XML 22 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.8.0.1
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Jan. 31, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Document and Entity Information      
Entity Registrant Name LINCOLN ELECTRIC HOLDINGS INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000059527    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2017    
Amendment Flag false    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 5,917,150,492
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   65,644,512  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY