OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item For Operating Profit (Loss) and Capital Expenditure From Segment To Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 225,969	$ 197,267	$ 654,938	$ 555,972
Depreciation and amortization	7,737	4,535	22,175	13,426
Operating income	42,455	35,706	117,688	100,991
Capital expenditures	4,233	1,865	12,381	5,710
Flight Support Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item For Operating Profit (Loss) and Capital Expenditure From Segment To Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	140,761	140,748	420,654	395,193
Depreciation and amortization	2,463	2,669	7,604	7,683
Operating income	26,382	24,551	78,523	68,385
Capital expenditures	2,171	1,155	5,389	4,118
Electronic Technologies Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item For Operating Profit (Loss) and Capital Expenditure From Segment To Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	86,482	57,166	237,225	162,477
Depreciation and amortization	5,079	1,771	13,926	5,458
Operating income	20,950	15,373	52,472	44,556
Capital expenditures	1,987	677	6,049	1,555
Other Primarily Corporate and Inter Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item For Operating Profit (Loss) and Capital Expenditure From Segment To Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	(1,274)	(647)	(2,941)	(1,698)
Depreciation and amortization	195	95	645	285
Operating income	(4,877)	(4,218)	(13,307)	(11,950)
Capital expenditures	$ 75	$ 33	$ 943	$ 37