Comtech Telecommunications (CMTL) 10-Q 11 Mar 15 2015 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Mar. 06, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-15
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-24
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Entity Registrant Name	COMTECH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	23197
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		16,254,613

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$135,139,000	$154,500,000
Accounts receivable, net	68,896,000	54,887,000
Inventories, net	67,472,000	61,332,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,153,000	9,947,000
Deferred tax asset, net	10,056,000	10,178,000
Total current assets	292,716,000	290,844,000
Property, plant and equipment, net	17,448,000	18,536,000
Goodwill	137,354,000	137,354,000
Intangibles with finite lives, net	23,099,000	26,220,000
Deferred financing costs, net	0	65,000
Other assets, net	870,000	833,000
Total assets	471,487,000	473,852,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,896,000	18,902,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	27,559,000	29,803,000
Dividends payable	4,869,000	4,844,000
Customer advances and deposits	8,597,000	12,610,000
Interest payable	0	29,000
Total current liabilities	58,921,000	66,188,000
Other liabilities	4,181,000	4,364,000
Income taxes payable	1,980,000	2,743,000
Deferred tax liability, net	4,069,000	3,632,000
Total liabilities	69,151,000	76,927,000
Commitments and contingencies (See Note 18)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.10 per share; shares authorized and unissued 2,000,000	0	0
Common stock, par value $.10 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 31,095,737 shares and 31,016,469 shares at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, respectively	3,110,000	3,102,000
Additional paid-in capital	423,678,000	421,240,000
Retained earnings	412,408,000	409,443,000
Stockholders' equity before treasury stock	839,196,000	833,785,000
Treasury stock, at cost (14,857,582 shares at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014)	-436,860,000	-436,860,000
Total stockholders’ equity	402,336,000	396,925,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$471,487,000	$473,852,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.10
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	31,095,737	31,016,469
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	14,857,582	14,857,582

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$81,802,000	$85,499,000	$158,193,000	$168,867,000
Cost of sales	43,927,000	48,130,000	84,993,000	95,120,000
Gross profit	37,875,000	37,369,000	73,200,000	73,747,000
Expenses:
Selling, general and administrative	16,026,000	16,349,000	31,552,000	32,547,000
Research and development	9,666,000	8,266,000	19,685,000	16,765,000
Amortization of intangibles	1,560,000	1,582,000	3,121,000	3,164,000
Total operating expenses	27,252,000	26,197,000	54,358,000	52,476,000
Operating income	10,623,000	11,172,000	18,842,000	21,271,000
Other expenses (income):
Interest expense	69,000	1,998,000	334,000	4,016,000
Interest income and other	-90,000	-228,000	-174,000	-501,000
Income before provision for income taxes	10,644,000	9,402,000	18,682,000	17,756,000
Provision for income taxes	3,059,000	3,419,000	5,872,000	6,468,000
Net income	$7,585,000	$5,983,000	$12,810,000	$11,288,000
Net income per share (See Note 5):
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.47	$0.37	$0.79	$0.70
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.46	$0.32	$0.78	$0.60
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic (in shares)	16,241,000	15,970,000	16,229,000	16,212,000
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding – diluted (in shares)	16,505,000	22,487,000	16,510,000	22,552,000
Dividends declared per issued and outstanding common share as of the applicable dividend record date (in dollars per share)	$0.30	$0.30	$0.60	$0.57

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]
Beginning balance at Jul. 31, 2013	$404,062,000	$2,907,000	$363,888,000	$403,398,000	($366,131,000)
Treasury stock shares outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2013					12,608,501
Common stock shares issued, beginning of period (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2013		29,066,792
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-classified stock award compensation	1,990,000		1,990,000
Equity-classified stock awards issued	139,000		139,000
Proceeds from exercise of options	2,559,000	10,000	2,549,000
Proceeds from exercise of options (in shares)		95,425
Proceeds from issuance of employee stock purchase plan shares	430,000	2,000	428,000
Proceeds from issuance of employee stock purchase plan shares (in shares)		20,727
Common stock issued for net settlement of stock-based awards	-25,000	0	-25,000
Common stock issued for net settlement of stock-based awards (in shares)		3,496
Cash dividends declared	-9,260,000			-9,260,000
Accrual of dividend equivalents	-51,000			-51,000
Net income tax shortfall from settlement of stock-based awards	-155,000		-155,000
Reversal of deferred tax assets associated with expired and unexercised stock-based awards	-1,925,000		-1,925,000
Repurchases of common stock	-29,107,000				-29,107,000
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	935,992				935,992
Net income	11,288,000			11,288,000
Ending balance at Jan. 31, 2014	379,945,000	2,919,000	366,889,000	405,375,000	-395,238,000
Treasury stock shares outstanding, end of period (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2014					13,544,493
Common stock shares issued, end of period (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2014		29,186,440
Beginning balance at Jul. 31, 2014	396,925,000	3,102,000	421,240,000	409,443,000	-436,860,000
Treasury stock shares outstanding, beginning of period (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2014	14,857,582				14,857,582
Common stock shares issued, beginning of period (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2014	31,016,469	31,016,469
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-classified stock award compensation	2,398,000		2,398,000
Equity-classified stock awards issued	0
Proceeds from exercise of options	119,000	0	119,000
Proceeds from exercise of options (in shares)		4,200
Proceeds from issuance of employee stock purchase plan shares	479,000	2,000	477,000
Proceeds from issuance of employee stock purchase plan shares (in shares)		16,491
Common stock issued for net settlement of stock-based awards	-389,000	6,000	-395,000
Common stock issued for net settlement of stock-based awards (in shares)		58,577
Cash dividends declared	-9,732,000			-9,732,000
Accrual of dividend equivalents	-113,000			-113,000
Net income tax shortfall from settlement of stock-based awards	-149,000		-149,000
Reversal of deferred tax assets associated with expired and unexercised stock-based awards	-12,000		-12,000
Repurchases of common stock (in shares)	0
Net income	12,810,000			12,810,000
Ending balance at Jan. 31, 2015	$402,336,000	$3,110,000	$423,678,000	$412,408,000	($436,860,000)
Treasury stock shares outstanding, end of period (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2015	14,857,582				14,857,582
Common stock shares issued, end of period (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2015	31,095,737	31,095,737

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$12,810,000	$11,288,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization of property, plant and equipment	3,230,000	3,383,000
Amortization of intangible assets with finite lives	3,121,000	3,164,000
Amortization of stock-based compensation	2,398,000	2,016,000
Deferred financing costs	65,000	697,000
Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liability	0	-239,000
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment	3,000	42,000
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts	74,000	92,000
Provision for excess and obsolete inventory	1,324,000	1,485,000
Excess income tax benefit from stock-based award exercises	-138,000	-16,000
Deferred income tax benefit	-548,000	-1,689,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	-14,083,000	-7,056,000
Inventories	-7,391,000	-5,939,000
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	475,000	-4,308,000
Other assets	-37,000	6,000
Accounts payable	-1,006,000	210,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	-2,634,000	-3,574,000
Customer advances and deposits	-4,086,000	409,000
Other liabilities	-290,000	149,000
Interest payable	-29,000	0
Income taxes payable	-1,498,000	-66,000
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	-8,240,000	54,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-2,145,000	-3,424,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,145,000	-3,424,000
Cash flows from financing activities:
Cash dividends paid	-9,712,000	-9,053,000
Proceeds from issuance of employee stock purchase plan shares	479,000	430,000
Excess income tax benefit from stock-based award exercises	138,000	16,000
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	119,000	2,559,000
Repurchases of common stock	0	-29,107,000
Fees related to line of credit	0	-75,000
Payment of contingent consideration related to business acquisition	0	-49,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-8,976,000	-35,279,000
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	-19,361,000	-38,649,000
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	154,500,000	356,642,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	135,139,000	317,993,000
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	117,000	3,178,000
Income taxes	7,919,000	8,224,000
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Cash dividends declared but unpaid (including accrual of dividend equivalents)	5,093,000	4,789,000
Equity-classified stock awards issued	$0	$139,000

General

General	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
General [Abstract]
General	General
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. and Subsidiaries (“Comtech,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) as of and for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the information furnished reflects all material adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the unaudited interim periods. Our results of operations for such periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year.
	The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	Our condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 and the notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and all of our other filings with the SEC.

Adoption_of_Accounting_Standar

Adoption of Accounting Standards and Updates	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Adoption of Accounting Standards and Updates	Adoption of Accounting Standards and Updates
	We are required to prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) which is the source for all authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, which is commonly referred to as “GAAP.” The FASB ASC is subject to updates by FASB, which are known as Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”). During the six months ended January 31, 2015, we adopted FASB:
	ASU No. 2013-04, which provides guidance for the recognition, measurement and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date. Our adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements and or disclosures.
	ASU No. 2013-05, which requires a parent company that ceases to have a controlling interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a non profit entity or business within a foreign entity, to release any cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had resided. Our adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	ASU No. 2013-07, which clarifies that an entity should apply the liquidation basis of accounting when liquidation is imminent, as defined. This ASU also provides principles for the recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities and requirements for financial statements prepared using the liquidation basis of accounting. Our adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.
	ASU No. 2013-11, which amends the presentation requirements of ASC 740, "Income Taxes," and requires that unrecognized tax benefits, or portions of unrecognized tax benefits, relating to a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to the associated deferred tax asset. See Note (11) "Income Taxes" for further information about the impact of adopting this ASU.
	ASU No. 2014-17, which provides an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. Our adoption of this ASU did not have any impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Reclassifications [Abstract]
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported financial statements to conform to our current financial statement format.

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Fi

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments	Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments
	As of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, we had approximately $3,129,000 and $4,628,000, respectively, consisting principally of money market mutual funds which are classified as cash and cash equivalents in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. These money market mutual funds are recorded at fair value. FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires us to define fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. As such, using the fair value hierarchy described in FASB ASC 820, we valued our money market mutual funds using Level 1 inputs that were based on quoted market prices.
	As of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, other than our cash and cash equivalents, we have no other significant assets or liabilities included in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets recorded at fair value. If we acquire different types of assets or incur different types of liabilities in the future, we might be required to use different FASB ASC fair value methodologies.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Our basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of shares, including vested but unissued stock units, share units, performance shares and restricted stock units ("RSUs"), outstanding during each respective period. Our diluted EPS reflects the dilution from potential common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of equity-classified stock-based awards and convertible senior notes, if outstanding and dilutive, during each respective period. During the six months ended January 31, 2014, we had $200,000,000 of our 3.0% convertible senior notes outstanding, all of which were redeemed or repurchased in May 2014. Pursuant to FASB ASC 260, "Earnings Per Share," equity-classified stock-based awards that are subject to performance conditions are not considered in our diluted EPS calculations until the respective performance conditions have been satisfied. When calculating our diluted earnings per share, we consider (i) the amount a recipient must pay upon assumed exercise of stock-based awards; (ii) the amount of stock-based compensation cost attributed to future services and not yet recognized; and (iii) the amount of excess tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming settlement of in-the-money stock-based awards. This excess tax benefit is the amount resulting from a tax deduction for compensation in excess of compensation expense recognized for financial reporting purposes.
	Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding for the three and six months ended January 31, 2014 reflects a reduction of approximately 439,000 and 289,000 shares as a result of the repurchase of our common shares during the respective periods. There were no repurchases of our common stock during the three and six months ended January 31, 2015. See Note (17) – “Stockholders’ Equity” for more information on our stock repurchase program.
	Weighted average stock options outstanding to purchase 447,000 and 573,000 shares for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were not included in our diluted EPS calculation because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Weighted average stock options outstanding to purchase 287,000 and 2,308,000 shares for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were not included in our diluted EPS calculation because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	Our EPS calculations exclude 120,000 and 92,000 weighted average RSUs with performance measures (which we refer to as performance shares) outstanding for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and 119,000 and 70,000 weighted average performance shares outstanding for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, as the respective performance conditions had not yet been satisfied. However, the compensation expense related to these awards is included in net income (the numerator) for EPS calculations for each respective period.
	Liability-classified stock-based awards, when outstanding, do not impact and are not included in the denominator for EPS calculations.
	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations:
		Three months ended January 31,			Six months ended January 31,
		2015		2014	2015	2014
	Numerator:
	Net income for basic calculation	$	7,585,000	5,983,000	12,810,000	11,288,000
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense (net of tax) on 3.0% convertible senior notes	—		1,117,000	—	2,234,000
	Numerator for diluted calculation	$	7,585,000	7,100,000	12,810,000	13,522,000
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic calculation	16,241,000		15,970,000	16,229,000	16,212,000
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock-based awards	264,000		287,000	281,000	141,000
	Conversion of 3.0% convertible senior notes	—		6,230,000	—	6,199,000
	Denominator for diluted calculation	16,505,000		22,487,000	16,510,000	22,552,000

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable consist of the following at:
		January 31, 2015		July 31, 2014
	Billed receivables from commercial customers	$	36,759,000	31,681,000
	Billed receivables from the U.S. government and its agencies	10,285,000		10,316,000
	Unbilled receivables on contracts-in-progress	22,552,000		13,517,000
	Total accounts receivable	69,596,000		55,514,000
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	700,000		627,000
	Accounts receivable, net	$	68,896,000	54,887,000
	Of the unbilled receivables at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, $21,164,000 and $9,990,000, respectively, relates to our two large over-the-horizon microwave system contracts with our large U.S. prime contractor customer (the majority of which related to our North African country end-customer). The remaining unbilled receivables include $490,000 and $770,000 at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, respectively, due from the U.S. government and its agencies. We had virtually no retainage included in unbilled receivables at January 31, 2015 and $120,000 of retainage at July 31, 2014. In the opinion of management, substantially all of the unbilled receivables at January 31, 2015 will be billed and collected within one year.
	As of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, 37.1% and 18.0%, respectively of total accounts receivable was due from one large U.S. prime contractor customer (the majority of which related to our North African country end-customer).

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following at:
		January 31, 2015		July 31, 2014
	Raw materials and components	$	53,236,000	50,423,000
	Work-in-process and finished goods	30,360,000		27,218,000
	Total inventories	83,596,000		77,641,000
	Less reserve for excess and obsolete inventories	16,124,000		16,309,000
	Inventories, net	$	67,472,000	61,332,000
	At January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, the amount of inventory directly related to long-term contracts (including contracts-in-progress) was $4,139,000 and $1,000,000, respectively. As of January 31, 2015, $1,728,000 of our long-term contract inventory relates to our contract to develop and manufacture the Advanced Time Division Multiple Access Interface Processor ("ATIP") for the U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.
	At January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, $517,000 and $654,000, respectively, of the inventory above related to contracts from third party commercial customers who outsource their manufacturing to us.

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at:
		January 31, 2015			July 31, 2014
	Accrued wages and benefits	$	10,278,000		12,410,000
	Accrued warranty obligations	8,295,000			8,618,000
	Accrued commissions and royalties	3,322,000			3,215,000
	Other	5,664,000			5,560,000
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	27,559,000		29,803,000
	Accrued Warranty Obligations
	We provide warranty coverage for most of our products for a period of at least one year from the date of shipment. We record a liability for estimated warranty expense based on historical claims, product failure rates and other factors. Some of our product warranties are provided under long-term contracts, the costs of which are incorporated into our estimates of total contract costs.
	Changes in our product warranty liability were as follows:
		Six months ended January 31,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	8,618,000		7,797,000
	Provision for warranty obligations	1,992,000			3,548,000
	Charges incurred	(2,315,000		)	(3,054,000	)
	Balance at end of period	$	8,295,000		8,291,000

Radyne_AcquisitionRelated_Rest

Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Radyne Acquisition Related Restructuring Plan [Abstract]
Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan	Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan
	In connection with our August 1, 2008 acquisition of Radyne, we adopted a restructuring plan for which we recorded $2,713,000 of estimated restructuring costs. Of this amount, $613,000 related to severance for Radyne employees which was paid in fiscal 2009. The remaining estimated amounts relate to facility exit costs and were determined as follows:
		At August 1, 2008
	Total non-cancelable lease obligations	$	12,741,000
	Less: Estimated sublease income	8,600,000
	Total net estimated facility exit costs	4,141,000
	Less: Interest expense to be accreted	2,041,000
	Present value of estimated facility exit costs	$	2,100,000
	Our total non-cancelable lease obligations were based on the actual lease term which runs from November 1, 2008 through October 31, 2018. We estimated sublease income based on (i) the terms of a fully executed sublease agreement, whose lease term runs from November 1, 2008 through October 31, 2015 and (ii) our assessment of future uncertainties relating to the commercial real estate market. Based on our assessment of commercial real estate market conditions, we currently believe that it is not probable that we will be able to sublease the facility beyond the current sublease terms. As such, in accordance with grandfathered accounting standards that were not incorporated into the FASB’s ASC, we recorded these costs, at fair value, as assumed liabilities as of August 1, 2008, with a corresponding increase to goodwill.
	As of January 31, 2015, the amount of the acquisition-related restructuring reserve is as follows:
		Cumulative
		Activity Through
		31-Jan-15
	Present value of estimated facility exit costs at August 1, 2008	$	2,100,000
	Cash payments made	(6,946,000		)
	Cash payments received	7,629,000
	Accreted interest recorded	1,218,000
	Net liability as of January 31, 2015	4,001,000
	Amount recorded as accrued expenses and other current liabilities	34,000
	in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Amount recorded as other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	$	3,967,000
	As of July 31, 2014, the present value of the estimated facility exit costs was $3,773,000. During the six months ended January 31, 2015, we made cash payments of $550,000 and we received cash payments of $643,000. Interest accreted for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $69,000 and $135,000, respectively and $61,000 and $120,000, respectively, and is included in interest expense for each respective fiscal period.
	Future cash payments associated with our restructuring plan are summarized below:
		As of
		January 31, 2015
	Future lease payments to be made in excess of anticipated sublease payments	$	4,001,000
	Interest expense to be accreted in future periods	822,000
	Total remaining net cash payments	$	4,823,000
	In addition to our Radyne acquisition-related restructuring accrual, we have $229,000 in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2015 related to our fiscal 2012 plan to wind-down our mobile data communications segment's microsatellite product line.

Credit_Facility

Credit Facility	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]
Credit Facility	Credit Facility
	In November 2014, we entered into an uncommitted $15,000,000 secured credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with one bank that provides for the extension of credit to us in the form of revolving loans, including letters of credit and standby letters of credit, at any time and from time to time during its term, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not to exceed $15,000,000. Subject to covenant limitations, the Credit Facility may be used for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes. The Credit Facility, which expires October 31, 2015, can be terminated by us or the bank at any time without penalty. At January 31, 2015, we had $2,268,000 of standby letters of credit outstanding related to our guarantees of future performance on certain customer contracts and no outstanding commercial letters of credit.
	Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs, recorded during the three months ended January 31, 2014 was $167,000. There was no interest expense recorded during the three months ended January 31, 2015. During the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 interest expense was $198,000 and $353,000 respectively, all of which related to a committed $100,000,000 secured revolving credit facility that expired on October 31, 2014.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Excluding the impact of any discrete tax items, our fiscal 2015 effective tax rate is expected to approximate 34.75%. This rate reflects the extension of the federal research and experimentation credit through December 31, 2014.
	At January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, total unrecognized tax benefits were $3,075,000 and $2,743,000, respectively. As of January 31, 2015, $1,980,000 of our unrecognized tax benefits was recorded as non-current income taxes payable in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The remaining unrecognized tax benefits of $1,095,000 were presented as an offset to the associated non-current deferred tax asset in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, as required by ASU No. 2013-11, which we adopted prospectively during the six months ended January 31, 2015. As of July 31, 2014, all of our unrecognized tax benefits were recorded as non-current income taxes payable in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Interest recorded on unrecognized tax benefits was $57,000 and $40,000 at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, respectively. Of the total unrecognized tax benefits at January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, $2,373,000 and $2,152,000, respectively, net of the reversal of the federal benefit recognized as deferred tax assets relating to state reserves, excluding interest, would positively impact our effective tax rate, if recognized.
	Unrecognized tax benefits result from income tax positions taken or expected to be taken on our income tax returns for which a tax benefit has not been recorded in our financial statements. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties relating to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
	Our federal income tax returns for fiscal 2011 through 2014 are subject to potential future IRS audit. Future tax assessments or settlements could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock Based Compensation
	Overview
	We issue stock-based awards to certain of our employees and our Board of Directors pursuant to our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “Plan”) and our 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) and recognize related stock-based compensation in our consolidated financial statements. The Plan provides for the granting to employees and consultants of Comtech (including prospective employees and consultants): (i) incentive and non-qualified stock options, (ii) restricted stock units (“RSUs”), (iii) RSUs with performance measures (which we refer to as “performance shares”), (iv) restricted stock, (v) stock units (reserved for issuance to non-employee directors) and share units (reserved for issuance to employees) (collectively, “share units”) and (vi) stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), among other types of awards. Our non-employee directors are eligible to receive non-discretionary grants of stock-based awards, subject to certain limitations. The aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be issued, pursuant to the Plan, may not exceed 8,962,500. Stock options granted may not have a term exceeding ten years or, in the case of an incentive stock award granted to a stockholder who owns stock representing more than 10.0% of the voting power, no more than five years. We expect to settle all outstanding awards under the Plan and ESPP with new shares.
	As of January 31, 2015, we had granted stock-based awards pursuant to the Plan representing the right to purchase and/or acquire an aggregate of 7,476,130 shares (net of 2,804,962 expired and canceled awards), of which an aggregate of 5,008,878 have been exercised or converted into common stock, substantially all of which related to stock options.
	As of January 31, 2015, the following stock-based awards, by award type, were outstanding:
		January 31, 2015
	Stock options	2,234,733
	Performance shares	173,341
	RSUs and restricted stock	50,675
	Share units	8,503
	Total	2,467,252
	Our ESPP, approved by our stockholders on December 12, 2000, provides for the issuance of 675,000 shares of our common stock. Our ESPP is intended to provide our eligible employees the opportunity to acquire our common stock at 85% of fair market value at the date of issuance. Through January 31, 2015, we have cumulatively issued 571,234 shares of our common stock to participating employees in connection with our ESPP.
	Stock-based compensation for awards issued is reflected in the following line items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
			Three months ended January 31,							Six months ended January 31,
			2015				2014			2015			2014
	Cost of sales		$	66,000			84,000			133,000			137,000
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		856,000				832,000			1,958,000			1,603,000
	Research and development expenses		139,000				153,000			307,000			276,000
	Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		1,061,000				1,069,000			2,398,000			2,016,000
	Estimated income tax benefit		(383,000		)		(403,000	)		(851,000	)		(749,000	)
	Net stock-based compensation expense		$	678,000			666,000			1,547,000			1,267,000
	Stock-based compensation for equity-classified awards is measured at the date of grant, based on an estimate of the fair value of the award and is generally expensed over the vesting period of the award. Stock-based compensation for liability-classified awards is determined the same way, except that the fair value of liability-classified awards is re-measured at the end of each reporting period until the award is settled, with changes in fair value recognized pro-rata for the portion of the requisite service period rendered. At January 31, 2015, unrecognized stock-based compensation of $9,923,000, net of estimated forfeitures of $821,000, is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.1 years. Total stock-based compensation capitalized and included in ending inventory at both January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014 was $68,000. There are no liability-classified stock-based awards outstanding as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014.
	Stock-based compensation expense, by award type, is summarized as follows:
			Three months ended January 31,							Six months ended January 31,
			2015				2014			2015			2014
	Stock options		$	731,000			719,000			1,489,000			1,367,000
	Performance shares		167,000				230,000			575,000			407,000
	ESPP		53,000				43,000			106,000			88,000
	RSUs and restricted stock		96,000				68,000			200,000			136,000
	Share units		14,000				6,000			28,000			12,000
	Equity-classified stock-based compensation expense		1,061,000				1,066,000			2,398,000			2,010,000
	Liability-classified stock-based compensation expense (SARs)		—				3,000			—			6,000
	Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		1,061,000				1,069,000			2,398,000			2,016,000
	Estimated income tax benefit		(383,000		)		(403,000	)		(851,000	)		(749,000	)
	Net stock-based compensation expense		$	678,000			666,000			1,547,000			1,267,000
	ESPP stock-based compensation expense primarily relates to the 15% discount offered to employees participating in the ESPP.
	The estimated income tax benefit, as shown in the above table, was computed using income tax rates expected to apply when the awards are settled and results in a deferred tax asset which is netted in our long-term deferred tax liability in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The actual income tax benefit recognized for tax reporting is based on the fair market value of our common stock at the time of settlement and can significantly differ from the estimated income tax benefit recorded for financial reporting.
	The following table reconciles the actual income tax benefit recognized for tax deductions relating to the settlement of stock-based awards to the excess income tax benefit reported as a cash flow from financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
			Six months ended January 31,
			2015				2014
	Actual income tax benefit recorded for the tax deductions relating to the settlement of stock-based awards		$	941,000			174,000
	Less: Tax benefit initially recognized on settled stock-based awards vesting subsequent to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards		803,000				145,000
	Excess income tax benefit recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital		138,000				29,000
	Less: Tax benefit initially disclosed but not previously recognized on settled equity-classified stock-based awards vesting prior to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards		—				13,000
	Excess income tax benefit from settled equity-classified stock-based awards reported as a cash flow from financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		$	138,000			16,000
	As of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, the amount of hypothetical tax benefits related to stock-based awards, recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital, was $17,413,000 and $17,574,000, respectively. These amounts represent the initial hypothetical tax benefit of $8,593,000 determined upon adoption of ASC 718 (which reflects our estimate of cumulative actual tax deductions for awards issued and settled prior to the August 1, 2005), adjusted for actual excess income tax benefits or shortfalls since that date. During the six months ended January 31, 2015, we recorded a $161,000 reduction to additional paid-in capital and accumulated hypothetical tax benefits, which primarily represents net income tax shortfalls recognized from the settlement of stock-based awards during the respective period. During the six months ended January 31, 2014, we recorded a $2,080,000 net reduction to additional paid-in capital and accumulated hypothetical tax benefits, which primarily represents the reversal of unrealized deferred tax assets associated with certain vested equity-classified stock-based awards that expired during the respective period.
	Stock Options
	The following table summarizes the Plan's activity during the six months ended January 31, 2015:
			Awards			Weighted Average				Weighted Average		Aggregate
			(in Shares)			Exercise Price				Remaining Contractual		Intrinsic Value
										Term (Years)
	Outstanding at July 31, 2014		2,132,896			$	28.17
	Granted		253,000			33.94
	Expired/canceled		(9,900	)		29.1
	Exercised		(146,963	)		26.43
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014		2,229,033			28.94
	Granted		154,025			33.76
	Expired/canceled		(10,800	)		29.2
	Exercised		(137,525	)		28.06
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015		2,234,733			$	29.32			7.23		$	8,645,000
	Exercisable at January 31, 2015		722,743			$	28.24			5.19		$	3,469,000
	Vested and expected to vest at January 31, 2015		2,063,199			$	29.29			7.16		$	7,745,000
	Stock options outstanding as of January 31, 2015 have exercise prices ranging between $24.35 - $33.94. The total intrinsic value relating to stock options exercised during the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $806,000 and $391,000, respectively. The total intrinsic value relating to stock options exercised during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,959,000 and $432,000, respectively. Stock options granted during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 had exercise prices equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, a contractual term of ten years and a vesting period of five years. There were no SARs granted or exercised during the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014.
	During the six months ended January 31, 2015, at the election of certain holders of vested stock options, 280,288 stock options were net settled upon exercise. As a result, 45,989 net shares of our common stock were issued after reduction of shares retained to satisfy the exercise price and minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. There were no net settlements of stock options during the six months ended January 31, 2014.
The estimated per-share weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 was $6.46 and $6.14, respectively, and $6.26 and $5.50, respectively, during the three and six months ended January 31, 2014, which was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and included the following weighted average assumptions:
		Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
		2015			2014			2015			2014
Expected dividend yield		3.55	%		3.84	%		3.54	%		4.03	%
Expected volatility		29.98	%		32	%		28.13	%		32.85	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.36	%		1.5	%		1.61	%		1.39	%
Expected life (years)		5.48			5.31			5.45			5.44
Expected dividend yield is the expected annual dividend as a percentage of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, based on our Board's annual dividend target at the time of grant, which was $1.20 per share for grants in the three and six months ended January 31, 2015. We estimate expected volatility by considering the historical volatility of our stock, the implied volatility of publicly-traded call options on our stock and our expectations of volatility for the expected life of stock options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for an instrument which closely approximates the expected term. The expected term is the number of years we estimate that awards will be outstanding prior to exercise and is determined by employee groups with sufficiently distinct behavior patterns. Assumptions used in computing the fair value of stock-based awards reflect our best estimates, but involve uncertainties relating to market and other conditions, many of which are outside of our control. Estimates of fair value are not intended to predict actual future events or the value ultimately realized by recipients of stock-based awards.
Performance Shares, RSUs, Restricted Stock and Share Unit Awards
The following table summarizes the Plan's activity relating to performance shares, RSUs, restricted stock and share units:
		Awards			Weighted Average				Aggregate
		(in Shares)			Grant Date				Intrinsic Value
					Fair Value
Outstanding at July 31, 2014		180,097			$	26.2
Granted		60,378			33.97
Converted to common stock		(13,376	)		27.75
Forfeited		(248	)		31.44
Outstanding at October 31, 2014		226,851			28.17
Granted		5,916			33.94
Converted to common stock		—			—
Forfeited		(248	)		31.44
Outstanding at January 31, 2015		232,519			$	28.31			$	7,682,000
Vested at January 31, 2015		23,308			$	27.09			$	770,000
Vested and expected to vest at January 31, 2015		203,485			$	28.31			$	6,723,000
The total intrinsic value relating to fully-vested awards converted into our common stock during the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $504,000 and $110,000, respectively. Performance shares granted to employees prior to fiscal 2014 vest over a 5.3 year period, beginning on the date of grant if pre-established performance goals are attained, and are convertible into shares of our common stock generally at the time of vesting, on a one-for-one basis for no cash consideration. The performance shares granted to employees since fiscal 2014 principally vest over a three year performance period, if pre-established performance goals are attained or as specified pursuant to the Plan and related agreement. As of January 31, 2015, the number of outstanding performance shares included in the above table, and the related compensation expense prior to consideration of estimated pre-vesting forfeitures, assume achievement of the pre-established goals at a target level. During the six months ended January 31, 2015, our Board of Directors determined that the pre-established performance goals for performance shares granted in fiscal 2013 had been attained, and as a result, the first tranche of 5,568 performance shares vested and converted into 4,149 shares of our common stock, after reduction of shares retained to satisfy deferral requirements.
RSUs and restricted stock granted to non-employee directors have a vesting period of three years and are convertible into shares of our common stock generally at the time of termination, on a one-for-one basis for no cash consideration, or earlier under certain circumstances. RSUs granted to employees have a vesting period of five years and are convertible into shares of our common stock generally at the time of vesting, on a one-for-one basis for no cash consideration.
Share units are vested when issued and are convertible into shares of our common stock generally at the time of termination, on a one-for-one basis for no cash consideration, or earlier under certain circumstances. No share units granted to date have been converted into common stock.
The fair value of performance shares, RSUs, restricted stock and share units is determined using the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant, less the present value of any estimated future dividend equivalents such awards are not entitled to receive. RSUs and performance shares granted in fiscal 2012 are not entitled to dividend equivalents. RSUs, performance shares and restricted stock granted in fiscal 2013, 2014 and 2015 are entitled to dividend equivalents unless forfeited before vesting occurs; however, performance shares granted in fiscal 2013 were not entitled to such dividend equivalents until our Board of Directors determined that the pre-established performance goals were met. Share units granted prior to fiscal 2014 are not entitled to dividend equivalents. Share units granted beginning in fiscal 2014 are entitled to dividend equivalents while the underlying shares are unissued.
Dividend equivalents are subject to forfeiture, similar to the terms of the underlying stock-based awards, and are payable in cash generally at the time of conversion of the underlying shares into our common stock. During the six months ended January 31, 2015, we accrued $113,000 of dividend equivalents and paid out $5,000. As of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014, accrued dividend equivalents were $224,000 and $116,000, respectively. Such amounts were recorded as a reduction to retained earnings.

Customer_and_Geographic_Inform

Customer and Geographic Information	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Customer and Geographic Information	Customer and Geographic Information
	Sales by geography and customer type, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, are as follows:
		Three months ended January 31,				Six months ended January 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	United States
	U.S. government	27.5	%	31.2	%	26.2	%	28.4	%
	Commercial	11.7	%	11.3	%	12.8	%	14.3	%
	Total United States	39.2	%	42.5	%	39	%	42.7	%
	International
	North African country	15	%	13.7	%	14.8	%	13.1	%
	Other international	45.8	%	43.8	%	46.2	%	44.2	%
	Total International	60.8	%	57.5	%	61	%	57.3	%
	Sales to U.S. government end customers include the Department of Defense ("DoD") and intelligence and civilian agencies, as well as sales directly to or through prime contractors.
	International sales for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 (which include sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that will be sold to international customers) were $49,768,000 and $49,144,000, respectively. International sales for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 (which include sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that will be sold to international customers) were $96,524,000 and $96,684,000, respectively.
	Sales to a U.S. prime contractor customer represented approximately 14.4% of consolidated net sales for both the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 13.5% and 13.0% for the three and six months ended January 31, 2014, respectively. Almost all of these sales related to our North African country end-customer.
	For the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014, no other customer or individual country (including sales to U.S. domestic companies for inclusion in products that will be sold to a foreign country) represented more than 10% of consolidated net sales.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information
	Reportable operating segments are determined based on Comtech’s management approach. The management approach, as defined by FASB ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” is based on the way that the chief operating decision-maker organizes the segments within an enterprise for making decisions about resources to be allocated and assessing their performance. Our chief operating decision-makers are our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Chairman.
	While our results of operations are primarily reviewed on a consolidated basis, the chief operating decision-makers also manage the enterprise in three operating segments: (i) telecommunications transmission, (ii) RF microwave amplifiers, and (iii) mobile data communications.
	Telecommunications transmission products include satellite earth station products (such as analog and digital modems, frequency converters, power amplifiers, transceivers and voice gateways) and over-the-horizon microwave communications products and systems (such as digital troposcatter modems).
	RF microwave amplifier products include traveling wave tube amplifiers and solid-state, high-power narrow and broadband amplifier products that use the microwave and radio frequency spectrums.
	Mobile data communications products and services substantially relate to our support of the U.S. Army's BFT-1 and MTS programs, which are currently in a sustainment mode. We currently perform engineering services and satellite network operations on a cost-plus-fixed fee basis and program management services on a firm-fixed-price basis and we license certain of our intellectual property to the U.S. Army.
	Corporate management defines and reviews segment profitability based on the same allocation methodology as presented in the segment data tables below:
		Three months ended January 31, 2015
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	53,867,000		21,646,000		6,289,000		—		$	81,802,000
	Operating income (loss)	11,049,000			969,000		2,709,000		(4,104,000	)	10,623,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(26,000		)	(7,000	)	3,000		120,000		90,000
	Interest expense	69,000			—		—		—		69,000
	Depreciation and amortization	2,196,000			906,000		72,000		1,069,000		4,243,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	742,000			582,000		60,000		14,000		1,398,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2015	240,413,000			92,918,000		6,002,000		132,154,000		471,487,000
		Three months ended January 31, 2014
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	56,521,000		22,041,000		6,937,000		—		$	85,499,000
	Operating income (loss)	10,268,000			1,077,000		3,273,000		(3,446,000	)	11,172,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(18,000		)	(13,000	)	3,000		256,000		228,000
	Interest expense (income)	61,000			—		(3,000	)	1,940,000		1,998,000
	Depreciation and amortization	2,231,000			945,000		63,000		1,085,000		4,324,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	1,981,000			163,000		246,000		7,000		2,397,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2014	244,478,000			90,733,000		7,114,000		312,889,000		655,214,000
		Six months ended January 31, 2015
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	105,223,000		40,410,000		12,560,000		—		$	158,193,000
	Operating income (loss)	19,215,000			2,032,000		5,576,000		(7,981,000	)	18,842,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(55,000		)	(25,000	)	6,000		248,000		174,000
	Interest expense	136,000			—		—		198,000		334,000
	Depreciation and amortization	4,409,000			1,785,000		142,000		2,413,000		8,749,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	1,280,000			674,000		144,000		47,000		2,145,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2015	240,413,000			92,918,000		6,002,000		132,154,000		471,487,000
		Six months ended January 31, 2014
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	110,886,000		42,238,000		15,743,000		—		$	168,867,000
	Operating income (loss)	19,197,000			1,668,000		7,379,000		(6,973,000	)	21,271,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(12,000		)	(18,000	)	6,000		525,000		501,000
	Interest expense (income)	120,000			—		(3,000	)	3,899,000		4,016,000
	Depreciation and amortization	4,490,000			1,888,000		137,000		2,048,000		8,563,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	2,914,000			257,000		246,000		7,000		3,424,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2014	244,478,000			90,733,000		7,114,000		312,889,000		655,214,000
	Unallocated expenses result from such corporate expenses as executive compensation, accounting, legal and other regulatory compliance related costs. In addition, unallocated expenses for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 include $1,061,000 and $2,398,000, respectively, and $1,069,000 and $2,016,000, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense. Interest expense for the three and six months ended January 31, 2014 primarily reflects interest on our 3.0% convertible senior notes which were settled in May 2014. Interest expense for both the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 includes interest on a committed $100,000,000 secured revolving credit facility that expired on October 31, 2014 and amortization of deferred financing costs, neither of which is allocated to the operating segments. Depreciation and amortization includes amortization of stock-based compensation. In addition, unallocated expenses for the six months ended January 31, 2015 include $585,000 of expenses related to our strategic alternatives analysis which we concluded in December 2014. There were no such expenses during the three months ended January 31, 2015 or the three and six months ended January 31, 2014. Unallocated assets at January 31, 2015 consist principally of cash and deferred tax assets.
	Substantially all of our long-lived assets are located in the U.S.
	Intersegment sales for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 by the telecommunications transmission segment to the RF microwave amplifiers segment were $720,000 and $464,000, respectively. Intersegment sales for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 by the telecommunications transmission segment to the RF microwave amplifiers segment were $1,009,000 and $765,000, respectively.
	Intersegment sales for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 by the telecommunications transmission segment to the mobile data communications segment were $141,000 and $134,000, respectively. Intersegment sales for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 by the telecommunications transmission segment to the mobile data communications segment were $337,000 and $172,000, respectively.
	Intersegment sales for the three and six months ended January 31, 2014 by the RF microwave amplifiers segment to the telecommunications transmission segment were $68,000 and $134,000, respectively. There were no intersegment sales for the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 by the RF microwave amplifiers segment to the telecommunications transmission segment.
	All intersegment sales have been eliminated from the tables above.

Goodwill

Goodwill	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Telecommunications		RF Microwave	Mobile Data		Total
		Transmission		Amplifiers	Communications
	Goodwill	$	107,779,000	29,575,000	13,249,000		$	150,603,000
	Accumulated impairment	—		—	(13,249,000	)	(13,249,000		)
	Balance	$	107,779,000	29,575,000	—		$	137,354,000
	In accordance with FASB ASC 350, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other,” we perform a goodwill impairment analysis at least annually (in the first quarter of each fiscal year), unless indicators of impairment exist in interim periods.
	On August 1, 2014 (the first day of our fiscal 2015), we performed a qualitative assessment (commonly referred to as a "Step Zero" test) to determine if it was more likely than not that the fair value of each of our reporting units with goodwill exceeded its carrying value. In making this assessment, we evaluated overall business and macroeconomic conditions since the date of our last quantitative assessment, which was on August 1, 2013. We also considered in our qualitative assessment, among other things, expectations of projected revenues and cash flows, assumptions impacting the weighted average cost of capital, trends in market multiples, changes in our stock price and changes in the carrying values of our reporting units with goodwill. In addition, we also considered that our last quantitative assessment utilized sensitized revenue projections to account for our belief that global business conditions are expected to be volatile over the projected period. Based on this evaluation, we concluded that our goodwill was likely not impaired and we did not perform a quantitative Step One assessment. In the future, we will either perform a qualitative Step Zero assessment or a quantitative Step One assessment. A quantitative Step One assessment involves determining the fair value of each reporting unit using market participant assumptions. If we believe that the carrying value of a reporting unit with goodwill exceeds its estimated fair value, we will perform a quantitative Step Two assessment. Step Two compares the carrying value of the reporting unit to the fair value of all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit (including any unrecognized intangibles) as if the reporting unit was acquired in a business combination. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of its goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess.
	For purposes of reviewing impairment and the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets, each of our three operating segments constitutes a reporting unit and we must make various assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors in determining the fair values of the reporting unit.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, our Board of Directors named a new President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding our former President and Chief Executive Officer who will continue to serve the Company during the next year as Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors. Our new President and Chief Executive Officer was, and continues to be, a member of our Board of Directors. The annual goodwill impairment assessment is based on several factors requiring judgment and is based on how our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Executive Chairman manage the business.
	During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we also experienced a significant slow-down in bookings for our satellite earth station products in many geographic regions, in particular Russia and certain Middle Eastern countries. We believe that order flow from our customers in certain oil producing countries was negatively impacted by volatile business conditions including the continuing decline in oil prices and the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, the currency in which virtually all of our sales are denominated. Both lower oil prices and a stronger U.S. dollar lower the purchasing power of many of our international customers. We believe that the slow-down in bookings we experienced during the second quarter is temporary and our pipeline of opportunities is strong.
	If assumed revenue growth is not achieved in future periods, our telecommunications transmission and RF microwave amplifiers reporting units could be at risk of failing Step One of the goodwill impairment test and goodwill and intangibles assigned to the respective reporting units could be written off. If our estimates or related assumptions change or other events and circumstances change (e.g., a sustained decrease in the price of our common stock (considered on both absolute terms and relative to peers) or if we change our future reporting unit structure)), we may be required to record impairment charges in future periods.
	It is possible that, during the second half of fiscal 2015, business conditions (both in the U.S. and internationally) could deteriorate from the current state and our current or prospective customers could materially postpone, reduce or even forgo purchases of our products and services to a greater extent than we currently anticipate. A significant decline in defense spending that is greater than we anticipate or a shift in funding priorities may also have a negative effect on future orders, sales, income and cash flows and we might be required to perform a Step One interim goodwill impairment test during the second half of fiscal 2015. In any event, we are required to perform the next annual goodwill impairment analysis on August 1, 2015 (the start of our fiscal 2016). Any impairment charges that we may record in the future could be material to our results of operations and financial condition.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets with finite lives as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014 are as follows:
		January 31, 2015
		Weighted Average	Gross Carrying		Accumulated	Net Carrying
		Amortization Period	Amount		Amortization	Amount
	Technologies	11.8	$	47,370,000	37,768,000	$	9,602,000
	Customer relationships	10	29,831,000		19,506,000	10,325,000
	Trademarks and other	20	5,794,000		2,622,000	3,172,000
	Total		$	82,995,000	59,896,000	$	23,099,000
		July 31, 2014
		Weighted Average	Gross Carrying		Accumulated	Net Carrying
		Amortization Period	Amount		Amortization	Amount
	Technologies	11.8	$	47,370,000	36,240,000	$	11,130,000
	Customer relationships	10	29,831,000		18,031,000	11,800,000
	Trademarks and other	20	5,794,000		2,504,000	3,290,000
	Total		$	82,995,000	56,775,000	$	26,220,000
	The weighted average amortization period in the above table excludes fully amortized intangible assets.
	Amortization expense for the three months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1,560,000 and $1,582,000, respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended January 31, 2015 and 2014 was $3,121,000 and $3,164,000, respectively.
	The estimated amortization expense for the fiscal years ending July 31, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 is $6,211,000, $4,962,000, $4,782,000, $4,782,000 and $862,000, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Stock Repurchase Program
	During the six months ended January 31, 2014, we repurchased 935,992 shares of our common stock in open-market transactions with an average price per share of $31.10 and at an aggregate cost of $29,107,000 (including transaction costs). There were no repurchases of our common stock during the six months ended January 31, 2015.
	As of January 31, 2015 and March 10, 2015, we were authorized to repurchase up to an additional $13,650,000 of our common stock, pursuant to our current $100,000,000 stock repurchase program. Our stock repurchase program has no time restrictions and repurchases may be made in open-market or privately negotiated transactions and may be made pursuant to SEC Rule 10b5-1 trading plans.
	Dividends
	Since September 2010, we have paid quarterly dividends pursuant to an annual targeted dividend amount established by our Board of Directors which, commencing December 9, 2013, was set at $1.20 per common share.
	During the six months ended January 31, 2015, our Board of Directors declared quarterly dividends of $0.30 per common share on October 9, 2014 and December 10, 2014, which were paid to stockholders on November 19, 2014 and February 18, 2015, respectively.
	On March 11, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.30 per common share, payable on May 21, 2015, to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 22, 2015.

Legal_Proceedings_and_Other_Ma

Legal Proceedings and Other Matters	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Legal Proceedings and Other Matters	Legal Proceedings and Other Matters
	U.S. Government Investigations
	In June 2012, certain officers and employees of the Company received subpoenas issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (“EDNY”) seeking certain documents and records relating to Fred Kornberg who was then our Chief Executive Officer and is currently our Executive Chairman. Although the EDNY subpoenas made no specific allegations, we believe the subpoenas related to a grand jury investigation stemming from Mr. Kornberg's contacts with a scientific attaché to the Israeli Purchasing Mission in the United States who Mr. Kornberg met in connection with the sale of our equipment to the State of Israel during the 1980's. This scientific attaché was later alleged to have conducted intelligence operations in the U.S. In August 2012, we were informed by the U.S. government that Mr. Kornberg's security clearance was suspended. At that time, in order to maintain our qualification for government contracts requiring facility security clearance, we made certain internal organizational realignments that have remained in place. Those changes restrict access to classified information to other Comtech senior executives, management and other employees who maintain the required level of clearance.
	Separately, in connection with an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) into trading in securities of CPI International, Inc. (“CPI”), in March and April 2012, we and Mr. Kornberg received subpoenas from the SEC for documents concerning transactions in CPI stock by Mr. Kornberg and other persons (including one subsidiary employee). Mr. Kornberg purchased CPI stock in November 2010 which was after the September 2010 termination of our May 2010 agreement to acquire CPI. The independent members of our Board of Directors have monitored these matters with the assistance of independent counsel.
	We and Mr. Kornberg have cooperated with the U.S. government regarding the above matters and have not been contacted by the government with respect to either matter since September 2012.
	The outcome of any investigation is inherently difficult, if not impossible, to predict. However, based on our work to date in respect of the subpoenas in each matter, we do not believe that it is likely that either investigation will result in a legal proceeding against Mr. Kornberg or the Company. If either of these investigations results in a legal proceeding, it could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
	Other Proceedings
	There are certain other pending and threatened legal actions which arise in the normal course of business. Although the ultimate outcome of litigation is difficult to accurately predict, we believe that the outcome of these other pending and threatened actions will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of numerators and denominators used in basic and diluted EPS calculations	The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators used in the basic and diluted EPS calculations:
		Three months ended January 31,			Six months ended January 31,
		2015		2014	2015	2014
	Numerator:
	Net income for basic calculation	$	7,585,000	5,983,000	12,810,000	11,288,000
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Interest expense (net of tax) on 3.0% convertible senior notes	—		1,117,000	—	2,234,000
	Numerator for diluted calculation	$	7,585,000	7,100,000	12,810,000	13,522,000
	Denominator:
	Denominator for basic calculation	16,241,000		15,970,000	16,229,000	16,212,000
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock-based awards	264,000		287,000	281,000	141,000
	Conversion of 3.0% convertible senior notes	—		6,230,000	—	6,199,000
	Denominator for diluted calculation	16,505,000		22,487,000	16,510,000	22,552,000

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accounts Receivable Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts receivable	Accounts receivable consist of the following at:
		January 31, 2015		July 31, 2014
	Billed receivables from commercial customers	$	36,759,000	31,681,000
	Billed receivables from the U.S. government and its agencies	10,285,000		10,316,000
	Unbilled receivables on contracts-in-progress	22,552,000		13,517,000
	Total accounts receivable	69,596,000		55,514,000
	Less allowance for doubtful accounts	700,000		627,000
	Accounts receivable, net	$	68,896,000	54,887,000

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories consist of the following at:
		January 31, 2015		July 31, 2014
	Raw materials and components	$	53,236,000	50,423,000
	Work-in-process and finished goods	30,360,000		27,218,000
	Total inventories	83,596,000		77,641,000
	Less reserve for excess and obsolete inventories	16,124,000		16,309,000
	Inventories, net	$	67,472,000	61,332,000

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur1

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following at:
		January 31, 2015			July 31, 2014
	Accrued wages and benefits	$	10,278,000		12,410,000
	Accrued warranty obligations	8,295,000			8,618,000
	Accrued commissions and royalties	3,322,000			3,215,000
	Other	5,664,000			5,560,000
	Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$	27,559,000		29,803,000
Product warranty rollforward	Changes in our product warranty liability were as follows:
		Six months ended January 31,
		2015			2014
	Balance at beginning of period	$	8,618,000		7,797,000
	Provision for warranty obligations	1,992,000			3,548,000
	Charges incurred	(2,315,000		)	(3,054,000	)
	Balance at end of period	$	8,295,000		8,291,000

Radyne_AcquisitionRelated_Rest1

Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Radyne Acquisition Related Restructuring Plan [Abstract]
Determination of estimated facility exit costs table	The remaining estimated amounts relate to facility exit costs and were determined as follows:
		At August 1, 2008
	Total non-cancelable lease obligations	$	12,741,000
	Less: Estimated sublease income	8,600,000
	Total net estimated facility exit costs	4,141,000
	Less: Interest expense to be accreted	2,041,000
	Present value of estimated facility exit costs	$	2,100,000
Summary of acquisition-related restructuring liabilities	As of January 31, 2015, the amount of the acquisition-related restructuring reserve is as follows:
		Cumulative
		Activity Through
		31-Jan-15
	Present value of estimated facility exit costs at August 1, 2008	$	2,100,000
	Cash payments made	(6,946,000		)
	Cash payments received	7,629,000
	Accreted interest recorded	1,218,000
	Net liability as of January 31, 2015	4,001,000
	Amount recorded as accrued expenses and other current liabilities	34,000
	in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Amount recorded as other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	$	3,967,000
Summary of future cash payments associated with estimated facility exit costs	Future cash payments associated with our restructuring plan are summarized below:
		As of
		January 31, 2015
	Future lease payments to be made in excess of anticipated sublease payments	$	4,001,000
	Interest expense to be accreted in future periods	822,000
	Total remaining net cash payments	$	4,823,000

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock-based Awards Outstanding by Award Type	As of January 31, 2015, the following stock-based awards, by award type, were outstanding:
		January 31, 2015
	Stock options	2,234,733
	Performance shares	173,341
	RSUs and restricted stock	50,675
	Share units	8,503
	Total	2,467,252
Stock-based compensation for awards detailing where recorded in Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations	Stock-based compensation for awards issued is reflected in the following line items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
			Three months ended January 31,							Six months ended January 31,
			2015				2014			2015			2014
	Cost of sales		$	66,000			84,000			133,000			137,000
	Selling, general and administrative expenses		856,000				832,000			1,958,000			1,603,000
	Research and development expenses		139,000				153,000			307,000			276,000
	Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		1,061,000				1,069,000			2,398,000			2,016,000
	Estimated income tax benefit		(383,000		)		(403,000	)		(851,000	)		(749,000	)
	Net stock-based compensation expense		$	678,000			666,000			1,547,000			1,267,000
Summary of net stock-based compensation expense by award type	Stock-based compensation expense, by award type, is summarized as follows:
			Three months ended January 31,							Six months ended January 31,
			2015				2014			2015			2014
	Stock options		$	731,000			719,000			1,489,000			1,367,000
	Performance shares		167,000				230,000			575,000			407,000
	ESPP		53,000				43,000			106,000			88,000
	RSUs and restricted stock		96,000				68,000			200,000			136,000
	Share units		14,000				6,000			28,000			12,000
	Equity-classified stock-based compensation expense		1,061,000				1,066,000			2,398,000			2,010,000
	Liability-classified stock-based compensation expense (SARs)		—				3,000			—			6,000
	Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit		1,061,000				1,069,000			2,398,000			2,016,000
	Estimated income tax benefit		(383,000		)		(403,000	)		(851,000	)		(749,000	)
	Net stock-based compensation expense		$	678,000			666,000			1,547,000			1,267,000
Components of actual Income tax benefit recognized for tax deductions relating to settlement of stock-based awards	The following table reconciles the actual income tax benefit recognized for tax deductions relating to the settlement of stock-based awards to the excess income tax benefit reported as a cash flow from financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
			Six months ended January 31,
			2015				2014
	Actual income tax benefit recorded for the tax deductions relating to the settlement of stock-based awards		$	941,000			174,000
	Less: Tax benefit initially recognized on settled stock-based awards vesting subsequent to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards		803,000				145,000
	Excess income tax benefit recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital		138,000				29,000
	Less: Tax benefit initially disclosed but not previously recognized on settled equity-classified stock-based awards vesting prior to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards		—				13,000
	Excess income tax benefit from settled equity-classified stock-based awards reported as a cash flow from financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		$	138,000			16,000
Summary of the Plan's activity relating to stock options	The following table summarizes the Plan's activity during the six months ended January 31, 2015:
			Awards			Weighted Average				Weighted Average		Aggregate
			(in Shares)			Exercise Price				Remaining Contractual		Intrinsic Value
										Term (Years)
	Outstanding at July 31, 2014		2,132,896			$	28.17
	Granted		253,000			33.94
	Expired/canceled		(9,900	)		29.1
	Exercised		(146,963	)		26.43
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014		2,229,033			28.94
	Granted		154,025			33.76
	Expired/canceled		(10,800	)		29.2
	Exercised		(137,525	)		28.06
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015		2,234,733			$	29.32			7.23		$	8,645,000
	Exercisable at January 31, 2015		722,743			$	28.24			5.19		$	3,469,000
	Vested and expected to vest at January 31, 2015		2,063,199			$	29.29			7.16		$	7,745,000
Certain weighted average assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock-based awards	The estimated per-share weighted average grant-date fair value of stock options granted during the three and six months ended January 31, 2015 was $6.46 and $6.14, respectively, and $6.26 and $5.50, respectively, during the three and six months ended January 31, 2014, which was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and included the following weighted average assumptions:
			Three months ended January 31,						Six months ended January 31,
			2015			2014			2015			2014
	Expected dividend yield		3.55	%		3.84	%		3.54	%		4.03	%
	Expected volatility		29.98	%		32	%		28.13	%		32.85	%
	Risk-free interest rate		1.36	%		1.5	%		1.61	%		1.39	%
	Expected life (years)		5.48			5.31			5.45			5.44
Summary of the Plan's activity relating to performance shares, RSUs, restricted stock and share units	The following table summarizes the Plan's activity relating to performance shares, RSUs, restricted stock and share units:
			Awards			Weighted Average				Aggregate
			(in Shares)			Grant Date				Intrinsic Value
						Fair Value
	Outstanding at July 31, 2014		180,097			$	26.2
	Granted		60,378			33.97
	Converted to common stock		(13,376	)		27.75
	Forfeited		(248	)		31.44
	Outstanding at October 31, 2014		226,851			28.17
	Granted		5,916			33.94
	Converted to common stock		—			—
	Forfeited		(248	)		31.44
	Outstanding at January 31, 2015		232,519			$	28.31			$	7,682,000
	Vested at January 31, 2015		23,308			$	27.09			$	770,000
	Vested and expected to vest at January 31, 2015		203,485			$	28.31			$	6,723,000

Customer_and_Geographic_Inform1

Customer and Geographic Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Schedule of net sales, as a percentage, by geography and customer type	Sales by geography and customer type, as a percentage of consolidated net sales, are as follows:
		Three months ended January 31,				Six months ended January 31,
		2015		2014		2015		2014
	United States
	U.S. government	27.5	%	31.2	%	26.2	%	28.4	%
	Commercial	11.7	%	11.3	%	12.8	%	14.3	%
	Total United States	39.2	%	42.5	%	39	%	42.7	%
	International
	North African country	15	%	13.7	%	14.8	%	13.1	%
	Other international	45.8	%	43.8	%	46.2	%	44.2	%
	Total International	60.8	%	57.5	%	61	%	57.3	%

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment information	Corporate management defines and reviews segment profitability based on the same allocation methodology as presented in the segment data tables below:
		Three months ended January 31, 2015
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	53,867,000		21,646,000		6,289,000		—		$	81,802,000
	Operating income (loss)	11,049,000			969,000		2,709,000		(4,104,000	)	10,623,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(26,000		)	(7,000	)	3,000		120,000		90,000
	Interest expense	69,000			—		—		—		69,000
	Depreciation and amortization	2,196,000			906,000		72,000		1,069,000		4,243,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	742,000			582,000		60,000		14,000		1,398,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2015	240,413,000			92,918,000		6,002,000		132,154,000		471,487,000
		Three months ended January 31, 2014
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	56,521,000		22,041,000		6,937,000		—		$	85,499,000
	Operating income (loss)	10,268,000			1,077,000		3,273,000		(3,446,000	)	11,172,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(18,000		)	(13,000	)	3,000		256,000		228,000
	Interest expense (income)	61,000			—		(3,000	)	1,940,000		1,998,000
	Depreciation and amortization	2,231,000			945,000		63,000		1,085,000		4,324,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	1,981,000			163,000		246,000		7,000		2,397,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2014	244,478,000			90,733,000		7,114,000		312,889,000		655,214,000
		Six months ended January 31, 2015
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	105,223,000		40,410,000		12,560,000		—		$	158,193,000
	Operating income (loss)	19,215,000			2,032,000		5,576,000		(7,981,000	)	18,842,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(55,000		)	(25,000	)	6,000		248,000		174,000
	Interest expense	136,000			—		—		198,000		334,000
	Depreciation and amortization	4,409,000			1,785,000		142,000		2,413,000		8,749,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	1,280,000			674,000		144,000		47,000		2,145,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2015	240,413,000			92,918,000		6,002,000		132,154,000		471,487,000
		Six months ended January 31, 2014
		Telecommunications			RF Microwave		Mobile Data		Unallocated		Total
		Transmission			Amplifiers		Communications
	Net sales	$	110,886,000		42,238,000		15,743,000		—		$	168,867,000
	Operating income (loss)	19,197,000			1,668,000		7,379,000		(6,973,000	)	21,271,000
	Interest income and other (expense)	(12,000		)	(18,000	)	6,000		525,000		501,000
	Interest expense (income)	120,000			—		(3,000	)	3,899,000		4,016,000
	Depreciation and amortization	4,490,000			1,888,000		137,000		2,048,000		8,563,000
	Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	2,914,000			257,000		246,000		7,000		3,424,000
	Total assets at January 31, 2014	244,478,000			90,733,000		7,114,000		312,889,000		655,214,000

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Goodwill [Abstract]
Schedule of goodwill by segment	The carrying amount of goodwill by segment as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014 are as follows:
		Telecommunications		RF Microwave	Mobile Data		Total
		Transmission		Amplifiers	Communications
	Goodwill	$	107,779,000	29,575,000	13,249,000		$	150,603,000
	Accumulated impairment	—		—	(13,249,000	)	(13,249,000		)
	Balance	$	107,779,000	29,575,000	—		$	137,354,000

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets with finite lives	Intangible assets with finite lives as of January 31, 2015 and July 31, 2014 are as follows:
		January 31, 2015
		Weighted Average	Gross Carrying		Accumulated	Net Carrying
		Amortization Period	Amount		Amortization	Amount
	Technologies	11.8	$	47,370,000	37,768,000	$	9,602,000
	Customer relationships	10	29,831,000		19,506,000	10,325,000
	Trademarks and other	20	5,794,000		2,622,000	3,172,000
	Total		$	82,995,000	59,896,000	$	23,099,000
		July 31, 2014
		Weighted Average	Gross Carrying		Accumulated	Net Carrying
		Amortization Period	Amount		Amortization	Amount
	Technologies	11.8	$	47,370,000	36,240,000	$	11,130,000
	Customer relationships	10	29,831,000		18,031,000	11,800,000
	Trademarks and other	20	5,794,000		2,504,000	3,290,000
	Total		$	82,995,000	56,775,000	$	26,220,000

Fair_Value_Measurements_and_Fi1

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Amount invested in money market mutual funds disclosed at fair value	$3,129,000	$4,628,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income for basic calculation	$7,585,000	$5,983,000	$12,810,000	$11,288,000
Interest expense (net of tax) on 3.0% convertible senior notes	0	1,117,000	0	2,234,000
Numerator for diluted calculation	7,585,000	7,100,000	12,810,000	13,522,000
Denominator for basic calculation (in shares)	16,241,000	15,970,000	16,229,000	16,212,000
Dilutive effect on shares of stock-based awards (in shares)	264,000	287,000	281,000	141,000
Dilutive effect on shares of conversion of 3.0% convertible senior notes (in shares)	0	6,230,000	0	6,199,000
Denominator for diluted calculation (in shares)	16,505,000	22,487,000	16,510,000	22,552,000
Debt Instrument, Face Amount		$200,000,000		$200,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.00%		3.00%
Reduction in weighted average number of shares as a result of the repurchase of common shares		439,000		289,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0		0	935,992
Weighted average performance shares outstanding during the period that are excluded from EPS calculation	120,000	92,000	119,000	70,000
Stock-Based Awards
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive equity-classified stock-based awards not included in calculation of diluted earnings per share (in shares)	447,000	573,000	287,000	2,308,000

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Total accounts receivable	69,596,000	55,514,000
Less allowance for doubtful accounts	700,000	627,000
Accounts receivable, net	68,896,000	54,887,000
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Major customer | U.S. Prime Contractor
Percentage of total accounts receivable	37.10%	18.00%
Billed Receivables [Member] | Commercial Customers [Member]
Total accounts receivable	36,759,000	31,681,000
Billed Receivables [Member] | U.S. Government and Its Agencies [Member]
Total accounts receivable	10,285,000	10,316,000
Unbilled Receivables on Contracts-In-Progress [Member]
Total accounts receivable	22,552,000	13,517,000
Unbilled receivables on contracts-in-progress due from U.S. government and its agencies	490,000	770,000
Retainage included in unbilled receivables	0	120,000
Unbilled Receivables on Contracts-In-Progress [Member] | Major customer | U.S. Prime Contractor
Unbilled receivable related to our large over-the-horizon microwave system contracts	21,164,000	9,990,000

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Raw materials and components	$53,236,000	$50,423,000
Work-in-process and finished goods	30,360,000	27,218,000
Total inventories	83,596,000	77,641,000
Less reserve for excess and obsolete inventories	16,124,000	16,309,000
Inventories, net	67,472,000	61,332,000
Inventory directly related to long-term contracts	4,139,000	1,000,000
Inventory related to contracts from third party commercial customers who outsource their manufacturing to us	517,000	654,000
ATIP Contract [Member]
Inventory directly related to long-term contracts	$1,728,000

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur2

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued wages and benefits	$10,278,000	$12,410,000
Accrued warranty obligations	8,295,000	8,618,000	8,291,000	7,797,000
Accrued commissions and royalties	3,322,000	3,215,000
Other	5,664,000	5,560,000
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$27,559,000	$29,803,000

Accrued_Expenses_and_Other_Cur3

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities (Product Warranty Rollforward) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Minimum coverage period of product warranty from the date of shipment	1 year
Changes in Product Warranty Liability
Accrued warranty obligations, as of the beginning of the period	$8,618,000	$7,797,000
Provision for warranty obligations	1,992,000	3,548,000
Charges incurred	-2,315,000	-3,054,000
Accrued warranty obligations, as of the end of the period	$8,295,000	$8,291,000

Radyne_AcquisitionRelated_Rest2

Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan - Summary of Radyne Acquisition Related Restructuring Plan (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2008	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2008
Radyne Acquisition Related Restructuring Plan [Abstract]
Business acquisition restructuring costs	$2,713,000
Business acquisition restructuring costs related to severance for employees	613,000
Total non-cancelable lease obligations	12,741,000
Less: Estimated sublease income	8,600,000
Total net estimated facility exit costs	4,141,000
Less: Interest expense to be accreted	2,041,000
Present value of estimated facility exit costs	$2,100,000	$4,001,000	$3,773,000	$2,100,000
Radyne lease expiration date	31-Oct-18
Radyne sublease expiration date	31-Oct-15

Radyne_AcquisitionRelated_Rest3

Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan - Activity of Facility Related Exit Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		75 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2008
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Present value of estimated facility-related exit costs, beginning balance			$3,773,000		$2,100,000	$2,100,000
Cash payments made			-550,000		-6,946,000
Cash payments received			643,000		7,629,000
Accreted interest recorded	69,000	61,000	135,000	120,000	1,218,000
Present value of estimated facility-related exit costs, ending balance	4,001,000		4,001,000		4,001,000	2,100,000
Amount recorded as accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	34,000		34,000		34,000
Amount recorded as other liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	$3,967,000		$3,967,000		$3,967,000

Radyne_AcquisitionRelated_Rest4

Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan - Details of Future Cash Payments (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2008	Jul. 31, 2008
Radyne Acquisition Related Restructuring Plan [Abstract]
Future lease payments to be made in excess of anticipated sublease payments	$4,001,000	$3,773,000	$2,100,000	$2,100,000
Interest expense to be accreted in future periods	822,000
Total remaining net cash payments	$4,823,000

Radyne_AcquisitionRelated_Rest5

Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan Radyne Acquisition-Related Restructuring Plan - Wind-Down of Microsatellite Product Line (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2015
Restructuring reserve, current	$34,000
Wind-Down of Microsatellite Product Line [Member]
Restructuring reserve, current	$229,000

Credit_Facility_Details

Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Uncommitted Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$15,000,000			$15,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, expiration date				31-Oct-15
Outstanding standby letters of credit at period end	2,268,000			2,268,000
Outstanding commercial letters of credit at period end	0			0
Committed Secured Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, maximum borrowing capacity		100,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, expiration date		31-Oct-14
Interest expense related to Credit Facility	$0		$167,000	$198,000	$353,000

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective income tax rate, continuing operations, excluding discrete adjustments	34.75%
Unrecognized tax benefits	$3,075,000	$2,743,000
Total unrecognized tax benefits recorded as non-current income taxes payable	1,980,000	2,743,000
Interest accrued relating to income taxes	57,000	40,000
Unrecognized tax benefits that would positively impact our effective tax rate, if recognized	2,373,000	2,152,000
Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 | Deferred Tax Liability Noncurrent
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement, effect of adoption, quantification	$1,095,000

StockBased_Compensation_Overvi

Stock-Based Compensation Overview (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Stock options
Stock-Based Awards Outstanding By Award Type (In Shares)
Number of stock-based awards outstanding at period end	2,234,733	2,229,033	2,132,896
2000 Stock Incentive Plan
2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Aggregate maximum number of shares of common stock which may be issued under stock option plan	8,962,500
Aggregate net number of stock-based awards granted	7,476,130
Aggregate number of stock based awards expired and canceled	2,804,962
Aggregate number of stock-based awards exercised	5,008,878
Stock-Based Awards Outstanding By Award Type (In Shares)
Number of total stock-based awards outstanding	2,467,252
2000 Stock Incentive Plan | Stock options
2000 Stock Incentive Plan
Maximum term for grants of incentive and non-qualified stock-based awards, excluding incentive stock-based awards granted to stockholders who own more than 10% of the voting power	10 years
Maximum term for incentive stock-based awards granted to stockholders who own more than 10% of the voting power	5 years
Percentage of a stockholder's voting power that limits the contractual term of an incentive stock-based award	10.00%
Stock-Based Awards Outstanding By Award Type (In Shares)
Number of stock-based awards outstanding at period end	2,234,733
2000 Stock Incentive Plan | Performance shares
Stock-Based Awards Outstanding By Award Type (In Shares)
Number of stock-based awards outstanding at period end	173,341
2000 Stock Incentive Plan | RSUs and restricted stock
Stock-Based Awards Outstanding By Award Type (In Shares)
Number of stock-based awards outstanding at period end	50,675
2000 Stock Incentive Plan | Share units
Stock-Based Awards Outstanding By Award Type (In Shares)
Number of stock-based awards outstanding at period end	8,503
2000 Stock Incentive Plan | SARs
Stock-Based Awards Outstanding By Award Type (In Shares)
Number of stock-based awards outstanding at period end	0		0
2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | Employee Stock Purchase Plan - ESPP
2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Total number of common shares reserved for issuance under employee stock purchase plan	675,000
Discount rate from market value, on purchase date, offered to employees participating in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)	85.00%
Total number of shares of common stock issued to employees under employee stock purchase plan and through the end of the reporting period	571,234

StockBased_Compensation_Expens

Stock-Based Compensation Expenses (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	$1,061,000	$1,069,000	$2,398,000	$2,016,000
Estimated income tax benefit	-383,000	-403,000	-851,000	-749,000
Net stock-based compensation expense	678,000	666,000	1,547,000	1,267,000
Total remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to the unvested stock-based awards	9,923,000		9,923,000
Estimated forfeitures related to unvested stock-based awards	821,000		821,000
Weighted average number of years net compensation cost is expected to be recognized over			3 years 1 month 6 days
Stock-based compensation capitalized and included in ending inventory	68,000		68,000		68,000
Stock Options
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	731,000	719,000	1,489,000	1,367,000
Performance Shares
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	167,000	230,000	575,000	407,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan - ESPP
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	53,000	43,000	106,000	88,000
Discount offered to employees participating in the ESPP as a percentage of market price			15.00%	15.00%
RSUs and restricted stock
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	96,000	68,000	200,000	136,000
Share units
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	14,000	6,000	28,000	12,000
Total equity-classified stock-based awards
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	1,061,000	1,066,000	2,398,000	2,010,000
SARs
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	0	3,000	0	6,000
Cost of sales
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	66,000	84,000	133,000	137,000
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	856,000	832,000	1,958,000	1,603,000
Research and development expenses
Stock-based Compensation Expenses
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit	$139,000	$153,000	$307,000	$276,000

StockBased_Compensation_Income

Stock-Based Compensation Income Tax Benefit From Stock-based Awards (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2005
Income Tax Benefits From Stock Based Awards [Abstract]
Actual income tax benefit recorded for the tax deductions relating to the settlement of stock-based awards	$941,000	$174,000
Less: Tax benefit initially recognized on settled stock-based awards vesting subsequent to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards	803,000	145,000
Excess income tax benefit recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital	138,000	29,000
Less: Tax benefit initially disclosed but not previously recognized on settled equity-classified stock-based awards vesting prior to the adoption of accounting standards that require us to expense stock-based awards	0	13,000
Excess income tax benefit from settled equity-classified stock-based awards reported as a cash flow from financing activities in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	138,000	16,000
Hypothetical tax benefits related to stock-based awards	17,413,000		17,574,000	8,593,000
Net reduction to APIC and accumulated hypothetical tax benefits	$161,000	$2,080,000

StockBased_Compensation_Stock_

Stock-Based Compensation Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Additional Disclosures
Targeted annual dividend per share	$1.20			$1.20
Stock Options
Awards (in Shares)
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	2,229,033	2,132,896		2,132,896
Granted	154,025	253,000
Expired/canceled	-10,800	-9,900
Exercised	-137,525	-146,963
Outstanding, Ending Balance	2,234,733	2,229,033		2,234,733
Exercisable, Ending Balance	722,743			722,743
Vested and Expected to Vest, Ending Balance	2,063,199			2,063,199
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$28.94	$28.17		$28.17
Granted	$33.76	$33.94
Expired/canceled	$29.20	$29.10
Exercised	$28.06	$26.43
Outstanding, Ending Balance	$29.32	$28.94		$29.32
Exercisable, Ending Balance	$28.24			$28.24
Vested and Expected to Vest, Ending Balance	$29.29			$29.29
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
Outstanding, Ending Balance				7 years 2 months 23 days
Exercisable, Ending Balance				5 years 2 months 9 days
Vested And Expected To Vest, Ending Balance				7 years 1 month 28 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, Ending Balance	$8,645,000			$8,645,000
Exercisable, Ending Balance	3,469,000			3,469,000
Vested and Expected to Vest, Ending Balance	7,745,000			7,745,000
Additional Disclosures
Exercise price, lower range limit				$24.35
Exercise price, upper range limit				$33.94
Total intrinsic value of stock-based awards settled	$806,000		$391,000	$1,959,000	$432,000
Contractual term (in years)				10 years	10 years
Vesting period (in years)				5 years	5 years
Vested Stock Based Awards Net Settled Upon Exercise				280,288	0
Stock Issued During The Period, Shares, Net Settlement Of Stock-Based Awards				45,989
Per share weighted average grant date fair value of stock based awards granted	$6.46		$6.26	$6.14	$5.50
Fair Value Assumptions
Expected dividend yield	3.55%		3.84%	3.54%	4.03%
Expected volatility	29.98%		32.00%	28.13%	32.85%
Risk-free interest rate	1.36%		1.50%	1.61%	1.39%
Expected life (years)	5 years 5 months 23 days		5 years 3 months 22 days	5 years 5 months 12 days	5 years 5 months 9 days
SARs
Awards (in Shares)
Granted				0	0
Exercised				0	0

StockBased_Compensation_Perfor

Stock-Based Compensation Performance Shares, RSUs, Restricted Stock and Share Unit Awards (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Additional Disclosures
Accrual of dividend equivalents	$113,000	$51,000
Carrying value at period end	69,151,000		69,151,000		76,927,000
Performance Shares, RSUs, Restricted Stock and Share Units
Awards (in Shares)
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	180,097		226,851	180,097
Granted			5,916	60,378
Converted to common stock			0	-13,376
Forfeited			-248	-248
Outstanding, Ending Balance	232,519		232,519	226,851
Vested, Ending Balance	23,308		23,308
Vested and Expected to Vest, Ending Balance	203,485		203,485
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$26.20		$28.17	$26.20
Granted			$33.94	$33.97
Converted to common stock			$0	$27.75
Forfeited			$31.44	$31.44
Outstanding, Ending Balance	$28.31		$28.31	$28.17
Vested, Ending Balance	$27.09		$27.09
Vested and Expected to Vest, Ending Balance	$28.31		$28.31
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, Ending Balance	7,682,000		7,682,000
Vested, Ending Balance	770,000
Vested and Expected to Vest, Ending Balance	6,723,000		6,723,000
Additional Disclosures
Total intrinsic value of stock-based awards settled	504,000	110,000
Performance Shares | Granted prior to fiscal 2014
Additional Disclosures
Vesting period (in years)	5 years 3 months 19 days
Performance Shares | Granted since fiscal 2014
Additional Disclosures
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Performance period (in years)	3 years
Performance Shares | Granted in fiscal 2013
Additional Disclosures
Vested	5,568
Converted into common stock, after reduction of shares retained to satisfy deferral requirements	4,149
RSUs and restricted stock | Non-Employee Director [Member]
Additional Disclosures
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
RSUs and restricted stock | Employees [Member]
Additional Disclosures
Vesting period (in years)	5 years
Share units
Awards (in Shares)
Converted to common stock	0
Dividend Equivalents
Additional Disclosures
Accrual of dividend equivalents	113,000
Dividend equivalents paid	5,000
Carrying value at period end	$224,000		$224,000		$116,000

Customer_and_Geographic_Inform2

Customer and Geographic Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Major customer
Revenues from External Customers
Minimum percentage of consolidated net sales sold to one customer or individual country requiring additional and separate disclosure	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
U.S. government
Revenues from External Customers
Percentage of revenue generated from external customer type	27.50%	31.20%	26.20%	28.40%
Commercial (United States)
Revenues from External Customers
Percentage of revenue generated from external customer type	11.70%	11.30%	12.80%	14.30%
Total United States
Revenues from External Customers
Percentage of revenue generated from external customer type	39.20%	42.50%	39.00%	42.70%
North African country
Revenues from External Customers
Percentage of revenue generated from external customer type	15.00%	13.70%	14.80%	13.10%
Other international
Revenues from External Customers
Percentage of revenue generated from external customer type	45.80%	43.80%	46.20%	44.20%
Total International
Revenues from External Customers
Percentage of revenue generated from external customer type	60.80%	57.50%	61.00%	57.30%
Revenue generated from external customers	49,768,000	49,144,000	96,524,000	96,684,000
U.S. Prime Contractor | Major customer | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Revenues from External Customers
Percentage of revenue generated from external customer type	14.40%	13.50%	14.40%	13.00%

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
	operating_segment	operating_segment	operating_segment	operating_segment	operating_segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable operating segments	3	3	3	3	3
Net sales	$81,802,000	$85,499,000	$158,193,000	$168,867,000
Operating income (loss)	10,623,000	11,172,000	18,842,000	21,271,000
Interest income and other (expense)	90,000	228,000	174,000	501,000
Interest expense (income)	69,000	1,998,000	334,000	4,016,000
Depreciation and amortization	4,243,000	4,324,000	8,749,000	8,563,000
Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	1,398,000	2,397,000	2,145,000	3,424,000
Total assets	471,487,000	655,214,000	471,487,000	655,214,000	473,852,000
Amortization of stock-based compensation	1,061,000	1,069,000	2,398,000	2,016,000
Telecommunications Transmission Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	53,867,000	56,521,000	105,223,000	110,886,000
Operating income (loss)	11,049,000	10,268,000	19,215,000	19,197,000
Interest income and other (expense)	-26,000	-18,000	-55,000	-12,000
Interest expense (income)	69,000	61,000	136,000	120,000
Depreciation and amortization	2,196,000	2,231,000	4,409,000	4,490,000
Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	742,000	1,981,000	1,280,000	2,914,000
Total assets	240,413,000	244,478,000	240,413,000	244,478,000
RF Microwave Amplifiers Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	21,646,000	22,041,000	40,410,000	42,238,000
Operating income (loss)	969,000	1,077,000	2,032,000	1,668,000
Interest income and other (expense)	-7,000	-13,000	-25,000	-18,000
Interest expense (income)	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	906,000	945,000	1,785,000	1,888,000
Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	582,000	163,000	674,000	257,000
Total assets	92,918,000	90,733,000	92,918,000	90,733,000
Mobile Data Communications Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	6,289,000	6,937,000	12,560,000	15,743,000
Operating income (loss)	2,709,000	3,273,000	5,576,000	7,379,000
Interest income and other (expense)	3,000	3,000	6,000	6,000
Interest expense (income)	0	-3,000	0	-3,000
Depreciation and amortization	72,000	63,000	142,000	137,000
Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	60,000	246,000	144,000	246,000
Total assets	6,002,000	7,114,000	6,002,000	7,114,000
Unallocated [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Operating income (loss)	-4,104,000	-3,446,000	-7,981,000	-6,973,000
Interest income and other (expense)	120,000	256,000	248,000	525,000
Interest expense (income)	0	1,940,000	198,000	3,899,000
Depreciation and amortization	1,069,000	1,085,000	2,413,000	2,048,000
Expenditure for long-lived assets, including intangibles	14,000	7,000	47,000	7,000
Total assets	132,154,000	312,889,000	132,154,000	312,889,000
Amortization of stock-based compensation	1,061,000	1,069,000	2,398,000	2,016,000
Expenses related to strategic alternatives analysis	0	0	585,000	0
Telecommunications Transmission Sales to RF Microwave Amplifiers [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intersegment sales	720,000	464,000	1,009,000	765,000
Telecommunications Transmissions Sales to Mobile Data Communications [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intersegment sales	141,000	134,000	337,000	172,000
Rf Microwave Amplifiers Sales To Telecommunications Transmission [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intersegment sales	$0	$68,000	$0	$134,000

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
	operating_segment	operating_segment	operating_segment	operating_segment	operating_segment
Goodwill [Line Items]
Number of reportable operating segments	3	3	3	3	3
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Goodwill gross	$150,603,000		$150,603,000		$150,603,000
Goodwill accumulated impairment	-13,249,000		-13,249,000		-13,249,000
Goodwill	137,354,000		137,354,000		137,354,000
Telecommunications Transmission Segment
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Goodwill gross	107,779,000		107,779,000		107,779,000
Goodwill accumulated impairment	0		0		0
Goodwill	107,779,000		107,779,000		107,779,000
RF Microwave Amplifiers Segment
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Goodwill gross	29,575,000		29,575,000		29,575,000
Goodwill accumulated impairment	0		0		0
Goodwill	29,575,000		29,575,000		29,575,000
Mobile Data Communications Segment
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss [Abstract]
Goodwill gross	13,249,000		13,249,000		13,249,000
Goodwill accumulated impairment	-13,249,000		-13,249,000		-13,249,000
Goodwill	$0		$0		$0

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$82,995,000		$82,995,000		$82,995,000
Accumulated amortization	59,896,000		59,896,000		56,775,000
Net carrying amount	23,099,000		23,099,000		26,220,000
Amortization of intangibles	1,560,000	1,582,000	3,121,000	3,164,000
Amortization expense - year one	6,211,000		6,211,000
Amortization expense - year two	4,962,000		4,962,000
Amortization expense - year three	4,782,000		4,782,000
Amortization expense - year four	4,782,000		4,782,000
Amortization expense - year five	862,000		862,000
Technologies [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period			11 years 9 months 18 days		11 years 9 months 18 days
Gross carrying amount	47,370,000		47,370,000		47,370,000
Accumulated amortization	37,768,000		37,768,000		36,240,000
Net carrying amount	9,602,000		9,602,000		11,130,000
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period			10 years 0 months 0 days		10 years 0 months 0 days
Gross carrying amount	29,831,000		29,831,000		29,831,000
Accumulated amortization	19,506,000		19,506,000		18,031,000
Net carrying amount	10,325,000		10,325,000		11,800,000
Trademarks and other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period			20 years 0 months 0 days		20 years 0 months 0 days
Gross carrying amount	5,794,000		5,794,000		5,794,000
Accumulated amortization	2,622,000		2,622,000		2,504,000
Net carrying amount	$3,172,000		$3,172,000		$3,290,000

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Mar. 10, 2015	Oct. 09, 2014	Dec. 10, 2014	Mar. 11, 2015
Stock Repurchase Program
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	0	0	935,992
Average price per share of shares repurchased on the open market			$31.10
Aggregate cost including transaction costs			$29,107,000
Maximum amount authorized by the Board of Directors for repurchases of the Company's common stock	100,000,000	100,000,000
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount	13,650,000	13,650,000
Dividends
Targeted annual dividend per share	$1.20	$1.20
Subsequent
Stock Repurchase Program
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount				$13,650,000
Quarterly Dividend - First
Dividends
Quarterly dividend payment amount per share					$0.30
Quarterly Dividend - Second
Dividends
Quarterly dividend payment amount per share						$0.30
Dividend Declared - Third | Subsequent
Dividends
Quarterly dividend payment amount per share							$0.30