INVENTORIES (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw material	$ 183,261	$ 168,619
Work-in-process	99,424	97,420
Finished goods and component parts	80,812	81,544
Inventory costs related to U.S. Government and other long-term contracts	40,868	35,347
Gross inventories	404,365	382,930
Less: Inventory reserves	(47,848)	(48,547)
Progress payments applied, principally related to long-term contracts	(13,776)	(13,750)
Inventories, net	$ 342,741	$ 320,633