Operating Segments and Related Information (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	$ 716,541	$ 665,632
Discontinued Operations
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	0	603
Thermal Vision and Measurement | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	265,197	233,888
Raymarine | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	74,980	60,093
Surveillance | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	317,944	320,827
Detection | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	31,861	32,447
Integrated Systems | Continuing Operations
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	$ 26,559	$ 17,774