Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 498,343	$ 482,019
Goodwill from Acquisitions		17,892
Currency translation adjustments	4,735	(2,044)
Other Activity		476
Ending Balance	503,078	498,343
Thermal Vision and Measurement
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	251,187	236,181
Goodwill from Acquisitions		16,452
Currency translation adjustments	2,039	(1,344)
Other Activity		(102)
Ending Balance	253,226	251,187
Raymarine
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	98,364	97,266
Goodwill from Acquisitions		1,440
Currency translation adjustments	2,380	(610)
Other Activity		268
Ending Balance	100,744	98,364
Surveillance
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	90,501	88,052
Goodwill from Acquisitions		0
Currency translation adjustments	316	(90)
Other Activity		2,539
Ending Balance	90,817	90,501
Detection
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	38,162	41,026
Goodwill from Acquisitions		0
Currency translation adjustments	0	0
Other Activity		(2,864)
Ending Balance	38,162	38,162
Integrated Systems
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	20,129	19,494
Goodwill from Acquisitions		0
Currency translation adjustments	0	0
Other Activity		635
Ending Balance	$ 20,129	$ 20,129