OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,386,665	$ 1,192,846
Flight Support Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	673,638	487,188
Electronic Technologies Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	625,150	636,660
Other Primarily Corporate and Inter Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 87,877	$ 68,998