Restructuring Costs Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	$ 25,832	$ 2,000	$ 0
Total COGS and SGA
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	27,521	2,000
Thermal Vision and Measurement
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	17,370	0
Raymarine
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	361	0
Surveillance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	3,598	0
Detection
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	4,222	2,000
Integrated Systems
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	1,761	0
Other Segments [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	$ 209	$ 0