Alamo (ALG) 10-K 11 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 28, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'ALAMO GROUP INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000897077	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	12,126,783	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$361,724,144

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$63,960	$48,291
Accounts receivable, net	151,396	140,268
Inventories	109,104	108,758
Deferred income taxes	5,741	3,824
Prepaid expenses	5,129	5,659
Income tax receivable	1,623	0
Total current assets	336,953	306,800
Property, plant and equipment	158,376	146,454
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-96,472	-89,653
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	61,904	56,801
Goodwill	32,073	31,648
Intangible assets	5,500	5,500
Deferred income taxes	457	2,593
Other assets	1,589	997
Total assets	438,476	404,339
Current liabilities:	'	'
Trade accounts payable	45,593	41,641
Income taxes payable	1,126	4,045
Accrued liabilities	33,482	31,601
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	420	588
Deferred income taxes	0	253
Total current liabilities	80,621	78,128
Long-term debt and capital lease obligation, net of current maturities	8	118
Accrued pension liabilities	2,538	9,871
Other long-term liabilities	3,494	3,646
Deferred income taxes	1,350	2,290
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $.10 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized;12,113,109 and 12,028,354 issued at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	1,211	1,203
Additional paid-in capital	91,439	88,660
Treasury stock, at cost: 42,600 shares at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012	-426	-426
Retained earnings	255,203	222,480
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	3,038	-1,631
Total stockholders’ equity	350,465	310,286
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$438,476	$404,339

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' equity:	'	'
Common stock, par value	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,113,109	12,028,354
Treasury stock, at cost	42,600	42,600

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net sales:	'	'	'
Net sales:	$676,836	$628,402	$603,593
Cost of sales	518,326	484,890	468,508
Gross profit	158,510	143,512	135,085
Selling, general and administrative expenses	107,773	97,507	92,347
Gain on bargain purchase	0	0	-8,616
Goodwill impairment	0	656	1,898
Income from operations	50,737	45,349	49,456
Interest expense	-1,161	-1,620	-2,422
Interest income	186	234	247
Other income (expense), net	1,626	-517	848
Income before income taxes	51,388	43,446	48,129
Provision for income taxes	15,294	14,543	15,442
Net income	36,094	28,903	32,687
Net income per common share:	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$3	$2.43	$2.76
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$2.96	$2.40	$2.73
Average common shares:	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	12,050,000	11,899,000	11,848,000
Diluted (in shares)	12,212,000	12,058,000	11,966,000
North American Industrial	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'
Net sales:	296,617	263,353	229,594
Income from operations	25,743	19,313	24,649
North American Agricultural	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'
Net sales:	215,340	200,467	203,993
Income from operations	17,880	18,319	16,644
European	'	'	'
Net sales:	'	'	'
Net sales:	164,879	164,582	170,006
Income from operations	$7,114	$7,717	$8,163

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$253,260	$1,187	$84,377	($426)	$166,589	$1,533
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	'	11,830,000	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	32,687	'	'	'	32,687	'
Translation adjustment	-2,788	'	'	'	'	-2,788
Unrealized derivative gain, net of taxes	144	'	'	'	'	144
Net actuarial gain arising during period net of taxes	-4,512	'	'	'	'	-4,512
Tax effect of non-qualified stock options	63	'	63	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	986	'	986	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	281	3	278	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	30,000	'	'	'	'
Dividends paid	-2,845	'	'	'	-2,845	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	277,276	1,190	85,704	-426	196,431	-5,623
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	'	11,860,000	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	28,903	'	'	'	28,903	'
Translation adjustment	4,445	'	'	'	'	4,445
Unrealized derivative gain, net of taxes	0	'	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain arising during period net of taxes	-453	'	'	'	'	-453
Tax effect of non-qualified stock options	-102	'	-102	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	940	'	940	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	2,131	13	2,118	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	126,000	'	'	'	'
Dividends paid	-2,854	'	'	'	-2,854	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	310,286	1,203	88,660	-426	222,480	-1,631
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	'	11,986,000	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	36,094	'	'	'	36,094	'
Translation adjustment	479	'	'	'	'	479
Unrealized derivative gain, net of taxes	0	'	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain arising during period net of taxes	4,190	'	'	'	'	4,190
Tax effect of non-qualified stock options	0	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation	1,501	'	1,501	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options	1,286	8	1,278	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	'	85,000	'	'	'	'
Dividends paid	-3,371	'	'	'	-3,371	'
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$350,465	$1,211	$91,439	($426)	$255,203	$3,038
Balance (shares) at Dec. 31, 2013	'	12,071,000	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.07	$0.07	$0.07	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.24	$0.24	$0.24

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net income	$36,094	$28,903	$32,687
Other comprehensive income (loss):	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	479	4,445	-2,788
Unrealized gains on derivative instruments	0	0	144
Net gain (loss) on pension and other postretirement benefits	6,706	-574	-6,533
Other comprehensive income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	7,185	3,871	-9,177
Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,516	121	2,021
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,669	3,992	-7,156
Comprehensive income	$40,763	$32,895	$25,531

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net income	$36,094	$28,903	$32,687
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Provision for doubtful accounts	31	253	992
Depreciation	8,898	9,948	10,418
Amortization of debt issuance	126	126	188
Gain on bargain purchase	0	0	-8,616
Goodwill impairment	0	656	1,898
Stock-based compensation	1,501	940	985
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements	0	102	-63
Provision for deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-877	-405	850
Gain (Loss) on sale of equipment	-237	155	-263
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:	'	'	'
Accounts receivable	-10,515	4,770	-15,152
Inventories	776	6,932	-8,680
Prepaid expenses and other	-925	-2,376	-72
Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities	4,420	960	-4,162
Income taxes payable	-4,565	2,338	397
Other assets and liabilities, net	-3,100	-2,039	-740
Net cash provided by operating activities	31,627	51,263	10,667
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-1,002	0	-6,536
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	-13,639	-4,654	-5,766
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	475	564	440
Net cash used in investing activities	-14,166	-4,090	-11,862
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Net change in bank revolving credit facility	0	-7,000	-14,000
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital leases	-399	-2,117	-2,570
Dividends paid	-3,371	-2,854	-2,845
Proceeds from sale of common stock	1,286	2,131	281
Excess tax benefits from stock-based payment arrangements	0	-102	63
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-2,484	-9,942	-19,071
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	692	772	311
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	15,669	38,003	-19,955
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year	48,291	10,288	30,243
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year	63,960	48,291	10,288
Cash paid during the year for:	'	'	'
Interest	1,118	1,837	2,295
Income taxes	$21,580	$13,533	$15,247

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Description of the Business and Segments
	The Company manufactures, distributes and services high quality tractor-mounted mowing and other vegetation maintenance equipment, street sweepers, excavators, vacuum trucks, snow removal equipment, pothole patchers, zero turn radius mowers, agricultural implements and related aftermarket parts and services.
	The Company manages its business in three principal reporting segments: North American Agricultural, North American Industrial and European, which are discussed in Notes 15 and 16.
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alamo Group Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Alamo Group”), all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Judgments related to asset impairment and certain reserves are particularly subject to change. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Foreign Currency
	The Company translates the assets and liabilities of foreign-owned subsidiaries at rates in effect at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholders’ equity.
	The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to certain foreign currency transactions. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Changes in the market value of the foreign currency instruments are recognized in the financial statements upon settlement of the hedged transaction. On December 31, 2013, the Company had $2,884,000 in outstanding forward exchange contracts related to sales. The unrealized loss of the December 31, 2013 contracts that the Company expects to incur during the first quarter of 2014 is approximately $11,000, net of taxes. Foreign currency transaction gains or losses are included in Other income (expense), net. For 2013, 2012 and 2011, such transactions netted gains (losses) of $921,000, $(476,000), and $816,000, respectively.
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. The credit risk is limited because of the large numbers and types of customers and their geographic dispersion.
	Inventories
	Inventories of U.S. operating subsidiaries are stated at the lower of cost (last-in, first-out method) (“LIFO”) or market, and the Company’s international subsidiaries’ inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) (“FIFO”) or market.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are stated on the basis of cost. Major renewals and betterments are charged to the property accounts while replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets, are expensed to the current period. Depreciation is provided at amounts calculated to amortize the cost of the assets over their estimated useful economic lives using the straight-line method.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 and monitor for interim triggering events on an ongoing basis. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment utilizing a qualitative assessment or a two-step process. We have an option to make a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit's goodwill for impairment. If we choose to perform a qualitative assessment and determine the fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. For reporting units where we perform the two-step process, the first step requires us to compare the fair value of each reporting unit, which we primarily determine using an income approach based on the present value of discounted cash flows, to the respective carrying value, which includes goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is higher than the fair value, there is an indication that an impairment may exist and the second step is required. In step two, the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated as the excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the fair values assigned to its assets and liabilities. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis. This analysis requires the Company to make significant assumptions and estimates about the extent and timing of future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates. The cash flows are estimated over a significant future period of time, which makes those estimates and assumptions subject to an even higher degree of uncertainty. The Company also utilizes market valuation models and other financial ratios, which require the Company to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding the applicability of those models to its assets and businesses. As of December 31, 2013, goodwill was $32,073,000, which represents 7% of total assets.
	The Company recognized no goodwill impairment in 2013. The Company recognized goodwill impairment at one of its French operations, Faucheux, of $656,000 in 2012 and two of its French operations, SMA and Rousseau, of $1,898,000 in 2011. The primary reason for the goodwill impairment in 2012 and 2011 was the general economic downturn that continues to affect the Company's European operations. This caused the Company to revise its expectations about future revenue, which is a significant factor in the discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate the fair value of the Company's reporting units. During the 2013 impairment analysis review, we performed a sensitivity analysis for goodwill impairment with respect to each of our reporting units and determined that a hypothetical 15% decline in the fair value of each reporting unit as of December 31, 2013 would not result in an impairment of goodwill for any of the reporting units. During the 2012 impairment analysis review, it was noted that even though the Schwarze and Rivard reporting units' fair value was above carrying value, it was not materially different. On December 31, 2013, there was approximately $6.9 million and $12.3 million of goodwill related to the Schwarze and Rivard reporting units, respectively. These reporting units would be most likely affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions and estimates. The calculation of fair value could increase or decrease depending on changes in the inputs and assumptions used, such as changes in the reporting unit’s future growth rates, discount rates, etc.
	Management believes that the estimated valuations it arrived at are reasonable and consistent with what other marketplace participants would use in valuing the Company's components.  However, management cannot give any assurance that these market values will not change in the future.  For example, if discount rates demanded by the market increase, this could lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the Company's projections are not achieved in the future, this could lead management to reassess their assumptions and lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the market price of the Company's stock decreases, this could cause the Company to reassess the reasonableness of the implied control premium, which might cause management to assume a higher discount rate under the income approach which could lead to reduced valuations.  If future similar transactions exhibit lower multiples than those observed in the past, this could lead to reduced valuations under the similar transactions approach.  And finally, if there is a general decline in the stock market and particularly in those companies selected as comparable to the Company's components, this could lead to reduced valuations under the public company market multiple approach.  The Company's annual impairment test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  Given the current market conditions and continued economic uncertainty, the fair value of the Company's components could deteriorate which could result in the need to record impairment charges in future periods.  The Company also monitors potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, attrition of key personnel, volatility in the capital markets, the Company's market capitalization compared to its book value, the Company's recent operating performance, and the Company's financial projections.  The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in future impairment charges.  In particular, since the Schwarze and Rivard reporting units' carrying values are not materially different from fair value, any changes to the Company's assumptions could lead to an indicated impairment in step one, requiring the Company to proceed to step two and potentially record an impairment charge.
	See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding goodwill.
	Intangible Assets
	The Company's intangible assets with indefinite useful lives not subject to amortization consists of trade names. The net book value of these trade names was $5,500,000 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 . This consisted of the Gradall trade name valued at $3,600,000 and the Bush Hog trade name valued at $1,900,000.
	The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis at year-end, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset could be below its carrying amount. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset, determined using the relief from royalty method, with its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount in excess of its fair value.
	Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at estimated cost. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
	Pensions
	In connection with the February 3, 2006 purchase of all the net assets of the Gradall excavator business, the Company assumed sponsorship of two Gradall non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, both of which were frozen with respect to both future benefit accruals and future new entrants.
	The Gradall Company Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan covers approximately 330 former employees and 133 current employees who (i) were formerly employed by JLG Industries, Inc., (ii) were covered by a collective bargaining agreement and (iii) first participated in the plan before April 6, 1997. An amendment ceasing all future benefit accruals was effective April 6, 1997.
	The Gradall Company Employees’ Retirement Plan covers approximately 239 former employees and 87 current employees who (i) were formerly employed by JLG Industries, Inc., (ii) were not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and (iii) first participated in the plan before December 31, 2004. An amendment ceasing future benefit accruals for certain participants was effective December 31, 2004. A second amendment discontinued all future benefit accruals for all participants effective April 24, 2006.
	The Company recognizes the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans as a liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes any changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income.
	Related Party Transactions
	There were no reportable relationships or related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. In1999, the Company approved a supplemental retirement benefit for Donald J. Douglass which is paid on a quarterly basis over a period of fourteen and one-half years that began in the year 2000. The balance on December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $40,000 and $115,000, respectively, and is included in the Accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities sections of the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when each of the following four criteria are met: 1) a contract or sales arrangement exists; 2) products have been shipped per agreed terms and title has been transferred or services have been rendered; 3) the prices of the products or services are fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. Pre-season sales orders are solicited in the fall in advance of the dealer’s sales season in the spring and summer. Pre-season sales orders are shipped beginning in the fall and continuing through the spring and represent an opportunity for the Company’s factories to level their production/shipping volumes through the winter months. These pre-season shipments carry descending discounts in conjunction with delayed payment terms of up to six months from the dealer’s requested delivery date. Revenue from sales is recorded net of a provision for discounts that are anticipated to be earned and deducted at time of payment by the customer. These approximated discounts represent an average of historical amounts taken and are adjusted as program terms are changed. The reserves for discounts are reviewed and adjusted quarterly. From time to time, revenue is recognized under a bill and hold arrangement. Revenue recognized under bill and hold arrangements for 2013, 2012, and 2011 was immaterial.
	Accounting for Internal Use Software
	The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the development and installation of internal use software. Internal use software costs are expensed or capitalized depending on whether they are incurred in the preliminary project stage, application development stage or the post-implementation stage. Amounts capitalized are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software.
	The book value of capitalized software net of depreciation was approximately $944,000 and $1,092,000 on December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Software depreciation expense was $488,000, $676,000 and $822,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Internal use software is amortized for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated life of two to seven years.
	Shipping and Handling Costs
	The Company’s policy is to include shipping and handling costs in costs of goods sold.
	Advertising
	We charge advertising costs to expense as incurred. Advertising and marketing expense related to operations for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $6,646,000, $6,353,000 and $6,441,000, respectively. Advertising and marketing expenses are included in Selling, General and Administrative expenses (“SG&A”).
	Research and Development
	Product development and engineering costs charged to SG&A amounted to $7,164,000, $5,686,000, and $6,017,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Legal Costs
	The Company’s policy is to accrue for legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies.
	Federal Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the future years in which deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.
	We do not provide for a U.S. income tax liability on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which reflect full provision for non-U.S. income taxes, are currently indefinitely reinvested in non-U.S. operations.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has granted options to purchase its common stock to certain employees and directors of the Company and its affiliates under various stock option plans at no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  These options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and are forfeited in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company or one of its affiliates other than by retirement or death.  These options generally vest over five years.  All option plans contain anti-dilutive provisions that permit an adjustment of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization.
	The Company calculated the fair value for options with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2013, 2012, and 2011:
		December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Risk-free interest rate	1.38	%	1.44	%	2.64	%
	Dividend yield	0.8	%	1.2	%	1.2	%
	Volatility factors	47.9	%	46.7	%	46.7	%
	Weighted-average expected life	8.0 years		8.0 years		8.0 years
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying value of our debt approximates the fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation from basic to diluted average common shares and the calculations of net income per common share. Net income for basic and diluted calculations does not differ.
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012		2011
	Net income	$	36,094	$	28,903	$	32,687
	Average common shares:
	Basic (weighted-average outstanding shares)	12,050		11,899		11,848
	Dilutive potential common shares from stock options	162		159		118
		12,212		12,058		11,966
	Diluted (weighted-average outstanding shares)
	Basic earnings per share	$	3	$	2.43	$	2.76
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.96	$	2.4	$	2.73
	Stock options totaling 3,831 shares in 2013, 38,954 shares in 2012, and 78,337 shares in 2011 were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	Valuation and qualifying accounts included the following:
		Balance		Net		Translations,				Net Write-Offs or			Balance
		Beginning of		Charged to		Reclassifications				Discounts Taken			End of
		Year		Costs and		and Acquisitions							Year
	(in thousands)			Expenses
	2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,077	$	31		$	62		$	(432	)	$	2,738
	Reserve for sales discounts	15,005		76,184			—			(74,465		)	16,724
	Reserve for inventory obsolescence	9,099		2,586			(157		)	(2,932		)	8,596
	Reserve for warranty	5,007		6,410			80			(6,503		)	4,994
	2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,215	$	253		$	113		$	(504	)	$	3,077
	Reserve for sales discounts	14,567		65,481			(16		)	(65,027		)	15,005
	Reserve for inventory obsolescence	7,630		2,998			79			(1,608		)	9,099
	Reserve for warranty	5,083		6,646			82			(6,804		)	5,007
	2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,852	$	995		$	(65	)	$	(567	)	$	3,215
	Reserve for sales discounts	11,903		62,935			9			(60,280		)	14,567
	Reserve for inventory obsolescence	7,506		3,403			(123		)	(3,156		)	7,630
	Reserve for warranty	5,554		6,070			17			(6,558		)	5,083
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company evaluates the collectability of its accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where it is aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations, the Company records a specific reserve to reduce the amounts recorded to what it believes will be collected. For all other customers, it recognizes reserves for bad debt based on historical experience of bad debts as a percent of revenues for each business unit, adjusted for relative improvements or deteriorations in the aging and changes in current economic conditions.
	The Company evaluates all receivables that are over 60 days old and will reserve specifically on a 90-day basis. The Company has a secured or insured interest on most of its wholegoods that each customer purchases. This allows the Company, in times of a difficult economy when the customer is unable to pay or has filed for bankruptcy, to repossess its inventory. This also allows Alamo Group to maintain only a reserve over its cost, which usually represents the margin on the original sales price.
	The allowance for doubtful accounts balance was $2,738,000 on December 31, 2013, and $3,077,000 on December 31, 2012. The decrease was mainly from the Company’s Industrial Division.
	Sales Discounts
	On December 31, 2013, the Company had $16,724,000 in reserves for sales discounts compared to $15,005,000 on December 31, 2012 on product shipped to our customers under various promotional programs. The increase was due primarily to increased sales volume of the Company’s agricultural products during the 2013 pre-season, which runs during the third and fourth quarters of each year with orders shipped through the second quarter of 2014. The Company reviews the reserve quarterly based on analysis made on each program outstanding at the time.
	The Company bases its reserves on historical data relating to discounts taken by the customer under each program. Historically, between 85% and 95% of the Company’s customers who qualify for each program actually take the discount that is available.
	Inventories – Obsolete and Slow Moving
	The Company had a reserve of $8,596,000 on December 31, 2013 and $9,099,000 on December 31, 2012 to cover obsolete and slow moving inventory. The decrease in the reserve was mainly from the Industrial Division and to a lesser extent the Company's Agricultural Division. The obsolete and slow moving inventory policy states that the reserve is to be calculated as follows: 1) no inventory usage over a three-year period is deemed obsolete and reserved at 100 percent; and 2) slow moving inventory with little usage requires a 100 percent reserve on items that have a quantity greater than a three-year supply. There are exceptions to the obsolete and slow moving classifications if approved by an officer of the Company, based on specific identification of an item or items that are deemed to be either included or excluded from this classification. In cases where there is no historical data, management makes a judgment based on a specific review of the inventory in question to determine what reserves, if any, are appropriate. New products or parts are generally excluded from the reserve policy until a three-year history has been established.
	Warranty
	The Company’s warranty policy is generally to provide its customers warranty for up to one year on all wholegood units and 90 days on parts though some components can have warranty for longer terms.
	Warranty reserve, as a percentage of sales, is generally calculated by looking at the current twelve months’ expenses and prorating that amount based on twelve months’ sales with a ninety-day to six-month lag period. The Company’s historical experience is that an end-user takes approximately 90 days to six months from the receipt of the unit to file a warranty claim. A warranty reserve is established for each different marketing group. Reserve balances are evaluated on a quarterly basis and adjustments made when required.
	The current liability warranty reserve balance was $4,994,000 on December 31, 2013 and $5,007,000 on December 31, 2012.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	INVENTORIES
	Inventories valued at LIFO represented 55% and 56% of total inventory for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The excess of current costs over LIFO-valued inventories was $9,483,000 and $8,975,000 on December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. (The $508,000 increase in LIFO reserve during 2013 came from reductions in inventory levels within U.S. operations. The impact of the application of the LIFO method on the Statement of Income for the years ended December 31, 2013, was a decrease to cost of sales of $508,000, and an decrease in 2012 of $484,000 and an increase in 2011 of $1,805,000.) Inventories consisted of the following on a cost basis, net of reserves:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Finished goods and parts	$	84,548	$	93,095
	Work in process	9,906		7,922
	Raw materials	14,650		7,741
		$	109,104	$	108,758

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			Useful
	(in thousands)							Lives
	Land	$	8,708		$	8,576
	Buildings and improvements	62,169			59,309			10-20 yrs.
	Machinery and equipment	65,451			57,320			3-15 yrs.
	Office furniture and equipment	6,705			5,984			3-7 yrs.
	Computer software	10,557			10,602			2-7 yrs.
	Transportation equipment	4,786			4,663			3 yrs.
		158,376			146,454
	Accumulated depreciation	(96,472		)	(89,653		)
		$	61,904		$	56,801
	Property, plant and equipment on December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 include capital leases in the amount of $7,246,000 and $6,944,000, respectively, which are included in the listings above. Accumulated depreciation relating to the capital leases on December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $4,749,000 and $4,132,000, respectively. Amortization related to the capital lease is included in depreciation expense.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	GOODWILL
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 are as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2010	$	34,073
	Translation adjustment	(424		)
	Goodwill impairment	(1,898		)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	31,751
	Translation adjustment	553
	Goodwill impairment	$	(656	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	31,648
	Translation adjustment	425
	Goodwill impairment	—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	32,073

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	ACCRUED LIABILITIES
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following balances:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Salaries, wages and bonuses	$	15,509	$	12,433
	Warranty	4,994		5,007
	State taxes	5,217		4,922
	Other	7,762		9,239
		$	33,482	$	31,601

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	LONG-TERM DEBT
	The components of long-term debt are as follows:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Bank revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Capital lease obligations	120		394
	Other notes payable	308		312
	Total debt	428		706
	Less current maturities	420		588
	Total long-term debt	$	8	$	118
	The Company maintains a revolving credit facility with certain lenders under its Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. The aggregate commitments from lenders under such revolving credit facility total$100,000,000 and, subject to certain conditions, the Company has the option to request an increase in aggregate commitments of up to an additional $50,000,000. The revolving credit agreement requires us to maintain various financial covenants including a minimum EBIT to interest expense ratio, a minimum leverage ratio and a minimum asset coverage ratio. The agreement also contains various covenants relating to limitations on indebtedness, limitations on investments and acquisitions, limitations on sale of properties and limitations on liens and capital expenditures. The revolving credit agreement also contains other customary covenants, representations and events of defaults. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the revolving credit facility. The termination date of the revolving credit facility is March 28, 2016. As of December 31, 2013, no amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit facility. On December 31, 2013, $722,000 of the revolver capacity was committed to irrevocable standby letters of credit issued in the ordinary course of business as required by vendors’ contracts resulting in $99,278,000 in available borrowings. As of December 31, 2013, the Company is in compliance with the terms and conditions of its credit facilities.
	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt, as of December 31, 2013, are as follows: $420,000 in 2014; $8,000 in 2015; and zero thereafter.
	The fair value of the Company’s debt is based on secondary market indicators. Since the Company’s debt is not quoted, estimates are based on each obligation’s characteristics, including remaining maturities, interest rate, credit rating, collateral, amortization schedule and liquidity. The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. There is a three-tier fair value hierarchy based upon the observability of inputs used in valuation techniques. Observable inputs (highest level) reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs (lowest level) reflect internally developed market assumptions. In fair value measurements are classified under the following hierarchy:
	Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.
	Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable
	The Company uses quoted market prices, when available, to determine fair value, and the Company classifies such measurements within Level 1. In some cases where market prices are not available, the Company makes use of observable market-based inputs to calculate fair value, in which case the measurements are classified with Level 2. If quoted or observable market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that use, where possible, current market-based parameters such as interest rates, yield curves, currency rates, etc. These measurements are classified within Level 3.
	Fair value measurements are classified to the lowest level input or value-driver that is significant to the valuation. A measurement may therefore be classified within Level 3 even though there may be significant inputs that are readily observable.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The jurisdictional components of income before taxes consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Income before income taxes:
	Domestic	$	35,146		$	29,390		$	28,109
	Foreign	16,242			14,056			20,020
		$	51,388		$	43,446		$	48,129
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Domestic	$	10,605		$	9,273		$	7,771
	Foreign	3,200			4,919			5,682
	State	2,366			756			1,139
		16,171			14,948			14,592
	Deferred:
	Domestic	(1,074		)	(192		)	397
	Foreign	249			(363		)	331
	State	(52		)	150			122
		(877		)	(405		)	850
	Total income taxes	$	15,294		$	14,543		$	15,442
	The difference between income tax expense (benefit) for financial statement purposes and the amount of income tax expense computed by applying the domestic statutory income tax rate of 35% to income loss before income taxes consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Domestic statutory rate at 35% (34% for 2011 and 2010)	$	17,985		$	15,206		$	16,364
	Increase (reduction) from:
	Jurisdictional rate differences	(1,959		)	(1,477		)	(1,315		)
	Goodwill impairment	—			157			633
	Valuation allowance	(114		)	825			—
	Stock based compensation	136			214			161
	U.S. state taxes	1,496			589			740
	Domestic Production Deduction	(1,162		)	(948		)	(796		)
	R&E Credit Reserve	(856		)	(130		)	(252		)
	Other, net	(232		)	107			(93		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	15,294		$	14,543		$	15,442
	Effective tax rate	30		%	33		%	32		%
	Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. The components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Inventory basis difference	$	1,576		$	1,475
	Accounts receivable reserve	201			299
	Stock based compensation	904			614
	Pension liability	1,604			3,595
	Employee benefit accrual	601			459
	Product liability and warranty reserves	1,417			1,120
	Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	1,064			487
	Foreign net operating loss	2,954			1,608
	State net operating loss	76			82
	Other	34			3
	Total deferred income tax assets	$	10,431		$	9,742
	Less: Valuation allowance	(711		)	(825		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	9,720		$	8,917
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Inventory basis differences	$	—		$	(253	)
	Depreciation	(3,068		)	(2,867		)
	Intangible assets	(1,277		)	(1,011		)
	Deferred revenue	(66		)	(135		)
	Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	(461		)	(777		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	$	(4,872	)	$	(5,043	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	4,848		$	3,874
	As of December 31, 2013, the Company had foreign deferred tax assets consisting of foreign net operating losses and other tax benefits available to reduce future taxable income in a foreign jurisdiction. These foreign jurisdictions' net operating loss carryforwards are in the approximate amount of $10.6 million with an unlimited carryforward period. The Company also has state net operating loss carryforwards in the U.S. of approximately $5.0 million which will expire between 2014 to 2028.
The company recorded a valuation allowance as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 due to uncertainties related to the ability to utilize some of the deferred income tax assets, primarily consisting of certain U.S. state NOLs and income tax credits, and international NOLs, before they expire. The valuation allowance is based on estimates of taxable income in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and the period over which deferred income tax assets will be recoverable. The realization of net deferred income tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2013 is primarily dependent upon the ability to generate future taxable income in certain U.S. states and international jurisdictions.
Deferred income taxes have not been provided on the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries, based on the determination that such differences are essentially permanent in duration in that the earnings of the subsidiaries are expected to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. As of December 31, 2013, the cumulative undistributed earnings of these subsidiaries approximated $138,531,000. If these earnings were not considered indefinitely reinvested, deferred income taxes would have been recorded after the consideration of foreign tax credits. At this time, it is not practicable to estimate the amount of additional income taxes that might be payable on those earnings, if distributed.
The Company adopted the provisions of FASB ASC Section 740-10-25 (formerly FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”) on January 1, 2007. Unrecognized tax benefits in the amount of$257,000 and $146,000 for 2012 and 2013, respectively, are included in other noncurrent liabilities on the balance sheet. The unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would favorably impact our effective tax rate in a future period. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits disclosed above to change significantly over the next 12 months.
	December 31,
	2013			2012
Balance as of beginning of year	$	257,000		$	235,000
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	56,000			—
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	27,000			22,000
Reduction due to lapse of statute of limitations	(194,000		)	—
Balance as of end of year	$	146,000		$	257,000
The Company's policy is to include interest and penalty expense related to income taxes as interest and other expense, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, no interest or penalties has been accrued. The Company’s open tax years for its federal and state income tax returns are for the tax years ended 2009 through 2013. The Company's open tax years for its foreign income tax returns are for the tax years ended 2009 through 2013.
On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (Act) was enacted. The Act provided tax relief for businesses by reinstating certain tax benefits retroactively to January 1, 2012. There are several provisions of the Act that impacted the Company, most notably the extension of the Research and Development credit through 2013. Income tax accounting rules require tax law changes to be recognized in the period of enactment; as such, the additional Research and Development Credit in 2013 tax provision that related to the 2012 tax year was approximately $450,000. Currently, the Research and Development credit has not been extended for 2014.

Common_Stock

Common Stock	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Common Stock	'
	COMMON STOCK
	The Company was authorized by its Board of Directors in 1997 to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to be funded through working capital and credit facility borrowings. No shares were repurchased in 2012 or 2013. The authorization to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares remains available less 42,600 shares, previously purchased.
	Subsequent to December 31, 2013, the Company declared and paid a dividend of $0.07 per share.

Stock_Options

Stock Options	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock Options	'
	STOCK OPTIONS
	Incentive Options
	On April 28, 1994, the stockholders approved the 1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan (“1994 ISO Plan”) for key employees. Each option becomes vested and exercisable for up to 20% of the total optioned shares each year after grant. Under the terms of this plan, the exercise price of the shares subject to each option granted would not be less than the fair market value of the common stock at the date the option is granted. There are 3,000 shares outstanding under this option plan. No further option grants can be made under this plan.
	On May 3, 2005, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2005 Incentive Stock Option Plan (“2005 ISO Plan”) and the Company reserved 500,000 shares of common stock for options to be issued under the 2005 ISO Plan . During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, options to purchase 49,000 shares, 61,000 shares and 35,000 shares, respectively, were granted under this plan. Each option becomes vested and exercisable for up to 20% of the total optioned shares one year following the grant of the option and for an additional 20% of the total optioned shares after each succeeding year until the option is fully exercisable at the end of the fifth year.
	Following is a summary of activity in the Incentive Stock Option Plans for the periods indicated:
		2013					2012					2011
		Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
				Price*					Price*					Price*
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	330,730		$	21.82		377,480		$	19.27		360,130		$	18.29
	Granted	49,000		42.7			61,000		32.76			35,000		26.45
	Exercised	(81,880	)	16.77			(99,650	)	19.26			(15,650	)	12.03
	Canceled	(5,500	)	24.24			(8,100	)	17.2			(2,000	)	24.69
	Options outstanding at end of year	292,350		26.68			330,730		21.82			377,480		19.27
	Options exercisable at end of year	154,950		$	21.57		192,830		$	19.48		243,180		$	19.32
	Options available for grant at end of year	66,100					109,600					162,500
	*Weighted Averages
	Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Qualified Stock Options	Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
				Remaining	Exercise
				Contractual	Price*						Exercise
		Shares		Life (yrs)*					Shares		Price*
	Range of Exercise Price
	$11.45 - $17.85	54,550		5.07	$	11.8			38,350		$	11.95
	$19.79 - $32.76	188,800		5.77	$	26.83			116,600		$	24.73
	$42.70 - $42.70	49,000		9.35	$	42.7			—		$	—
	Total	292,350							154,950
	*Weighted Averages
	The weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted during 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $20.56, $14.76 and $12.50, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there was $1,322,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of five years.
	Non-Qualified Options
	On May 7, 2009, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan and the Company reserved 400,000 shares of common stock for this plan. Options become vested and exercisable for up to 20% of the total optioned shares one year following the grant of the option and for an additional 20% of the total optioned shares after each succeeding year until the option is fully exercisable at the end of the fifth year.
	Following is a summary of activity in the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans for the periods indicated:
		2013					2012					2011
		Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
				Price*					Price*					Price*
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	89,700		$	19.91		112,800		$	18.62		102,400		$	15.62
	Granted	25,000		42.7			—		—			30,000		26.45
	Exercised	—		—			(23,100	)	13.62			(14,600	)	11.45
	Cancelled	—		—			—		—			(5,000	)	25.18
	Options outstanding at end of year	114,700		24.87			89,700		19.91			112,800		18.62
	Options exercisable at end of year	57,900		$	19.89		38,100		$	21.91		37,400		$	19.57
	Options available for grant at end of year	293,526					322,750					32,500
	*Weighted Averages
	Options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Non-Qualified Stock Options	Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
				Remaining
				Contractual	Exercise						Exercise
		Shares		Life(yrs)*	Price*				Shares		Price*
	Range of Exercise Price
	$11.45 - $17.85	37,200		5.36	$	11.45			23,400		$	11.45
	$19.79 - $32.76	52,500		5.61	25.9				34,500		25.61
	$42.70 - $42.70	25,000		9.35	$	42.7			—		$	—
	Total	114,700							57,900
	*Weighted Averages
	The weighted-average grant-date fair values of options granted during 2013 and 2011 were $20.56 and $12.50, respectively. There were no options granted in 2012. As of December 31, 2013, there was $213,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of five years.
	During 2013, 2012 and 2011, 0, 23,100, and 14,600 non-qualified options were exercised, respectively, were exercised, $0, $315,000, and $167,000 of cash receipts were received, respectively, and tax deductions of $0, $284,000, and $178,000 were realized, respectively, for the tax deductions from option exercises.
	Restricted Stock Units
	Following is a summary of activity in the Restricted Stock Units for the periods indicated:
		2013					2012					2011
		Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
				Price*					Price*					Price*
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	11,375		$	24.24		19,750		$	22.96		9,000		$	15.86
	Granted	4,224		42.7			—		—			13,500		26.08
	Exercised	(4,875	)	22.07			(6,125	)	21.13			(2,750	)	15.06
Cancelled	—		—			(2,250	)	21.45			—		—
Options outstanding at end of year	10,724		32.49			11,375		24.24			19,750		22.96
Restricted stock units vest 25% after one year following the award date and for an additional 25% of total awarded shares each succeeding year until fully vested. The weighted-average remaining contractual life in years for 2013, 2012, and 2011 were 2.09, 2.65 and 3.48, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, there was $90,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a period of four years.

Retirement_Benefit_Plans

Retirement Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Benefit Plans	'
	RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
	Defined Benefit Plans
	In connection with the February 3, 2006 purchase of all the net assets of the Gradall excavator business, the Company assumed sponsorship of two Gradall non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, both of which are frozen with respect to both future benefit accruals and future new entrants.
	The Gradall Company Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan covers approximately 330 former employees and 133 current employees who (i) were formerly employed by JLG Industries, Inc., (ii) were covered by a collective bargaining agreement and (iii) first participated in the plan before April 6, 1997. An amendment ceasing all future benefit accruals was effective April 6, 1997.
	The Gradall Company Employees’ Retirement Plan covers approximately 239 former employees and 87 current employees who (i) were formerly employed by JLG Industries, Inc., (ii) were not covered by a collective bargaining agreement and (iii) first participated in the plan before December 31, 2004. An amendment ceasing future benefit accruals for certain participants was effective December 31, 2004. A second amendment discontinued all future benefit accruals for all participants effective April 24, 2006.
	The following tables set forth the change in plan assets, change in projected benefit obligation, rate assumptions and components of net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 with respect to these plans. The measurement dates of the assets and liabilities of both plans were December 31 of the respective years presented.
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)	Hourly					Employees’					Total
		Employees’					Retirement
		Pension Plan					Plan
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	10,786				$	20,923			$	31,709
	Service cost		11					5				16
	Interest cost		371					760				1,131
	Liability actuarial (gain)/loss		(1,060		)			(2,620		)		(3,680		)
	Benefits paid		(631		)			(733		)		(1,364		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		9,477					18,335				27,812
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		7,690					14,148				21,838
	Return on plan assets		1,136					2,090				3,226
	Employer contributions		678					896				1,574
	Benefits paid		(631		)			(733		)		(1,364		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		8,873					16,401				25,274
	Underfunded status – December 31, 2012		$	(604	)			$	(1,934	)		$	(2,538	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation – December 31, 2013		$	9,477				$	18,335			$	27,812
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Hourly					Employees’					Total
		Employees’					Retirement
		Pension Plan					Plan
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	10,454				$	19,238			$	29,692
	Service cost		10					4				14
	Interest cost		411					788				1,199
	Liability actuarial (gain)/loss		549					1,619				2,168
	Benefits paid		(638		)			(726		)		(1,364		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		10,786					20,923				31,709
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		6,663					12,237				18,900
	Return on plan assets		937					1,722				2,659
	Employer contributions		728					915				1,643
	Benefits paid		(638		)			(726		)		(1,364		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		7,690					14,148				21,838
	Underfunded status – December 31, 2011		$	(3,096	)			$	(6,775	)		$	(9,871	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation – December 31, 2012		$	10,786				$	20,923			$	31,709
	The Company recognizes the overfunded or underfunded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligations) of defined benefit postretirement plans as an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur. The Company measures the funded status of a plan as of the date of its year-end statement of financial position.
	The underfunded status of the plans of $2,538,000 and $9,871,000 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, is recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as long-term accrued pension liability because plan assets are less than the value of benefit obligations expected to be paid.
	The accumulated benefit obligation for our pension plans represents the actuarial present value of benefits based on employee service and compensation as of a certain date and does not include an assumption about future compensation levels.
	In determining the projected benefit obligation and the net pension cost, we used the following significant weighted-average assumptions:
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
			Hourly Employees’			Employees’
			Pension Plan			Retirement Plan
			2013	2012		2013	2012
	Discount rate		4.60%	3.55%		4.75%	3.70%
	Composite rate of compensation increase		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
			Hourly Employees’			Employees’
			Pension Plan			Retirement Plan
			2013	2012		2013	2012
	Discount rate		3.55%	4.06%		3.70%	4.18%
	Long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.25%	7.75%		7.25%	7.75%
	Composite rate of compensation increase		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
	The Company employs a building block approach in determining the expected long-term rate on return on plan assets. Historical markets are studied and long-term historical relationships between equities and fixed income are preserved consistent with the widely accepted capital market principle that assets with higher volatility generate a greater return over the long run. Current market factors such as inflation and interest rates are evaluated before long-term market assumptions are determined. The long-term portfolio return is established via a building block approach with proper consideration of diversification and rebalancing. Peer data and historical returns are reviewed to check for reasonability and appropriateness.
	The following tables present the components of net periodic benefit cost (gains are denoted with parentheses and losses are not):
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Hourly Employees’					Employees’					Total
(in thousands)	Pension Plan					Retirement Plan
Service cost		$	11				$	5			$	16
Interest cost		371					760				1,131
Expected return on plan assets		(549		)			(1,018		)		(1,567		)
Amortization of prior service cost		—					—				—
Amortization of net (gain)/loss		285					418				703
Net periodic benefit cost		$	118				$	165			$	283
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Hourly Employees’					Employees’					Total
(in thousands)	Pension Plan					Retirement Plan
Service cost		$	10				$	4			$	14
Interest cost		411					788				1,199
Expected return on plan assets		(520		)			(951		)		(1,471		)
Amortization of prior service cost		—					—				—
Amortization of net (gain)/loss		280					379				659
Net periodic benefit cost		$	181				$	220			$	401
The Company estimates that $132,000 of unrecognized actuarial expense will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit costs during 2014.
The Company employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate, private equity, and hedge funds are used judiciously to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives may not be used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on an ongoing basis through quarterly investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.
The pension plans' weighted-average asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets at December 31 are as follows:
		Hourly Employees’			Employees’ Retirement
		Pension Plan			Plan
		2013	2012		2013	2012
Equity securities		55%	55%		55%	55%
Debt securities		38%	38%		38%	38%
Short-term investments		2%	2%		2%	2%
Other		5%	5%		5%	5%
Total		100%	100%		100%	100%
As of December 31, 2013, we used the following valuation techniques to measure fair value for assets. There were no changes to these methodologies during 2013: Level 1 - Assets were valued using the closing price reported in the active market in which the individual security was traded. Level 2 - Assets were valued using quoted prices in markets that are not active, broker dealer quotations, net asset value of shares held by the plans, and other methods by which all significant input were observable at the measurement date. Level 3 - Assets were valued using valuation reports from the respective institutions at the measurement date. The following table presents the hierarchy levels for our postretirement benefit plan investments as of December 31:
	December 31, 2013					Quoted
						Prices in Active				Significant				Significant
						Markets for				Other				Unobservable
						Identical Assets				Observable				Inputs
(in thousands)						(Level 1)				Inputs				(Level 3)
										(Level 2)
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap		$	—				$	—			$	—		$	—
Mid Cap		1,577					1,577
Large Cap		6,826					6,826
International		2,531					2,531
Common/Collective:
Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution		3,521									3,521
Wells Fargo International Equity Index Fund		1,286									1,286
Wells Fargo Thornburg International		1,273									1,273
Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Index Fund		1,423									1,423
Wells Fargo Large Cap Value Index Fund		1,427									1,427
Wells Fargo Multi-Manager Small Cap		1,683									1,683
Wells Fargo Russell 2000 Index Fund		841									841
Wells Fargo S&P Mid Cap Index Fund		950									950
T Rowe Price Equity Income		1,424									1,424
Cash & Short-term Investments		512					512
Total		$	25,274				$	11,446			$	13,828		$	—
	December 31, 2012					Quoted
						Prices in Active				Significant
						Markets for				Other				Significant
						Identical Assets				Observable				Unobservable
(in thousands)						(Level 1)				Inputs				Inputs
										(Level 2)				(Level 3)
Mutual Funds:
Small Cap		$	—				$	—			$	—		$	—
Mid Cap		1,376					1,376
Large Cap		7,126					7,126
International		2,201					2,201
Common/Collective:
Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution Fund		3,074					—				3,074			—
Wells Fargo International Equity Index Fund		1,097									1,097
Wells Fargo Thornburg International		1,103									1,103
Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Index Fund		1,216									1,216
Wells Fargo Large Cap Value Index Fund		1,210									1,210
Wells Fargo Multi-Manager Small Cap		1,481									1,481
Wells Fargo Russell 2000 Index Fund		708									708
Wells Fargo S&P Mid Cap Index Fund		825									825
Cash & Short-term Investments		421					421
Total		$	21,838				$	11,124			$	10,714		$	—
Our interests in the common collective trust investments are managed by one custodian. Consistent with our investment policy, the custodian has invested the assets across a widely diversified portfolio of U.S. and international equity and fixed income securities. Fair values of each security within the collective trust as of December 31, 2013 were obtained from the custodian and are based on quoted market prices of individual investments; however, since the fund itself does not have immediate liquidity or a quoted market price, these assets are considered Level 2.
The common collective funds noted in the above table have estimated fair value using the net asset value per share of investments. Investments can be redeemed immediately at the current net asset value per share based on the fair value of the underlying assets. Redemption frequency is daily. The categories contain investments in equity securities of smaller growing companies, medium-sized U.S. companies, large value-oriented and growth-oriented companies and foreign companies traded on international markets.
Expected benefit payments are estimated using the same assumptions used in determining our benefit obligation as of December 31, 2013. The following table illustrates the estimated pension benefit payments which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, that are projected to be paid:
	Hourly Employees’					Employees’
(in thousands)	Pension Plan					Retirement Plan					Total
2014		$	643				$	862			$	1,505
2015		634					896				1,530
2016		635					932				1,567
2017		644					1,021				1,665
2018		651					1,112				1,763
Years 2019 through 2023		$	3,231				$	6,096			$	9,327
Supplemental Retirement Plan
The Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Alamo Group Inc. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), effective as of January 3, 2011.  The SERP will benefit certain key management or other highly compensated employees of the Company and/or certain subsidiaries who are selected by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board to participate.
The SERP is intended to provide a benefit from the Company upon retirement, death or disability, or a change in control of the Company.  Accordingly, the SERP obligates the Company to pay to a participant a Retirement Benefit (as defined in the SERP) upon the occurrence of certain payment events to the extent a participant has a vested right thereto.  A participant’s right to his or her Retirement Benefit becomes vested in the Company’s contributions upon 10 years of Credited Service (as defined in the SERP) or a change in control of the Company.  The Retirement Benefit is based on 20% of the final three-year average salary of each participant on or after his or her normal retirement age (65 years of age).  In the event of the participant’s death or a change in control, the participant’s vested retirement benefit will be paid in a lump sum to the participant or his or her estate, as applicable, within 90 days after the participant’s death or a change in control, as applicable.  In the event the participant is entitled to a benefit from the SERP due to disability, retirement or other termination of employment, the benefit will be paid in monthly installments over a period of fifteen years.
The Company records amounts relating to the SERP based on calculations that incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions, including discount rates, rate of compensation increases, retirement dates and life expectancies.  The net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the SERP benefits.
In connection with the initiation of the SERP, the Company had an unfunded long-term liability of $1,964,301, a deferred tax asset of $746,000 and $1,218,301 in accumulated other comprehensive income.  The $1,964,301 includes prior service cost which will be amortized over the average remaining service periods of the employees.  The prior service cost is included as a component of net periodic pension cost.
The change in the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, is shown below in thousands:
		Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2013				2012
Benefit obligation at January 1,		$	3,057			$	2,584
Service cost		114				101
Interest cost		102				104
Liability actuarial (gain)/loss		(252		)		268
Plan Amendments		—				—
Benefit obligation at December 31,		$	3,021			$	3,057
The components of net periodic pension expense were as follows in thousands:
		Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2013				2012
Service Cost		$	114			$	101
Interest Cost		102				104
Amortization of Prior Service Cost		327				287
Net Periodic Benefit Cost		$	543			$	492
The Company estimates that $270,000 of unrecognized actuarial expense will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit costs during 2014.
In determining the projected benefit obligation and the net pension cost, we used the following significant weighted-average assumptions:
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
		2013	2012
Discount rate		4.60%	3.37%
Composite rate of compensation increase		3.00%	3.00%
Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
		2013	2012
Discount rate		3.37%	4.04%
Composite rate of compensation increase		3.00%	3.00%
Long-term rate of return on plan assets		N/A	N/A
Future estimated benefits expected to be paid from the plan over the next ten years as follows in thousands:
2014	$	44
2015	51
2016	101
2017	140
2018	241
Years 2019 through 2023	$	1,305
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has three defined contribution plans, The Gradall Salaried Employees’ Savings and Investment Plan (“Salary Plan”), The Gradall Hourly Employees’ Savings and Investment Plan (“Hourly Plan”) and The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Retirement Plan (“IAM Plan”). The Company contributed $422,000 and $388,000 to the IAM Plan for the plan years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company converted the Salary Plan into its 401(k) retirement and savings plan and put the Hourly Plan into a separate 401(k) retirement and savings plan.
The Company provides a defined contribution 401(k) retirement and savings plan for eligible U.S. employees. Company matching contributions are based on a percentage of employee contributions. Company contributions to the plan during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $1,331,000, $1,678,000, and $992,000, respectively. A U.S. subsidiary of the Company had an Hourly Employee Pension Plan of Trust covering collective bargaining which was terminated on December 31, 2006. As of January 1, 2006 the employees were added to the existing 401(k) retirement and salary plan.
Three of the Company’s international subsidiaries also participate in a defined contribution and savings plan covering eligible employees. The Company’s international subsidiaries contribute between 3% and 10% of the participant’s salary up to a specific limit. Total contributions made to the above plans were $697,000, $696,000, and $676,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	The Company reports three business segments: North American Industrial, North American Agricultural and European. The Company’s sales are principally within the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia. The Company sells its products primarily through a network of independent dealers and distributors to governmental end-users, related independent contractors, as well as to the agricultural and commercial turf markets.
	The Company has included a summary of the financial information by reporting segment. The following table presents the revenues, income from operations (loss), goodwill and total identifiable assets by reporting segment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Net Revenue
	North American Industrial	$	296,617	$	263,353	$	229,594
	North American Agricultural	215,340		200,467		203,993
	European	164,879		164,582		170,006
	Consolidated	$	676,836	$	628,402	$	603,593
	Income from Operations
	North American Industrial	$	25,743	$	19,313	$	24,649
	North American Agricultural	17,880		18,319		16,644
	European	7,114		7,717		8,163
	Consolidated	$	50,737	$	45,349	$	49,456
	Goodwill
	North American Industrial	$	13,176	$	13,418	$	13,316
	North American Agricultural	—		—		—
	European	18,897		18,230		18,435
	Consolidated	$	32,073	$	31,648	$	31,751
	Total Identifiable Assets
	North American Industrial	$	161,080	$	153,234	$	144,763
	North American Agricultural	123,352		118,829		121,320
	European	154,044		132,276		115,582
	Consolidated	$	438,476	$	404,339	$	381,665
	INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
	Following is selected financial information on the Company’s international operations which include Europe, Canada and Australia:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Net sales	$	236,839	$	227,568	$	216,201
	Income from operations	14,822		14,470		19,362
	Income before income taxes	16,241		13,731		20,051
	Identifiable assets	$	205,317	$	179,263	$	155,188
	Following is other selected geographic financial information on the Company’s operations:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Geographic net sales:
	United States	$	444,151	$	401,415	$	381,390
	United Kingdom	36,892		40,734		39,967
	France	97,958		92,964		101,124
	Canada	45,045		36,190		26,029
	Australia	11,517		10,225		14,171
	Other	41,273		46,874		40,912
	Total net sales	$	676,836	$	628,402	$	603,593
	Geographic location of long-lived assets:
	United States	$	42,053	$	46,749	$	52,262
	United Kingdom	19,718		13,809		13,511
	France	25,751		25,166		26,746
	Canada	12,562		11,719		12,221
	Australia	768		190		158
	Total long-lived assets	$	100,852	$	97,633	$	104,898
	Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of customers.

International_Operations_and_G

International Operations and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
International Operations and Geographic Information	'
	SEGMENT REPORTING
	The Company reports three business segments: North American Industrial, North American Agricultural and European. The Company’s sales are principally within the United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia. The Company sells its products primarily through a network of independent dealers and distributors to governmental end-users, related independent contractors, as well as to the agricultural and commercial turf markets.
	The Company has included a summary of the financial information by reporting segment. The following table presents the revenues, income from operations (loss), goodwill and total identifiable assets by reporting segment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Net Revenue
	North American Industrial	$	296,617	$	263,353	$	229,594
	North American Agricultural	215,340		200,467		203,993
	European	164,879		164,582		170,006
	Consolidated	$	676,836	$	628,402	$	603,593
	Income from Operations
	North American Industrial	$	25,743	$	19,313	$	24,649
	North American Agricultural	17,880		18,319		16,644
	European	7,114		7,717		8,163
	Consolidated	$	50,737	$	45,349	$	49,456
	Goodwill
	North American Industrial	$	13,176	$	13,418	$	13,316
	North American Agricultural	—		—		—
	European	18,897		18,230		18,435
	Consolidated	$	32,073	$	31,648	$	31,751
	Total Identifiable Assets
	North American Industrial	$	161,080	$	153,234	$	144,763
	North American Agricultural	123,352		118,829		121,320
	European	154,044		132,276		115,582
	Consolidated	$	438,476	$	404,339	$	381,665
	INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
	Following is selected financial information on the Company’s international operations which include Europe, Canada and Australia:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Net sales	$	236,839	$	227,568	$	216,201
	Income from operations	14,822		14,470		19,362
	Income before income taxes	16,241		13,731		20,051
	Identifiable assets	$	205,317	$	179,263	$	155,188
	Following is other selected geographic financial information on the Company’s operations:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Geographic net sales:
	United States	$	444,151	$	401,415	$	381,390
	United Kingdom	36,892		40,734		39,967
	France	97,958		92,964		101,124
	Canada	45,045		36,190		26,029
	Australia	11,517		10,225		14,171
	Other	41,273		46,874		40,912
	Total net sales	$	676,836	$	628,402	$	603,593
	Geographic location of long-lived assets:
	United States	$	42,053	$	46,749	$	52,262
	United Kingdom	19,718		13,809		13,511
	France	25,751		25,166		26,746
	Canada	12,562		11,719		12,221
	Australia	768		190		158
	Total long-lived assets	$	100,852	$	97,633	$	104,898
	Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of customers.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Leases
	The Company leases office space and equipment under various operating leases, which generally are expected to be renewed or replaced by other leases. The Company has certain capitalized leases consisting principally of leases of buildings. As of December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under these non-cancelable leases and the present value of the net minimum lease payments for the capitalized leases are:
		Operating		Capitalized
	(in thousands)	Leases		Leases
	2014	$	1,507	$	115
	2015	927		8
	2016	515		—
	2017	287		—
	2018	110		—
	Thereafter	—		—
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,346	$	123
	Less amount representing interest			3
	Present value of net minimum lease payments			$	120
	Less current portion			112
	Long-term portion			$	8
	Rental expense for operating leases was $2,293,000 for 2013, $2,088,000 for 2012, and $1,879,000 for 2011.
	Purchase obligations of $83,105,000 represent an estimate of goods and services to be purchased under outstanding purchase orders not reflected on the Company’s balance sheet. New purchase obligations should be received and paid for during the current fiscal year.
	Other
	Like other manufacturers, the Company is subject to a broad range of federal, state, local and foreign laws and requirements, including those concerning air emissions, discharges into waterways, and the generation, handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of hazardous substances and waste materials, as well as the remediation of contamination associated with releases of hazardous substances at the Company’s facilities and offsite disposal locations, workplace safety and equal employment opportunities. These laws and regulations are constantly changing, and it is impossible to predict with accuracy the effect that changes to such laws and regulations may have on the Company in the future. Like other industrial concerns, the Company’s manufacturing operations entail the risk of noncompliance, and there can be no assurance that the Company will not incur material costs or other liabilities as a result thereof.
	The Company knows that its Indianola, Iowa property is contaminated with chromium which most likely resulted from chrome plating operations which were discontinued before the Company purchased the property. Chlorinated volatile organic compounds have also been detected in water samples on the property, though the source is unknown at this time. The Company voluntarily worked with an environmental consultant and the state of Iowa with respect to these issues and believes it completed its remediation program in June 2006. The work was accomplished within the Company’s environmental liability reserve balance. We requested a “no further action” classification from the state. We received a conditional “no further action” letter in January of 2009. When we demonstrate stable or improving conditions below residential standards for a certain period of time by monitoring existing wells, we will request an unconditional “no further action” letter.
	The Company knows that Bush Hog’s main manufacturing property in Selma, Alabama was contaminated with chlorinated volatile organic compounds which most likely resulted from painting and cleaning operations during the 1960s and 1970s. The contaminated areas were primarily in the location of underground storage tanks and underneath the former waste storage area. Under the Asset Purchase Agreement, Bush Hog’s prior owner agreed to and has removed the underground storage tanks at its cost and has remediated the identified contamination in accordance with the regulations of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. An environmental consulting firm was retained by the prior owner to administer the cleanup and monitor the site on an ongoing basis until the remediation program is complete and approved by the applicable authorities.
	In December of 2012, a federal district court jury in Louisiana found that Gradall was unjustly enriched in the amount of $1,000,000 plus interest when it sold several telescopic fire apparatuses after properly terminating what the jury determined to be an enforceable contract with the plaintiff, a fire truck manufacturer. Gradall is appealing the decision and has reserved the full amount.
	Alamo Group Inc.  and Bush Hog, Inc. were added as defendants in 2013 to ongoing litigation by Deere & Company as plaintiff against Bush Hog, LLC (now Duroc, LLC) and Great Plains Manufacturing Incorporated, in which Deere alleged infringement of a mower-related patent. The jury concluded that not only did the defendants not infringe the patent but that the patent was invalid as well. The Company expensed $2,100,000 in legal fees related to this lawsuit in 2013.
	Certain assets of the Company contain asbestos that may have to be remediated over time. The Company believes that any subsequent change in the liability associated with the asbestos removal will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
	The Company is subject to various other federal, state, and local laws affecting its business, as well as a variety of regulations relating to such matters as working conditions, equal employment opportunities, and product safety. A variety of state laws regulate the Company’s contractual relationships with its dealers, some of which impose restrictive standards on the relationship between the Company and its dealers, including events of default, grounds for termination, non-renewal of dealer contracts, and equipment repurchase requirements. The Company believes it is currently in material compliance with all such applicable laws and regulations.

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
	Summarized quarterly financial data for 2013 and 2012 is presented below. Seasonal influences affect the Company’s sales and profits, with peak business occurring in May through August.
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
		2013								2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Sales	$	158,429	$	178,064	$	174,738	$	165,605	$	155,911	$	167,009	$	156,078	$	149,404
	Gross profit	34,912		44,091		43,156		36,351		35,238		39,161		37,070		32,043
	Net income	6,950		11,787		11,333		6,024		6,785		9,344		8,575		4,199
	Earnings per share
	Diluted	$	0.57	$	0.97	$	0.93	$	0.49	$	0.56	$	0.77	$	0.71	$	0.35
	Average shares
	Diluted	12,158		12,200		12,229		12,262		12,027		12,058		12,056		12,090
	Dividends per share	$	0.07	0.07		$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06
	Market price of
	common stock
	High	$	40.64	$	44.13	$	49.45	$	61.27	$	30.93	$	34.23	$	34	$	34.63
	Low	$	33.12	$	37.39	$	40.48	$	45.51	$	25.51	$	29.4	$	27.07	$	29.66
	The sum of quarterly earnings per share may not equal total year earnings per share due to rounding of earnings per share amounts, and differences in weighted-average shares and equivalent shares outstanding for each of the periods presented.
	The fourth quarter 2013 results includes $1.8 million in pretax legal expenses related to the patent infringement lawsuit filed against the Company.
	The fourth quarter 2012 results include the following items: (1) a pretax charge of $0.7 million related to goodwill impairment; (2) a $2.4 million charge relating to various litigation matters; and (3) a $1.2 million reversal of an environmental reserve at our Gradall facility.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	On February 24, 2014 the Company announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the operating units of Specialized Industries, LP. This includes the businesses of Super Products LLC, Wausau-Everest LP and Howard P. Fairfield LLC. Super Products is a manufacturer of vacuum trucks and related equipment, parts and service, which is complementary to Alamo’s VacAll operation. Wausau-Everest is a manufacturer of snow removal equipment which is complementary to Alamo’s Tenco and Henke operations. And, Howard P. Fairfield is a dealer/distribution operation primarily in the New England area. Together the three operations had net sales of approximately $139 million in the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. Total consideration for the purchase is approximately $186 million, subject to certain adjustments. The purchase is anticipated to close within 45 days and is subject to receiving regulatory approval and completion of other pre-closing requirements.
	In anticipation of this acquisition, the Company is expanding its revolving credit facility and increasing its line of credit from $100 million to $250 million to meet the ongoing needs of the combined entities.
	The Company has entered into a contract to sell the SMC plant for $900,000 and anticipates a gain on the sale of the facility which is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alamo Group Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Alamo Group”), all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Judgments related to asset impairment and certain reserves are particularly subject to change. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency	'
	Foreign Currency
	The Company translates the assets and liabilities of foreign-owned subsidiaries at rates in effect at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates in effect during the reporting period. Translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholders’ equity.
	The Company enters into foreign currency forward contracts to hedge its exposure to certain foreign currency transactions. The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. Changes in the market value of the foreign currency instruments are recognized in the financial statements upon settlement of the hedged transaction.
Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk	'
	Concentrations of Credit Risk
	Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of accounts receivable. The credit risk is limited because of the large numbers and types of customers and their geographic dispersion.
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories of U.S. operating subsidiaries are stated at the lower of cost (last-in, first-out method) (“LIFO”) or market, and the Company’s international subsidiaries’ inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) (“FIFO”) or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant, and equipment are stated on the basis of cost. Major renewals and betterments are charged to the property accounts while replacements, maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets, are expensed to the current period. Depreciation is provided at amounts calculated to amortize the cost of the assets over their estimated useful economic lives using the straight-line method.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets of businesses acquired. We perform our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1 and monitor for interim triggering events on an ongoing basis. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment utilizing a qualitative assessment or a two-step process. We have an option to make a qualitative assessment of a reporting unit's goodwill for impairment. If we choose to perform a qualitative assessment and determine the fair value more likely than not exceeds the carrying value, no further evaluation is necessary. For reporting units where we perform the two-step process, the first step requires us to compare the fair value of each reporting unit, which we primarily determine using an income approach based on the present value of discounted cash flows, to the respective carrying value, which includes goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value is higher than the fair value, there is an indication that an impairment may exist and the second step is required. In step two, the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated as the excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the fair values assigned to its assets and liabilities. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill, the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.
	The Company estimates the fair value of its reporting units using a discounted cash flow analysis. This analysis requires the Company to make significant assumptions and estimates about the extent and timing of future cash flows, discount rates and growth rates. The cash flows are estimated over a significant future period of time, which makes those estimates and assumptions subject to an even higher degree of uncertainty. The Company also utilizes market valuation models and other financial ratios, which require the Company to make certain assumptions and estimates regarding the applicability of those models to its assets and businesses. As of December 31, 2013, goodwill was $32,073,000, which represents 7% of total assets.
	The Company recognized no goodwill impairment in 2013. The Company recognized goodwill impairment at one of its French operations, Faucheux, of $656,000 in 2012 and two of its French operations, SMA and Rousseau, of $1,898,000 in 2011. The primary reason for the goodwill impairment in 2012 and 2011 was the general economic downturn that continues to affect the Company's European operations. This caused the Company to revise its expectations about future revenue, which is a significant factor in the discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate the fair value of the Company's reporting units. During the 2013 impairment analysis review, we performed a sensitivity analysis for goodwill impairment with respect to each of our reporting units and determined that a hypothetical 15% decline in the fair value of each reporting unit as of December 31, 2013 would not result in an impairment of goodwill for any of the reporting units. During the 2012 impairment analysis review, it was noted that even though the Schwarze and Rivard reporting units' fair value was above carrying value, it was not materially different. On December 31, 2013, there was approximately $6.9 million and $12.3 million of goodwill related to the Schwarze and Rivard reporting units, respectively. These reporting units would be most likely affected by changes in the Company’s assumptions and estimates. The calculation of fair value could increase or decrease depending on changes in the inputs and assumptions used, such as changes in the reporting unit’s future growth rates, discount rates, etc.
	Management believes that the estimated valuations it arrived at are reasonable and consistent with what other marketplace participants would use in valuing the Company's components.  However, management cannot give any assurance that these market values will not change in the future.  For example, if discount rates demanded by the market increase, this could lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the Company's projections are not achieved in the future, this could lead management to reassess their assumptions and lead to reduced valuations under the income approach.  If the market price of the Company's stock decreases, this could cause the Company to reassess the reasonableness of the implied control premium, which might cause management to assume a higher discount rate under the income approach which could lead to reduced valuations.  If future similar transactions exhibit lower multiples than those observed in the past, this could lead to reduced valuations under the similar transactions approach.  And finally, if there is a general decline in the stock market and particularly in those companies selected as comparable to the Company's components, this could lead to reduced valuations under the public company market multiple approach.  The Company's annual impairment test is performed during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  Given the current market conditions and continued economic uncertainty, the fair value of the Company's components could deteriorate which could result in the need to record impairment charges in future periods.  The Company also monitors potential triggering events including changes in the business climate in which it operates, attrition of key personnel, volatility in the capital markets, the Company's market capitalization compared to its book value, the Company's recent operating performance, and the Company's financial projections.  The occurrence of one or more triggering events could require additional impairment testing, which could result in future impairment charges.  In particular, since the Schwarze and Rivard reporting units' carrying values are not materially different from fair value, any changes to the Company's assumptions could lead to an indicated impairment in step one, requiring the Company to proceed to step two and potentially record an impairment charge.
	See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding goodwill.
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	The Company's intangible assets with indefinite useful lives not subject to amortization consists of trade names. The net book value of these trade names was $5,500,000 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 . This consisted of the Gradall trade name valued at $3,600,000 and the Bush Hog trade name valued at $1,900,000.
	The Company tests its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis at year-end, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset could be below its carrying amount. The impairment test consists of comparing the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset, determined using the relief from royalty method, with its carrying amount. An impairment loss would be recognized for the carrying amount in excess of its fair value.
	Identifiable intangible assets are recorded at estimated cost. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Pensions	'
	Pensions
	In connection with the February 3, 2006 purchase of all the net assets of the Gradall excavator business, the Company assumed sponsorship of two Gradall non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, both of which were frozen with respect to both future benefit accruals and future new entrants.
	The Gradall Company Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan covers approximately 330 former employees and 133 current employees who (i) were formerly employed by JLG Industries, Inc., (ii) were covered by a collective bargaining agreement and (iii) first participated in the plan before April 6, 1997. An amendment ceasing all future benefit accruals was effective April 6, 1997.
	The Gradall Company Employees’ Retirement Plan covers approximately 239 former employees and 87 current employees who (i) were formerly employed by JLG Industries, Inc., (ii) were not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and (iii) first participated in the plan before December 31, 2004. An amendment ceasing future benefit accruals for certain participants was effective December 31, 2004. A second amendment discontinued all future benefit accruals for all participants effective April 24, 2006.
	The Company recognizes the funded status of the defined benefit pension plans as a liability in its statement of financial position and recognizes any changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through other comprehensive income.
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	There were no reportable relationships or related party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. In1999, the Company approved a supplemental retirement benefit for Donald J. Douglass which is paid on a quarterly basis over a period of fourteen and one-half years that began in the year 2000.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when each of the following four criteria are met: 1) a contract or sales arrangement exists; 2) products have been shipped per agreed terms and title has been transferred or services have been rendered; 3) the prices of the products or services are fixed or determinable; and 4) collectability is reasonably assured. Pre-season sales orders are solicited in the fall in advance of the dealer’s sales season in the spring and summer. Pre-season sales orders are shipped beginning in the fall and continuing through the spring and represent an opportunity for the Company’s factories to level their production/shipping volumes through the winter months. These pre-season shipments carry descending discounts in conjunction with delayed payment terms of up to six months from the dealer’s requested delivery date. Revenue from sales is recorded net of a provision for discounts that are anticipated to be earned and deducted at time of payment by the customer. These approximated discounts represent an average of historical amounts taken and are adjusted as program terms are changed. The reserves for discounts are reviewed and adjusted quarterly. From time to time, revenue is recognized under a bill and hold arrangement. Revenue recognized under bill and hold arrangements for 2013, 2012, and 2011 was immaterial.
Accounting for Internal Use Software	'
	Accounting for Internal Use Software
	The Company capitalizes certain costs associated with the development and installation of internal use software. Internal use software costs are expensed or capitalized depending on whether they are incurred in the preliminary project stage, application development stage or the post-implementation stage. Amounts capitalized are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software.
Shipping and Handling Costs	'
	Shipping and Handling Costs
	The Company’s policy is to include shipping and handling costs in costs of goods sold.
Advertising	'
	Advertising
	We charge advertising costs to expense as incurred. Advertising and marketing expense related to operations for fiscal years 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $6,646,000, $6,353,000 and $6,441,000, respectively. Advertising and marketing expenses are included in Selling, General and Administrative expenses (“SG&A”).
Research and Development	'
	Research and Development
	Product development and engineering costs charged to SG&A amounted to $7,164,000, $5,686,000, and $6,017,000 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Legal Costs	'
	Legal Costs
	The Company’s policy is to accrue for legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies.
Federal Income Taxes	'
	Federal Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting basis and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and are measured by applying enacted statutory tax rates applicable to the future years in which deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon projections of future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences.
	We do not provide for a U.S. income tax liability on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. The earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which reflect full provision for non-U.S. income taxes, are currently indefinitely reinvested in non-U.S. operations.
Stock-based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company has granted options to purchase its common stock to certain employees and directors of the Company and its affiliates under various stock option plans at no less than the fair market value of the underlying stock on the date of grant.  These options are granted for a term not exceeding ten years and are forfeited in the event the employee or director terminates his or her employment or relationship with the Company or one of its affiliates other than by retirement or death.  These options generally vest over five years.  All option plans contain anti-dilutive provisions that permit an adjustment of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock represented by each option for any change in capitalization.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying values of certain financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses, approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. The carrying value of our debt approximates the fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
Inventories - Obsolete and Slow Moving	'
	The obsolete and slow moving inventory policy states that the reserve is to be calculated as follows: 1) no inventory usage over a three-year period is deemed obsolete and reserved at 100 percent; and 2) slow moving inventory with little usage requires a 100 percent reserve on items that have a quantity greater than a three-year supply. There are exceptions to the obsolete and slow moving classifications if approved by an officer of the Company, based on specific identification of an item or items that are deemed to be either included or excluded from this classification. In cases where there is no historical data, management makes a judgment based on a specific review of the inventory in question to determine what reserves, if any, are appropriate. New products or parts are generally excluded from the reserve policy until a three-year history has been established.
Warranty	'
	The Company’s warranty policy is generally to provide its customers warranty for up to one year on all wholegood units and 90 days on parts though some components can have warranty for longer terms.
	Warranty reserve, as a percentage of sales, is generally calculated by looking at the current twelve months’ expenses and prorating that amount based on twelve months’ sales with a ninety-day to six-month lag period. The Company’s historical experience is that an end-user takes approximately 90 days to six months from the receipt of the unit to file a warranty claim. A warranty reserve is established for each different marketing group. Reserve balances are evaluated on a quarterly basis and adjustments made when required.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The Company calculated the fair value for options with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2013, 2012, and 2011:
		December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Risk-free interest rate	1.38	%	1.44	%	2.64	%
	Dividend yield	0.8	%	1.2	%	1.2	%
	Volatility factors	47.9	%	46.7	%	46.7	%
	Weighted-average expected life	8.0 years		8.0 years		8.0 years

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation from basic to diluted average common shares and the calculations of net income per common share. Net income for basic and diluted calculations does not differ.
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2013		2012		2011
	Net income	$	36,094	$	28,903	$	32,687
	Average common shares:
	Basic (weighted-average outstanding shares)	12,050		11,899		11,848
	Dilutive potential common shares from stock options	162		159		118
		12,212		12,058		11,966
	Diluted (weighted-average outstanding shares)
	Basic earnings per share	$	3	$	2.43	$	2.76
	Diluted earnings per share	$	2.96	$	2.4	$	2.73

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	'
	Valuation and qualifying accounts included the following:
		Balance		Net		Translations,				Net Write-Offs or			Balance
		Beginning of		Charged to		Reclassifications				Discounts Taken			End of
		Year		Costs and		and Acquisitions							Year
	(in thousands)			Expenses
	2013
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,077	$	31		$	62		$	(432	)	$	2,738
	Reserve for sales discounts	15,005		76,184			—			(74,465		)	16,724
	Reserve for inventory obsolescence	9,099		2,586			(157		)	(2,932		)	8,596
	Reserve for warranty	5,007		6,410			80			(6,503		)	4,994
	2012
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	3,215	$	253		$	113		$	(504	)	$	3,077
	Reserve for sales discounts	14,567		65,481			(16		)	(65,027		)	15,005
	Reserve for inventory obsolescence	7,630		2,998			79			(1,608		)	9,099
	Reserve for warranty	5,083		6,646			82			(6,804		)	5,007
	2011
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	2,852	$	995		$	(65	)	$	(567	)	$	3,215
	Reserve for sales discounts	11,903		62,935			9			(60,280		)	14,567
	Reserve for inventory obsolescence	7,506		3,403			(123		)	(3,156		)	7,630
	Reserve for warranty	5,554		6,070			17			(6,558		)	5,083

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current	'
	Inventories consisted of the following on a cost basis, net of reserves:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Finished goods and parts	$	84,548	$	93,095
	Work in process	9,906		7,922
	Raw materials	14,650		7,741
		$	109,104	$	108,758

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012			Useful
	(in thousands)							Lives
	Land	$	8,708		$	8,576
	Buildings and improvements	62,169			59,309			10-20 yrs.
	Machinery and equipment	65,451			57,320			3-15 yrs.
	Office furniture and equipment	6,705			5,984			3-7 yrs.
	Computer software	10,557			10,602			2-7 yrs.
	Transportation equipment	4,786			4,663			3 yrs.
		158,376			146,454
	Accumulated depreciation	(96,472		)	(89,653		)
		$	61,904		$	56,801

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 are as follows:
	(in thousands)
	Balance at December 31, 2010	$	34,073
	Translation adjustment	(424		)
	Goodwill impairment	(1,898		)
	Balance at December 31, 2011	$	31,751
	Translation adjustment	553
	Goodwill impairment	$	(656	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	31,648
	Translation adjustment	425
	Goodwill impairment	—
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	32,073

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	'
	Accrued liabilities consist of the following balances:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Salaries, wages and bonuses	$	15,509	$	12,433
	Warranty	4,994		5,007
	State taxes	5,217		4,922
	Other	7,762		9,239
		$	33,482	$	31,601

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Components of Long-Term Debt	'
	The components of long-term debt are as follows:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012
	Bank revolving credit facility	$	—	$	—
	Capital lease obligations	120		394
	Other notes payable	308		312
	Total debt	428		706
	Less current maturities	420		588
	Total long-term debt	$	8	$	118

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign	'
	The jurisdictional components of income before taxes consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Income before income taxes:
	Domestic	$	35,146		$	29,390		$	28,109
	Foreign	16,242			14,056			20,020
		$	51,388		$	43,446		$	48,129
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'
	The components of income tax expense (benefit) consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	Domestic	$	10,605		$	9,273		$	7,771
	Foreign	3,200			4,919			5,682
	State	2,366			756			1,139
		16,171			14,948			14,592
	Deferred:
	Domestic	(1,074		)	(192		)	397
	Foreign	249			(363		)	331
	State	(52		)	150			122
		(877		)	(405		)	850
	Total income taxes	$	15,294		$	14,543		$	15,442
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	'
	The difference between income tax expense (benefit) for financial statement purposes and the amount of income tax expense computed by applying the domestic statutory income tax rate of 35% to income loss before income taxes consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012			2011
	Domestic statutory rate at 35% (34% for 2011 and 2010)	$	17,985		$	15,206		$	16,364
	Increase (reduction) from:
	Jurisdictional rate differences	(1,959		)	(1,477		)	(1,315		)
	Goodwill impairment	—			157			633
	Valuation allowance	(114		)	825			—
	Stock based compensation	136			214			161
	U.S. state taxes	1,496			589			740
	Domestic Production Deduction	(1,162		)	(948		)	(796		)
	R&E Credit Reserve	(856		)	(130		)	(252		)
	Other, net	(232		)	107			(93		)
	Provision for income taxes	$	15,294		$	14,543		$	15,442
	Effective tax rate	30		%	33		%	32		%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	The components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred income tax assets:
	Inventory basis difference	$	1,576		$	1,475
	Accounts receivable reserve	201			299
	Stock based compensation	904			614
	Pension liability	1,604			3,595
	Employee benefit accrual	601			459
	Product liability and warranty reserves	1,417			1,120
	Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	1,064			487
	Foreign net operating loss	2,954			1,608
	State net operating loss	76			82
	Other	34			3
	Total deferred income tax assets	$	10,431		$	9,742
	Less: Valuation allowance	(711		)	(825		)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	9,720		$	8,917
	Deferred income tax liabilities:
	Inventory basis differences	$	—		$	(253	)
	Depreciation	(3,068		)	(2,867		)
	Intangible assets	(1,277		)	(1,011		)
	Deferred revenue	(66		)	(135		)
	Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	(461		)	(777		)
	Total deferred income tax liabilities	$	(4,872	)	$	(5,043	)
	Net deferred income tax assets	$	4,848		$	3,874
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward	'
		December 31,
		2013			2012
	Balance as of beginning of year	$	257,000		$	235,000
	Additions for tax positions related to the current year	56,000			—
	Additions for tax positions related to prior years	27,000			22,000
	Reduction due to lapse of statute of limitations	(194,000		)	—
	Balance as of end of year	$	146,000		$	257,000

Stock_Options_Tables

Stock Options (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	Following is a summary of activity in the Restricted Stock Units for the periods indicated:
		2013					2012					2011
		Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
				Price*					Price*					Price*
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	11,375		$	24.24		19,750		$	22.96		9,000		$	15.86
	Granted	4,224		42.7			—		—			13,500		26.08
	Exercised	(4,875	)	22.07			(6,125	)	21.13			(2,750	)	15.06
	Cancelled	—		—			(2,250	)	21.45			—		—
	Options outstanding at end of year	10,724		32.49			11,375		24.24			19,750		22.96
Qualified Stock Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	Following is a summary of activity in the Incentive Stock Option Plans for the periods indicated:
		2013					2012					2011
		Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
				Price*					Price*					Price*
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	330,730		$	21.82		377,480		$	19.27		360,130		$	18.29
	Granted	49,000		42.7			61,000		32.76			35,000		26.45
	Exercised	(81,880	)	16.77			(99,650	)	19.26			(15,650	)	12.03
	Canceled	(5,500	)	24.24			(8,100	)	17.2			(2,000	)	24.69
	Options outstanding at end of year	292,350		26.68			330,730		21.82			377,480		19.27
	Options exercisable at end of year	154,950		$	21.57		192,830		$	19.48		243,180		$	19.32
	Options available for grant at end of year	66,100					109,600					162,500
	*Weighted Averages
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range	'
	Options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Qualified Stock Options	Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
				Remaining	Exercise
				Contractual	Price*						Exercise
		Shares		Life (yrs)*					Shares		Price*
	Range of Exercise Price
	$11.45 - $17.85	54,550		5.07	$	11.8			38,350		$	11.95
	$19.79 - $32.76	188,800		5.77	$	26.83			116,600		$	24.73
	$42.70 - $42.70	49,000		9.35	$	42.7			—		$	—
	Total	292,350							154,950
	*Weighted Averages
Non Qualified Options	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity	'
	Following is a summary of activity in the Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans for the periods indicated:
		2013					2012					2011
		Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise			Shares		Exercise
				Price*					Price*					Price*
	Options outstanding at beginning of year	89,700		$	19.91		112,800		$	18.62		102,400		$	15.62
	Granted	25,000		42.7			—		—			30,000		26.45
	Exercised	—		—			(23,100	)	13.62			(14,600	)	11.45
	Cancelled	—		—			—		—			(5,000	)	25.18
	Options outstanding at end of year	114,700		24.87			89,700		19.91			112,800		18.62
	Options exercisable at end of year	57,900		$	19.89		38,100		$	21.91		37,400		$	19.57
	Options available for grant at end of year	293,526					322,750					32,500
	*Weighted Averages
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range	'
	Options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2013 were as follows:
	Non-Qualified Stock Options	Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
				Remaining
				Contractual	Exercise						Exercise
		Shares		Life(yrs)*	Price*				Shares		Price*
	Range of Exercise Price
	$11.45 - $17.85	37,200		5.36	$	11.45			23,400		$	11.45
	$19.79 - $32.76	52,500		5.61	25.9				34,500		25.61
	$42.70 - $42.70	25,000		9.35	$	42.7			—		$	—
	Total	114,700							57,900
	*Weighted Averages

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Table

Retirement Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	'
	The following tables set forth the change in plan assets, change in projected benefit obligation, rate assumptions and components of net periodic benefit cost as of December 31 with respect to these plans. The measurement dates of the assets and liabilities of both plans were December 31 of the respective years presented.
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)	Hourly					Employees’					Total
		Employees’					Retirement
		Pension Plan					Plan
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	10,786				$	20,923			$	31,709
	Service cost		11					5				16
	Interest cost		371					760				1,131
	Liability actuarial (gain)/loss		(1,060		)			(2,620		)		(3,680		)
	Benefits paid		(631		)			(733		)		(1,364		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		9,477					18,335				27,812
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		7,690					14,148				21,838
	Return on plan assets		1,136					2,090				3,226
	Employer contributions		678					896				1,574
	Benefits paid		(631		)			(733		)		(1,364		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		8,873					16,401				25,274
	Underfunded status – December 31, 2012		$	(604	)			$	(1,934	)		$	(2,538	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation – December 31, 2013		$	9,477				$	18,335			$	27,812
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)	Hourly					Employees’					Total
		Employees’					Retirement
		Pension Plan					Plan
	Change in projected benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	10,454				$	19,238			$	29,692
	Service cost		10					4				14
	Interest cost		411					788				1,199
	Liability actuarial (gain)/loss		549					1,619				2,168
	Benefits paid		(638		)			(726		)		(1,364		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		10,786					20,923				31,709
	Change in fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		6,663					12,237				18,900
	Return on plan assets		937					1,722				2,659
	Employer contributions		728					915				1,643
	Benefits paid		(638		)			(726		)		(1,364		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year		7,690					14,148				21,838
	Underfunded status – December 31, 2011		$	(3,096	)			$	(6,775	)		$	(9,871	)
	Accumulated benefit obligation – December 31, 2012		$	10,786				$	20,923			$	31,709
Schedule of Assumptions Used	'
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
			Hourly Employees’			Employees’
			Pension Plan			Retirement Plan
			2013	2012		2013	2012
	Discount rate		4.60%	3.55%		4.75%	3.70%
	Composite rate of compensation increase		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
			Hourly Employees’			Employees’
			Pension Plan			Retirement Plan
			2013	2012		2013	2012
	Discount rate		3.55%	4.06%		3.70%	4.18%
	Long-term rate of return on plan assets		7.25%	7.75%		7.25%	7.75%
	Composite rate of compensation increase		N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	The following tables present the components of net periodic benefit cost (gains are denoted with parentheses and losses are not):
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
		Hourly Employees’					Employees’					Total
	(in thousands)	Pension Plan					Retirement Plan
	Service cost		$	11				$	5			$	16
	Interest cost		371					760				1,131
	Expected return on plan assets		(549		)			(1,018		)		(1,567		)
	Amortization of prior service cost		—					—				—
	Amortization of net (gain)/loss		285					418				703
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	118				$	165			$	283
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
		Hourly Employees’					Employees’					Total
	(in thousands)	Pension Plan					Retirement Plan
	Service cost		$	10				$	4			$	14
	Interest cost		411					788				1,199
	Expected return on plan assets		(520		)			(951		)		(1,471		)
	Amortization of prior service cost		—					—				—
	Amortization of net (gain)/loss		280					379				659
	Net periodic benefit cost		$	181				$	220			$	401
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
	The pension plans' weighted-average asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets at December 31 are as follows:
			Hourly Employees’			Employees’ Retirement
			Pension Plan			Plan
			2013	2012		2013	2012
	Equity securities		55%	55%		55%	55%
	Debt securities		38%	38%		38%	38%
	Short-term investments		2%	2%		2%	2%
	Other		5%	5%		5%	5%
	Total		100%	100%		100%	100%
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the hierarchy levels for our postretirement benefit plan investments as of December 31:
		December 31, 2013					Quoted
							Prices in Active				Significant				Significant
							Markets for				Other				Unobservable
							Identical Assets				Observable				Inputs
	(in thousands)						(Level 1)				Inputs				(Level 3)
											(Level 2)
	Mutual Funds:
	Small Cap		$	—				$	—			$	—		$	—
	Mid Cap		1,577					1,577
	Large Cap		6,826					6,826
	International		2,531					2,531
	Common/Collective:
	Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution		3,521									3,521
	Wells Fargo International Equity Index Fund		1,286									1,286
	Wells Fargo Thornburg International		1,273									1,273
	Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Index Fund		1,423									1,423
	Wells Fargo Large Cap Value Index Fund		1,427									1,427
	Wells Fargo Multi-Manager Small Cap		1,683									1,683
	Wells Fargo Russell 2000 Index Fund		841									841
	Wells Fargo S&P Mid Cap Index Fund		950									950
	T Rowe Price Equity Income		1,424									1,424
	Cash & Short-term Investments		512					512
	Total		$	25,274				$	11,446			$	13,828		$	—
		December 31, 2012					Quoted
							Prices in Active				Significant
							Markets for				Other				Significant
							Identical Assets				Observable				Unobservable
	(in thousands)						(Level 1)				Inputs				Inputs
											(Level 2)				(Level 3)
	Mutual Funds:
	Small Cap		$	—				$	—			$	—		$	—
	Mid Cap		1,376					1,376
	Large Cap		7,126					7,126
	International		2,201					2,201
	Common/Collective:
	Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution Fund		3,074					—				3,074			—
	Wells Fargo International Equity Index Fund		1,097									1,097
	Wells Fargo Thornburg International		1,103									1,103
	Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Index Fund		1,216									1,216
	Wells Fargo Large Cap Value Index Fund		1,210									1,210
	Wells Fargo Multi-Manager Small Cap		1,481									1,481
	Wells Fargo Russell 2000 Index Fund		708									708
	Wells Fargo S&P Mid Cap Index Fund		825									825
	Cash & Short-term Investments		421					421
	Total		$	21,838				$	11,124			$	10,714		$	—
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	'
	The following table illustrates the estimated pension benefit payments which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, that are projected to be paid:
		Hourly Employees’					Employees’
	(in thousands)	Pension Plan					Retirement Plan					Total
	2014		$	643				$	862			$	1,505
	2015		634					896				1,530
	2016		635					932				1,567
	2017		644					1,021				1,665
	2018		651					1,112				1,763
	Years 2019 through 2023		$	3,231				$	6,096			$	9,327
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Assumptions Used	'
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31:
			2013	2012
	Discount rate		4.60%	3.37%
	Composite rate of compensation increase		3.00%	3.00%
	Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:
			2013	2012
	Discount rate		3.37%	4.04%
	Composite rate of compensation increase		3.00%	3.00%
	Long-term rate of return on plan assets		N/A	N/A
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs	'
	The components of net periodic pension expense were as follows in thousands:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Service Cost		$	114			$	101
	Interest Cost		102				104
	Amortization of Prior Service Cost		327				287
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost		$	543			$	492
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	'
	Future estimated benefits expected to be paid from the plan over the next ten years as follows in thousands:
	2014	$	44
	2015	51
	2016	101
	2017	140
	2018	241
	Years 2019 through 2023	$	1,305
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures	'
	The change in the Projected Benefit Obligation (PBO) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, is shown below in thousands:
			Year Ended December 31,
	(in thousands)		2013				2012
	Benefit obligation at January 1,		$	3,057			$	2,584
	Service cost		114				101
	Interest cost		102				104
	Liability actuarial (gain)/loss		(252		)		268
	Plan Amendments		—				—
	Benefit obligation at December 31,		$	3,021			$	3,057

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	'
	The following table presents the revenues, income from operations (loss), goodwill and total identifiable assets by reporting segment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Net Revenue
	North American Industrial	$	296,617	$	263,353	$	229,594
	North American Agricultural	215,340		200,467		203,993
	European	164,879		164,582		170,006
	Consolidated	$	676,836	$	628,402	$	603,593
	Income from Operations
	North American Industrial	$	25,743	$	19,313	$	24,649
	North American Agricultural	17,880		18,319		16,644
	European	7,114		7,717		8,163
	Consolidated	$	50,737	$	45,349	$	49,456
	Goodwill
	North American Industrial	$	13,176	$	13,418	$	13,316
	North American Agricultural	—		—		—
	European	18,897		18,230		18,435
	Consolidated	$	32,073	$	31,648	$	31,751
	Total Identifiable Assets
	North American Industrial	$	161,080	$	153,234	$	144,763
	North American Agricultural	123,352		118,829		121,320
	European	154,044		132,276		115,582
	Consolidated	$	438,476	$	404,339	$	381,665

International_Operations_and_G1

International Operations and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
	Following is selected financial information on the Company’s international operations which include Europe, Canada and Australia:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Net sales	$	236,839	$	227,568	$	216,201
	Income from operations	14,822		14,470		19,362
	Income before income taxes	16,241		13,731		20,051
	Identifiable assets	$	205,317	$	179,263	$	155,188
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	'
	Following is other selected geographic financial information on the Company’s operations:
		December 31,
	(in thousands)	2013		2012		2011
	Geographic net sales:
	United States	$	444,151	$	401,415	$	381,390
	United Kingdom	36,892		40,734		39,967
	France	97,958		92,964		101,124
	Canada	45,045		36,190		26,029
	Australia	11,517		10,225		14,171
	Other	41,273		46,874		40,912
	Total net sales	$	676,836	$	628,402	$	603,593
	Geographic location of long-lived assets:
	United States	$	42,053	$	46,749	$	52,262
	United Kingdom	19,718		13,809		13,511
	France	25,751		25,166		26,746
	Canada	12,562		11,719		12,221
	Australia	768		190		158
	Total long-lived assets	$	100,852	$	97,633	$	104,898

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	'
	As of December 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under these non-cancelable leases and the present value of the net minimum lease payments for the capitalized leases are:
		Operating		Capitalized
	(in thousands)	Leases		Leases
	2014	$	1,507	$	115
	2015	927		8
	2016	515		—
	2017	287		—
	2018	110		—
	Thereafter	—		—
	Total minimum lease payments	$	3,346	$	123
	Less amount representing interest			3
	Present value of net minimum lease payments			$	120
	Less current portion			112
	Long-term portion			$	8

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Summarized quarterly financial data for 2013 and 2012 is presented below. Seasonal influences affect the Company’s sales and profits, with peak business occurring in May through August.
	(in thousands, except per share amounts)
		2013								2012
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	Sales	$	158,429	$	178,064	$	174,738	$	165,605	$	155,911	$	167,009	$	156,078	$	149,404
	Gross profit	34,912		44,091		43,156		36,351		35,238		39,161		37,070		32,043
	Net income	6,950		11,787		11,333		6,024		6,785		9,344		8,575		4,199
	Earnings per share
	Diluted	$	0.57	$	0.97	$	0.93	$	0.49	$	0.56	$	0.77	$	0.71	$	0.35
	Average shares
	Diluted	12,158		12,200		12,229		12,262		12,027		12,058		12,056		12,090
	Dividends per share	$	0.07	0.07		$	0.07	$	0.07	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06	$	0.06
	Market price of
	common stock
	High	$	40.64	$	44.13	$	49.45	$	61.27	$	30.93	$	34.23	$	34	$	34.63
	Low	$	33.12	$	37.39	$	40.48	$	45.51	$	25.51	$	29.4	$	27.07	$	29.66

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 03, 2006
		Reportable_Segment	Operation	Operation		Defined_Benefit_Plan
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of principal reporting segments	'	3	'	'	'	'
Outstanding forward exchange contracts related to sales	'	$2,884,000	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Balance at the beginning of the period	'	31,648,000	31,751,000	34,073,000	32,073,000	'
Goodwill percentage of total assets	'	7.00%	'	'	'	'
Number of operations	'	'	1	2	'	'
Goodwill impairment	656,000	0	656,000	1,898,000	'	'
Hypothetical percentage decline in fair value of each reporting unit	'	15.00%	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	5,500,000	'	5,500,000	'	'	'
Number of defined benefit pension plans	'	'	'	'	'	2
Period for payment for supplemental retirement benefit	'	'14 years 6 months	'	'	'	'
Book value of capitalized software	1,092,000	944,000	1,092,000	'	'	'
Option term (years)	'	'10 years	'	'	'	'
Options	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period (years)	'	'5 years	'	'	'	'
Accrued liabilities and Other long-term liabilities	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Supplemental retirement benefit liability	115,000	40,000	115,000	'	40,000	'
Software Development	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Software depreciation	'	488,000	676,000	822,000	'	'
Software Development | Low	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Useful Lives	'	'2 years	'	'	'	'
Software Development | High	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Useful Lives	'	'7 years	'	'	'	'
Gradall | Trade Names	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	3,600,000	'	'	3,600,000	'
Bush Hog | Trade Names	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	'	1,900,000	'	'	1,900,000	'
Trademarks	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets	'	5,500,000	'	'	5,500,000	'
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Former employees	'	330	'	'	'	'
Current employees	'	133	'	'	'	'
Employees’ Retirement Plan	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Former employees	'	239	'	'	'	'
Current employees	'	87	'	'	'	'
Schwarze	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	'	'	6,900,000	'
Rivard	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Balance at the beginning of the period	'	'	'	'	12,300,000	'
Other income (expense)	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency transaction gains	'	921,000	-476,000	816,000	'	'
Selling, General and Administrative expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Advertising expense	'	6,646,000	6,353,000	6,441,000	'	'
Product development and engineering costs	'	7,164,000	5,686,000	6,017,000	'	'
Scenario, Forecast	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gain of contracts	'	$11,000	'	'	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies (Schedule of Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	1.38%	1.44%	2.64%
Dividend yield	0.80%	1.20%	1.20%
Volatility factors	47.90%	46.70%	46.70%
Weighted-average expected life	'8 years	'8 years	'8 years

Earnings_Per_Share_Calculation

Earnings Per Share (Calculation of Basic and Diluted EPS) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$6,024	$11,333	$11,787	$6,950	$4,199	$8,575	$9,344	$6,785	$36,094	$28,903	$32,687
Average common shares:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (weighted-average outstanding shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,050,000	11,899,000	11,848,000
Dilutive potential common shares from stock options, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	162,000	159,000	118,000
Diluted (weighted-average outstanding shares)	12,262	12,229	12,200	12,158	12,090	12,056	12,058	12,027	12,212,000	12,058,000	11,966,000
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$3	$2.43	$2.76
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$0.49	$0.93	$0.97	$0.57	$0.35	$0.71	$0.77	$0.56	$2.96	$2.40	$2.73
Stock options excluded from diluted earnings per share calculation (shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,831	38,954	78,337

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou2

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Receivables aging period	'60 days	'
Accounts receivable reserve period	'90 days	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$2,738	$3,077
Sales Discounts	16,724	15,005
Inventory obsolescence reserves	8,596	9,099
Inventory usage period	'3 years	'
Inventory reserve percentage	100.00%	'
Product warranty accrual period of expenses used in calculation	'12 months	'
Product warranty accrual period for sales used in calculation	'12 months	'
Warranty	$4,994	$5,007
Wholegood Units	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Product warranty period	'1 year	'
Parts	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Product warranty period	'90 days	'
Minimum	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Sales discount percentage of customers who qualify for each program that discount available	85.00%	'
Product warranty accrual lag period	'90 days	'
Maximum	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Sales discount percentage of customers who qualify for each program that discount available	95.00%	'
Product warranty accrual lag period	'6 months	'

Valuation_and_Qualifying_Accou3

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Year	$3,077	$3,215	$2,852
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	31	253	995
Translations, Reclassifications and Acquisitions	62	113	-65
Net Write-Offs or Discounts Taken	-432	-504	-567
Balance End of Year	2,738	3,077	3,215
Reserve for sales discounts	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Year	15,005	14,567	11,903
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	76,184	65,481	62,935
Translations, Reclassifications and Acquisitions	0	-16	9
Net Write-Offs or Discounts Taken	-74,465	-65,027	-60,280
Balance End of Year	16,724	15,005	14,567
Reserve for inventory obsolescence	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Year	9,099	7,630	7,506
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	2,586	2,998	3,403
Translations, Reclassifications and Acquisitions	-157	79	-123
Net Write-Offs or Discounts Taken	-2,932	-1,608	-3,156
Balance End of Year	8,596	9,099	7,630
Reserve for warranty	'	'	'
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance Beginning of Year	5,007	5,083	5,554
Net Charged to Costs and Expenses	6,410	6,646	6,070
Translations, Reclassifications and Acquisitions	80	82	17
Net Write-Offs or Discounts Taken	-6,503	-6,804	-6,558
Balance End of Year	$4,994	$5,007	$5,083

Inventories_Narrative_Details

Inventories (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Percentage of LIFO inventory	55.00%	56.00%	'
Excess of current costs over stated LIFO value	$9,483	$8,975	'
LIFO reserve impact on earnings	($508)	($484)	$1,805

Inventories_Schedule_of_Invent

Inventories (Schedule of Inventory, Current) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Finished goods and parts	$84,548	$93,095
Work in process	9,906	7,922
Raw materials	14,650	7,741
Inventory, Net	$109,104	$108,758

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_S

Property Plant and Equipment (Schedule of Property Plant and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$158,376	$146,454
Less: Accumulated depreciation	-96,472	-89,653
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	61,904	56,801
Land	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	8,708	8,576
Buildings and improvements	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	62,169	59,309
Buildings and improvements | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'10 years	'
Buildings and improvements | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'20 years	'
Machinery and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	65,451	57,320
Machinery and equipment | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'3 years	'
Machinery and equipment | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'15 years	'
Office furniture and equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	6,705	5,984
Office furniture and equipment | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'3 years	'
Office furniture and equipment | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'7 years	'
Computer software	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	10,557	10,602
Computer software | Minimum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'2 years	'
Computer software | Maximum	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Useful Lives	'7 years	'
Transportation equipment	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Property, plant and equipment	$4,786	$4,663
Useful Lives	'3 years	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_N

Property Plant and Equipment (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Capital leases	$7,246	$6,944
Accumulated depreciation related to capital leases	($4,749)	($4,132)

Goodwill_Schedule_of_Goodwill_

Goodwill (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Goodwill, Balance at the beginning of the period	'	$31,648	$31,751	$34,073
Translation adjustment	'	425	553	-424
Goodwill impairment	-656	0	-656	-1,898
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	$31,648	$32,073	$31,648	$31,751

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'	'
Salaries, wages and bonuses	$15,509	$12,433
Warranty	4,994	5,007
State taxes	5,217	4,922
Other	7,762	9,239
Accrued liabilities	$33,482	$31,601

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
2014	$420,000
2015	8,000
Thereafter	0
Bank revolving credit facility | Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Aggregate commitments	100,000,000
Maximum amount of aggregate commitments (up to $50,000,000)	50,000,000
Available borrowings	99,278,000
Bank revolving credit facility | Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement | Standby Letters of Credit	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Amount of capacity	$722,000

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule of Long Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$428	$706
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations	420	588
Long-term debt and capital lease obligation, net of current maturities	8	118
Bank revolving credit facility | Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	0	0
Capital lease obligations	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	120	394
Other notes payable	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total debt	$308	$312

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	34.00%
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries	$138,531,000	'	'
Additional unrecognized tax benefit that would affect our annual effective tax rate	146,000	257,000	'
Tax Benefit from the American Taxpayer Relief Act	-450,000	'	'
Federal	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	'	'
Foreign	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	10,600,000	'	'
State	'	'	'
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net operating loss carryforwards	$5,000,000	'	'

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income (loss) before Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic	$35,146	$29,390	$28,109
Foreign	16,242	14,056	20,020
Income before income taxes	$51,388	$43,446	$48,129

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Compo

Income Taxes (Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
Domestic	$10,605	$9,273	$7,771
Foreign	3,200	4,919	5,682
State	2,366	756	1,139
Provision for current income tax expense (benefit)	16,171	14,948	14,592
Deferred:	'	'	'
Domestic	-1,074	-192	397
Foreign	249	-363	331
State	-52	150	122
Provision for deferred income tax expense (benefit)	-877	-405	850
Total income taxes	$15,294	$14,543	$15,442

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Reconc

Income Taxes (Income Tax Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Domestic statutory rate at 35% (34% for 2011 and 2010)	$17,985,000	$15,206,000	$16,364,000
Increase (reduction) from:	'	'	'
Jurisdictional rate differences	-1,959,000	-1,477,000	-1,315,000
Goodwill impairment	0	157,000	633,000
Valuation allowance	-114,000	825,000	0
Stock based compensation	136,000	214,000	161,000
U.S. state taxes	1,496,000	589,000	740,000
Domestic Production Deduction	-1,162,000	-948,000	-796,000
R&E Credit Reserve	-856,000	-130,000	-252,000
Other, net	-232,000	107,000	-93,000
Total income taxes	$15,294,000	$14,543,000	$15,442,000
Effective tax rate	30.00%	33.00%	32.00%
Federal statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	34.00%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets:	'	'
Inventory basis difference	$1,576	$1,475
Accounts receivable reserve	201	299
Stock based compensation	904	614
Pension liability	1,604	3,595
Employee benefit accrual	601	459
Product liability and warranty reserves	1,417	1,120
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	1,064	487
Foreign net operating loss	2,954	1,608
State net operating loss	76	82
Other	34	3
Total deferred income tax assets	10,431	9,742
Less: Valuation allowance	-711	-825
Net deferred income tax assets	9,720	8,917
Deferred income tax liabilities:	'	'
Inventory basis differences	0	-253
Depreciation	-3,068	-2,867
Intangible assets	-1,277	-1,011
Deferred revenue	-66	-135
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes	-461	-777
Total deferred income tax liabilities	-4,872	-5,043
Net deferred income tax assets	$4,848	$3,874

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Sche

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]	'	'
Balance as of beginning of year	$257	$235
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	56	0
Additions for tax positions related to prior years	27	22
Reduction due to lapse of statute of limitations	-194	0
Balance as of end of year	$146	$257

Common_Stock_Details

Common Stock (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

2 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Mar. 11, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event

Class of Stock [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Authorized shares to be repurchased

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

Shares previously purchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

42,600

'

'

'

'

Dividends declared (in dollars per share)

$0.07

$0.07

$0.07

$0.07

$0.06

$0.06

$0.06

$0.06

$0.24

$0.24

$0.24

$0.07

'

Dividends paid (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.07

Stock_Options_Narrative_Detail

Stock Options (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Award vesting period (years)	'1 year	'	'	'
Qualified Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding	292,350	330,730	377,480	360,130
Granted	49,000	61,000	35,000	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$20.56	$14.76	$12.50	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements	$1,322	'	'	'
Period cost is expected to be recognized (years)	'5 years	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	81,880	99,650	15,650	'
Non Qualified Options	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Options outstanding	114,700	89,700	112,800	102,400
Granted	25,000	0	30,000	'
Award vesting period (years)	'1 year	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted	$20.56	'	$12.50	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements	213	'	'	'
Period cost is expected to be recognized (years)	'5 years	'	'	'
Exercise of stock options, shares	0	23,100	14,600	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised	0	315	167	'
Tax deductions from the exercise of stock options	0	284	178	'
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Annual vesting percentage of award	25.00%	'	'	'
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements	$90	'	'	'
Period cost is expected to be recognized (years)	'4 years	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life (years)	'2 years 1 month 2 days	'2 years 7 months 24 days	'3 years 5 months 23 days	'
1994 Incentive Stock Option Plan	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Annual vesting percentage of award	20.00%	'	'	'
Options outstanding	3,000	'	'	'
2005 Incentive Stock Option Plan	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Annual vesting percentage of award	20.00%	'	'	'
Granted	49,000,000	61,000,000	35,000,000	'
2005 Incentive Stock Option Plan | Qualified Stock Options	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shares of common stock reserved for options to be issued	500,000	'	'	'
2009 Equity Incentive Plan | Non Qualified Options	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Annual vesting percentage of award	20.00%	'	'	'
Shares of common stock reserved for options to be issued	400,000	'	'	'

Stock_Options_Schedule_of_Qual

Stock Options (Schedule of Qualified Stock Option Activity) (Details) (Qualified Stock Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Qualified Stock Options	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Options outstanding at beginning of year	330,730		377,480		360,130
Granted	49,000		61,000		35,000
Exercised	-81,880		-99,650		-15,650
Canceled	-5,500		-8,100		-2,000
Options outstanding at end of year	292,350		330,730		377,480
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$21.82	[1]	$19.27	[1]	$18.29	[1]
Granted, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$42.70	[1]	$32.76	[1]	$26.45	[1]
Exercised, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$16.77	[1]	$19.26	[1]	$12.03	[1]
Cancelled, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$24.24	[1]	$17.20	[1]	$24.69	[1]
Outstanding at end of year, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$26.68	[1]	$21.82	[1]	$19.27	[1]
Options exercisable at end of year	154,950		192,830		243,180
Exercisable at end of year, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$21.57	[1]	$19.48	[1]	$19.32	[1]
Options available for grant at end of year	66,100		109,600		162,500
[1]	Weighted Averages

Stock_Options_Schedule_of_Qual1

Stock Options (Schedule of Qualified Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details) (Qualified Stock Options, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
					$11.45 - $17.85		$19.79 - $32.76		$42.70 - $42.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Range of Exercise Price, Lower Range Limit	'	'	'	'	$11.45		$19.79		$42.70
Range of Exercise Price, Upper Range Limit	'	'	'	'	$17.85		$32.76		$42.70
Options Outstanding, Shares	'	'	'	'	54,550		188,800		49,000
Options Outstanding, Shares, Total	292,350	330,730	377,480	360,130	'		'		'
Options Outstanding, Remaining Contractual Life	'	'	'	'	'5 years 0 months 26 days	[1]	'5 years 9 months 7 days	[1]	'9 years 4 months 6 days	[1]
Options, Outstanding, Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	$11.80	[1]	$26.83	[1]	$42.70	[1]
Options Exercisable, Shares	'	'	'	'	38,350		116,600		0
Options Exercisable, Shares, Total	154,950	192,830	243,180	'	'		'		'
Options Exercisable, Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	$11.95	[1]	$24.73	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Weighted Averages

Stock_Options_Schedule_of_NonQ

Stock Options (Schedule of Non-Qualified Stock Options Activity) (Details) (Non Qualified Options, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Non Qualified Options	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Options outstanding at beginning of year	89,700		112,800		102,400
Granted	25,000		0		30,000
Exercised	0		-23,100		-14,600
Canceled	0		0		-5,000
Options outstanding at end of year	114,700		89,700		112,800
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$19.91	[1]	$18.62	[1]	$15.62	[1]
Granted, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$42.70	[1]	$0	[1]	$26.45	[1]
Exercised, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$0	[1]	$13.62	[1]	$11.45	[1]
Cancelled, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$0	[1]	$0	[1]	$25.18	[1]
Outstanding at end of year, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$24.87	[1]	$19.91	[1]	$18.62	[1]
Options exercisable at end of year	57,900		38,100		37,400
Exercisable at end of year, Exercise Price, in dollars per share	$19.89	[1]	$21.91	[1]	$19.57	[1]
Options available for grant at end of year	293,526		322,750		32,500
[1]	Weighted Averages

Stock_Options_Schedule_of_NonQ1

Stock Options (Schedule of Non-Qualified Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable) (Details) (Non Qualified Options, USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2013
					$11.45 - $17.85		$19.79 - $32.76		$42.70 - $42.70
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Range of Exercise Price, Lower Range Limit	'	'	'	'	$11.45		$19.79		$42.70
Range of Exercise Price, Upper Range Limit	'	'	'	'	$17.85		$32.76		$42.70
Options Outstanding, Shares	'	'	'	'	37,200		52,500		25,000
Options Outstanding, Shares, Total	114,700	89,700	112,800	102,400	'		'		'
Options Outstanding, Remaining Contractual Life	'	'	'	'	'5 years 4 months 10 days	[1]	'5 years 7 months 10 days		'9 years 4 months 6 days	[1]
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	$11.45	[1]	$25.90	[1]	$42.70	[1]
Options Exercisable, Shares	'	'	'	'	23,400		34,500		0
Options Exercisable, Shares, Total	57,900	38,100	37,400	'	'		'		'
Options Exercisable, Exercise Price	'	'	'	'	$11.45	[1]	$25.61	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Weighted Averages

Stock_Options_Schedule_of_Rest

Stock Options (Schedule of Restricted Stock Award Activity) (Details) (Restricted Stock, USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Restricted Stock	'		'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Shares	11,375		19,750		9,000
Granted, Shares	4,224		0		13,500
Vested, Shares	-4,875		-6,125		-2,750
Forfeited or Cancelled, Shares	0		-2,250		0
Outstanding at end of year, Shares	10,724		11,375		19,750
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Intrinsic Value [Roll Forward]	'		'		'
Outstanding at beginning of year, Price	$24.24	[1]	$22.96	[1]	$15.86	[1]
Granted, Price	$42.70	[1]	$0	[1]	$26.08	[1]
Vested, Price	$22.07	[1]	$21.13	[1]	$15.06	[1]
Forfeited or Cancelled, Price	$0	[1]	$21.45	[1]	$0	[1]
Outstanding at end of year, Price	$32.49	[1]	$24.24	[1]	$22.96	[1]
[1]	Weighted Averages

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Narra

Retirement Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimate of amount of unrecognized actuarial expense	$132,000	'	'
Other	34,000	3,000	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	3,038,000	-1,631,000	'
Net periodic pension expense, rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	'
Number of defined contribution plans	3	'	'
United States	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual contribution amount	1,331,000	1,678,000	992,000
Foreign	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual contribution amount	697,000	696,000	676,000
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Estimate of amount of unrecognized actuarial expense	270,000	'	'
SERP credited service period	'10 years	'	'
Percentage of final 3 year average salary in which retirement benefit is based (percentage)	20.00%	'	'
Number of final years in which the Retirement Benefit is based	'3 years	'	'
Retirement age	'65 years	'	'
Period of time that vested retirement benefit will be paid after death or change in control	'90 days	'	'
Years of monthly installments associated with SERP disability	'15 years	'	'
SERP unfunded long-term liability	1,964,301	'	'
Other	746,000	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,218,301	'	'
Prior service cost that will be amortized over the remaining service periods	1,964,301	'	'
Net periodic pension expense, discount rate	3.37%	4.04%	'
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Former employees	330	'	'
Current employees	133	'	'
Employees’ Retirement Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Former employees	239	'	'
Current employees	87	'	'
IAM Plan	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Annual contribution amount	$422,000	$388,000	'
Minimum | Foreign	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employer contribution percentage	3.00%	'	'
Maximum | Foreign	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employer contribution percentage	10.00%	'	'

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Sched

Retirement Benefit Plans (Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets, Changes in Projected Benefit Obligation, Rate Assumptions, and Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in fair value of plan assets	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$25,274	$21,838
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Change in projected benefit obligation	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	31,709	29,692
Service cost	16	14
Interest cost	1,131	1,199
Liability actuarial (gain)/loss	-3,680	2,168
Benefits paid	-1,364	-1,364
Benefit obligation at end of year	27,812	31,709
Change in fair value of plan assets	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	21,838	18,900
Return on plan assets	3,226	2,659
Employer contributions	1,574	1,643
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	25,274	21,838
Underfunded status – December 31, 2012	-2,538	-9,871
Accumulated benefit obligation – December 31, 2013	27,812	31,709
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Change in projected benefit obligation	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	3,057	2,584
Service cost	114	101
Interest cost	102	104
Liability actuarial (gain)/loss	-252	268
Plan Amendments	0	0
Benefit obligation at end of year	3,021	3,057
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Change in projected benefit obligation	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	10,786	10,454
Service cost	11	10
Interest cost	371	411
Liability actuarial (gain)/loss	-1,060	549
Benefits paid	-631	-638
Benefit obligation at end of year	9,477	10,786
Change in fair value of plan assets	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,690	6,663
Return on plan assets	1,136	937
Employer contributions	678	728
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	8,873	7,690
Underfunded status – December 31, 2012	-604	-3,096
Accumulated benefit obligation – December 31, 2013	9,477	10,786
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Change in projected benefit obligation	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	20,923	19,238
Service cost	5	4
Interest cost	760	788
Liability actuarial (gain)/loss	-2,620	1,619
Benefits paid	-733	-726
Benefit obligation at end of year	18,335	20,923
Change in fair value of plan assets	'	'
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	14,148	12,237
Return on plan assets	2,090	1,722
Employer contributions	896	915
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	16,401	14,148
Underfunded status – December 31, 2012	-1,934	-6,775
Accumulated benefit obligation – December 31, 2013	$18,335	$20,923

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Sched1

Retirement Benefit Plans (Schedule of Assumptions Used) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Net periodic pension expense, rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	4.60%	3.37%
Composite rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%
Net periodic pension expense, discount rate	3.37%	4.04%
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	4.60%	3.55%
Net periodic pension expense, discount rate	3.55%	4.06%
Net periodic pension expense, Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.25%	7.75%
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Discount rate	4.75%	3.70%
Net periodic pension expense, discount rate	3.70%	4.18%
Net periodic pension expense, Long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.25%	7.75%

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Sched2

Retirement Benefit Plans (Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$16	$14
Interest cost	1,131	1,199
Expected return on plan assets	-1,567	-1,471
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Amortization of net (gain)/loss	703	659
Net periodic benefit cost	283	401
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	114	101
Interest cost	102	104
Amortization of prior service cost	327	287
Net periodic benefit cost	543	492
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	11	10
Interest cost	371	411
Expected return on plan assets	-549	-520
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Amortization of net (gain)/loss	285	280
Net periodic benefit cost	118	181
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	5	4
Interest cost	760	788
Expected return on plan assets	-1,018	-951
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0
Amortization of net (gain)/loss	418	379
Net periodic benefit cost	$165	$220

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Weigh

Retirement Benefit Plans (Weighted Average Asset Allocations) (Details) (Pension Plans, Defined Benefit)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Equity securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	55.00%	55.00%
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Debt securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	38.00%	38.00%
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Short-term investments	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	2.00%	2.00%
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Other	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	5.00%	5.00%
Employees’ Retirement Plan	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	100.00%	100.00%
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Equity securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	55.00%	55.00%
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Debt securities	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	38.00%	38.00%
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Short-term investments	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	2.00%	2.00%
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Other	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Asset allocations as a percentage of plan assets	5.00%	5.00%

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Sched3

Retirement Benefit Plans (Schedule of Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$25,274	$21,838
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	11,446	11,124
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	13,828	10,714
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small Cap	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small Cap | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small Cap | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Small Cap | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Mid Cap	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,577	1,376
Mid Cap | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,577	1,376
Large Cap	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	6,826	7,126
Large Cap | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	6,826	7,126
International	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,531	2,201
International | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,531	2,201
Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	3,521	3,074
Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	0
Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	3,521	3,074
Wells Fargo Liability Driven Solution | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	'	0
Wells Fargo International Equity Index Fund	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,286	1,097
Wells Fargo International Equity Index Fund | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,286	1,097
Wells Fargo Thornburg International	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,273	1,103
Wells Fargo Thornburg International | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,273	1,103
Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Index Fund	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,423	1,216
Wells Fargo Large Cap Growth Index Fund | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,423	1,216
Wells Fargo Large Cap Value Index Fund	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,427	1,210
Wells Fargo Large Cap Value Index Fund | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,427	1,210
Wells Fargo Multi-Manager Small Cap	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,683	1,481
Wells Fargo Multi-Manager Small Cap | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,683	1,481
Wells Fargo Russell 2000 Index Fund	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	841	708
Wells Fargo Russell 2000 Index Fund | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	841	708
Wells Fargo S&P Mid Cap Index Fund	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	950	825
Wells Fargo S&P Mid Cap Index Fund | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	950	825
T Rowe Price Equity Income	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,424	'
T Rowe Price Equity Income | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,424	'
Cash & Short-term Investments	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	512	421
Cash & Short-term Investments | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$512	$421

Retirement_Benefit_Plans_Sched4

Retirement Benefit Plans (Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	$1,505
2015	1,530
2016	1,567
2017	1,665
2018	1,763
Years 2019 through 2023	9,327
Supplemental Employee Retirement Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	44
2015	51
2016	101
2017	140
2018	241
Years 2019 through 2023	1,305
Hourly Employees’ Pension Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	643
2015	634
2016	635
2017	644
2018	651
Years 2019 through 2023	3,231
Employees’ Retirement Plan | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
2014	862
2015	896
2016	932
2017	1,021
2018	1,112
Years 2019 through 2023	$6,096

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
	Reportable_Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of principal reporting segments	3	'	'	'
Net Revenue	$676,836	$628,402	$603,593	'
Income from Operations	50,737	45,349	49,456	'
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	32,073	31,648	31,751	34,073
Total Identifiable Assets	438,476	404,339	381,665	'
North American Industrial	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Revenue	296,617	263,353	229,594	'
Income from Operations	25,743	19,313	24,649	'
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	13,176	13,418	13,316	'
Total Identifiable Assets	161,080	153,234	144,763	'
North American Agricultural	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Revenue	215,340	200,467	203,993	'
Income from Operations	17,880	18,319	16,644	'
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	0	0	0	'
Total Identifiable Assets	123,352	118,829	121,320	'
European	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net Revenue	164,879	164,582	170,006	'
Income from Operations	7,114	7,717	8,163	'
Goodwill, balance at the end of the period	18,897	18,230	18,435	'
Total Identifiable Assets	$154,044	$132,276	$115,582	'

International_Operations_and_G2

International Operations and Geographic Information (Schedule of Selected Financial Information for International Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	$676,836	$628,402	$603,593
Income from operations	50,737	45,349	49,456
Identifiable assets	438,476	404,339	381,665
Other	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	236,839	227,568	216,201
Income from operations	14,822	14,470	19,362
Income before income taxes	16,241	13,731	20,051
Identifiable assets	$205,317	$179,263	$155,188

International_Operations_and_G3

International Operations and Geographic Information (Schedule of Geographic Net Sales and Location of Long-lived assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	$676,836	$628,402	$603,593
Long-Lived Assets	100,852	97,633	104,898
United States	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	444,151	401,415	381,390
Long-Lived Assets	42,053	46,749	52,262
United Kingdom	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	36,892	40,734	39,967
Long-Lived Assets	19,718	13,809	13,511
France	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	97,958	92,964	101,124
Long-Lived Assets	25,751	25,166	26,746
Canada	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	45,045	36,190	26,029
Long-Lived Assets	12,562	11,719	12,221
Australia	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	11,517	10,225	14,171
Long-Lived Assets	768	190	158
Other	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net sales	$41,273	$46,874	$40,912

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Deere and Company v Bush Hog LLC and Great Plains Manufacturing Inc	Unfavorable litigation action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental expense for operating leases	'	$2,293,000	$2,088,000	$1,879,000	'	'
Purchase obligations	'	83,105,000	'	'	'	'
Amount of unjust enrichment per federal district court	'	'	'	'	'	1,000,000
Legal fees incurred	$2,400,000	'	'	'	$2,100,000	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Schedule of Future Commitments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Operating Leases, 2014	$1,507
Capital Leases, 2014	115
Operating Leases, 2015	927
Capital Leases, 2015	8
Operating Leases, 2016	515
Capital Leases, 2016	0
Operating Leases, 2017	287
Capital Leases, 2017	0
Operating Leases, 2018	110
Capital Leases, 2018	0
Operating Leases, Thereafter	0
Capital Leases, Thereafter	0
Operating Leases, Total minimum lease payments	3,346
Capital Leases, Total minimum lease payments	123
Less amount representing interest	3
Present value of net minimum lease payments	120
Less current portion	112
Long-term portion	$8

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	$165,605	$174,738	$178,064	$158,429	$149,404	$156,078	$167,009	$155,911	'	'	'
Gross profit	36,351	43,156	44,091	34,912	32,043	37,070	39,161	35,238	158,510	143,512	135,085
Net income	$6,024	$11,333	$11,787	$6,950	$4,199	$8,575	$9,344	$6,785	$36,094	$28,903	$32,687
Per common share - diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.49	$0.93	$0.97	$0.57	$0.35	$0.71	$0.77	$0.56	$2.96	$2.40	$2.73
Average shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Diluted (in shares)	12,262	12,229	12,200	12,158	12,090	12,056	12,058	12,027	12,212,000	12,058,000	11,966,000
Dividends per share (in dollars per share)	$0.07	$0.07	$0.07	$0.07	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.06	$0.24	$0.24	$0.24
High	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Market price of common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share Price (in dollars per share)	$61.27	$49.45	$44.13	$40.64	$34.63	$34	$34.23	$30.93	$61.27	$34.63	'
Low	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Market price of common stock	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share Price (in dollars per share)	$45.51	$40.48	$37.39	$33.12	$29.66	$27.07	$29.40	$25.51	$45.51	$29.66	'

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio3

Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
					Patent Infringement
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Charge relating to various litigation matters	$2,400,000	'	'	'	$1,800,000
Goodwill impairment	656,000	0	656,000	1,898,000	'
Reversal of environmental reserve	$1,200,000	'	'	'	'

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (Subsequent Event, USD $)	Feb. 24, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 11, 2014	Feb. 24, 2014
			SMC Plant	Super Products LLC, Wausau-Everest LP, and Howard P Fairfield LLC
				Operation
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of operations acquired	'	'	'	3
Net sales of acquired operations during 2013	'	'	'	$139,000,000
Total consideration transferred	'	'	'	186,000,000
Anticipated period for completion of purchase	'	'	'	'45 days
Line of credit	250,000,000	100,000,000	'	'
Sales price for SMC plant	'	'	$900,000	'