OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 1,132,499	$ 941,069
Flight Support Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	460,036	458,624
Electronic Technologies Group [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	600,947	429,869
Other Primarily Corporate and Inter Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 71,516	$ 52,576