Restructuring Costs Restructuring Costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	$ 16,383	$ 25,832	$ 2,000
Cost of Goods Sold
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	591	1,689	0
Selling General and Administrative Expense
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	16,383	25,832	2,000	1,000	4,100	3,500	8,400
Total COGS and SGA
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	16,974	27,521	2,000					27,521
Surveillance
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	5,232	5,359	0
Instruments
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	10,998	15,541	0
OEM & Emerging Markets
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	170	1,502	0
Maritime
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	(90)	361	0
Security
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	0	327	0
Detection
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	544	4,222	2,000
Corporate Segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring expenses	$ 120	$ 209	$ 0