Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance at beginning of period		$ 206,227
Accumulated impairment		(14,181)
Net balance at beginning of period	192,046
Additions	11,978
Goodwill impairment	0
Foreign currency translation	(64)
Net balance at end of period	203,960
Distribution [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance at beginning of period		96,155
Accumulated impairment		0
Net balance at beginning of period	96,155
Additions	9,493
Goodwill impairment	0
Foreign currency translation	(16)
Net balance at end of period	105,632
Aerospace [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Gross balance at beginning of period		110,072
Accumulated impairment		(14,181)
Net balance at beginning of period	95,891
Additions	2,485
Goodwill impairment	0
Foreign currency translation	(48)
Net balance at end of period	98,328
Kaman Composites VT [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net balance at end of period	18,800
Kaman Composites UK [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net balance at end of period	31,800
Kaman Engineering Services [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Net balance at end of period	$ 8,500