Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 482,019	$ 262,331
Goodwill from Acquisitions	17,892	216,354
Currency translation adjustments	(2,044)	3,288
Other Activity	476	46
Ending Balance	498,343	482,019
Thermal Vision and Measurement
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	236,181	224,747
Goodwill from Acquisitions	16,452	14,065
Currency translation adjustments	(1,344)	(2,627)
Other Activity	(102)	(4)
Ending Balance	251,187	236,181
Raymarine
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	97,266	0
Goodwill from Acquisitions	1,440	91,643
Currency translation adjustments	(610)	5,623
Other Activity	268	0
Ending Balance	98,364	97,266
Surveillance
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	88,052	37,584
Goodwill from Acquisitions	0	50,126
Currency translation adjustments	(90)	292
Other Activity	2,539	50
Ending Balance	90,501	88,052
Detection
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	41,026	0
Goodwill from Acquisitions	0	41,026
Currency translation adjustments	0	0
Other Activity	(2,864)	0
Ending Balance	38,162	41,026
Integrated Systems
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	19,494	0
Goodwill from Acquisitions	0	19,494
Currency translation adjustments	0	0
Other Activity	635	0
Ending Balance	$ 20,129	$ 19,494