Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Merchandise for resale	$ 161,691	$ 149,837
Raw materials	24,721	19,954
Progress payments	28,812	8,590
Other work in process (including certain general stock materials)	26,588	21,618
Finished goods	23,205	10,948
Total inventory, net	385,747	359,741
Inventories include amounts associated with matters such as contract changes, negotiated settlements and claims for unanticipated contract costs	7,100	13,300
Segment work in progress	26,588	21,618
Aerospace [Member]
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
General and administrative costs in inventory, incurred	15,800	39,200
General and administrative costs in inventory, remaining	13,500	10,200
Distribution [Member]
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Consignment inventory	6,500	7,400
K-MAX® [Member]
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Other work in process (including certain general stock materials)	14,900	17,200
Segment work in progress	14,900	17,200
SH-2G(I) [Member]
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Other work in process (including certain general stock materials)	9,000	23,500
Segment work in progress	9,000	23,500
Contract sale inventory	4,800
U.S. Government [Member]
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
U.S. Government, net of progress payments of $28,812 and $8,590 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	88,345	106,036
Commercial and Other Government [Member]
Schedule of Inventory [Line Items]
Commercial and other government contracts	$ 61,197	$ 51,348