OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item For Operating Profit (Loss) and Capital Expenditure From Segment To Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 267,133	$ 225,969	$ 721,331	$ 654,938
Depreciation and amortization	9,495	7,737	25,900	22,175
Operating income	48,406	42,455	128,033	117,688
Capital expenditures	4,231	4,233	13,496	12,381
Flight Support Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item For Operating Profit (Loss) and Capital Expenditure From Segment To Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	181,331	140,761	475,560	420,654
Depreciation and amortization	4,069	2,463	9,772	7,604
Operating income	32,649	26,382	87,190	78,523
Capital expenditures	2,435	2,171	7,733	5,389
Electronic Technologies Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item For Operating Profit (Loss) and Capital Expenditure From Segment To Consolidated [Line Items]
Net sales	87,401	86,482	250,179	237,225
Depreciation and amortization	5,226	5,079	15,542	13,926
Operating income	21,516	20,950	57,311	52,472
Capital expenditures	1,673	1,987	5,498	6,049
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	(1,599)	(1,274)	(4,408)	(2,941)
Depreciation and amortization	200	195	586	645
Operating income	(5,759)	(4,877)	(16,468)	(13,307)
Capital expenditures	$ 123	$ 75	$ 265	$ 943