $125,000 of debt from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate based on three-month LIBOR plus a spread of between 0.5% and 1.8% . The variable rates reset every three months, at which time payment or receipt of interest will be settled. Net investment hedges From time to time, the Company executes foreign currency forward contracts that qualify and are designated as net investment hedges. No such contracts were outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts which are not designated as hedges. These derivatives are held as hedges of certain balance sheet exposures. The dollar equivalent gross notional amount of these contracts was $328,534 at December 31, 2018 and $340,884 at December 31, 2017 . Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets follow: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives by hedge designation Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Assets Other Liabilities Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts $ 647 $ 404 $ — $ — $ 519 $ 604 $ — Interest rate swap agreements — — 302 7,033 — — 5,085 Not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 6,375 829 — — 2,257 3,747 — Total derivatives $ 7,022 $ 1,233 $ 302 $ 7,033 $ 2,776 $ 4,351 $ 5,085 The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, Derivatives by hedge designation Classification of gains 2018 2017 Not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts Selling, general & administrative expenses $ 7,452 $ 17,590 The effects of designated cash flow hedges on AOCI and the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts $ 173 $ (224 ) Net investment contracts 1,521 1,099 The Company expects a gain of $173 related to existing contracts to be reclassified from AOCI, net of tax, to earnings over the next 12 months as the hedged transactions are realized. Year Ended December 31, Derivative type Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to: 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Net sales $ (225 ) $ 1,860 Cost of goods sold (3 ) 502

FAIR VALUE

FAIR VALUE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description Balance as of December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Foreign exchange contracts $ 7,022 $ — $ 7,022 $ — Interest rate swap agreements 302 — 302 — Total assets $ 7,324 $ — $ 7,324 $ — Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts $ 1,233 $ — $ 1,233 $ — Interest rate swap agreements 7,033 — 7,033 — Contingent considerations 2,100 — — 2,100 Deferred compensation 26,524 — 26,524 — Total liabilities $ 36,890 $ — $ 34,790 $ 2,100 The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description Balance as of December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Foreign exchange contracts $ 2,776 $ — $ 2,776 $ — Marketable securities 179,125 — 179,125 — Total assets $ 181,901 $ — $ 181,901 $ — Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts $ 4,351 $ — $ 4,351 $ — Interest rate swap agreements 5,085 — 5,085 — Contingent considerations 7,086 — — 7,086 Deferred compensation 25,397 — 25,397 — Total liabilities $ 41,919 $ — $ 34,833 $ 7,086 The Company's derivative contracts are valued at fair value using the market approach. The Company measures the fair value of foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements using Level 2 inputs based on observable spot and forward rates in active markets. During the year ended December 31, 2018 , there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 or 3. The Company measures the fair value of marketable securities using Level 2 inputs based on quoted market prices for similar assets in active markets. In connection with acquisitions, the Company recorded contingent consideration liabilities, which will be paid based upon actual financial results of the acquired entity for specified future periods. The fair value of the contingent considerations are a Level 3 valuation and fair valued using either a probability weighted discounted cash flow analysis or an option pricing model. The deferred compensation liability is the Company’s obligation under its executive deferred compensation plan. The Company measures the fair value of the liability using the market values of the participants’ underlying investment fund elections. The Company has various financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term debt and forward contracts. While these financial instruments are subject to concentrations of credit risk, the Company has minimized this risk by entering into arrangements with a number of major banks and financial institutions and investing in several high-quality instruments. The Company does not expect any counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. The fair value of Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts receivable, Amounts due banks and Trade accounts payable approximated book value due to the short-term nature of these instruments at both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Refer to Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for the fair value estimate of debt.

INVENTORY

INVENTORY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY	INVENTORY Inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is comprised of the following components: December 31, 2018 2017 Raw materials $ 103,820 $ 97,577 Work-in-process 53,950 50,695 Finished goods 204,059 200,395 Total $ 361,829 $ 348,667 The valuation of LIFO inventories is made at the end of each year based on inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations are based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. Actual year-end inventory levels and costs may differ from interim LIFO inventory valuations. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , approximately 37% and 32% of total inventories, respectively, were valued using the LIFO method. The excess of current cost over LIFO cost was $79,626 at December 31, 2018 and $68,641 at December 31, 2017 .

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES The Company leases sales offices, manufacturing facilities, warehouses and distribution centers, transportation equipment, office equipment and information technology equipment. Such leases, some of which are noncancelable and, in many cases, include renewals, expire at various dates. The Company pays most insurance, maintenance and taxes relating to leased assets. Rental expense was $25,720 in 2018 , $20,450 in 2017 and $16,897 in 2016 . At December 31, 2018 , total future minimum lease payments for noncancelable operating leases were $16,920 in 2019 , $11,915 in 2020 , $7,720 in 2021 , $4,744 in 2022 , $3,625 in 2023 and $10,033 thereafter.

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES	CONTINGENCIES The Company, like other manufacturers, is subject from time to time to a variety of civil and administrative proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Such claims and litigation include, without limitation, product liability claims, regulatory claims, employment-related claims and health, safety and environmental claims, some of which relate to cases alleging asbestos induced illnesses. The claimants in the asbestos cases seek compensatory and punitive damages, in most cases for unspecified amounts. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses to these claims and intends to contest such suits vigorously. The Company accrues its best estimate of the probable costs, after a review of the facts with management and counsel and taking into account past experience. For claims or litigation that are material, if an unfavorable outcome is determined to be reasonably possible and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated, or if an unfavorable outcome is determined to be probable and the amount of loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure would be provided. Many of the current cases are in differing procedural stages and information on the circumstances of each claimant, which forms the basis for judgments as to the validity or ultimate disposition of such actions, varies greatly. Therefore, in many situations a range of possible losses cannot be made. Reserves are adjusted as facts and circumstances change and related management assessments of the underlying merits and the likelihood of outcomes change. Moreover, reserves only cover identified and/or asserted claims. Future claims could, therefore, give rise to increases to such reserves. Based on the Company's historical experience in litigating product liability claims, including a significant number of dismissals, summary judgments and defense verdicts in many cases and immaterial settlement amounts, as well as the Company's current assessment of the underlying merits of the claims and applicable insurance, the Company believes resolution of these claims and proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS	PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS The changes in product warranty accruals for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 22,029 $ 21,053 $ 19,469 Accruals for warranties 8,897 9,901 13,058 Settlements (11,403 ) (11,500 ) (11,434 ) Foreign currency translation and other adjustments (1) 255 2,575 (40 ) Balance at end of year $ 19,778 $ 22,029 $ 21,053 (1) At December 31, 2017 , Foreign currency translation and other adjustments includes $2,299 for an acquired liability related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUD

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) First (1) Second (2) Third (3) Fourth (4) 2018 Net sales $ 757,696 $ 790,052 $ 737,099 $ 743,827 Gross profit 256,554 270,116 251,552 250,299 Income before income taxes 84,198 94,263 95,744 94,455 Net income 60,824 68,864 70,539 86,839 Basic earnings per share (5) $ 0.93 $ 1.05 $ 1.09 $ 1.36 Diluted earnings per share (5) $ 0.92 $ 1.04 $ 1.07 $ 1.35 2017 Net sales $ 580,897 $ 626,858 $ 669,491 $ 747,185 Gross profit 202,663 216,311 217,881 238,252 Income before income taxes 77,900 83,966 130,642 73,728 Net income 55,844 61,352 106,126 24,181 Basic earnings per share (5) $ 0.85 $ 0.93 $ 1.61 $ 0.37 Diluted earnings per share (5) $ 0.84 $ 0.92 $ 1.59 $ 0.36 (1) 2018 includes special item charges of $758 ( $569 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $10,175 ( $7,870 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,500 and $1,907 ( $1,520 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $3,615 ( $2,734 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction costs. (2) 2018 includes special item charges of $11,542 ( $10,362 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and $788 ( $675 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $4,498 ( $3,494 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction and integration costs. (3) 2018 includes special item charges of $4,232 ( $3,176 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $2,636 ( $2,575 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,323 and acquisition-related items including $970 ( $797 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $5,283 ( $3,260 after-tax) for pension settlement charges and acquisition-related items including $2,314 ( $1,745 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,273 ( $2,229 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $51,585 bargain purchase gain. (4) 2018 includes special item charges of $1,696 ( $1,272 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $932 ( $841 gain after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets, a $4,424 credit related to the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $833 ( $690 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $2,867 ( $1,770 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $6,590 ( $6,198 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, $28,616 for the net impact of the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $2,264 ( $1,708 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,616 ( $3,102 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $1,935 adjustment to the bargain purchase gain. (5) The quarterly earnings per share ("EPS") amounts are each calculated independently. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the annual totals.

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUA

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS, INC. (In thousands) Additions Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged (Credited) to Other Accounts (1) Deductions (2) Balance at End of Period Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 15,943 $ 1,743 $ (1,037 ) $ 3,822 $ 12,827 Year Ended December 31, 2017 7,768 1,172 9,501 2,498 15,943 Year Ended December 31, 2016 7,299 1,657 72 1,260 7,768 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance: Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 68,694 $ 1,891 $ 2,437 $ (3,622 ) $ 69,400 Year Ended December 31, 2017 47,849 16,222 4,854 (231 ) 68,694 Year Ended December 31, 2016 51,294 3,704 3,923 (11,072 ) 47,849 (1) Currency translation adjustment, additions from acquisitions and other adjustments. (2) For the Allowance for doubtful accounts, deductions relate to uncollectible accounts written-off, net of recoveries. For the Deferred tax asset valuation allowance, deductions relate to the reversal of valuation allowances due to the realization of net operating loss carryforwards.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Prepaid Expenses [Policy Text Block]	Prepaid Expenses Prepaid expenses include prepaid insurance, prepaid rent, prepaid service contracts and other prepaid items.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc. and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries for which it has a controlling interest (the "Company") after elimination of all inter-company accounts, transactions and profits.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies Asset and liability accounts are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the dates of the Consolidated Balance Sheets; revenue and expense accounts are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Translation adjustments are reflected as a component of Total equity. For subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies, both historical and current exchange rates are used in translating balance sheet accounts and translation adjustments are included in Net income. The translation of assets and liabilities originally denominated in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars is for consolidation purposes, and does not necessarily indicate that the Company could realize or settle the reported value of those assets and liabilities in U.S. dollars. Additionally, such a translation does not necessarily indicate that the Company could return or distribute the reported U.S. dollar value of the net equity of its foreign operations to shareholders.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses from the failure of its customers to make required payments for products delivered. The Company estimates this allowance based on the age of the related receivable, knowledge of the financial condition of customers, review of historical receivables and reserve trends and other pertinent information. If the financial condition of customers deteriorates or an unfavorable trend in receivable collections is experienced in the future, additional allowances may be required.
Inventories	Inventories Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Fixed manufacturing overhead costs are allocated to inventory based on normal production capacity and abnormal manufacturing costs are recognized as period costs. Cost for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories is determined on a last-in, first-out (“ LIFO”) basis. At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , approximately 37% and 32% of total inventories, respectively, were valued using the LIFO method. Cost of other inventories is determined by costing methods that approximate a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Refer to Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Reserves are maintained for estimated obsolescence or excess inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated net realizable value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions.
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities The Company's marketable securities consist of short-term highly liquid investments classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value using quoted market prices for similar assets at the end of the reporting period.
Equity Investments	Equity Investments Investments in businesses which the Company does not own a majority interest and does not have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. The Company's 50% ownership interest in equity investments includes investments in Turkey and Chile.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost and include improvements which significantly increase capacities or extend the useful lives of existing plant and equipment. Depreciation and amortization are computed using a straight-line method over useful lives ranging from three to 20 years for machinery, tools and equipment, and up to 40 years for buildings. Net gains or losses related to asset dispositions are recognized in earnings in the period in which dispositions occur. Routine maintenance, repairs and replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company capitalizes interest costs associated with long-term construction in progress.
Goodwill and Intangibles	Goodwill and Intangibles Goodwill is recorded when the cost of acquired businesses exceeds the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Intangible assets other than goodwill are recorded at fair value at the time acquired or at cost, if applicable. Intangible assets that do not have indefinite lives are amortized in line with the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset are consumed. If the pattern of economic benefit cannot be reliably determined, the intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the legal or estimated life. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment in the fourth quarter using the same dates each year or more frequently if changes in circumstances or the occurrence of events indicate potential impairment. In performing the annual impairment test, the fair value of each indefinite-lived intangible asset is compared to its carrying value and an impairment charge is recorded if the carrying value exceeds the fair value. For goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, and whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. The quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. For quantitative testing, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Fair values are determined using established business valuation techniques and models developed by the Company, estimates of market participant assumptions of future cash flows, future growth rates and discount rates to value estimated cash flows. Changes in economic and operating conditions, actual growth below the assumed market participant assumptions or an increase in the discount rate could result in an impairment charge in a future period.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of its depreciable long-lived assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows produced by the long-lived asset, or the appropriate grouping of assets, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether impairment exists. If an asset is determined to be impaired, a loss is recognized to the extent that carrying value exceeds fair value. Fair value is measured based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, the estimate of fair value is based on various valuation techniques, including the discounted value of estimated future cash flows.
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements Financial assets and liabilities, such as the Company's defined benefit pension plan assets and derivative contracts, are valued at fair value using the market and income valuation approaches. Fair value is defined as 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 (exit price). The following hierarchy is used to classify the inputs that measure fair value: Level 1 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 Inputs to the valuation methodology include: • Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; • Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; • Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability; and • Inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. If the asset or liability has a specific (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
Product Warranties	Product Warranties The Company accrues for product warranty claims based on historical experience and the expected material and labor costs to provide warranty service. Warranty services are generally provided for periods up to three years from the date of sale. The accrual for product warranty claims is included in Other current liabilities.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 (“Topic 606”) using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the Company's historic accounting. The cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606 as of January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of Topic 606 to be material to the consolidated financial statements on an ongoing basis. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied and control is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for goods or services. The Company recognizes any discounts, credits, returns, rebates and incentive programs based on reasonable estimates as a reduction of sales to arrive at Net sales at the same time the related revenue is recorded. Taxes collected by the Company, including sales tax and value add tax, are excluded from Net sales. The Company recognizes freight billed as a component of Net sales and shipping costs as a component of Cost of goods sold when control transfers to the customer. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is generally one year or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of the customer and the products or services offered. The Company does not offer any payment terms that would meet the requirements for consideration as a financing component under Topic 606.
Distribution Costs	Distribution Costs Distribution costs, including warehousing and freight related to product shipments, are included in Cost of goods sold.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation Expense is recognized for all awards of stock-based compensation by allocating the aggregate grant date fair value over the vesting period. No expense is recognized for any stock options, restricted or deferred shares or restricted stock units ultimately forfeited because the recipients fail to meet vesting requirements. Common stock issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options is excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share when the calculation of option equivalent shares is anti-dilutive.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposures to interest rates, commodity prices and currency exchange rate fluctuations on certain purchase and sales transactions, balance sheet and net investment exposures. Derivative contracts to hedge currency and commodity exposures are generally written on a short-term basis, but may cover exposures for up to two years while interest rate contracts may cover longer periods consistent with the terms of the underlying debt. The Company does not enter into derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. All derivatives are recognized at fair value on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on the use of the derivative and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company formally documents the relationship of the hedge with the hedged item as well as the risk-management strategy for all designated hedges. Both at inception and on an ongoing basis, the hedging instrument is assessed as to its effectiveness, when applicable. If and when a derivative is determined not to be highly effective as a hedge, the underlying hedged transaction is no longer likely to occur, or the derivative is terminated, hedge accounting is discontinued. The cash flows from settled derivative contracts are recognized in Net cash provided by operating activities in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The Company is subject to the credit risk of the counterparties to derivative instruments. Counterparties include a number of major banks and financial institutions. The Company manages individual counterparty exposure by monitoring the credit rating of the counterparty and the size of financial commitments and exposures between the Company and the counterparty. Cash flow hedges Certain foreign currency forward contracts are qualified and designated as cash flow hedges. The effective portion of the fair value unrealized gain or loss on cash flow hedges are reported as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") with offsetting amounts recorded as Other current assets, Other assets, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities depending on the position and the duration of the contract. At settlement, the realized gain or loss is recorded in Cost of goods sold or Net sales for hedges of purchases and sales, respectively, in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion on cash flow hedges is recognized in current earnings. Fair value hedges Certain interest rate swap agreements were qualified and designated as fair value hedges. The interest rate swap agreements designated as fair value hedges meet the shortcut method requirements under accounting standards for derivatives and hedging. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of these agreements are considered to exactly offset changes in the fair value of the underlying long-term debt. Changes in fair value are recorded in Other assets or Other liabilities with offsetting amounts recorded as a fair value adjustment to the carrying value of Long-term debt, less current portion. Net investment hedges For derivative instruments that qualify as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the fair value gains or losses are recognized in AOCI with offsetting amounts recorded as Other current assets, Other assets, Other current liabilities or Other liabilities depending on the position and the duration of the contract. The gains or losses are subsequently reclassified to Selling, general and administrative expenses, as the underlying hedged investment is liquidated. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments The Company has certain foreign exchange forward contracts which are not designated as hedges. These derivatives are held as hedges of certain balance sheet exposures. The gains or losses on t hese contracts are recognized in Selling, general and administrative expenses, offsetting the losses or gains on the exposures being hedged
Research and Development	Research and Development Research and development costs are charged to Selling, general & administrative expenses as incurred
Bonus	Bonus Included in Selling, general & administrative expenses are the costs related to the Company's discretionary employee bonus programs, which for certain U.S.-based employees are net of hospitalization costs.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized at currently enacted tax rates for temporary differences between the GAAP and income tax basis of assets and liabilities and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company assesses whether it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Provisions of the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax Act") became effective for the Company in 2018. The Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (“FDII”) provision generates a deduction against the Company’s U.S. taxable income for U.S. earnings derived offshore that utilize intangibles held by the Company in the U.S. Conversely, the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) provision requires the Company to subject to U.S. taxation a portion of its foreign subsidiary earnings that exceed an allowable return. The Company has elected to treat any GILTI inclusion as a period expense in the year incurred. Refer to Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details.
Estimates	Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions in certain circumstances that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Reclassification	Reclassification Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year financial statements to conform to current year classifications.
Acquisitions	Acquisitions Upon acquisition of a business, the Company uses the income, market or cost approach (or a combination thereof) for the valuation as appropriate. The valuation inputs in these models and analyses are based on market participant assumptions. Market participants are considered to be buyers and sellers unrelated to the Company in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value estimates are based on a series of judgments about future events and uncertainties and rely heavily on estimates and assumptions. Management values property, plant and equipment using the cost approach supported where available by observable market data, which includes consideration of obsolescence. Management values acquired intangible assets using the relief from royalty method, a form of the income approach supported by observable market data for peer companies. Acquired inventories are marked to fair value. For certain items, the carrying value is determined to be a reasonable approximation of fair value based on information available to the Company. Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. Acquired companies are included in the Company's consolidated financial statements as of the date of acquisition.
Segments	The Company's primary business is the design and manufacture of arc welding and cutting products, manufacturing a broad line of arc welding equipment, consumable welding products and other welding and cutting products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, CNC and plasma cutters, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, integrated automation systems, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes, fluxes and welding accessories and specialty welding consumables and fabrication. The Company's product offering also includes oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. In addition, the Company has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company realigned its organizational and leadership structure into three operating segments to support growth strategies and enhance the utilization of the Company's worldwide resources and global sourcing initiatives. The operating segments consist of Americas Welding, International Welding and The Harris Products Group. The Americas Welding segment includes welding operations in North and South America. The International Welding segment primarily includes welding operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. The Harris Products Group includes the Company's global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as its retail business in the United States. Segment performance is measured and resources are allocated based on a number of factors, the primary measure being the adjusted earnings before interest and income taxes ("Adjusted EBIT") profit measure. EBIT is defined as Operating income plus Equity earnings in affiliates and Other income. Segment EBIT is adjusted for special items as determined by management such as the impact of rationalization activities, certain asset impairment charges and gains or losses on disposals of assets. The accounting principles applied at the operating segment level are generally the same as those applied at the consolidated financial statement level with the exception of LIFO. Segment assets include inventories measured on a FIFO basis while consolidated inventories include inventories reported on a LIFO basis. Segment and consolidated income before interest and income taxes include the effect of inventories reported on a LIFO basis. At December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 approximately 37% , 32% and 40% , respectively, of total inventories were valued using the LIFO method. LIFO is used for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories included in Americas Welding. Inter-segment sales are recorded at agreed upon prices that approximate arm's length prices and are eliminated in consolidation. Corporate-level expenses are allocated to the operating segments.
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements The following section provides a description of new ASUs issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") that are applicable to the Company. The following ASUs were adopted as of January 1, 2018 and did not have a significant financial impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements unless otherwise described within the table below: Standard Description ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities , issued August 2017. ASU 2017-12 provides updated guidance to more closely align hedge accounting with a company's risk management strategy, to simplify the application of hedge accounting and to better portray the economic results of hedging instruments in the financial statements. The Company early adopted the ASU on January 1, 2018. ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Period Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost , issued March 2017. ASU 2017-07 requires an entity to report the service cost component of the net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs. The other components of the net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of any subtotal of operating income. Additionally, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in assets. The impact of the adoption resulted in the reclassification of the other components of net periodic benefit cost from Cost of goods sold and Selling, general and administrative expenses to Other income (expense). The reclassification resulted in a decrease in Operating income of $769 as a result of increases in Cost of goods sold of $5,219 and Selling, general & administrative expenses of $3,700 partially offset by a decrease in Pension settlement charges of $8,150 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The reclassification resulted in a decrease in Operating income of $4,660 as a result of a increases in Cost of goods sold of $2,739 and Selling, general and administrative expenses of $1,921 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further details. ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, issued January 2017. ASU 2017-01 provides updated guidance for evaluating whether certain transactions should be accounted for as an acquisition (or disposal) of an asset or a business. ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash , issued November 2016. ASU 2016-18 requires amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory , issued October 2016. ASU 2016-16 requires an entity to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , issued August 2016. ASU 2016-15 reduces existing diversity in practice by addressing eight specific cash flow issues related to how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) issued May 2014 and ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date , issued August 2015. ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard also specifies the accounting of some costs to obtain or fulfill a contract with a customer and expands the disclosure requirements around contracts with customers. ASU 2015-14 deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of that date. The adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements for further details. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements of the following ASUs: Standard Description ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation - Retirement Benefits - Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20) , issued August 2018. ASU 2018-14 modifies disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. The ASU also requires an entity to disclose the weighted-average interest crediting rates for cash balance plans and to explain the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation. The ASU is effective January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 944) , issued August 2018. ASU 2018-13 eliminates, amends and adds disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements. The ASU impacts various elements of fair value disclosure, including but not limited to, changes in unrealized gains or losses, significant unobservable inputs and measurement uncertainty. The ASU is effective January 1, 2020 and early adoption is permitted. ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) , issued February 2018. ASU 2018-02 allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Act (as defined within Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements). The ASU only applies to the income tax effects of the U.S. Tax Act, all other existing guidance remains the same. The ASU is effective January 1, 2019, early adoption is permitted and the ASU should be applied retrospectively to each period impacted by the U.S. Tax Act. ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , issued February 2016 ASU 2016-02 ("Topic 842") aims to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing a right of use asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a lease term greater than twelve months. Topic 842 also requires the disclosure of key information about leasing agreements. The Company adopted Topic 842 on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective transition option of applying the new standard at the adoption date. The Company also elected the package of practical expedients, which among other things, allows it to not reassess the identification, classification and initial direct costs of leases commencing before the effective date of Topic 842.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_3

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	Property, plant and equipment, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is comprised of the following components: December 31, 2018 2017 Land $ 61,784 $ 66,653 Buildings 414,698 421,722 Machinery and equipment 781,136 776,436 1,257,618 1,264,811 Less accumulated depreciation 778,817 787,780 Total $ 478,801 $ 477,031

REVENUE RECOGNITION REVENUE REC

REVENUE RECOGNITION REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the Company's Net sales disaggregated by product line: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Consumables $ 1,755,652 Equipment 1,273,022 Net sales $ 3,028,674

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income $ 287,066 $ 247,503 $ 198,399 Denominator: Basic weighted average shares outstanding 64,886 65,739 67,462 Effect of dilutive securities - Stock options and awards 796 904 694 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 65,682 66,643 68,156 Basic earnings per share $ 4.42 $ 3.76 $ 2.94 Diluted earnings per share $ 4.37 $ 3.71 $ 2.91

ACQUISITIONS Business Combinati

ACQUISITIONS Business Combination (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combination [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the purchase price allocation for the Air Liquide Welding acquisition: Assets acquired and liabilities assumed As of July 31, 2017 Accounts receivable $ 89,442 Inventory (1) 97,803 Property, plant and equipment (2) 73,056 Intangible assets (3) 11,715 Accounts payable (65,640 ) Pension liability (67,563 ) Bargain purchase gain (49,650 ) Net other assets and liabilities (4) (27,210 ) Total purchase price, net of cash acquired (5) $ 61,953 (1) Inventories acquired were sold in 2017 resulting in a $4,578 increase in cost of sales for the amortization of step up in the value of acquired inventories. (2) Property, plant and equipment acquired includes a number of manufacturing and distribution sites, including the related facilities, land and leased sites, and machinery and equipment for use in manufacturing operations. (3) $7,099 of the intangible asset balance was assigned to a trade name expected to have an indefinite life. Of the remaining amount, $1,183 was assigned to a finite-lived trade name ( 10 year weighted average useful life) and $3,433 was assigned to other intangible assets ( 9 year weighted average life). (4) Consists primarily of other accrued liabilities. (5) Reflects a receivable from seller for an agreed upon purchase price adjustment. The payment of $10,983 was received in the first quarter of 2018.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Table

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]	During 2018, the Company acquired intangible assets either individually or as part of a group of assets, with an initial purchase price allocation and weighted-average lives as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 Purchase Price Allocation Weighted Average Life Acquired intangible assets subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names 8,786 10 Customer relationships 21,493 10 Other 5,632 9 Total acquired intangible assets subject to amortization 35,911
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: Americas Welding International Welding The Harris Products Group Consolidated Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ 196,378 $ 23,664 $ 11,877 $ 231,919 Additions and adjustments (1) (76 ) — (301 ) (377 ) Impairment charges (2) (1,091 ) — — (1,091 ) Foreign currency translation 2,048 2,003 80 4,131 Balance as of December 31, 2017 197,259 25,667 11,656 234,582 Additions and adjustments (3) 44,408 1,224 6,525 52,157 Foreign currency translation (2,452 ) (2,643 ) (350 ) (5,445 ) Balance as of December 31, 2018 $ 239,215 $ 24,248 $ 17,831 $ 281,294
Schedule of gross and net intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class	Gross carrying values and accumulated amortization of intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class were as follows: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Accumulated Intangible assets not subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names $ 23,385 $ 24,235 Intangible assets subject to amortization Trademarks and trade names $ 50,458 $ 26,357 $ 41,203 $ 24,147 Customer relationships 113,837 52,518 93,139 47,175 Patents 26,848 13,307 27,777 12,978 Other 60,373 34,773 57,351 31,953 Total intangible assets subject to amortization $ 251,516 $ 126,955 $ 219,470 $ 116,253

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of financial information for the reportable segments	Financial information for the reportable segments follows: Americas Welding (1) International Welding (2) The Harris Products Group Corporate / Eliminations (3) Consolidated For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net sales $ 1,806,514 $ 919,771 $ 302,389 $ — $ 3,028,674 Inter-segment sales 118,936 18,576 6,969 (144,481 ) $ — Total $ 1,925,450 $ 938,347 $ 309,358 $ (144,481 ) $ 3,028,674 Adjusted EBIT $ 340,744 $ 54,273 $ 36,564 $ (8,887 ) $ 422,694 Special items charge (gain) 6,686 25,285 — 4,498 $ 36,469 EBIT $ 334,058 $ 28,988 $ 36,564 $ (13,385 ) $ 386,225 Interest income 6,938 Interest expense (24,503 ) Income before income taxes $ 368,660 Total assets $ 1,418,905 $ 827,132 $ 203,095 $ (99,307 ) $ 2,349,825 Equity investments in affiliates 4,204 27,024 — — $ 31,228 Capital expenditures 42,053 26,284 2,909 — $ 71,246 Depreciation and amortization 47,008 22,384 3,045 (91 ) $ 72,346 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 Net sales $ 1,609,779 $ 724,024 $ 290,628 $ — $ 2,624,431 Inter-segment sales 97,382 18,860 8,190 (124,432 ) $ — Total $ 1,707,161 $ 742,884 $ 298,818 $ (124,432 ) $ 2,624,431 Adjusted EBIT $ 291,866 $ 41,721 $ 36,442 $ 309 $ 370,338 Special items charge (gain) 9,242 10,076 — (34,648 ) $ (15,330 ) EBIT $ 282,624 $ 31,645 $ 36,442 $ 34,957 $ 385,668 Interest income 4,788 Interest expense (24,220 ) Income before income taxes $ 366,236 Total assets $ 1,253,411 $ 919,995 $ 175,151 $ 57,990 $ 2,406,547 Equity investments in affiliates 4,037 24,489 — — $ 28,526 Capital expenditures 43,158 14,549 3,949 — $ 61,656 Depreciation and amortization 47,038 18,364 2,885 (172 ) $ 68,115 For the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Net sales $ 1,494,982 $ 507,289 $ 272,343 $ — $ 2,274,614 Inter-segment sales 93,612 15,975 8,709 (118,296 ) $ — Total $ 1,588,594 $ 523,264 $ 281,052 $ (118,296 ) $ 2,274,614 Adjusted EBIT $ 266,633 $ 29,146 $ 32,380 $ 564 $ 328,723 Special items charge — — — 34,348 $ 34,348 EBIT $ 266,633 $ 29,146 $ 32,380 $ (33,784 ) $ 294,375 Interest income 2,092 Interest expense (19,079 ) Income before income taxes $ 277,388 Total assets $ 1,278,417 $ 529,223 $ 161,391 $ (25,594 ) $ 1,943,437 Equity investments in affiliates 3,946 23,355 — — $ 27,301 Capital expenditures 35,314 12,354 2,209 — $ 49,877 Depreciation and amortization 47,359 15,063 2,860 (209 ) $ 65,073 (1) Special items in 2018 reflect pension settlement charges of $6,686 in Americas Welding related to lump sum pension payments. 2017 special items reflect pension settlement charges of $8,150 related to lump sum pension payments, as well as non-cash charges of $1,091 related to the impairment of goodwill. (2) 2018 special items reflect charges of $25,285 related to employee severance, asset impairments, gains or losses on disposal of assets and other related costs. 2017 special items reflect amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $4,578 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, as well as charges of $5,498 related to employee severance, asset impairments and other related costs. (3) 2018 special items reflect acquisition and acquisition transaction and integration costs of $4,498 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. 2017 special items reflect a bargain purchase gain of $49,650 and acquisition transaction and integration costs of $15,002 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. 2016 special items reflect a loss of $34,348 related to the deconsolidation of the Company's Venezuelan subsidiary.
Schedule of geographical split of the Company's net sales, based on the location of the customers, and property plant equipment	The geographic split of the Company's Net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Net sales: United States $ 1,554,688 $ 1,388,816 $ 1,308,635 Foreign countries 1,473,986 1,235,615 965,979 Total $ 3,028,674 $ 2,624,431 $ 2,274,614 December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Property, plant and equipment, net: United States $ 214,943 $ 194,491 $ 176,041 Foreign countries 264,110 282,931 196,679 Eliminations (252 ) (391 ) (343 ) Total $ 478,801 $ 477,031 $ 372,377

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMP_2

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of the activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment	Consolidated Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 5,190 Payments and other adjustments (3,536 ) Charged to expense 5,149 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 6,803 Payments and other adjustments (26,874 ) Charged to expense 31,263 Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 11,192

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss	The following tables set forth the total changes in AOCI by component, net of taxes, for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 : Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges Defined benefit pension plan activity Currency translation adjustment Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 587 $ (95,939 ) $ (233,685 ) $ (329,037 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (2,074 ) 2,736 (2) 70,901 (3) 71,563 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 2,362 (1) 7,926 (2) — 10,288 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 288 10,662 70,901 81,851 Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 875 $ (85,277 ) $ (162,784 ) $ (247,186 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification 624 (4,396 ) (2) (50,600 ) (3) (54,372 ) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 195 (1) 7,624 (2) — 7,819 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 819 3,228 (50,600 ) (46,553 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 1,694 $ (82,049 ) $ (213,384 ) $ (293,739 ) (1) During 2018 , this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(152) (net of tax of $(73) and Cost of goods sold of $43 (net of tax of $(40) ); during 2017 , the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $1,860 (net of tax of $693 ) and Cost of goods sold of $502 (net of tax of $93 ). Refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. (2) This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,691 and $19,252 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively). Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details. (3) The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $(93) and $115 attributable to Non-controlling interests in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The reclassified AOCI component is included in the computation of Non-controlling interests. Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Equity for additional details.

DEBT (Tables)

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of debt	At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , debt consisted of the following: December 31, 2018 2017 Long-term debt Senior Unsecured Notes due through 2045, interest at 2.8% to 4.0% (net of debt issuance costs of $1,392 and $1,491 at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively), swapped $125,000 to variable interest rates of 3.1% to 4.4% $ 691,877 $ 693,424 Other borrowings due through 2023, interest up to 8.0% 10,783 10,823 702,660 704,247 Less current portion 111 111 Long-term debt, less current portion 702,549 704,136 Short-term debt Amounts due banks, interest at 31.8% in 2017 — 2,020 Current portion long-term debt 111 111 Total short-term debt 111 2,131 Total debt $ 702,660 $ 706,267
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Schedule of debt	The maturity and interest rates of the 2015 Notes and 2016 Notes are as follows: Amount Maturity Date Interest Rate 2015 Notes Series A $ 100,000 August 20, 2025 3.15 % Series B 100,000 August 20, 2030 3.35 % Series C 50,000 April 1, 2035 3.61 % Series D 100,000 April 1, 2035 4.02 % 2016 Notes Series A $ 100,000 October 20, 2028 2.75 % Series B 100,000 October 20, 2033 3.03 % Series C 100,000 October 20, 2037 3.27 % Series D 50,000 October 20, 2041 3.52 %

STOCK PLANS (Tables)

STOCK PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of stock option activity	The following table summarizes stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 under all Plans: Number of Weighted Average Exercise Price Balance at beginning of year 1,362,448 $ 58.45 Options granted 171,843 90.70 Options exercised (101,272 ) 46.20 Options canceled (1,981 ) 58.79 Balance at end of year 1,431,038 63.19 Exercisable at end of year 1,070,594 56.70
Weighted average assumptions used for estimating fair value of options granted	The weighted average assumptions for each of the three years ended December 31 were as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Expected volatility 25.36 % 25.77 % 28.86 % Dividend yield 1.92 % 1.62 % 1.70 % Risk-free interest rate 2.69 % 1.90 % 1.27 % Expected option life (years) 4.6 4.5 4.5 Weighted average fair value per option granted during the year $ 18.97 $ 17.50 $ 12.55
Summary of nonvested stock options	The following table summarizes non-vested stock options for the year ended December 31, 2018 : Number of Options Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date Balance at beginning of year 409,559 $ 15.47 Granted 171,843 18.97 Vested (220,958 ) 15.75 Balance at end of year 360,444 17.21
Summary of information about awards outstanding, by exercise price range	The following table summarizes information about awards outstanding as of December 31, 2018 : Outstanding Exercisable Exercise Price Range Number of Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Number of Stock Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Remaining Life (years) Under $49.99 447,315 $ 39.78 3.0 447,315 $ 39.79 3.0 $50.00 - $59.99 217,143 58.12 7.1 144,768 58.11 7.1 Over $60.00 766,580 78.28 7.0 478,511 72.09 5.9 1,431,038 5.8 1,070,594 4.9
Summary of restricted share award activity	The following table summarizes restricted share award activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 under all Plans: Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at beginning of year 47,856 $ 71.54 Shares granted 1,662 91.02 Shares vested (32,922 ) 82.48 Shares forfeited (4,158 ) 78.65 Balance at end of year 12,438 80.98
Summary of restricted stock unit activity	The following table summarizes RSU and PSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2018 under all Plans: Number of Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Balance at beginning of year 418,966 $ 69.98 Units granted 148,833 89.51 Units vested (49,653 ) 69.24 Units forfeited (12,116 ) 74.16 Balance at end of year 506,030 75.69

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_2

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Obligations and Funded Status	Obligations and Funded Status December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Change in benefit obligations Benefit obligations at beginning of year $ 507,075 $ 193,523 $ 484,758 $ 79,972 Service cost 139 3,252 608 2,678 Interest cost 18,084 3,703 19,497 3,253 Plan participants' contributions — 196 — 176 Acquisitions & other adjustments (1) — (5,322 ) — 100,551 Actuarial (gain) loss (46,924 ) (5,674 ) 46,144 4,926 Benefits paid (7,973 ) (9,723 ) (6,409 ) (4,909 ) Settlements/curtailments (2) (31,456 ) (1,886 ) (37,523 ) (700 ) Currency translation — (9,258 ) — 7,576 Benefit obligations at end of year 438,945 168,811 507,075 193,523 Change in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 568,388 113,344 528,744 70,341 Actual return on plan assets (23,012 ) (2,855 ) 82,732 5,770 Employer contributions 690 2,087 55 1,684 Plan participants' contributions — 196 — 176 Acquisitions (1) — 586 — 32,599 Benefits paid (7,047 ) (5,904 ) (5,620 ) (3,196 ) Settlements (2) (26,941 ) (1,455 ) (37,523 ) (22 ) Currency translation — (5,812 ) — 5,992 Fair value of plan assets at end of year 512,078 100,187 568,388 113,344 Funded status at end of year 73,133 (68,624 ) 61,313 (80,179 ) Unrecognized actuarial net loss 85,624 25,581 90,679 25,987 Unrecognized prior service cost — 534 — (11 ) Unrecognized transition assets, net — 32 — 35 Net amount recognized $ 158,757 $ (42,477 ) $ 151,992 $ (54,168 )
Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets	Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Prepaid pensions (1) $ 87,786 $ 77 $ 81,485 $ 368 Accrued pension liability, current (2) (786 ) (2,996 ) (5,332 ) (3,483 ) Accrued pension liability, long-term (3) (13,867 ) (65,705 ) (14,840 ) (77,064 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects 85,624 26,147 90,679 26,011 Net amount recognized in the balance sheets $ 158,757 $ (42,477 ) $ 151,992 $ (54,168 ) (1) I ncluded in Other assets. (2) I ncluded in Other current liabilities. (3) I ncluded in Other liabilities.
Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans	Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Service cost $ 139 $ 3,252 $ 608 $ 2,678 $ 15,474 $ 2,215 Interest cost 18,084 3,703 19,497 3,253 20,676 2,902 Expected return on plan assets (27,052 ) (5,057 ) (31,530 ) (4,270 ) (31,682 ) (4,034 ) Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — 15 (412 ) 18 Amortization of net loss (1) 1,498 2,211 2,133 1,881 7,717 2,176 Settlement/curtailment loss (gain) (2) 6,686 (397 ) 8,150 102 (1,062 ) — Pension cost for defined benefit plans (3) $ (645 ) $ 3,713 $ (1,142 ) $ 3,659 $ 10,711 $ 3,277 (1) The amortization of net loss includes a $959 charge resulting from the deconsolidation of the Venezuelan subsidiary during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets	Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Projected benefit obligation $ 14,653 $ 158,746 $ 26,149 $ 182,512 Accumulated benefit obligation 14,406 152,724 25,870 174,667 Fair value of plan assets — 90,076 5,977 102,107
Benefits expected to be paid for the U.S. Plans	Benefit Payments for Plans Benefits expected to be paid for the plans are as follows: U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Estimated Payments 2019 $ 28,101 $ 8,278 2020 31,581 8,243 2021 26,998 8,513 2022 28,754 8,055 2023 30,593 7,966 2024 through 2028 137,369 42,925
Weighted average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's significant defined benefit plans	Assumptions Weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation for the Company's significant defined benefit plans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Discount Rate 4.4 % 2.3 % 3.7 % 2.0 % Rate of increase in compensation 2.5 % 2.6 % 2.5 % 2.7 % Weighted average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit cost for the Company's significant defined benefit plans for each of the three years ended December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans U.S. pension plans Non-U.S. pension plans Discount rate 3.7 % 2.0 % 4.2 % 2.2 % 4.5 % 3.9 % Rate of increase in compensation 2.5 % 2.7 % 2.5 % 2.5 % 2.6 % 3.7 % Expected return on plan assets 5.0 % 4.6 % 6.0 % 4.5 % 6.2 % 5.7 %
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy	The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans' assets as of December 31, 2018 : Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 13,029 $ — $ — $ 13,029 Equity securities (1) 3,851 — — 3,851 Fixed income securities (2) U.S. government bonds 16,743 — — 16,743 Corporate debt and other obligations — 392,090 — 392,090 Investments measured at NAV (3) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (4) 151,153 Private equity funds (5) 35,399 Total investments at fair value $ 33,623 $ 392,090 $ — $ 612,265 The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the pension plans' assets as of December 31, 2017 : Pension Plans' Assets at Fair Value as of December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Total Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,922 $ — $ — $ 8,922 Equity securities (1) 4,566 — — 4,566 Fixed income securities (2) U.S. government bonds 33,205 — — 33,205 Corporate debt and other obligations — 398,578 — 398,578 Investments measured at NAV (3) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (4) 199,066 Private equity funds (5) 37,395 Total investments at fair value $ 46,693 $ 398,578 $ — $ 681,732 (1) Equity securities are primarily comprised of corporate stock and mutual funds directly held by the plans. Equity securities are valued using the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. (2) Fixed income securities are primarily comprised of governmental and corporate bonds directly held by the plans. Governmental and corporate bonds are valued using both market observable inputs for similar assets that are traded on an active market and the closing price on the active market on which the individual securities are traded. (3) Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. (4) Common trusts and 103-12 investments (collectively "Trusts") are comprised of a number of investment funds that invest in a diverse portfolio of assets including equity securities, corporate and governmental bonds, equity and credit indexes and money markets. Trusts are valued at the NAV as determined by their custodian. NAV represents the accumulation of the unadjusted quoted close prices on the reporting date for the underlying investments divided by the total shares outstanding at the reporting dates. (5) Private equity funds consist of four funds seeking capital appreciation by investing in private equity investment partnerships and venture capital companies. Private equity fund valuations are based on the NAV of the underlying assets. Funds are comprised of unrestricted and restricted publicly traded securities and privately held securities. Unrestricted securities are valued at the closing market price on the reporting date. Restricted securities may be valued at a discount from such closing public market price, depending on facts and circumstances. Privately held securities are valued at fair value as determined by the fund directors and general partners.

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (Tables)

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	The components of Other income (expense) were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Equity earnings in affiliates $ 5,481 2,742 $ 2,928 Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income (1) 502 769 4,660 Other income 4,703 5,215 3,173 Total Other income (expense) $ 10,686 8,726 $ 10,761 (1) Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income includes pension settlements and curtailments. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for details.

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of income (loss) before income taxes	The components of income before income taxes for the three years ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 U.S. $ 255,088 $ 213,171 $ 209,409 Non-U.S. 113,572 153,065 67,979 Total $ 368,660 $ 366,236 $ 277,388
Components of income tax expense (benefit)	The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the three years ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Current: Federal $ 45,521 $ 89,182 $ 57,090 Non-U.S. 28,894 25,746 23,344 State and local 10,515 7,640 8,386 84,930 122,568 88,820 Deferred: Federal (691 ) (4,391 ) (1,716 ) Non-U.S. (3,121 ) (82 ) (8,261 ) State and local 549 666 172 (3,263 ) (3,807 ) (9,805 ) Total $ 81,667 $ 118,761 $ 79,015
Differences between total income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes	The differences between total income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the three years ended December 31, 2018 were as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income $ 77,419 $ 128,182 $ 97,086 State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 8,844 5,671 5,554 Excess tax benefits resulting from exercises of stock-based compensation (1,094 ) (6,276 ) — Net impact of the U.S. Tax Act 4,823 21,949 — Foreign withholding taxes (4,424 ) 6,667 — Intangible and asset impairments/(write-off) — — (4,438 ) Foreign rate variance (4,560 ) (13,929 ) (8,128 ) Venezuela deconsolidation/devaluation — — 5,192 Bargain purchase gain — (17,556 ) — Valuation allowances 5,596 102 (8,525 ) Manufacturing deduction — (5,922 ) (5,190 ) Research and development credit (3,859 ) (2,688 ) (2,748 ) Other (1,078 ) 2,561 212 Total $ 81,667 $ 118,761 $ 79,015 Effective tax rate 22.2 % 32.4 % 28.5 %
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets: Tax loss and credit carry-forwards $ 60,756 $ 60,454 Inventory 3,544 2,501 Other accruals 13,172 14,873 Employee benefits 22,963 18,468 Pension obligations 12,122 12,363 Other 3,739 4,923 Deferred tax assets, gross 116,296 113,582 Valuation allowance (69,400 ) (68,694 ) Deferred tax assets, net 46,896 44,888 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment 28,606 21,427 Intangible assets 10,950 10,729 Inventory 4,814 5,891 Pension obligations 19,346 16,137 Other 8,770 15,483 Deferred tax liabilities 72,486 69,667 Total deferred taxes $ (25,590 ) $ (24,779 )
Summary of the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits	The following table summarizes the activity related to unrecognized tax benefits: 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 28,449 $ 18,499 Increase related to current year tax provisions 1,431 1,448 Increase related to prior years' tax positions 4,917 1,460 Increase related to acquisitions — 8,223 Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities (111 ) (522 ) Resolution of and other decreases in prior years' tax liabilities (1,501 ) (1,734 ) Other (4,381 ) 1,075 Balance at end of year $ 28,804 $ 28,449

DERIVATIVES (Tables)

DERIVATIVES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of fair values of derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets	Fair values of derivative instruments in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets follow: December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Derivatives by hedge designation Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Assets Other Liabilities Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities Designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts $ 647 $ 404 $ — $ — $ 519 $ 604 $ — Interest rate swap agreements — — 302 7,033 — — 5,085 Not designated as hedging instruments: Foreign exchange contracts 6,375 829 — — 2,257 3,747 — Total derivatives $ 7,022 $ 1,233 $ 302 $ 7,033 $ 2,776 $ 4,351 $ 5,085
Schedule of effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income	The effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, Derivatives by hedge designation Classification of gains 2018 2017 Not designated as hedges: Foreign exchange contracts Selling, general & administrative expenses $ 7,452 $ 17,590
Schedule of effects of designated cash flow hedges on AOCI and the entity's Consolidated Statements of Income	The effects of designated cash flow hedges on AOCI and the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: December 31, Total gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts $ 173 $ (224 ) Net investment contracts 1,521 1,099 The Company expects a gain of $173 related to existing contracts to be reclassified from AOCI, net of tax, to earnings over the next 12 months as the hedged transactions are realized. Year Ended December 31, Derivative type Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to: 2018 2017 Foreign exchange contracts Net sales $ (225 ) $ 1,860 Cost of goods sold (3 ) 502

FAIR VALUE (Tables)

FAIR VALUE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2018 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description Balance as of December 31, 2018 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Foreign exchange contracts $ 7,022 $ — $ 7,022 $ — Interest rate swap agreements 302 — 302 — Total assets $ 7,324 $ — $ 7,324 $ — Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts $ 1,233 $ — $ 1,233 $ — Interest rate swap agreements 7,033 — 7,033 — Contingent considerations 2,100 — — 2,100 Deferred compensation 26,524 — 26,524 — Total liabilities $ 36,890 $ — $ 34,790 $ 2,100 The following table provides a summary of fair value assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 measured at fair value on a recurring basis: Description Balance as of December 31, 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets or Liabilities (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets: Foreign exchange contracts $ 2,776 $ — $ 2,776 $ — Marketable securities 179,125 — 179,125 — Total assets $ 181,901 $ — $ 181,901 $ — Liabilities: Foreign exchange contracts $ 4,351 $ — $ 4,351 $ — Interest rate swap agreements 5,085 — 5,085 — Contingent considerations 7,086 — — 7,086 Deferred compensation 25,397 — 25,397 — Total liabilities $ 41,919 $ — $ 34,833 $ 7,086

INVENTORY Inventory Disclosure

INVENTORY Inventory Disclosure (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory [Line Items]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	Inventories in the Consolidated Balance Sheet is comprised of the following components: December 31, 2018 2017 Raw materials $ 103,820 $ 97,577 Work-in-process 53,950 50,695 Finished goods 204,059 200,395 Total $ 361,829 $ 348,667

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS (Tables)

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of the changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals	The changes in product warranty accruals for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 22,029 $ 21,053 $ 19,469 Accruals for warranties 8,897 9,901 13,058 Settlements (11,403 ) (11,500 ) (11,434 ) Foreign currency translation and other adjustments (1) 255 2,575 (40 ) Balance at end of year $ 19,778 $ 22,029 $ 21,053 (1) At December 31, 2017 , Foreign currency translation and other adjustments includes $2,299 for an acquired liability related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNA_2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial data	First (1) Second (2) Third (3) Fourth (4) 2018 Net sales $ 757,696 $ 790,052 $ 737,099 $ 743,827 Gross profit 256,554 270,116 251,552 250,299 Income before income taxes 84,198 94,263 95,744 94,455 Net income 60,824 68,864 70,539 86,839 Basic earnings per share (5) $ 0.93 $ 1.05 $ 1.09 $ 1.36 Diluted earnings per share (5) $ 0.92 $ 1.04 $ 1.07 $ 1.35 2017 Net sales $ 580,897 $ 626,858 $ 669,491 $ 747,185 Gross profit 202,663 216,311 217,881 238,252 Income before income taxes 77,900 83,966 130,642 73,728 Net income 55,844 61,352 106,126 24,181 Basic earnings per share (5) $ 0.85 $ 0.93 $ 1.61 $ 0.37 Diluted earnings per share (5) $ 0.84 $ 0.92 $ 1.59 $ 0.36 (1) 2018 includes special item charges of $758 ( $569 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $10,175 ( $7,870 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,500 and $1,907 ( $1,520 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $3,615 ( $2,734 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction costs. (2) 2018 includes special item charges of $11,542 ( $10,362 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and $788 ( $675 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $4,498 ( $3,494 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction and integration costs. (3) 2018 includes special item charges of $4,232 ( $3,176 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $2,636 ( $2,575 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,323 and acquisition-related items including $970 ( $797 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $5,283 ( $3,260 after-tax) for pension settlement charges and acquisition-related items including $2,314 ( $1,745 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,273 ( $2,229 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $51,585 bargain purchase gain. (4) 2018 includes special item charges of $1,696 ( $1,272 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $932 ( $841 gain after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets, a $4,424 credit related to the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $833 ( $690 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $2,867 ( $1,770 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $6,590 ( $6,198 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, $28,616 for the net impact of the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $2,264 ( $1,708 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,616 ( $3,102 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $1,935 adjustment to the bargain purchase gain. (5) The quarterly earnings per share ("EPS") amounts are each calculated independently. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the annual totals.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_4

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Translation of Foreign Currencies) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Foreign Currency Transaction [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction losses	$ (4,885)	$ (5,654)	$ (3,741)
Venezuela - Highly Inflationary Economy
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount	$ 0	$ 0	(34,348)
DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmountNet			(33,251)
Cash Divested from Deconsolidation			$ 283

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_5

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Equity Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Maximum
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Ownership interest in equity investments (as a percent)	50.00%	50.00%
Investments in Turkey and Chile
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Amount of retained earnings that represents undistributed earnings of 50% or less owned equity investments	$ 22,704	$ 19,670

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_6

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Property, Plant and Equipment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Land	$ 61,784	$ 66,653
Buildings	414,698	421,722
Machinery and equipment	781,136	776,436
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	1,257,618	1,264,811
Less accumulated depreciation	778,817	787,780
Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 1)	$ 478,801	$ 477,031	$ 372,377
Machinery, tools and equipment | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property, plant and equipment	3 years
Machinery, tools and equipment | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property, plant and equipment	20 years
Buildings | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful life of property, plant and equipment	40 years

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICI_7

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)						$ 375,539	$ 376,942	$ 283,614
Cost of goods sold						2,000,153	1,749,324	1,488,055
Selling, general & administrative expenses						627,697	541,225	468,597
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment	$ (1,696)	$ (4,232)	$ (758)	$ (2,867)	$ (5,283)
Income Tax Reconciliation Excess Tax Benefits Stock Options						$ 1,094	$ 6,276	$ 0
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	37.00%			32.00%		37.00%	32.00%	40.00%
Maximum period for which derivative contracts cover currency and commodity exposures (in years)						2 years
Product Warranties
Period of warranty services (in years)						3 years
Stock-Based Compensation
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)						324,688	157,033	774,502
Research and Development
Research and development costs						$ 54,168	$ 47,899	$ 44,720
Bonus
Costs related to the Company's discretionary employee bonus programs						123,799	97,392	83,620
Inventories
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$ 24,502			$ 27,544		24,502	27,544
Prepaid Expense, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid Expense, Current	$ 17,078			$ 15,599		$ 17,078	15,599
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement
Basis of Presentation [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)							(769)	(4,660)
Cost of goods sold							5,219	2,739
Selling, general & administrative expenses							3,700	$ 1,921
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment							$ (8,150)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Disaggrega

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Disaggregation of Revenue) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 743,827	$ 737,099	$ 790,052	$ 757,696	$ 747,185	$ 669,491	$ 626,858	$ 580,897	$ 3,028,674	$ 2,624,431	$ 2,274,614
Welding Consumables [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									1,755,652
Welding Equipment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 1,273,022

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Textual) (

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 01, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Percentage Net Sales Over Time	10.00%
Customer Advances	$ 17,023	$ 19,683	$ 19,683
Billings in Excess of Cost, Current	17,013	11,132
Unbilled Contracts Receivable	$ 25,032	$ 22,229

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net income	$ 86,839	[1]	$ 70,539	[2]	$ 68,864	[3]	$ 60,824	[4]	$ 24,181	[1]	$ 106,126	[2]	$ 61,352	[3]	$ 55,844	[4]	$ 287,066	$ 247,503	$ 198,399
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)																	64,886,000	65,739,000	67,462,000
Effect of dilutive securities - stock options and awards (in shares)																	796,000	904,000	694,000
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)																	65,682,000	66,643,000	68,156,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.36	[5]	$ 1.09	[5]	$ 1.05	[5]	$ 0.93	[5]	$ 0.37	[5]	$ 1.61	[5]	$ 0.93	[5]	$ 0.85	[5]	$ 4.42	$ 3.76	$ 2.94
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1.35	[5]	$ 1.07	[5]	$ 1.04	[5]	$ 0.92	[5]	$ 0.36	[5]	$ 1.59	[5]	$ 0.92	[5]	$ 0.84	[5]	$ 4.37	$ 3.71	$ 2.91
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share																	324,688	157,033	774,502
[1]	2018 includes special item charges of $1,696 ($1,272 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $932 ($841 gain after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets, a $4,424 credit related to the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $833 ($690 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $2,867 ($1,770 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $6,590 ($6,198 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, $28,616 for the net impact of the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $2,264 ($1,708 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,616 ($3,102 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $1,935 adjustment to the bargain purchase gain
[2]	2018 includes special item charges of $4,232 ($3,176 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $2,636 ($2,575 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,323 and acquisition-related items including $970 ($797 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $5,283 ($3,260 after-tax) for pension settlement charges and acquisition-related items including $2,314 ($1,745 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,273 ($2,229 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $51,585 bargain purchase gain
[3]	2018 includes special item charges of $11,542 ($10,362 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and $788 ($675 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $4,498 ($3,494 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction and integration costs
[4]	2018 includes special item charges of $758 ($569 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $10,175 ($7,870 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,500 and $1,907 ($1,520 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $3,615 ($2,734 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction costs.
[5]	The quarterly earnings per share ("EPS") amounts are each calculated independently. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the annual totals.

ACQUISITIONS (Details)

ACQUISITIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Jul. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Acquisitions
Business Combination, Inventory Step Up							$ 2,264	$ 2,314				$ 4,578
Acquisition Transaction and Integration Costs			$ 833	$ 970	$ 788	$ 1,907	3,616	3,273	$ 4,498	$ 3,615	$ 4,498	15,002
Annual sales at the date of acquisition			$ 743,827	$ 737,099	$ 790,052	757,696	747,185	669,491	$ 626,858	$ 580,897	3,028,674	2,624,431	$ 2,274,614
Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount							$ (1,935)	$ 51,585			0	49,650	0
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired											101,792	72,468	$ 71,567
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired											$ 35,911
Business Combination Receivable From Seller						$ 10,983
Air Liquide Welding [Member]
Acquisitions
Business Combination, Agreed Upon Purchase Price		$ 135,123
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets, Receivables		89,442
Annual sales at the date of acquisition												182,000
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Inventory	[1]	97,803
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment	[2]	73,056
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles	[3]	11,715
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Accounts Payable		(65,640)
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Pension Liability		(67,563)
Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount		49,650
Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Other Assets Acquired and Other Liabilities Assumed, Net	[4]	(27,210)
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	[5]	$ 61,953
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired												7,099
Other Intangible Assets | Air Liquide Welding [Member]
Acquisitions
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired												3,433
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		9 years
Trademarks and trade names | Air Liquide Welding [Member]
Acquisitions
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired												$ 1,183
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life		10 years
[1]	Inventories acquired were sold in 2017 resulting in a $4,578 increase in cost of sales for the amortization of step up in the value of acquired inventories.
[2]	Property, plant and equipment acquired includes a number of manufacturing and distribution sites, including the related facilities, land and leased sites, and machinery and equipment for use in manufacturing operations.
[3]	$7,099 of the intangible asset balance was assigned to a trade name expected to have an indefinite life. Of the remaining amount, $1,183 was assigned to a finite-lived trade name (10 year weighted average useful life) and $3,433 was assigned to other intangible assets (9 year weighted average life).
[4]	Consists primarily of other accrued liabilities.
[5]	Reflects a receivable from seller for an agreed upon purchase price adjustment. The payment of $10,983 was received in the first quarter of 2018.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Chang

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill by Reportable Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		$ 234,582		$ 231,919
Additions and adjustments		52,157	[1]	(377)	[2]
Impairment charge	[3]			(1,091)
Foreign currency translation		(5,445)		4,131
Balance at the end of the period		281,294		234,582
Americas Welding [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		197,259		196,378
Additions and adjustments		44,408	[1]	(76)	[2]
Impairment charge	[3]			(1,091)
Foreign currency translation		(2,452)		2,048
Balance at the end of the period		239,215		197,259
International Welding [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		25,667		23,664
Additions and adjustments		1,224	[1]	0	[2]
Impairment charge	[3]			0
Foreign currency translation		(2,643)		2,003
Balance at the end of the period		24,248		25,667
The Harris Products Group
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment
Balance at the beginning of the period		11,656		11,877
Additions and adjustments		6,525	[1]	(301)	[2]
Impairment charge	[3]			0
Foreign currency translation		(350)		80
Balance at the end of the period		$ 17,831		$ 11,656
[1]	Additions to Americas Welding reflect goodwill recognized in the acquisitions of Coldwater, Pro Systems and Inovatech in 2018. Additions to The Harris Products Group reflect goodwill recognized in the acquisition of Worthington in 2018.
[2]	Adjustments to Harris Products Group include the tax benefit attributable to the amortization of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill recorded for financial reporting purposes.
[3]	The Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test, using a combination of income and market valuation approaches, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Gross

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Gross and Net Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Gross intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class
Finite-Lived Assets - Gross Amount	$ 251,516	$ 219,470
Finite-Lived Assets - Accumulated Amortization	126,955	116,253
Trademarks and trade names
Gross intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class
Finite-Lived Assets - Gross Amount	50,458	41,203
Finite-Lived Assets - Accumulated Amortization	26,357	24,147
Indefinite Lived Assets	23,385	24,235
Customer relationships
Gross intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class
Finite-Lived Assets - Gross Amount	113,837	93,139
Finite-Lived Assets - Accumulated Amortization	52,518	47,175
Patents
Gross intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class
Finite-Lived Assets - Gross Amount	26,848	27,777
Finite-Lived Assets - Accumulated Amortization	13,307	12,978
Other Intangible Assets
Gross intangible assets other than goodwill by asset class
Finite-Lived Assets - Gross Amount	60,373	57,351
Finite-Lived Assets - Accumulated Amortization	$ 34,773	$ 31,953

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Textu

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Aggregate amortization expense	$ 15,744	$ 15,671	$ 14,525
Estimated annual amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five years
2,019	17,316
2,020	16,101
2,021	15,264
2,022	13,801
2,023	$ 12,441

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES Schedu

GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES Schedule of acquired definite lived intangible assets by major class (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 35,911
Customer relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 21,493
Other Intangible Assets
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	9 years
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 5,632
Trademarks and trade names
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life	10 years
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 8,786

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Financial

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Financial Information of Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial information for the reportable segments
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment		$ (1,696)		$ (4,232)				$ (758)		$ (2,867)		$ (5,283)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]																		$ 1,091
Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary																		$ 0	0	$ 34,348
Net sales		743,827		737,099		$ 790,052		757,696		747,185		669,491		$ 626,858		$ 580,897		3,028,674	2,624,431	2,274,614
Revenue from Related Parties																		0	0	0
Segment, including Inter-segment, sales																		3,028,674	2,624,431	2,274,614
EBIT, as adjusted																		422,694	370,338	328,723
Special items charge (Gain)																		36,469	(15,330)	34,348
EBIT																		386,225	385,668	294,375
Interest income																		6,938	4,788	2,092
Interest expense																		(24,503)	(24,220)	(19,079)
Income before income taxes		94,455	[2]	95,744	[3]	94,263	[4]	84,198	[5]	73,728	[2]	130,642	[3]	83,966	[4]	77,900	[5]	368,660	366,236	277,388
Total assets		2,349,825								2,406,547								2,349,825	2,406,547	1,943,437
Equity investments in affiliates		31,228								28,526								31,228	28,526	27,301
Capital expenditures																		71,246	61,656	49,877
Depreciation and amortization																		72,346	68,115	65,073
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)		932		2,636		11,542		10,175		6,590								25,285	6,590	0
Business Combination, Inventory Step Up										2,264		2,314							4,578
Acquisition Transaction and Integration Costs		833		$ 970		$ 788		$ 1,907		3,616		3,273		$ 4,498		$ 3,615		4,498	15,002
Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount										(1,935)		$ 51,585						0	49,650	0
The Harris Products Group
Financial information for the reportable segments
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]																		0
Net sales																		302,389	290,628	272,343
Revenue from Related Parties																		6,969	8,190	8,709
Segment, including Inter-segment, sales																		309,358	298,818	281,052
EBIT, as adjusted																		36,564	36,442	32,380
Special items charge (Gain)																		0	0	0
EBIT																		36,564	36,442	32,380
Total assets		203,095								175,151								203,095	175,151	161,391
Equity investments in affiliates		0								0								0	0	0
Capital expenditures																		2,909	3,949	2,209
Depreciation and amortization																		3,045	2,885	2,860
Corporate / Eliminations
Financial information for the reportable segments
Loss on deconsolidation of Venezuelan subsidiary																				34,348
Net sales																		0	0	0
Revenue from Related Parties																		(144,481)	(124,432)	(118,296)
Segment, including Inter-segment, sales																		(144,481)	(124,432)	(118,296)
EBIT, as adjusted																		(8,887)	309	564
Special items charge (Gain)	[6]																	4,498	(34,648)	34,348
EBIT																		(13,385)	34,957	(33,784)
Total assets		(99,307)								57,990								(99,307)	57,990	(25,594)
Equity investments in affiliates		0								0								0	0	0
Capital expenditures																		0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization																		(91)	(172)	(209)
Acquisition Transaction and Integration Costs																		4,498	15,002
Americas Welding [Member]
Financial information for the reportable segments
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment																		(6,686)	(8,150)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]																		1,091
Net sales																		1,806,514	1,609,779	1,494,982
Revenue from Related Parties																		118,936	97,382	93,612
Segment, including Inter-segment, sales																		1,925,450	1,707,161	1,588,594
EBIT, as adjusted																		340,744	291,866	266,633
Special items charge (Gain)	[7]																	6,686	9,242	0
EBIT																		334,058	282,624	266,633
Total assets		1,418,905								1,253,411								1,418,905	1,253,411	1,278,417
Equity investments in affiliates		4,204								4,037								4,204	4,037	3,946
Capital expenditures																		42,053	43,158	35,314
Depreciation and amortization																		47,008	47,038	47,359
International Welding [Member]
Financial information for the reportable segments
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]																		0
Net sales																		919,771	724,024	507,289
Revenue from Related Parties																		18,576	18,860	15,975
Segment, including Inter-segment, sales																		938,347	742,884	523,264
EBIT, as adjusted																		54,273	41,721	29,146
Special items charge (Gain)	[8]																	25,285	10,076	0
EBIT																		28,988	31,645	29,146
Total assets		827,132								919,995								827,132	919,995	529,223
Equity investments in affiliates		$ 27,024								$ 24,489								27,024	24,489	23,355
Capital expenditures																		26,284	14,549	12,354
Depreciation and amortization																		22,384	18,364	$ 15,063
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)																		$ 25,285	5,498
Business Combination, Inventory Step Up																			$ 4,578
[1]	The Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test, using a combination of income and market valuation approaches, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
[2]	2018 includes special item charges of $1,696 ($1,272 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $932 ($841 gain after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets, a $4,424 credit related to the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $833 ($690 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $2,867 ($1,770 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $6,590 ($6,198 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, $28,616 for the net impact of the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $2,264 ($1,708 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,616 ($3,102 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $1,935 adjustment to the bargain purchase gain
[3]	2018 includes special item charges of $4,232 ($3,176 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $2,636 ($2,575 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,323 and acquisition-related items including $970 ($797 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $5,283 ($3,260 after-tax) for pension settlement charges and acquisition-related items including $2,314 ($1,745 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,273 ($2,229 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $51,585 bargain purchase gain
[4]	2018 includes special item charges of $11,542 ($10,362 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and $788 ($675 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $4,498 ($3,494 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction and integration costs
[5]	2018 includes special item charges of $758 ($569 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $10,175 ($7,870 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,500 and $1,907 ($1,520 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $3,615 ($2,734 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction costs.
[6]	2018 special items reflect acquisition and acquisition transaction and integration costs of $4,498 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.2017 special items reflect a bargain purchase gain of $49,650 and acquisition transaction and integration costs of $15,002 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.2016 special items reflect a loss of $34,348 related to the deconsolidation of the Company's Venezuelan subsidiary.
[7]	Special items in 2018 reflect pension settlement charges of $6,686 in Americas Welding related to lump sum pension payments. 2017 special items reflect pension settlement charges of $8,150 related to lump sum pension payments, as well as non-cash charges of $1,091 related to the impairment of goodwill.
[8]	2018 special items reflect charges of $25,285 related to employee severance, asset impairments, gains or losses on disposal of assets and other related costs.2017 special items reflect amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories of $4,578 related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, as well as charges of $5,498 related to employee severance, asset impairments and other related costs.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Geographic

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Geographic Split of Net Sales and Property, Plant and Equipment ) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Geographic split of the Company's net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment
Net sales	$ 743,827	$ 737,099	$ 790,052	$ 757,696	$ 747,185	$ 669,491	$ 626,858	$ 580,897	$ 3,028,674	$ 2,624,431	$ 2,274,614
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 478,801				$ 477,031				$ 478,801	$ 477,031	$ 372,377
Percentage of LIFO Inventory	37.00%				32.00%				37.00%	32.00%	40.00%
United States
Geographic split of the Company's net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment
Net sales									$ 1,554,688	$ 1,388,816	$ 1,308,635
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ 214,943				$ 194,491				214,943	194,491	176,041
Other foreign countries
Geographic split of the Company's net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment
Net sales									1,473,986	1,235,615	965,979
Total property, plant and equipment, net	264,110				282,931				264,110	282,931	196,679
Corporate / Eliminations
Geographic split of the Company's net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment
Total property, plant and equipment, net	$ (252)				$ (391)				$ (252)	$ (391)	$ (343)
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Maximum
Geographic split of the Company's net sales, based on the location of the customer, and property, plant and equipment
Concentration Risk, Percentage									10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Textual) (

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Textual) (Details) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Financial information for the reportable segments
Number of operating segments (segments) | segment		3
Percentage of total inventories valued using the LIFO method (as a percent)		37.00%	32.00%	40.00%
Special items
Special items charge (Gain)		$ 36,469	$ (15,330)	$ 34,348
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]		1,091
The Harris Products Group
Special items
Special items charge (Gain)		0	0	0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]		0
United States
Special items
EntityWideDisclosureOnGeographicAreasRevenueFromExternalCustomersAttributedToForeignCountries1		$ 160,064	$ 151,630	$ 134,216
Revenues | Customer concentration risk | Maximum
Special items
Percentage of concentration of credit risk not met other than separately disclosed		10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
[1]	The Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test, using a combination of income and market valuation approaches, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMP_3

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Summary of Activity Related to Rationalization Liabilities by Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Activity related to the rationalization liabilities by segment
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 6,803	$ 5,190
Payments and other adjustments	(26,874)	(3,536)
Charged to expense	31,263	5,149
Balance at the end of the period	$ 11,192	$ 6,803

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMP_4

RATIONALIZATION AND ASSET IMPAIRMENTS (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Rationalization and asset impairment charges (gains)		$ 932	$ 2,636	$ 11,542	$ 10,175	$ 6,590	$ 25,285	$ 6,590	$ 0
Restructuring Charges							31,263	5,149
Restructuring liability		11,192				6,803	11,192	6,803	$ 5,190
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]							1,091
Other current assets		120,236				123,836	120,236	123,836
Other Liabilities, Current		128,379				$ 119,655	128,379	119,655
International Welding [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring liability		$ 10,903					$ 10,903
The Harris Products Group
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[1]							$ 0
[1]	The Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test, using a combination of income and market valuation approaches, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$ (293,739)				$ (247,186)				$ (293,739)	$ (247,186)	$ (329,037)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification										(54,372)	71,563
Amounts reclassified from AOCI										7,819	10,288
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)										(46,553)	81,851
Net sales		743,827	$ 737,099	$ 790,052	$ 757,696	747,185	$ 669,491	$ 626,858	$ 580,897	3,028,674	2,624,431	2,274,614
Income taxes										81,667	118,761	79,015
Cost of goods sold										2,000,153	1,749,324	1,488,055
Selling, general & administrative expenses										627,697	541,225	468,597
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		1,694				875				1,694	875	587
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification										624	(2,074)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[1]									195	2,362
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)										819	288
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(82,049)				(85,277)				(82,049)	(85,277)	(95,939)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	[2]									(4,396)	2,736
Amounts reclassified from AOCI	[2]									7,624	7,926
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)										3,228	10,662
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$ (213,384)				$ (162,784)				(213,384)	(162,784)	$ (233,685)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification	[3]									(50,600)	70,901
Amounts reclassified from AOCI										0	0
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)										(50,600)	70,901
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Income taxes										1,691	19,252
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest										(93)	115
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Sales | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Net sales										(152)	1,860
Income taxes										(73)	693
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Cost of goods sold | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Income [Line Items]
Income taxes										(40)	93
Cost of goods sold										$ 43	$ 502
[1]	During 2018, this AOCI reclassification is a component of Net sales of $(152) (net of tax of $(73) and Cost of goods sold of $43 (net of tax of $(40)); during 2017, the reclassification is a component of Net sales of $1,860 (net of tax of $693) and Cost of goods sold of $502 (net of tax of $93). Refer to Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details
[2]	This AOCI component is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs (net of tax of $1,691 and $19,252 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively). Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional details
[3]	The Other comprehensive income before reclassifications excludes $(93) and $115 attributable to Non-controlling interests in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The reclassified AOCI component is included in the computation of Non-controlling interests. Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Equity for additional details.

DEBT (Schedule of Debt) (Detail

DEBT (Schedule of Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 20, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Cost	$ 1,392	$ 1,491
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities	702,660	704,247
Less current portion	111	111
Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 9)	702,549	704,136
Short-term debt
Amounts due banks, interest at 31.8% in 2017	0	2,020
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)	111	111
Total short-term debt	111	2,131
Total debt	$ 702,660	$ 706,267
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time	0.00%	31.80%
Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount				$ 350,000
Weighted Average [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	15 years
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.30%
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities	$ 691,877	$ 693,424
Other borrowings due through 2023, interest up to 8.0%
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities	$ 10,783	$ 10,823
Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 350,000
Minimum
Short-term debt
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	3.10%
Minimum | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.80%
Maximum
Short-term debt
Derivative, Variable Interest Rate	4.40%
Maximum | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.00%
Maximum | Other borrowings due through 2023, interest up to 8.0%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.00%
Senior Notes Series A [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Aug. 20, 2025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.15%
Senior Notes Series A [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 20, 2028
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	2.75%
Senior Notes Series B [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Aug. 20, 2030
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.35%
Senior Notes Series B [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 20, 2033
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.03%
Senior Notes Series C [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 50,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 1, 2035
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.61%
Senior Notes Series C [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 20, 2037
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.27%
Senior Notes Series D [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Apr. 1, 2035
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.02%
Senior Notes Series D [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	$ 50,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date	Oct. 20, 2041
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.52%
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Short-term debt
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 125,000

DEBT (Long-Term Debt) (Details)

DEBT (Long-Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Oct. 20, 2016	Apr. 01, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amounts due banks, interest at 31.8% in 2017			$ 0	$ 2,020
Fair value of long-term debt			$ 649,714	$ 687,428
Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount					$ 350,000
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date	Oct. 20, 2016
Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate			3.30%
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance			As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants
Weighted Average [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term			15 years
Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount						$ 350,000
Debt Instrument, Issuance Date		Apr. 1, 2015
Minimum | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			2.80%
Maximum | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.00%
Senior Notes Series A [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Oct. 20, 2028
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			2.75%
Senior Notes Series A [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Aug. 20, 2025
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.15%
Senior Notes Series B [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Oct. 20, 2033
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.03%
Senior Notes Series B [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Aug. 20, 2030
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.35%
Senior Notes Series C [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Oct. 20, 2037
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.27%
Senior Notes Series C [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 50,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Apr. 1, 2035
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.61%
Senior Notes Series D [Member] | Senior Notes 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 50,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Oct. 20, 2041
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			3.52%
Senior Notes Series D [Member] | Senior Notes 2015 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 100,000
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date			Apr. 1, 2035
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.02%

DEBT (Revolving Credit Agreemen

DEBT (Revolving Credit Agreement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date		Jun. 30, 2022
Amounts due banks (Note 9)			$ 0	$ 2,020
Revolving credit agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowing capacity under the line of credit			$ 400,000
Credit agreement initiation date	Jun. 30, 2017
Credit facility covenant compliance			As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
Additional increase in borrowing capacity of the line of credit available at the entity's option			$ 100,000

DEBT (Shelf facility) (Details)

DEBT (Shelf facility) (Details) - Private Placement [Member] $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount	$ 700,000
Debt Instrument, Term	5 years
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance	As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all of its covenants
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Term	15 years

DEBT (Other Textual) (Details)

DEBT (Other Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,019	$ 111
2,020	114
2,021	110
2,022	107
2,023	10,607
Thereafter	700,000
Total interest paid	23,790	$ 23,820	$ 15,332
Amounts due banks, interest at 31.8% in 2017	$ 0	$ 2,020
Weighted average interest rates of borrowings under the Credit Agreement and borrowings of foreign subsidiaries (as a percent)	0.00%	31.80%

STOCK PLANS (Summary of Stock O

STOCK PLANS (Summary of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Stock Options, Shares
Balance at beginning of year | shares	1,362,448
Options granted | shares	171,843
Options exercised | shares	(101,272)
Options canceled | shares	(1,981)
Balance at end of year | shares	1,431,038
Exercisable at end of year | shares	1,070,594
Stock Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balance at beginning of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 58.45
Shares granted, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	90.70
Shares exercised, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	46.20
Shares canceled, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	58.79
Balance at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	63.19
Exercisable at end of year, weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 56.70

STOCK PLANS (Stock Option Weigh

STOCK PLANS (Stock Option Weighted Average Assumptions) (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock Plans
Expected volatility	25.36%	25.77%	28.86%
Dividend yield	1.92%	1.62%	1.70%
Risk-free interest rate	2.69%	1.90%	1.27%
Expected option life (in years)	4 years 7 months 6 days	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months
Weighted average fair value per option granted during the year	$ 18.97	$ 17.50	$ 12.55

STOCK PLANS (Non-Vested Stock O

STOCK PLANS (Non-Vested Stock Option Activity) (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock Plans
Balance of Nonvested Options (in shares)	360,444	409,559
Options granted	171,843
Vested (in shares)	(220,958)
Nonvested stock options, Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date
Balance at beginning of year, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share)	$ 15.47
Granted, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share)	18.97	$ 17.50	$ 12.55
Vested, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share)	15.75
Balance at end of year, weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share)	$ 17.21	$ 15.47

STOCK PLANS (Summary of Stock_2

STOCK PLANS (Summary of Stock Options by Exercise Price Range) (Details) - Stock options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Information about awards outstanding
Weighted Average Remaining Life (in years)	5 years 9 months 18 days
Outstanding
Options Outstanding, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	1,431,038
Exercisable
Options Exercisable, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	1,070,594
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 10 months 25 days
Exercise Price Range 1
Information about awards outstanding
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 49.99
Weighted Average Remaining Life (in years)	3 years
Outstanding
Options Outstanding, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	447,315
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 39.78
Exercisable
Options Exercisable, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	447,315
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 39.79
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years
Exercise Price Range 2
Information about awards outstanding
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 50
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 59.99
Weighted Average Remaining Life (in years)	7 years 1 month 6 days
Outstanding
Options Outstanding, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	217,143
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 58.12
Exercisable
Options Exercisable, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	144,768
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 58.11
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	7 years 1 month 6 days
Exercise Price Range 3
Information about awards outstanding
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 60
Weighted Average Remaining Life (in years)	7 years
Outstanding
Options Outstanding, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	766,580
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 78.28
Exercisable
Options Exercisable, Number of Stock Options (in shares) | shares	478,511
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share)	$ 72.09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 10 months 25 days

STOCK PLANS (Summary of Restric

STOCK PLANS (Summary of Restricted Stock Awards) (Details) - Restricted stock awards - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Shares
Shares granted	1,662
Shares forfeited	(4,158)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	12,438	47,856
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 82.48
Shares granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 91.02
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	32,922
Shares forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$ 78.65
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 80.98	$ 71.54

STOCK PLANS (Summary Non-Vested

STOCK PLANS (Summary Non-Vested Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - Restricted stock awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Shares
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) | shares	47,856
Shares granted | shares	1,662
Shares vested (in shares) | shares	(32,922)
Shares forfeited | shares	(4,158)
Balance at end of year (in shares) | shares	12,438
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at beginning of year, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 71.54
Shares granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	91.02
Shares vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	82.48
Shares forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	78.65
Balance at end of year, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 80.98

STOCK PLANS (RSUs and PSUs) (De

STOCK PLANS (RSUs and PSUs) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
Restricted Stock Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year (in shares) | shares	418,966
Shares granted | shares	148,833
Shares vested (in shares) | shares	(49,653)
Shares forfeited | shares	(12,116)
Balance at end of year (in shares) | shares	506,030
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 69.98
Shares granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	89.51
Shares vested, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	69.24
Shares forfeited, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	74.16
Balance at end of year, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 75.69
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares granted | shares	31,760
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Shares granted, weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 76.20

STOCK PLANS (Textual) (Details)

STOCK PLANS (Textual) (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Apr. 23, 2015
Stock Plans
Common shares available for future grant under all plans (in shares)	3,710,464
Total stock-based compensation expense	$ 18,554,000	$ 12,698,000	$ 10,332,000
Tax benefit related to stock-based compensation recognized in the period	4,632,000	4,861,000	3,955,000
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, restricted shares and restricted stock units	$ 21,223,000
Weighted average period of recognition of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense (in months)	2 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$ 3,511,000	3,040,000	2,865,000
Stock options
Stock Plans
Award expiration (in years)	10 years
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Aggregate intrinsic value of awards outstanding	$ 22,411,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of awards exercisable	23,714,000
Total intrinsic value of awards exercised	$ 4,779,000	$ 19,328,000	$ 30,967,000
Restricted stock awards
Stock Plans
Shares converted (in shares)	32,922
Shares granted	1,662
Shares granted (in dollars per share)	$ 91.02
Remaining weighted average life of non-vested restricted awards (in years)	1 year
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	12,438	47,856
Restricted Stock Units
Stock Plans
Shares converted (in shares)	49,653
Shares granted	148,833
Shares granted (in dollars per share)	$ 89.51
Remaining weighted average life of non-vested restricted awards (in years)	1 year 4 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	506,030	418,966
Performance Shares [Member]
Stock Plans
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Shares granted	31,760
Shares granted (in dollars per share)	$ 76.20
Remaining weighted average life of non-vested restricted awards (in years)	1 year
1995 Lincoln Stock Purchase Plan
Stock Plans
Maximum additional number of the Company's common shares that may be granted (in shares)	800,000
Shares purchased (in shares)	8,324	10,458	15,827
Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Stock Plans
Maximum additional number of the Company's common shares that may be granted (in shares)				5,400,000
Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock Units
Stock Plans
Shares granted	117,073
Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan [Member] | Performance Shares [Member]
Stock Plans
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number	107,045
Director Plan
Stock Plans
Maximum additional number of the Company's common shares that may be granted (in shares)				300,000
2005 Plan | Restricted Stock Units
Stock Plans
Shares converted (in shares)	1,980
Deferred RSUs (in shares)	99,801
Minimum | Restricted stock awards
Stock Plans
Award vesting period (in years)	1 year
Minimum | Restricted Stock Units
Stock Plans
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Maximum | Restricted stock awards
Stock Plans
Award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Maximum | Restricted Stock Units
Stock Plans
Award vesting period (in years)	5 years
Maximum | 1995 Lincoln Stock Purchase Plan
Stock Plans
Dollar value of shares that each employee has the ability to purchase on the open market, on a commission-free basis annually under the plan	$ 10,000

COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGR_2

COMMON STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018$ / sharesshares
COMMON SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM
Shares authorized for repurchase under share repurchase program (in shares)	55,000,000
Shares purchased in the open market under share repurchase program (in shares)	2,251,350
Average cost per share of shares purchased in the open market under share repurchase program (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 88.84
Remaining shares available for repurchase under the stock repurchase program (in shares)	6,177,224

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_3

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Obligations and Funded Status) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Change in plan assets
Balance at the beginning of year		$ 681,732
Balance at the end of year		612,265	$ 681,732
United States
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year		507,075	484,758
Service cost		139	608	$ 15,474
Interest cost		18,084	19,497	20,676
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant		0	0
Acquisitions	[1]	0	0
Actuarial (gain) loss		(46,924)	46,144
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid		(7,973)	(6,409)
Settlement/curtailment	[2]	(31,456)	(37,523)
Currency translation		0	0
Benefit obligations at end of year		438,945	507,075	484,758
Change in plan assets
Balance at the beginning of year		568,388	528,744
Actual return on plan assets		(23,012)	82,732
Employer contributions		690	55
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant		0	0
Acquisitions	[1]	0	0
Benefits paid		(7,047)	(5,620)
Settlement	[2]	(26,941)	(37,523)
Currency translation		0	0
Balance at the end of year		512,078	568,388	528,744
Net amount recognized
Funded status at end of year		73,133	61,313
Unrecognized actuarial net loss		85,624	90,679
Unrecognized prior service cost		0	0
Unrecognized transition assets, net		0	0
Net amount recognized in the balance sheets		158,757	151,992
Foreign Plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligations
Benefit obligations at beginning of year		193,523	79,972
Service cost		3,252	2,678	2,215
Interest cost		3,703	3,253	2,902
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant		196	176
Acquisitions	[1]	(5,322)	100,551
Actuarial (gain) loss		(5,674)	4,926
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid		(9,723)	(4,909)
Settlement/curtailment	[2]	(1,886)	(700)
Currency translation		(9,258)	7,576
Benefit obligations at end of year		168,811	193,523	79,972
Change in plan assets
Balance at the beginning of year		113,344	70,341
Actual return on plan assets		(2,855)	5,770
Employer contributions		2,087	1,684
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant		196	176
Acquisitions	[1]	586	32,599
Benefits paid		(5,904)	(3,196)
Settlement	[2]	(1,455)	(22)
Currency translation		(5,812)	5,992
Balance at the end of year		100,187	113,344	$ 70,341
Net amount recognized
Funded status at end of year		(68,624)	(80,179)
Unrecognized actuarial net loss		25,581	25,987
Unrecognized prior service cost		534	(11)
Unrecognized transition assets, net		32	35
Net amount recognized in the balance sheets		$ (42,477)	$ (54,168)
[1]	Acquisitions in 2017 relate to acquisition of Air Liquide Welding as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.
[2]	Settlements in 2018 and 2017 resulting from lump sum pension payments.

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_4

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Foreign Plan [Member]
Retirement Annuity and Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plans
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan	[1]	$ 77	$ 368
Accrued pension liability, current	[2]	(2,996)	(3,483)
Accrued pension liability, long-term	[3]	(65,705)	(77,064)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects		26,147	26,011
Net amount recognized in the balance sheets		(42,477)	(54,168)
United States
Retirement Annuity and Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plans
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan	[1]	87,786	81,485
Accrued pension liability, current	[2]	(786)	(5,332)
Accrued pension liability, long-term	[3]	(13,867)	(14,840)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, excluding tax effects		85,624	90,679
Net amount recognized in the balance sheets		$ 158,757	$ 151,992
[1]	Included in Other assets.
[2]	Included in Other current liabilities.
[3]	Included in Other liabilities.

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_5

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plan
Settlement/curtailment loss		$ 1,696	$ 4,232	$ 758	$ 2,867	$ 5,283
VENEZUELA
Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plan
Amortization of net loss									$ 959
Foreign Plan [Member]
Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plan
Service cost							$ 3,252	$ 2,678	2,215
Interest cost							3,703	3,253	2,902
Expected return on plan assets							(5,057)	(4,270)	(4,034)
Amortization of prior service cost							1	15	18
Amortization of net loss	[1]						2,211	1,881	2,176
Settlement/curtailment loss	[2]						(397)	102	0
Pension cost for defined benefit plans	[3]						3,713	3,659	3,277
United States
Components of Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plan
Service cost							139	608	15,474
Interest cost							18,084	19,497	20,676
Expected return on plan assets							(27,052)	(31,530)	(31,682)
Amortization of prior service cost							0	0	(412)
Amortization of net loss	[1]						1,498	2,133	7,717
Settlement/curtailment loss	[2]						6,686	8,150	(1,062)
Pension cost for defined benefit plans	[3]						$ (645)	$ (1,142)	$ 10,711
[1]	The amortization of net loss includes a $959 charge resulting from the deconsolidation of the Venezuelan subsidiary during the year ended December 31, 2016.
[2]	Pension settlement charges for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 resulting from lump sum pension payments.
[3]	The decrease in pension cost for defined benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was due to the U.S. plan freeze effective December 31, 2016.

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_6

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
United States
Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
Projected benefit obligation	$ 14,653	$ 26,149
Accumulated benefit obligation	14,406	25,870
Fair value of plan assets	0	5,977
Foreign Plan [Member]
Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets
Projected benefit obligation	158,746	182,512
Accumulated benefit obligation	152,724	174,667
Fair value of plan assets	$ 90,076	$ 102,107

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_7

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Benefit Payments for Plans) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
United States
Benefit Payments for Plans
2,019	$ 28,101
2,020	31,581
2,021	26,998
2,022	28,754
2,023	30,593
2024 through 2028	137,369
Foreign Plan [Member]
Benefit Payments for Plans
2,019	8,278
2,020	8,243
2,021	8,513
2,022	8,055
2,023	7,966
2024 through 2028	$ 42,925

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_8

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Measure the Benefit Obligation) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
United States
Weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation
Discount rate	4.40%	3.70%
Rate of increase in compensation	2.50%	2.50%
Foreign Plan [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligation
Discount rate	2.30%	2.00%
Rate of increase in compensation	2.60%	2.70%

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARAN_9

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Weighted Average Assumptions Used to Measure the Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
United States
Weighted average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	3.70%	4.20%	4.50%
Rate of increase in compensation	2.50%	2.50%	2.60%
Expected return on plan assets	5.00%	6.00%	6.20%
Foreign Plan [Member]
Weighted average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	2.00%	2.20%	3.90%
Rate of increase in compensation	2.70%	2.50%	3.70%
Expected return on plan assets	4.60%	4.50%	5.70%

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARA_10

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Pension Plan Assets by Level with the Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		$ 612,265	$ 681,732
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		33,623	46,693
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		392,090	398,578
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Corporate stock
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value	[1]	3,851	4,566
Corporate stock | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		3,851	4,566
Corporate stock | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Corporate stock | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Cash and cash equivalents
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		13,029	8,922
Cash and cash equivalents | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		13,029	8,922
Cash and cash equivalents | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Cash and cash equivalents | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Corporate and other obligations
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value	[2]	392,090	398,578
Corporate and other obligations | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Corporate and other obligations | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		392,090	398,578
Corporate and other obligations | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
US Treasury Bond Securities [Member]
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value	[2]	16,743	33,205
US Treasury Bond Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		16,743	33,205
US Treasury Bond Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
US Treasury Bond Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value		0	0
Common trusts and 103-12 investments
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value	[3],[4]	151,153	199,066
Private equity funds
Pension plans' assets by level within the fair value hierarchy
Total assets at fair value	[3],[5]	$ 35,399	$ 37,395
[1]	Equity securities are primarily comprised of corporate stock and mutual funds directly held by the plans. Equity securities are valued using the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
[2]	Fixed income securities are primarily comprised of governmental and corporate bonds directly held by the plans. Governmental and corporate bonds are valued using both market observable inputs for similar assets that are traded on an active market and the closing price on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.
[3]	Certain assets that are measured at fair value using the net asset value ("NAV") practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
[4]	Common trusts and 103-12 investments (collectively "Trusts") are comprised of a number of investment funds that invest in a diverse portfolio of assets including equity securities, corporate and governmental bonds, equity and credit indexes and money markets. Trusts are valued at the NAV as determined by their custodian. NAV represents the accumulation of the unadjusted quoted close prices on the reporting date for the underlying investments divided by the total shares outstanding at the reporting dates.
[5]	Private equity funds consist of four funds seeking capital appreciation by investing in private equity investment partnerships and venture capital companies. Private equity fund valuations are based on the NAV of the underlying assets. Funds are comprised of unrestricted and restricted publicly traded securities and privately held securities. Unrestricted securities are valued at the closing market price on the reporting date. Restricted securities may be valued at a discount from such closing public market price, depending on facts and circumstances. Privately held securities are valued at fair value as determined by the fund directors and general partners.

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARA_11

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Contribution Plan
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	6.00%
Employer match of employee contributions of first 3% of eligible compensation (as a percent)	100.00%
Percentage of eligible compensation, matched 100% by employer (as a percent)	3.00%
Percentage of base pay as additional annual Company contribution to participants (as a percent)	3.00%
Annual costs recognized for defined contribution plans	$ 26,477	$ 25,285	$ 8,361
Minimum
Defined Contribution Plan
DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeServicePeriod	5 years
Maximum
Defined Contribution Plan
DefinedContributionPlanEmployeeServicePeriod	30 years

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARA_12

RETIREMENT ANNUITY AND GUARANTEED CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT PLANS (Textual) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)hours	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
After-tax amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrecognized actuarial net loss	$ 81,580					$ 81,580
Unrecognized prior service credits	446					446
Unrecognized transition obligations	23					23
Pre-tax amounts expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost during next fiscal year
Unrecognized actuarial net loss	3,924					3,924
Unrecognized prior service credits	59					59
Unrecognized transition obligations	3					3
Total accumulated benefit obligation for all plans	600,998			$ 691,827		$ 600,998	$ 691,827
Other Benefits
Minimum percentage of every standard work week for which, the Company will provide work to employees in Cleveland, Ohio, area operations, covered under the guaranteed continuous employment plan (as a percent)						75.00%
Hours in a standard work week under Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan (hours) | hours						40
Minimum notice period for the termination of Guaranteed Continuous Employment Plan (in months)						6 months
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment	(1,696)	$ (4,232)	$ (758)	(2,867)	$ (5,283)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment								$ (2,206)
Supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP)
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
Total net pension costs						$ 1,268	772	2,113
Projected benefit obligation	$ 12,183			$ 17,047		$ 12,183	$ 17,047	16,738
Other Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment								$ (1,144)
Equity Securities | Minimum
Target allocation for pension plan assets
Target plan asset allocations range minimum	10.00%					10.00%
Equity Securities | Maximum
Target allocation for pension plan assets
Target plan asset allocations range minimum	20.00%					20.00%
Debt Securities | Minimum
Target allocation for pension plan assets
Target plan asset allocations range minimum	80.00%					80.00%
Debt Securities | Maximum
Target allocation for pension plan assets
Target plan asset allocations range minimum	90.00%					90.00%

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (Details

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments		$ 5,481	$ 2,742	$ 2,928
Defined Benefit Plan, Other (Cost) Credit	[1]	502	769	4,660
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)		4,703	5,215	3,173
Total other income (expense)		$ 10,686	$ 8,726	$ 10,761
[1]	Other components of net periodic pension (cost) income includes pension settlements and curtailments. Refer to Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for details.

INCOME TAXES (Components of Inc

INCOME TAXES (Components of Income (Loss) before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

[1]

Sep. 30, 2018

[2]

Jun. 30, 2018

[3]

Mar. 31, 2018

[4]

Dec. 31, 2017

[1]

Sep. 30, 2017

[2]

Jun. 30, 2017

[3]

Mar. 31, 2017

[4]

Dec. 31, 2018

Dec. 31, 2017

Dec. 31, 2016

Components of income (loss) before income taxes

U.S.

$ 255,088

$ 213,171

$ 209,409

Non-U.S.

113,572

153,065

67,979

Income before income taxes

$ 94,455

$ 95,744

$ 94,263

$ 84,198

$ 73,728

$ 130,642

$ 83,966

$ 77,900

$ 368,660

$ 366,236

$ 277,388

[1]

2018 includes special item charges of $1,696 ($1,272 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $932 ($841 gain after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets, a $4,424 credit related to the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $833 ($690 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $2,867 ($1,770 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $6,590 ($6,198 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, $28,616 for the net impact of the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $2,264 ($1,708 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,616 ($3,102 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $1,935 adjustment to the bargain purchase gain

[2]

2018 includes special item charges of $4,232 ($3,176 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $2,636 ($2,575 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,323 and acquisition-related items including $970 ($797 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $5,283 ($3,260 after-tax) for pension settlement charges and acquisition-related items including $2,314 ($1,745 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,273 ($2,229 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $51,585 bargain purchase gain

[3]

2018 includes special item charges of $11,542 ($10,362 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and $788 ($675 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $4,498 ($3,494 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction and integration costs

[4]

2018 includes special item charges of $758 ($569 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $10,175 ($7,870 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,500 and $1,907 ($1,520 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $3,615 ($2,734 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction costs.

INCOME TAXES (Components of I_2

INCOME TAXES (Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense Benefit Net Resulting from Tax Reform Act	$ (4,424)	$ 2,323	$ 2,500	$ 28,616	$ 399	$ 28,616	$ 0
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Resulting from Tax Reform Act					(329)	(14,532)
Current:
Federal					45,521	89,182	57,090
Non-U.S.					28,894	25,746	23,344
State and local					10,515	7,640	8,386
Current income tax expense (benefit)					84,930	122,568	88,820
Deferred:
Federal					(691)	(4,391)	(1,716)
Non-U.S.					(3,121)	(82)	(8,261)
State and local					549	666	172
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)					(3,263)	(3,807)	(9,805)
Total					81,667	118,761	$ 79,015
Transition Tax Expense Benefit Net Resulting from Tax Reform Act					$ 5,152	$ 36,387

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Rate R

INCOME TAXES (Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Transition Tax Expense Benefit Net Resulting from Tax Reform Act	$ 5,152	$ 36,387
Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Net Resulting from Tax Reform Act	$ 329	$ 14,532
Differences between total income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes
Statutory rate (as a percent)	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Statutory rate applied to pre-tax income	$ 77,419	$ 128,182	$ 97,086
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	8,844	5,671	5,554
Excess tax benefits resulting from exercises of stock-based compensation	(1,094)	(6,276)	0
Net impact of the U.S. Tax Act	4,823	21,949	0
Foreign withholding taxes	(4,424)	6,667	0
Intangible and asset impairments/(write-off)	0	0	(4,438)
Foreign rate variance	(4,560)	(13,929)	(8,128)
Venezuela deconsolidation/devaluation	0	0	5,192
Income Tax Reconciliation Bargain Purchase Gain	0	(17,556)	0
Valuation allowances	5,596	102	(8,525)
Manufacturing deduction	0	(5,922)	(5,190)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount	(3,859)	(2,688)	(2,748)
Other	(1,078)	2,561	212
Total	$ 81,667	$ 118,761	$ 79,015
Effective tax rate	22.20%	32.40%	28.50%
Total income tax payments, net of refunds	$ 85,805	$ 81,691	$ 72,965

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Taxes) (

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Net Resulting from Tax Reform Act	$ 329	$ 14,532
Income Tax Reconciliation Foreign Withholding Taxes	(4,424)	6,667	$ 0
Deferred tax assets:
Tax loss and credit carry-forwards	60,756	60,454
Inventory	3,544	2,501
Other accruals	13,172	14,873
Employee benefits	22,963	18,468
Pension obligations	12,122	12,363
Other	3,739	4,923
Deferred tax assets, gross	116,296	113,582
Valuation allowance	(69,400)	(68,694)
Deferred tax assets, net	46,896	44,888
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	28,606	21,427
Intangible assets	10,950	10,729
Inventory	4,814	5,891
Pension obligations	19,346	16,137
Other	8,770	15,483
Deferred tax liabilities	72,486	69,667
Total deferred taxes	(25,590)	$ (24,779)
Tax loss carryforwards of certain subsidiaries that will expire in various years from 2019 through 2034	61,931
Tax loss carryforwards of certain subsidiaries for which there is no expiration date	214,438
Foreign Withholding Taxes Liability	$ 2,243

INCOME TAXES (Unrecognized Tax

INCOME TAXES (Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at the beginning of the year	$ 28,449	$ 18,499
Increase related to current year tax provisions	1,431	1,448
Increase related to prior years' tax positions	4,917	1,460
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Acquisition	0	8,223
Decrease related to settlements with taxing authorities	(111)	(522)
Resolution of and other decreases in prior years' tax liabilities	(1,501)	(1,734)
Other	(4,381)	1,075
Balance at the end of the year	28,804	28,449
Interest and penalties expense (benefit)	(1,277)	1,079
Accrued interest and penalties	6,655	8,135
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate	25,069	$ 25,024
Reasonably possible further reduction in prior years' unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months	$ 1,759

DERIVATIVES (Fair Value of Deri

DERIVATIVES (Fair Value of Derivative Instruments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	$ 7,022	$ 2,776
Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	1,233	4,351
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	302
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	7,033	5,085
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	647	519
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	404	604
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets		0
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	7,033	5,085
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Assets
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative assets	6,375	2,257
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Current Liabilities
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	829	3,747
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	0
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts | Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Fair value of derivative liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

DERIVATIVES (Derivatives Income

DERIVATIVES (Derivatives Income Statement Impact) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Foreign exchange contracts | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Effects of undesignated derivative instruments on the entity's Consolidated Statements of Income
Gains (losses) recognized in income	$ 7,452	$ 17,590

DERIVATIVES (AOCI Impact) (Deta

DERIVATIVES (AOCI Impact) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Foreign exchange contracts
Fair values of derivative instruments
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	$ 173	$ (224)
Net Investment Hedging [Member]
Fair values of derivative instruments
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI, net of tax	1,521	1,099
Sales | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair values of derivative instruments
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings	(225)	1,860
Cost of goods sold | Foreign exchange contracts
Fair values of derivative instruments
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI to earnings	$ (3)	$ 502

DERIVATIVES (Textual) (Details)

DERIVATIVES (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]
Maximum period for which derivative contracts cover currency and commodity exposures (in years)	2 years
Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial	Hedge ineffectiveness was immaterial for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018.
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimate of Time to Transfer	12 months
Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net	$ 173
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative instruments	45,909	$ 35,489
Designated as Hedging Instruments | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative instruments	125,000
Not designated as hedging instruments | Foreign exchange contracts
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount of derivative instruments	$ 328,534	$ 340,884
Minimum
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	0.50%
Maximum
Derivative [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.80%

FAIR VALUE (Summary of Fair Val

FAIR VALUE (Summary of Fair Value Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets:
Marketable Securities	$ 0	$ 179,125
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	2,100
Recurring basis
Assets:
Marketable Securities		179,125
Total assets	7,324	181,901
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	2,100	7,086
Deferred compensation	26,524	25,397
Total liabilities	36,890	41,919
Recurring basis | Foreign exchange contracts
Assets:
Assets	7,022	2,776
Liabilities:
Liabilities	1,233	4,351
Recurring basis | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets:
Assets	302
Liabilities:
Liabilities	7,033	5,085
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Assets:
Marketable Securities		0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	0	0
Deferred compensation	0	0
Total liabilities	0	0
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Foreign exchange contracts
Assets:
Assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Liabilities	0	0
Recurring basis | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets:
Assets	0
Liabilities:
Liabilities	0	0
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Assets:
Marketable Securities		179,125
Total assets	7,324	181,901
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	0	0
Deferred compensation	26,524	25,397
Total liabilities	34,790	34,833
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Foreign exchange contracts
Assets:
Assets	7,022	2,776
Liabilities:
Liabilities	1,233	4,351
Recurring basis | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets:
Assets	302
Liabilities:
Liabilities		5,085
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets:
Marketable Securities		0
Total assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Contingent consideration	2,100	7,086
Deferred compensation	0	0
Total liabilities	2,100	7,086
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Foreign exchange contracts
Assets:
Assets	0	0
Liabilities:
Liabilities	0	0
Recurring basis | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Assets:
Assets	0
Liabilities:
Liabilities	$ 0	$ 0

FAIR VALUE (Textual) (Details)

FAIR VALUE (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent consideration	$ 2,100
Other Assets, Current	120,236	$ 123,836
Other Liabilities, Current	128,379	119,655
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Contingent consideration	$ 2,100	$ 7,086

INVENTORY (Details)

INVENTORY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 103,820	$ 97,577
Work-in-process	53,950	50,695
Finished goods	204,059	200,395
Inventory, Net	$ 361,829	$ 348,667
Percentage of total inventories valued using the LIFO method (as a percent)	37.00%	32.00%	40.00%
Excess of current cost over LIFO cost	$ 79,626	$ 68,641

LEASES (Details)

LEASES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Total future minimum lease payments for noncancelable operating leases
2,019	$ 16,920
2,020	11,915
2,021	7,720
2,022	4,744
2,023	3,625
Thereafter	10,033
Rental expense	$ 25,720	$ 20,450	$ 16,897

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS (Details

PRODUCT WARRANTY COSTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals
Balance at beginning of year		$ 22,029	$ 21,053	$ 19,469
Accruals for warranties		8,897	9,901	13,058
Settlements		(11,403)	(11,500)	(11,434)
Standard And Extended Product Warranty Accrual Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) and Other Adjustments	[1]	255	2,575	(40)
Balance at end of year		$ 19,778	22,029	$ 21,053
Air Liquide Welding [Member]
Changes in the carrying amount of product warranty accruals
Standard And Extended Product Warranty Accrual Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) and Other Adjustments			$ 2,299
[1]	At December 31, 2017, Foreign currency translation and other adjustments includes $2,299 for an acquired liability related to the Air Liquide Welding acquisition as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNA_3

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
Acquisition Transaction and Integration Costs		$ 833		$ 970		$ 788		$ 1,907		$ 3,616		$ 3,273		$ 4,498		$ 3,615		$ 4,498	$ 15,002
Business Combination, Bargain Purchase, Gain Recognized, Amount										(1,935)		51,585						0	49,650	$ 0
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount																		0	0	(34,348)
DeconsolidationGainOrLossAmountNet																				(33,251)
Net sales		743,827		737,099		790,052		757,696		747,185		669,491		626,858		580,897		3,028,674	2,624,431	2,274,614
Gross profit		250,299		251,552		270,116		256,554		238,252		217,881		216,311		202,663		1,028,521	875,107	786,559
Income before income taxes		94,455	[1]	95,744	[2]	94,263	[3]	84,198	[4]	73,728	[1]	130,642	[2]	83,966	[3]	77,900	[4]	368,660	366,236	277,388
Net income		$ 86,839	[1]	$ 70,539	[2]	$ 68,864	[3]	$ 60,824	[4]	$ 24,181	[1]	$ 106,126	[2]	$ 61,352	[3]	$ 55,844	[4]	$ 287,066	$ 247,503	$ 198,399
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 1.36	[5]	$ 1.09	[5]	$ 1.05	[5]	$ 0.93	[5]	$ 0.37	[5]	$ 1.61	[5]	$ 0.93	[5]	$ 0.85	[5]	$ 4.42	$ 3.76	$ 2.94
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)		$ 1.35	[5]	$ 1.07	[5]	$ 1.04	[5]	$ 0.92	[5]	$ 0.36	[5]	$ 1.59	[5]	$ 0.92	[5]	$ 0.84	[5]	$ 4.37	$ 3.71	$ 2.91
Rationalization and asset impairment net gains (charges)		$ (932)		$ (2,636)		$ (11,542)		$ (10,175)		$ (6,590)								$ (25,285)	$ (6,590)	$ 0
Rationalization and asset impairment net gains (charges), after-tax		841		(2,575)		(10,362)		(7,870)		(6,198)
Income Tax Expense Benefit Net Resulting from Tax Reform Act		(4,424)		2,323				2,500		28,616								399	28,616	0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[6]																		1,091
Acquisition Transaction and Integration Costs Net of Tax		690		797		$ 675		1,520		3,102		$ 2,229		$ 3,494		$ 2,734
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment		(1,696)		(4,232)				(758)		(2,867)		(5,283)
Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due To Settlements Net Of Tax		$ (1,272)		$ (3,176)				$ (569)		(1,770)		(3,260)
Business Combination, Inventory Step Up										2,264		2,314							4,578
Business Combination, Inventory Step Up Net of Tax										$ 1,708		$ 1,745
International Welding [Member]
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
Net sales																		919,771	724,024	507,289
Rationalization and asset impairment net gains (charges)																		(25,285)	(5,498)
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[6]																		0
Business Combination, Inventory Step Up																			4,578
Americas Welding [Member]
Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
Net sales																		1,806,514	1,609,779	$ 1,494,982
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	[6]																		1,091
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement and Curtailment																		$ (6,686)	$ (8,150)
[1]	2018 includes special item charges of $1,696 ($1,272 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $932 ($841 gain after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and gains or losses on the disposal of assets, a $4,424 credit related to the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $833 ($690 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs. 2017 includes special item charges of $2,867 ($1,770 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $6,590 ($6,198 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, $28,616 for the net impact of the U.S. Tax Act and acquisition-related items including $2,264 ($1,708 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,616 ($3,102 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $1,935 adjustment to the bargain purchase gain
[2]	2018 includes special item charges of $4,232 ($3,176 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $2,636 ($2,575 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,323 and acquisition-related items including $970 ($797 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $5,283 ($3,260 after-tax) for pension settlement charges and acquisition-related items including $2,314 ($1,745 after-tax) in amortization of step up in value of acquired inventories, $3,273 ($2,229 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs and a $51,585 bargain purchase gain
[3]	2018 includes special item charges of $11,542 ($10,362 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges and $788 ($675 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $4,498 ($3,494 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction and integration costs
[4]	2018 includes special item charges of $758 ($569 after-tax) for pension settlement charges, $10,175 ($7,870 after-tax) for rationalization and asset impairment charges, an adjustment to taxes on unremitted foreign earnings related to the U.S. Tax Act of $2,500 and $1,907 ($1,520 after-tax) for acquisition transaction and integration costs.2017 includes special item charges of $3,615 ($2,734 after-tax) related to acquisition transaction costs.
[5]	The quarterly earnings per share ("EPS") amounts are each calculated independently. Therefore, the sum of the quarterly EPS amounts may not equal the annual totals.
[6]	The Company performed an interim goodwill impairment test, using a combination of income and market valuation approaches, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge to the carrying value of goodwill. The impairment charge is recorded within Rationalization and asset impairment charges in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND Q_2

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 15,943	$ 7,768	$ 7,299
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses		1,743	1,172	1,657
Additions: Charged to Other Accounts	[1]	(1,037)	9,501	72
Deductions	[2]	3,822	2,498	1,260
Balance at End of Period		12,827	15,943	7,768
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Changes in valuation and qualifying accounts
Balance at Beginning of Period		68,694	47,849	51,294
Additions: Charged to Costs and Expenses		1,891	16,222	3,704
Additions: Charged to Other Accounts	[1]	2,437	4,854	3,923
Deductions	[2]	(3,622)	(231)	(11,072)
Balance at End of Period		$ 69,400	$ 68,694	$ 47,849
[1]	Currency translation adjustment, additions from acquisitions and other adjustments.
[2]	For the Allowance for doubtful accounts, deductions relate to uncollectible accounts written-off, net of recoveries. For the Deferred tax asset valuation allowance, deductions relate to the reversal of valuation allowances due to the realization of net operating loss carryforwards.

Uncategorized Items - leco-2018

Label	Element	Value
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents	us-gaap_CashCashEquivalentsRestrictedCashAndRestrictedCashEquivalents	$ 304,183,000