Teledyne FLIR (FLIR) 10-Q 8 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FLIR SYSTEMS INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000354908	'
Trading Symbol	'FLIR	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	141,654,996

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$358,141	$332,230	$1,096,053	$1,018,973
Cost of goods sold	185,251	158,877	549,134	492,865
Gross profit	172,890	173,353	546,919	526,108
Operating expenses:	'	'	'	'
Research and development	32,986	29,593	109,271	103,674
Selling, general and administrative	76,365	69,523	234,706	219,181
Total operating expenses	109,351	99,116	343,977	322,855
Earnings from operations	63,539	74,237	202,942	203,253
Interest expense	3,696	3,096	10,361	8,930
Interest income	-256	-268	-721	-1,073
Other expense (income), net	53	2,175	-536	1,190
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	60,046	69,234	193,838	194,206
Income tax provision	13,560	13,285	45,558	47,027
Earnings from continuing operations	46,486	55,949	148,280	147,179
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	0	-44	0	-2,042
Net earnings	$46,486	$55,905	$148,280	$145,137
Basic earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.33	$0.37	$1.04	$0.96
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)
Basic earnings per share	$0.33	$0.37	$1.04	$0.95
Diluted earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Continuing operations	$0.32	$0.37	$1.02	$0.95
Discontinued operations	$0	$0	$0	($0.01)
Diluted earnings per share	$0.32	$0.37	$1.02	$0.94
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic	141,863	150,878	142,849	152,820
Diluted	144,231	152,327	144,831	154,758

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net earnings	$46,486	$55,905	$148,280	$145,137
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustments	22,587	22,694	5,560	15,812
Fair value adjustment on interest rate swap contracts	-408	0	1,119	0
Comprehensive income	$68,665	$78,599	$154,959	$160,949

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$492,199	$321,739
Accounts receivable, net	281,611	335,163
Inventories	376,033	381,378
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	98,001	96,006
Deferred income taxes, net	31,659	30,960
Total current assets	1,279,503	1,165,246
Property and equipment, net	229,844	211,615
Deferred income taxes, net	32,235	32,223
Goodwill	567,611	562,586
Intangible assets, net	157,489	175,823
Other assets	59,194	41,442
Total assets	2,325,876	2,188,935
Current liabilities:	'	'
Accounts payable	93,861	94,156
Deferred revenue	30,308	29,465
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	39,139	41,506
Accrued product warranties	13,464	13,169
Advance payments from customers	13,585	12,150
Accrued expenses	41,977	32,772
Accrued income taxes	0	11,943
Other current liabilities	4,479	6,406
Current portion long term debt	15,000	0
Total current liabilities	251,813	241,567
Long-term debt	376,163	248,319
Deferred income taxes	18,828	17,351
Accrued income taxes	22,410	22,812
Pension and other long-term liabilities	50,151	58,985
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 141,620 and 145,814 shares issued at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively, and additional paid-in capital	61,892	171,546
Retained earnings	1,528,399	1,418,814
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	16,220	9,541
Total shareholders’ equity	1,606,511	1,599,901
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$2,325,876	$2,188,935

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	500,000,000	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	141,620,000	145,814,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Net earnings	$148,280	$145,137
Income items not affecting cash:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	44,978	44,859
Deferred income taxes	-38	599
Stock-based compensation arrangements	20,673	19,997
Other non-cash items	1,485	-1,864
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:	'	'
Decrease in accounts receivable	52,856	41,476
Decrease (increase) in inventories	6,481	-22,427
Increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets	-2,142	-15,367
(Increase) decrease in other assets	-4,911	450
Decrease in accounts payable	-374	-6,720
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue	808	-4,382
Decrease in accrued payroll and other liabilities	-9,865	-21,438
Decrease in accrued income taxes	-12,347	-14,501
Increase in pension and other long-term liabilities	3,907	6,852
Cash provided by operating activities	249,791	172,671
CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Additions to property and equipment, net	-36,997	-39,188
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	20,073	0
Other investments	0	3,000
Cash used by investing activities	-57,070	-42,188
CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from long-term debt, including current portion	150,000	0
Repayments of long-term debt	-7,500	0
Repurchase of common stock	-133,049	-129,010
Dividends paid	-38,695	-32,020
Proceeds from shares issued pursuant to stock-based compensation plans	5,953	7,117
Excess tax benefit of stock options exercised	928	1,231
Other financing activities	-1,273	-139
Cash used by financing activities	-23,636	-152,821
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	1,375	5,981
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	170,460	-16,357
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	321,739	440,846
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$492,199	$424,489

Basis_of_Presenation

Basis of Presenation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements of FLIR Systems, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) are unaudited and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In the opinion of management, these statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations for the interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for any subsequent interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2013.
	Reclassifications and Adjustments to Prior Year
	The Company made certain reclassifications to the prior year's financial statements to conform them to the presentation as of September 30, 2013. In addition, the December 31, 2012 balance sheet has been adjusted for purchase price allocations of the Lorex and Traficon acquisitions. See Note 18, "Business Acquisitions," of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. These reclassifications and adjustments had no effect on consolidated net earnings, shareholders' equity or net cash flows from operating, investing or financing activities for any of the periods presented.

Stockbased_Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-based Compensation	'
	Stock-based Compensation
	Stock-based compensation expense and related tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Cost of goods sold	$	672			$	895			$	1,902			$	2,516
	Research and development	1,388				1,297				3,675				3,771
	Selling, general and administrative	5,288				4,405				15,096				13,710
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	7,348				6,597				20,673				19,997
	Income tax benefit	(2,295		)		(2,005		)		(6,696		)		(6,067		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense after income taxes	$	5,053			$	4,592			$	13,977			$	13,930
	Stock-based compensation costs capitalized in inventory are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2013				2012
	Capitalized in inventory	$	789			$	514
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had $50.4 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures, to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.
	Note 2.	Stock-based Compensation - (Continued)
	The fair value of the stock-based awards granted in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was estimated with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock option awards:
	Risk-free interest rate	0.6	%		—			0.3	%		0.4	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.1	%		—			1.5	%		1.3	%
	Expected term	4.5 years			—			4.3 years			4.2 years
	Expected volatility	31.4	%		—			33.7	%		39.7	%
	Market-based restricted stock awards:
	Risk-free interest rate	—			—			0.3	%		0.4	%
	Expected dividend yield	—			—			—			—
	Expected term	—			—			2.2 years			3.0 years
	Expected volatility	—			—			28.8	%		30.7	%
	Expected volatility of S&P 500	—			—			18.1	%		19.6	%
	Employee stock purchase plan:
	Risk-free interest rate	—			—			0.1	%		0.2	%
	Expected dividend yield	—			—			1.5	%		1.3	%
	Expected term	—			—			6 months			6 months
	Expected volatility	—			—			25	%		27.4	%
	The weighted average fair value of stock-based compensation awards granted and vested, and the intrinsic value of options exercised during the period were (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Stock Option Awards:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	7.65			$	—			$	5.92			$	6.43
	Total fair value of awards granted	$	278			$	—			$	6,095			$	4,104
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	33			$	38			$	5,059			$	6,023
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	1,910			$	3,278			$	3,748			$	5,637
	Restricted Stock Unit Awards:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	31.3			$	19.84			$	23.91			$	17.23
	Total fair value of awards granted	$	2,427			$	121			$	28,063			$	30,643
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	222			$	174			$	13,541			$	12,276
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	—			$	—			$	5.25			$	5.02
	Total fair value of shares estimated to be issued	$	—			$	—			$	552			$	1,106
	Note 2.    Stock-based Compensation - (Continued)
	The total amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and the related tax impact realized from the exercise of the stock options was a benefit of $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The total amount of cash received from the exercise of stock options in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $3.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively, and the related tax impact realized from the exercise of the stock options was a benefit of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
	Information with respect to stock option activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted				Weighted			Aggregate
		(in  thousands)			Average				Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise				Remaining			Value
					Price				Contractual			(in thousands)
									Term
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	6,642			$	21.64			4.7
	Granted	1,030			24.58
Exercised	(266	)		14.07
Forfeited	(8	)		21.4
Outstanding at September 30, 2013	7,398			$	22.32			4.9			$	70,176
Exercisable at September 30, 2013	6,032			$	21.75			3.9			$	60,831
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	7,329			$	22.3			4.9			$	69,709
Information with respect to restricted stock unit activity is as follows:
	Shares			Weighted
	(in  thousands)			Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,372			$	21.3
Granted	1,173			23.91
Vested and distributed	(556	)		26.71
Forfeited	(140	)		24.84
Outstanding at September 30, 2013	2,849			$	23.74
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company granted approximately 1,166,000 and 984,000 time-vested restricted stock units, respectively. The fair value of time-vested restricted stock units is fixed and determined on the date of grant based upon the Company's stock price on the date of grant. The weighted average fair values of the time-vested restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were $23.96 and $21.67, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company also granted approximately 7,000 and 795,000 market-based restricted stock units, respectively. These units may be earned based upon the Company's total shareholder return compared to the total shareholder return of the S&P 500 Index over a three year period. The fair value of the market-based restricted units was determined and fixed on the date of grant using a lattice-based option-pricing valuation model that incorporates a Monte-Carlo simulation and considered the likelihood of the Company achieving the market-based condition. The fair value of the market-based restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $15.87 and $11.73, respectively.
There were approximately 125,000 shares issued under the 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and approximately 3,728,000 shares remain available under the ESPP at September 30, 2013 for future issuance. The total amount of cash received from the issuance of ESPP shares in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $2.1 million. Shares issued for ESPP purchases are newly issued shares.

Net_Earnings_Per_Share

Net Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Earnings Per Share	'
	Net Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Numerator for earnings per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	46,486	$	55,949		$	148,280	$	147,179
	Loss from discontinued operations	—		(44		)	—		(2,042		)
	Net earnings for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	46,486	$	55,905		$	148,280	$	145,137
	Denominator for earnings per share:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	141,863		150,878			142,849		152,820
	Assumed exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares assumed reacquired under the treasury stock method	2,368		1,449			1,982		1,938
	Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	144,231		152,327			144,831		154,758
	Certain stock-based compensation awards are excluded for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share since including such stock-based compensation awards that would have been anti-dilutive. Stock-based compensation awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, which aggregated 136,000 shares and 478,000 shares, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, which aggregated 6,792,000 shares and 3,100,000 shares, respectively, have been excluded for such purposes.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company had $106.0 million and $5.9 million of cash equivalents at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which were primarily investments in money market funds. The Company has categorized its cash equivalents as a Level 1 financial asset, measured at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets of identical assets. The fair value of the Company’s forward currency contracts and interest rate swap contracts as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 are disclosed in Note 5, "Derivative Financial Instruments," of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements below and are based on Level 2 inputs. The fair value of the Company’s senior unsecured notes as described in Note 13, "Long-Term Debt," of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements is approximately $258.2 million based upon Level 2 inputs at September 30, 2013. The fair value of the Company's term loan, also described in Note 13, approximates the carrying value due to the variable market rate used to calculate interest payments. The Company does not have any other significant financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk	'
	Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
	The gains and losses related to outstanding derivative instruments recorded in other expense (income) are offset, in general, by the reciprocal gains and losses from the underlying assets or liabilities which originally gave rise to the exposure. The net amounts of these realized and unrealized gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, were a gain of $1.4 million and a loss of $2.1 million, respectively. The net amounts of these gains and losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 were gains of $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
	Note 5.	Derivative Financial Instruments - (Continued)
	The following table provides volume information about the Company's foreign currency hedge volume. The information provided is in United States dollar equivalent amounts. The table presents the net notional amounts at contract exchange rates (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Swedish kronor	$	106,658		$	98,385
	British pound sterling	7,612			15,619
	Australian dollar	4,247			7,022
	Japanese yen	3,729			5,157
	Euro	9,611			2,232
	Brazilian real	3,897			—
	Other	971			622
		$	136,725		$	129,037
	At September 30, 2013, the Company’s foreign currency forward contracts, in general, had maturities of seven months or less.
	The fair value carrying amount of the foreign currency forward contracts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Other Current Assets			Other Current Liabilities			Other Current Assets			Other Current Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,045		$	17		$	2,106		$	229
	Interest Rates
	The Company's outstanding long-term debt at September 30, 2013 consists of fixed rate notes and a floating rate term loan. The Company maintains its floating rate revolver for flexibility to fund working capital needs and for other uses of cash. Interest expense on the Company's floating rate debt is typically calculated based on a fixed spread over a reference rate, such as LIBOR (also known as the Eurocurrency rate). Therefore, fluctuations in market interest rates will cause interest expense increases or decreases on a given amount of floating rate debt.
	The Company is managing its interest rate risk related to floating rate debt by entering into interest rate swaps in which the Company receives floating rate payments and makes fixed rate payments. The impact of the interest rate swaps is to fix the floating rate basis for the calculation of interest on the term loan at the levels indicated in the table below. The effective interest rate paid is equal to the fixed rates shown below plus the credit spread then in effect. At September 30, 2013, the effective interest rate on the term loan was 2.49 percent. As of September 30, 2013, the following interest rate swaps were outstanding:
	Contract Date		Notional Amount			Fixed Rate		Effective Date		Maturity Date
			(in millions)
	15-Mar-13		$	73.1		1.0165	%	5-Apr-13		31-Mar-19
	29-Mar-13		73.1			0.97	%	5-Apr-13		31-Mar-19
	Interest rate swaps are recorded as an asset or liability in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet at fair value. Gains and losses on cash flow hedges are recorded as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive (loss) earnings, except that any gains and losses on ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges would be recorded as an adjustment to other expense (income).
	The net fair value carrying amount of the Company's interest rate swaps was $1.8 million, of which $2.8 million and $1.0 million have been recorded to other assets and other current liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $7.9 million and $6.6 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw material and subassemblies	$	222,573	$	231,273
	Work-in-progress	56,289		50,644
	Finished goods	97,171		99,461
		$	376,033	$	381,378

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are net of accumulated depreciation of $214.8 million and $190.5 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure - Goodwill - Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company completed its annual review of goodwill and has determined that there have been no triggering events or indicators of impairment on its recorded goodwill. The carrying value of goodwill by reporting segment and the activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Thermal Vision and Measurement		Raymarine		Surveillance		Detection		Integrated Systems		Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	253,226	$	100,744	$	90,817	$	38,162	$	20,129	$	503,078
	(as originally reported)
	Adjustments	59,508		—		—		—		—		59,508
	Balance, December 31, 2012	312,734		100,744		90,817		38,162		20,129		562,586
	Goodwill from acquisitions	—		—		—		—		2,462		2,462
	Currency translation adjustments	2,158		277		87		—		41		2,563
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$	314,892	$	101,021	$	90,904	$	38,162	$	22,632	$	567,611
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company updated the purchase price accounting associated with the Lorex and Traficon acquisitions resulting in an increase in goodwill of $59.5 million which was retrospectively adjusted. See Note 18, "Business Acquisitions," of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets are net of accumulated amortization of $110.2 million and $90.3 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Credit_Agreements

Credit Agreements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Credit Agreements	'
	Credit Facility
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated February 8, 2011, with Bank of America, N.A., U.S. Bank National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. and other Lenders, and $13.2 million of letters of credit outstanding, which reduces the total available credit under the Credit Agreement to $186.8 million.
	On April 5, 2013, the Credit Agreement was amended to extend the maturity of the revolving credit facility from February 8, 2016 to April 5, 2018. The amendment also incorporated a revised schedule of interest rates.

Accrued_Product_Warrenties

Accrued Product Warrenties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Accrued Product Warranties	'
	Accrued Product Warranties
	The following table summarizes the Company’s warranty liability and activity (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Accrued product warranties, beginning of period	$	16,791		$	15,322		$	16,152		$	16,046
	Amounts paid for warranty services	(1,128		)	(2,465		)	(5,273		)	(6,722		)
	Warranty provisions for products sold	768			1,689			5,309			4,823
	Currency translation adjustments and other	160			646			403			1,045
	Accrued product warranties, end of period	$	16,591		$	15,192		$	16,591		$	15,192
	Current accrued product warranties, end of period							$	13,464		$	13,094
	Long-term accrued product warranties, end of period							$	3,127		$	2,098

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-Term Debt
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Unsecured notes	$	250,000		$	250,000
	Term loan	142,500			—
	Unamortized discounts and issuance costs of unsecured notes	(1,337		)	(1,681		)
		$	391,163		$	248,319
	Current portion, long-term debt	$	15,000		$	—
	Long-term debt	$	376,163		$	248,319
	In August 2011, the Company issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.750% senior unsecured notes due September 1, 2016 (the “Notes”). The net proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were approximately $247.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses, which are being amortized over a period of five years. Interest is payable on the Notes semiannually in arrears on March 1 and September 1. The proceeds from the Notes are being used for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital and capital expenditure needs, business acquisitions and repurchases of the Company’s common stock.
	Note 13.	Long-Term Debt - (Continued)
	The Credit Agreement amendment of April 5, 2013, discussed in Note 11, "Credit Agreements," of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements above, incorporated a $150 million term loan facility that matures on April 5, 2019. On April 5, 2013 the Company drew down $150 million under the term loan facility. Interest is accrued at the one-month LIBOR rate plus the scheduled spread and paid monthly. Quarterly principal payments of $3.8 million commenced on June 30, 2013 and will continue through December 31, 2018 with the final maturity payment including any accrued interest due on April 5, 2019.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	Shareholders’ Equity
	The following table summarizes the common stock and additional paid-in capital activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Common stock and additional paid-in capital, December 31, 2012	$	171,546
	Excess income tax benefit of common stock options exercised	347
	Common stock issued pursuant to stock-based compensation plans, net	2,058
	Stock-based compensation costs	20,990
	Repurchase of common stock	(133,049		)
	Common stock and additional paid-in capital, September 30, 2013	$	61,892
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company repurchased 2.1 million shares of the Company's common stock through open market transactions and entered into an accelerated share repurchase program at a notional amount of $75.0 million under which the Company received 2.6 million shares in March 2013 and an additional 0.3 million shares in April 2013. The repurchases were under the February 2013 authorization by the Company’s Board of Directors pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 25.0 million shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. This authorization expires in February 2015.
	On February 9, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a dividend policy under which the Company intends to pay quarterly cash dividends on its common stock. Accordingly, a dividend of $0.09 per share of outstanding common stock was paid on September 6, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 19, 2013. The total cash payments for dividends in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $38.7 million.

Contingencies

Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Loss Contingency [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	The Company and its subsidiary, Indigo Systems Corporation (now known as FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc.) (together, the “FLIR Parties”), were named in a lawsuit filed by Raytheon Company (“Raytheon”) on March 2, 2007 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Raytheon's complaint, as amended, asserted claims for tortious interference, patent infringement, trade secret misappropriation, unfair competition, breach of contract and fraudulent concealment. The FLIR Parties filed an answer to the complaint on September 2, 2008, in which they denied all material allegations. On August 31, 2009, the court entered an order granting the FLIR Parties' motion for summary judgment on Raytheon's trade secret misappropriation claim based on the FLIR Parties' statute of limitations defense. Raytheon abandoned all of its other claims except its claims relating to four patents (the “Patent Claims”). On August 11, 2010, the FLIR Parties and Raytheon entered into an agreement in principle to resolve the remaining Patent Claims, which resulted in a payment of $3 million by the FLIR Parties to Raytheon and entitles the FLIR Parties to certain license rights in the patents that were the subject of the Patent Claims. The parties appealed certain rulings of the District Court to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit which on August 1, 2012 reversed the judgment of the District Court and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with the appellate court's opinion.  The Company intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter and is unable to estimate the amount or range of potential loss, if any, which might result if the outcome in this matter is unfavorable.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	As of September 30, 2013, the Company had approximately $29.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits all of which would affect the Company’s effective tax rate if recognized. The Company anticipates an immaterial portion of its net unrecognized tax benefits will be recognized within 12 months as the result of settlements or effective settlements with various tax authorities, the closure of certain audits and the lapse of the applicable statute of limitations.
	The Company classifies interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had approximately $2.8 million of net accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
	The Company currently has the following tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions:
		Tax Years:
	US Federal	2010 – 2012
	State of Oregon	2009 – 2012
	State of Massachusetts	2009 – 2012
	State of California	2008 – 2012
	Sweden	2007 – 2012
	United Kingdom	2008 – 2012
	Belgium	2011 - 2012

Operating_Segments_and_Related

Operating Segments and Related Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segments and Related Information	'
	Operating Segments and Related Information
	Operating Segments
	The Company has two business divisions: Commercial Systems and Government Systems.
	Commercial Systems Division
	The Commercial Systems division is focused on the design, manufacture, and marketing of instrument, sensor, and electronics solutions that facilitate improved situational awareness and environmental analytics for commercial customers. The division is comprised of two operating segments: Thermal Vision and Measurement and Raymarine. The Thermal Vision and Measurement segment provides advanced thermal imaging solutions for emerging commercial and industrial markets that enable people to see at night or through adverse weather conditions and to capture, measure, and analyze temperature data. The Raymarine segment provides electronics for the maritime market and is a leading global provider of fully integrated “stem to stern” networked electronic systems for boats of all sizes.
	Government Systems Division
	The Government Systems division designs, manufactures, and markets advanced imaging and detection systems for government markets where high performance is required. The division is comprised of three operating segments: Surveillance, Detection, and Integrated Systems. The Surveillance segment provides enhanced imaging and recognition solutions to a wide variety of military, law enforcement, public safety, and other government customers around the world for the protection of borders, troops, and public welfare. The Detection segment produces sensor instruments that detect and identify chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (“CBRNE”) threats for military force protection, homeland security, and commercial applications. The Integrated Systems segment develops platform solutions for combating sophisticated security threats and incorporates multiple sensor systems in order to deliver actionable intelligence for wide area surveillance, intrusion detection, and facility security.
	Note 17.    Operating Segments and Related Information - (Continued)
	Operating Segments - (Continued)
	Operating segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue – External Customers:
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	177,100		$	149,540		$	519,453		$	447,922
	Raymarine	35,800			31,659			127,087			125,443
	Surveillance	102,966			115,915			331,824			350,005
	Detection	13,103			15,401			40,016			50,467
	Integrated Systems	29,172			19,715			77,673			45,136
		$	358,141		$	332,230		$	1,096,053		$	1,018,973
	Revenue – Intersegments:
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	5,201		$	3,076		$	12,397		$	12,527
	Raymarine	—			—			—			4
	Surveillance	8,240			5,260			22,520			17,246
	Detection	1,836			1,027			6,098			1,803
	Integrated Systems	384			295			1,082			1,342
	Eliminations	(15,661		)	(9,658		)	(42,097		)	(32,922		)
		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Earnings (loss) from operations:
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	43,744		$	42,916		$	125,509		$	109,651
	Raymarine	2,050			374			14,345			9,944
	Surveillance	30,535			39,243			100,835			114,965
	Detection	1,354			1,131			3,265			801
	Integrated Systems	(97		)	1,333			112			1,267
	Other	(14,047		)	(10,760		)	(41,124		)	(33,375		)
		$	63,539		$	74,237		$	202,942		$	203,253
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories):
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	249,972		$	265,197
	Raymarine	66,185			74,980
	Surveillance	283,809			317,944
	Detection	24,858			31,861
	Integrated Systems	32,820			26,559
		$	657,644		$	716,541
	Note 17.    Operating Segments and Related Information - (Continued)
	Revenue and Long-Lived Assets by Geographic Area
	Information related to revenue by significant geographical location, determined by the end customer, is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	United States	$	191,261		$	185,222		$	576,278		$	536,150
	Europe	81,748			61,507			260,474			231,374
	Other international	85,132			85,501			259,301			251,449
		$	358,141		$	332,230		$	1,096,053		$	1,018,973
	Long-lived assets by significant geographic locations are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
					(As adjusted)
	United States	$	596,967		$	583,008
	Europe	362,959			355,497
	Other international	54,212			52,961
		$	1,014,138		$	991,466
Major Customers
Revenue derived from major customers is as follows (in thousands):
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
US Government	$	89,866		$	91,714		$	282,470		$	265,976

Business_Acquisitions_Business

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Acquisitions	'
	Business Acquisitions
	In December 2012, the Company acquired Lorex Technology Inc. ("Lorex"), a provider of consumer oriented and professional grade video surveillance systems, for approximately $61.2 million in cash. At December 31, 2012, the Company initially reported the net tangible assets of $19.1 million in the respective balance sheet accounts and the excess purchase price of $42.1 million in other assets.
	The Company has since performed a purchase price allocation which resulted in an allocation of $15.1 million of identifiable intangible assets and $31.1 million of goodwill in conjunction with the Lorex acquisition, which has been recorded in the Company’s Thermal Vision and Measurement segment. This goodwill consists largely of the ability of Lorex to provide the Company domain knowledge and distribution channels in adjacent security markets. These purchase price adjustments have been applied retrospectively to the December 31, 2012 balance sheet.
	The allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash acquired	$	1,170
	Accounts receivable, net	10,183
	Inventories	13,967
	Property and equipment	1,049
	Other assets	3,004
	Liabilities	(10,252		)
	Net tangible assets	19,121
	Net deferred taxes	(4,189		)
	Identifiable intangible assets	15,100
	Goodwill	31,138
	Purchase price	$	61,170
	None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes.
	The identifiable intangible assets and the estimated useful life of each are as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated		Amount
		Useful Life
	Lorex Trade Name	indefinite		$	6,800
	Customer Relationships	7 years		8,300
				$	15,100
	Also in December 2012, the Company acquired Traficon International NV ("Traficon"), a provider of video image processing software and hardware for traffic analysis applications, for approximately $46.3 million in cash. At December 31, 2012, the Company initially reported the net tangible assets of $5.1 million in the respective balance sheet accounts and the excess purchase price of $41.2 million in other assets.
	In April 2013, the Company made an additional payment of $2.1 million in cash as an adjustment to the purchase price. The Company has performed a purchase price allocation which resulted in an allocation of $20.1 million of identifiable intangible assets and $28.4 million of goodwill in conjunction with the Traficon acquisition, which has been recorded in the Company’s Thermal Vision and Measurement segment. This goodwill consists largely of the ability of Traficon to expand the Company's presence in the global traffic monitoring market through the provision of domain expertise and distribution channels. These purchase price adjustments have been applied retrospectively to the December 31, 2012 balance sheet.
	Note 18.	Business Acquisitions - (Continued)
	The allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash acquired	$	181
	Accounts receivable, net	6,435
	Inventories	2,853
	Property and equipment	179
	Other assets	657
	Liabilities	(5,248		)
	Net tangible assets	5,057
	Net deferred taxes	(5,166		)
	Identifiable intangible assets	20,102
	Goodwill	28,370
	Purchase price	$	48,363
	None of the goodwill recognized is deductible for income tax purposes.
	The identifiable intangible assets and the estimated useful life of each are as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated		Amount
		Useful Life
	Patented/Proprietary Technology	10 years		$	5,951
	Backlog	1.5 years		1,852
	Customer Relationships	12 years		12,299
				$	20,102
	In April 2013, the Company acquired Marine and Remote Sensing Solutions, Ltd. ("MARSS"), a developer of software and sensor control systems for use in maritime security applications, including above and below water port security and ship-based man overboard detection, for approximately $3.2 million in cash.
	In August 2013, the Company acquired certain tangible assets and intellectual property related to the design and manufacturing of wafer-level optics from DigitalOptics Corporation East for approximately $14.9 million in cash. The tangible assets, including property, equipment and inventory, and intellectual property that were acquired are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2013 and are included in the Thermal Vision and Measurement segment assets in Note 17, "Operating Segments and Related Information," of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company has preliminarily recorded $5.0 million in property and equipment and $9.9 million in other assets as of September 30, 2013. The allocation of the purchase price is subject to the final determination on the valuation of the assets acquired. The valuation is expected to be finalized by December 31, 2013.
	The operating results for these acquisitions are included in the Company's 2013 results of operations.
	These acquisitions are not significant, either individually or in the aggregate, as defined in Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission, compared to the Company’s overall financial position.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On October 15, 2013, the Company announced a proposed realignment of some of its production and engineering operations that will result in the closure of up to six of its global locations and the transfer of these operations to larger Company facilities. The Company also announced its intention to consolidate its optics and laser manufacturing operations. The Company expects to record pre-tax restructuring charges in the fourth quarter of 2013 of approximately $27 million to $30 million related to these and other cost reduction actions.
	On October 23, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share on its common stock, payable on December 6, 2013, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 18, 2013. The total cash payment of this dividend will be approximately $12.7 million.

Basis_of_Presenation_Basis_of_

Basis of Presenation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Principles of consolidation	'
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-based compensation expense and related tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income and capitalized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	Stock-based compensation expense and related tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Cost of goods sold	$	672			$	895			$	1,902			$	2,516
	Research and development	1,388				1,297				3,675				3,771
	Selling, general and administrative	5,288				4,405				15,096				13,710
	Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	7,348				6,597				20,673				19,997
	Income tax benefit	(2,295		)		(2,005		)		(6,696		)		(6,067		)
	Total stock-based compensation expense after income taxes	$	5,053			$	4,592			$	13,977			$	13,930
	Stock-based compensation costs capitalized in inventory are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,
		2013				2012
	Capitalized in inventory	$	789			$	514
Fair value of the stock-based awards, as determined under the Black-Scholes model, granted weighted-average assumptions	'
	The fair value of the stock-based awards granted in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was estimated with the following weighted-average assumptions:
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Stock option awards:
	Risk-free interest rate	0.6	%		—			0.3	%		0.4	%
	Expected dividend yield	1.1	%		—			1.5	%		1.3	%
	Expected term	4.5 years			—			4.3 years			4.2 years
	Expected volatility	31.4	%		—			33.7	%		39.7	%
	Market-based restricted stock awards:
	Risk-free interest rate	—			—			0.3	%		0.4	%
	Expected dividend yield	—			—			—			—
	Expected term	—			—			2.2 years			3.0 years
	Expected volatility	—			—			28.8	%		30.7	%
	Expected volatility of S&P 500	—			—			18.1	%		19.6	%
	Employee stock purchase plan:
	Risk-free interest rate	—			—			0.1	%		0.2	%
	Expected dividend yield	—			—			1.5	%		1.3	%
	Expected term	—			—			6 months			6 months
	Expected volatility	—			—			25	%		27.4	%
Weighted-average fair value of stock-based compensation awards granted and vested, and the intrinsic value of options exercised	'
	The weighted average fair value of stock-based compensation awards granted and vested, and the intrinsic value of options exercised during the period were (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
		2013				2012				2013				2012
	Stock Option Awards:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	7.65			$	—			$	5.92			$	6.43
	Total fair value of awards granted	$	278			$	—			$	6,095			$	4,104
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	33			$	38			$	5,059			$	6,023
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	1,910			$	3,278			$	3,748			$	5,637
	Restricted Stock Unit Awards:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	31.3			$	19.84			$	23.91			$	17.23
	Total fair value of awards granted	$	2,427			$	121			$	28,063			$	30,643
	Total fair value of awards vested	$	222			$	174			$	13,541			$	12,276
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
	Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$	—			$	—			$	5.25			$	5.02
	Total fair value of shares estimated to be issued	$	—			$	—			$	552			$	1,106
Information with respect to stock option activity	'
	Information with respect to stock option activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted				Weighted			Aggregate
		(in  thousands)			Average				Average			Intrinsic
					Exercise				Remaining			Value
					Price				Contractual			(in thousands)
									Term
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	6,642			$	21.64			4.7
	Granted	1,030			24.58
	Exercised	(266	)		14.07
	Forfeited	(8	)		21.4
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	7,398			$	22.32			4.9			$	70,176
	Exercisable at September 30, 2013	6,032			$	21.75			3.9			$	60,831
	Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	7,329			$	22.3			4.9			$	69,709
Information with respect to restricted stock unit activity	'
	Information with respect to restricted stock unit activity is as follows:
		Shares			Weighted
		(in  thousands)			Average
					Grant Date
					Fair Value
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	2,372			$	21.3
	Granted	1,173			23.91
	Vested and distributed	(556	)		26.71
	Forfeited	(140	)		24.84
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	2,849			$	23.74

Net_Earnings_Per_Share_Net_Ear

Net Earnings Per Share Net Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of the numerator and denominator utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share	'
	The following table sets forth the reconciliation of the numerator and denominator utilized in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013		2012			2013		2012
	Numerator for earnings per share:
	Earnings from continuing operations	$	46,486	$	55,949		$	148,280	$	147,179
	Loss from discontinued operations	—		(44		)	—		(2,042		)
	Net earnings for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	46,486	$	55,905		$	148,280	$	145,137
	Denominator for earnings per share:
	Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	141,863		150,878			142,849		152,820
	Assumed exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares assumed reacquired under the treasury stock method	2,368		1,449			1,982		1,938
	Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	144,231		152,327			144,831		154,758

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Foreign Currency [Abstract]	'
Notional amounts of outstanding foreign currency forward contracts by currency	'
	(in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Swedish kronor	$	106,658		$	98,385
	British pound sterling	7,612			15,619
	Australian dollar	4,247			7,022
	Japanese yen	3,729			5,157
	Euro	9,611			2,232
	Brazilian real	3,897			—
	Other	971			622
		$	136,725		$	129,037
Fair value carrying amount of derivative instruments included in consolidated balance sheets	'
	The fair value carrying amount of the foreign currency forward contracts included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Other Current Assets			Other Current Liabilities			Other Current Assets			Other Current Liabilities
	Foreign exchange contracts	$	1,045		$	17		$	2,106		$	229
Interest rate swaps outstanding	'
	As of September 30, 2013, the following interest rate swaps were outstanding:
	Contract Date		Notional Amount			Fixed Rate		Effective Date		Maturity Date
			(in millions)
	15-Mar-13		$	73.1		1.0165	%	5-Apr-13		31-Mar-19
	29-Mar-13		73.1			0.97	%	5-Apr-13		31-Mar-19

Inventories_Inventories_Tables

Inventories Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories consist of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Raw material and subassemblies	$	222,573	$	231,273
	Work-in-progress	56,289		50,644
	Finished goods	97,171		99,461
		$	376,033	$	381,378

Goodwill_Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure - Goodwill - Additional Information [Abstract]	'
Carrying value of goodwill by reporting segment and the activity	'
	The carrying value of goodwill by reporting segment and the activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are as follows (in thousands):
		Thermal Vision and Measurement		Raymarine		Surveillance		Detection		Integrated Systems		Total
	Balance, December 31, 2012	$	253,226	$	100,744	$	90,817	$	38,162	$	20,129	$	503,078
	(as originally reported)
	Adjustments	59,508		—		—		—		—		59,508
	Balance, December 31, 2012	312,734		100,744		90,817		38,162		20,129		562,586
	Goodwill from acquisitions	—		—		—		—		2,462		2,462
	Currency translation adjustments	2,158		277		87		—		41		2,563
	Balance, September 30, 2013	$	314,892	$	101,021	$	90,904	$	38,162	$	22,632	$	567,611

Accrued_Product_Warrenties_Acc

Accrued Product Warrenties Accrued Product Warrenties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summay of warranty liability and activity	'
	The following table summarizes the Company’s warranty liability and activity (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Accrued product warranties, beginning of period	$	16,791		$	15,322		$	16,152		$	16,046
	Amounts paid for warranty services	(1,128		)	(2,465		)	(5,273		)	(6,722		)
	Warranty provisions for products sold	768			1,689			5,309			4,823
	Currency translation adjustments and other	160			646			403			1,045
	Accrued product warranties, end of period	$	16,591		$	15,192		$	16,591		$	15,192
	Current accrued product warranties, end of period							$	13,464		$	13,094
	Long-term accrued product warranties, end of period							$	3,127		$	2,098

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_Ta

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-Term Debt	'
	Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Unsecured notes	$	250,000		$	250,000
	Term loan	142,500			—
	Unamortized discounts and issuance costs of unsecured notes	(1,337		)	(1,681		)
		$	391,163		$	248,319
	Current portion, long-term debt	$	15,000		$	—
	Long-term debt	$	376,163		$	248,319

Shareholders_Equity_Shareholde

Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Common stock and additional paid-in capital activity	'
	The following table summarizes the common stock and additional paid-in capital activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Common stock and additional paid-in capital, December 31, 2012	$	171,546
	Excess income tax benefit of common stock options exercised	347
	Common stock issued pursuant to stock-based compensation plans, net	2,058
	Stock-based compensation costs	20,990
	Repurchase of common stock	(133,049		)
	Common stock and additional paid-in capital, September 30, 2013	$	61,892

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Tabl

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'
	The Company currently has the following tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions:
		Tax Years:
	US Federal	2010 – 2012
	State of Oregon	2009 – 2012
	State of Massachusetts	2009 – 2012
	State of California	2008 – 2012
	Sweden	2007 – 2012
	United Kingdom	2008 – 2012
	Belgium	2011 - 2012

Operating_Segments_and_Related1

Operating Segments and Related Information Operating Segments and Related Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segment Information	'
	Note 17.    Operating Segments and Related Information - (Continued)
	Operating Segments - (Continued)
	Operating segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue – External Customers:
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	177,100		$	149,540		$	519,453		$	447,922
	Raymarine	35,800			31,659			127,087			125,443
	Surveillance	102,966			115,915			331,824			350,005
	Detection	13,103			15,401			40,016			50,467
	Integrated Systems	29,172			19,715			77,673			45,136
		$	358,141		$	332,230		$	1,096,053		$	1,018,973
	Revenue – Intersegments:
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	5,201		$	3,076		$	12,397		$	12,527
	Raymarine	—			—			—			4
	Surveillance	8,240			5,260			22,520			17,246
	Detection	1,836			1,027			6,098			1,803
	Integrated Systems	384			295			1,082			1,342
	Eliminations	(15,661		)	(9,658		)	(42,097		)	(32,922		)
		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Earnings (loss) from operations:
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	43,744		$	42,916		$	125,509		$	109,651
	Raymarine	2,050			374			14,345			9,944
	Surveillance	30,535			39,243			100,835			114,965
	Detection	1,354			1,131			3,265			801
	Integrated Systems	(97		)	1,333			112			1,267
	Other	(14,047		)	(10,760		)	(41,124		)	(33,375		)
		$	63,539		$	74,237		$	202,942		$	203,253
Segment Assets	'
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories):
	Thermal Vision and Measurement	$	249,972		$	265,197
	Raymarine	66,185			74,980
	Surveillance	283,809			317,944
	Detection	24,858			31,861
	Integrated Systems	32,820			26,559
		$	657,644		$	716,541
By Significant Geographical Area	'
	Information related to revenue by significant geographical location, determined by the end customer, is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	United States	$	191,261		$	185,222		$	576,278		$	536,150
	Europe	81,748			61,507			260,474			231,374
	Other international	85,132			85,501			259,301			251,449
		$	358,141		$	332,230		$	1,096,053		$	1,018,973
	Long-lived assets by significant geographic locations are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
					(As adjusted)
	United States	$	596,967		$	583,008
	Europe	362,959			355,497
	Other international	54,212			52,961
		$	1,014,138		$	991,466
Revenue Derived from Major Customers	'
	Revenue derived from major customers is as follows (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	US Government	$	89,866		$	91,714		$	282,470		$	265,976

Business_Acquisitions_Business1

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Lorex Technology Inc	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Allocation of the purchase price	'
	The allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash acquired	$	1,170
	Accounts receivable, net	10,183
	Inventories	13,967
	Property and equipment	1,049
	Other assets	3,004
	Liabilities	(10,252		)
	Net tangible assets	19,121
	Net deferred taxes	(4,189		)
	Identifiable intangible assets	15,100
	Goodwill	31,138
	Purchase price	$	61,170
Identifiable intangible assets and the estimated useful life	'
	The identifiable intangible assets and the estimated useful life of each are as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated		Amount
		Useful Life
	Lorex Trade Name	indefinite		$	6,800
	Customer Relationships	7 years		8,300
				$	15,100
Traficon International NV	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Allocation of the purchase price	'
	The allocation of the purchase price is as follows (in thousands):
	Cash acquired	$	181
	Accounts receivable, net	6,435
	Inventories	2,853
	Property and equipment	179
	Other assets	657
	Liabilities	(5,248		)
	Net tangible assets	5,057
	Net deferred taxes	(5,166		)
	Identifiable intangible assets	20,102
	Goodwill	28,370
	Purchase price	$	48,363
Identifiable intangible assets and the estimated useful life	'
	The identifiable intangible assets and the estimated useful life of each are as follows (in thousands):
		Estimated		Amount
		Useful Life
	Patented/Proprietary Technology	10 years		$	5,951
	Backlog	1.5 years		1,852
	Customer Relationships	12 years		12,299
				$	20,102

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb1

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes	$7,348	$6,597	$20,673	$19,997
Income tax benefit	-2,295	-2,005	-6,696	-6,067
Total stock-based compensation expense after income taxes	5,053	4,592	13,977	13,930
Cost of goods sold	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	672	895	1,902	2,516
Research and development	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1,388	1,297	3,675	3,771
Selling, general and administrative	'	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$5,288	$4,405	$15,096	$13,710

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb2

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Capitalized in inventory	$789	$514

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb3

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Details 3)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Option Awards	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.30%	0.40%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	1.50%	1.30%
Expected term	'4 years 6 months	'	'4 years 4 months	'4 years 2 months
Expected volatility	0.00%	0.00%	33.70%	39.70%
Market-based restricted stock unit	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected term	'	'	'2 years 2 months	'3 years
Employee Stock	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.10%	0.20%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	1.50%	1.30%
Expected term	'6 months	'6 months	'6 months	'6 months
Expected volatility	0.00%	0.00%	25.00%	27.40%
FLIR | Market-based restricted stock unit	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected volatility	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
S&P 500 | Market-based restricted stock unit	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expected volatility	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb4

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Option Awards	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$7.65	$0	$5.92	$6.43
Total fair value of awards granted	$278	$0	$6,095	$4,104
Total fair value of awards vested	33	38	5,059	6,023
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	1,910	3,278	3,748	5,637
Restricted Stock Unit Awards	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$31.30	$19.84	$23.91	$17.23
Total fair value of awards granted	2,427	121	28,063	30,643
Total fair value of awards vested	222	174	13,541	12,276
Employee Stock	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$0	$0	$5.25	$5.02
Sharebased Compensation Arrangement by Sharebased Payment Award Equity Instruments other than Options Shares Estimated to be Issued Total Fair Value1	$0	$0	$552	$1,106

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb5

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Details 5) (Stock Option Awards, USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stock Option Awards	'	'
Shares	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	6,642	'
Granted (in shares)	1,030	'
Exercised (in shares)	-266	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-8	'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	7,398	6,642
Exercisable, end of period (in shares)	6,032	'
Vested and expected to vest, end of period (in shares)	7,329	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	$21.64	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$24.58	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$14.07	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$21.40	'
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$22.32	$21.64
Exercisable, end of period (in dollars per share)	$21.75	'
Vested and expected to vest, end of period (in dollars per share)	$22.30	'
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in years)	'4 years 11 months	'4 years 8 months
Outstanding, end of period (in years)	'4 years 11 months	'4 years 8 months
Exercisable, end of period (in years)	'3 years 11 months	'
Vested and expected to vest, end of period (in years)	'4 years 11 months	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Outstanding, end of period	$70,176	'
Exercisable, end of period	60,831	'
Vested and expected to vest, end of period	$69,709	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb6

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Details 6) (Restricted Stock Unit Awards, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Restricted Stock Unit Awards	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	2,372	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	1,173	'
Vested and distributed (in shares)	'	'	-556	'
Forfeited (in shares)	'	'	-140	'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	2,849	'	2,849	'
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$21.30	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$31.30	$19.84	$23.91	$17.23
Vested and distributed (in dollars per share)	'	'	$26.71	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	'	'	$24.84	'
Outstanding, end of period (in dollars per share)	$23.74	'	$23.74	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Stockb7

Stock-based Compensation Stock-based Compensation (Details textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized stock-based compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures	$50,400,000	'	$50,400,000	'
Weighted average period of unrecognized stock-based compensation costs, net of estimated forfeitures	'2 years 0 months	'	'	'
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	2,000,000	1,500,000	3,700,000	3,100,000
Related tax benefit realized from the exercise of the stock options	400,000	800,000	300,000	100,000
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from shares issued pursuant to stock-based compensation plans	'	'	5,953,000	7,117,000
Time-vested restricted stock unit [Member]	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock units granted	'	'	1,166,000	984,000
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	'	'	$23.96	$21.67
Market-based restricted stock unit	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted stock units granted	'	'	7,000	795,000
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	'	'	$15.87	$11.73
Vesting period for market-based RSUs	'	'	'3 years	'
Employee Stock	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value per share	$0	$0	$5.25	$5.02
Number of common stock shares issued	'	'	125,000	'
Shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under all of the stock incentive plans	3,728,000	'	3,728,000	'
Proceeds from shares issued pursuant to stock-based compensation plans	'	'	$2,100,000	'

Net_Earnings_Per_Share_Net_Ear1

Net Earnings Per Share Net Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Numerator for earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Earnings from continuing operations	$46,486	$55,949	$148,280	$147,179
Loss from discontinued operations	0	-44	0	-2,042
Net earnings for basic and diluted earnings per share	$46,486	$55,905	$148,280	$145,137
Denominator for earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding	141,863	150,878	142,849	152,820
Assumed exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards, net of shares assumed reacquired under the treasury stock method	2,368	1,449	1,982	1,938
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding	144,231	152,327	144,831	154,758

Net_Earnings_Per_Share_Net_Ear2

Net Earnings Per Share Net Earnings Per Share (Details textual)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Effect of stock-based compensation awards, shares excluded for purposes of diluted earnings per share	136	6,792	478	3,100

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Level 1	'	'
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Cash equivalents	$106	$5.90
Three Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes Due September First, Twenty Sixteen [Member] | Level 2	'	'
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of long-term debt	$258.20	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	$136,725	$129,037
Swedish kronor	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	106,658	98,385
British pound sterling	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	7,612	15,619
Australian dollar	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	4,247	7,022
Japanese yen	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	3,729	5,157
Euro	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	9,611	2,232
Brazilian real	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	3,897	0
Other	'	'
Notional amount of foreign currency derivatives	$971	$622

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 2) (Level 2, Foreign exchange contracts, Not Designated as Hedging Instrument, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current Assets	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	$1,045	$2,106
Other Current Liabilities	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$17	$229

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Details 3) (Interest Rate Swap [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
March 15, 2013 Interest rate swap [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Contract date	15-Mar-13
Notional amount	$73.10
Fixed rate	1.02%
Effective date	5-Apr-13
Maturity date	31-Mar-19
March 29, 2013 Interest rate swap [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Contract date	29-Mar-13
Notional amount	$73.10
Fixed rate	0.97%
Effective date	5-Apr-13
Maturity date	31-Mar-19

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen5

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Financial Instruments (Details textual) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Net gain (loss)	$1,400,000	$2,600,000	($2,100,000)	$2,900,000
Maturities of foreign currency forward contracts	'	'	'7 months	'
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net	1,800,000	'	1,800,000	'
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset	2,800,000	'	2,800,000	'
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Other Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability	$1,000,000	'	$1,000,000	'
Term loan facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective interest rate	2.49%	'	2.49%	'

Accounts_Receivable_Accounts_R

Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable	$7.90	$6.60

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw material and subassemblies	$222,573	$231,273
Work-in-progress	56,289	50,644
Finished goods	97,171	99,461
Total inventories	$376,033	$381,378

Property_and_Equipment_Propert

Property and Equipment Property and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	$214.80	$190.50

Goodwill_Goodwill_Details

Goodwill Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, as previously reported	'	$503,078
Adjustments	59,508	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	562,586	'
Goodwill from acquisitions	2,462	'
Currency translation adjustments	2,563	'
Goodwill, end of period	567,611	'
Thermal Vision and Measurement	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, as previously reported	'	253,226
Adjustments	59,508	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	312,734	'
Goodwill from acquisitions	0	'
Currency translation adjustments	2,158	'
Goodwill, end of period	314,892	'
Raymarine	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, as previously reported	'	100,744
Adjustments	0	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	100,744	'
Goodwill from acquisitions	0	'
Currency translation adjustments	277	'
Goodwill, end of period	101,021	'
Surveillance	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, as previously reported	'	90,817
Adjustments	0	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	90,817	'
Goodwill from acquisitions	0	'
Currency translation adjustments	87	'
Goodwill, end of period	90,904	'
Detection	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, as previously reported	'	38,162
Adjustments	0	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	38,162	'
Goodwill from acquisitions	0	'
Currency translation adjustments	0	'
Goodwill, end of period	38,162	'
Integrated Systems	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill, as previously reported	'	20,129
Adjustments	0	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'
Goodwill, beginning of period	20,129	'
Goodwill from acquisitions	2,462	'
Currency translation adjustments	41	'
Goodwill, end of period	$22,632	'

Goodwill_Goodw_Details

Goodwill Goodw (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill allocation adjustment	$59,508

Intangible_Assets_Intangible_A

Intangible Assets Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated amortization	$110.20	$90.30

Credit_Agreements_Credit_Agree

Credit Agreements Credit Agreements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]	'
Letters of credit outstanding	$13.20
Total available credit	$186.80
Maturity date	5-Apr-18

Accrued_Product_Warrenties_Acc1

Accrued Product Warrenties Accrued Product Warrenties (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012
Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrued product warranties, beginning of period	'	'	$16,152	$16,046	$16,791	'	$15,322
Amounts paid for warranty services	-1,128	-2,465	-5,273	-6,722	'	'	'
Warranty provisions for products sold	768	1,689	5,309	4,823	'	'	'
Currency translation adjustments and other	160	646	403	1,045	'	'	'
Accrued product warranties, end of period	16,591	15,192	16,591	15,192	16,791	'	15,322
Current accrued product warranties, end of period	13,464	13,094	13,464	13,094	'	13,169	'
Long-term accrued product warranties, end of period	$3,127	$2,098	$3,127	$2,098	'	'	'

LongTerm_Debt_LongTerm_Debt_De

Long-Term Debt Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Unsecured notes	$250,000	$250,000
Term loan	142,500	0
Unamortized discounts issuance costs of unsecured notes	-1,337	-1,681
Long-term Debt	$391,163	$248,319

LongTerm_Debt_Long_Term_Debt_D

Long-Term Debt Long Term Debt (Details textual) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 05, 2013
	Three Point Seven Five Percent Senior Unsecured Notes Due September First, Twenty Sixteen [Member]	Term loan facility [Member]	Term loan facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'
Debt instrument, face amount	$250	'	$150
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage	3.75%	'	'
Debt instrument, maturity date	1-Sep-16	5-Apr-19	'
Senior unsecured notes, proceeds	247.7	'	'
Senior unsecured notes, term (in years)	'5 years	'	'
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	'	'Interest is accrued at the one-month LIBOR rate plus the scheduled spread	'
Debt instrument, frequency of periodic payment	'semiannually	'monthly	'
Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal	'	$3.80	'
Senior unsecured notes, interest payment dates	'March 1 and September 1	'	'
Debt Instrument, Date of First Required Payment	'	30-Jun-13	'

Shareholders_Equity_Shareholde1

Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]	'
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, beginning of period	$171,546
Excess income tax benefit of common stock options exercised	347
Common stock issued pursuant to stock-based compensation plans, net	2,058
Stock-based compensation costs	20,990
Repurchase of common stock	-133,049
Common stock and additional paid-in capital, end of period	$61,892

Shareholders_Equity_Shareholde2

Shareholders' Equity Shareholders' Equity (Details textual) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 07, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 06, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
				Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accelerated share repurchase program [Member]	Accelerated share repurchase program [Member]	Accelerated share repurchase program [Member]
						Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital	Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital	Common Stock and Additional Paid-in Capital
Stockholders Equity Note [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased, shares	'	'	'	2.1	'	0.3	2.6	'
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	'	$133,049,000	'	'	'	'	'	$75,000,000
Common stock authorized to be repurchased, number of shares (in shares)	'	'	25	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock dividends, paid per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock dividends, total cash paid	'	'	'	'	$38,700,000	'	'	'

Contingencies_Contingencies_De

Contingencies Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2010
Loss Contingency [Abstract]	'
Litigation settlement payment	$3

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Deta

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Minimum | US Federal	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2010
Minimum | State of Oregon	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2009
Minimum | State of Massachusetts	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2009
Minimum | State of California	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2008
Minimum | Sweden	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2007
Minimum | United Kingdom	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2008
Minimum | Belgium	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2011
Maximum | US Federal	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2012
Maximum | State of Oregon	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2012
Maximum | State of Massachusetts	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2012
Maximum | State of California	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2012
Maximum | Sweden	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2012
Maximum | United Kingdom	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2012
Maximum | Belgium	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'
Tax years open to examination by major taxing jurisdictions	'2012

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Deta1

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Details textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	$29.80
Accrued interest and penalties	$2.80

Operating_Segments_and_Related2

Operating Segments and Related Information Operating Segments and Related Information (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
	operating_segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Business divisions	2
Commercial Systems division	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Operating segments	2
Government Systems division	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Operating segments	3

Operating_Segments_and_Related3

Operating Segments and Related Information Operating Segments and Related Information (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue - External Customers	$358,141	$332,230	$1,096,053	$1,018,973
Revenue - Intersegments	0	0	0	0
Earnings (loss) from operations	63,539	74,237	202,942	203,253
Thermal Vision and Measurement	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue - External Customers	177,100	149,540	519,453	447,922
Revenue - Intersegments	5,201	3,076	12,397	12,527
Earnings (loss) from operations	43,744	42,916	125,509	109,651
Raymarine	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue - External Customers	35,800	31,659	127,087	125,443
Revenue - Intersegments	0	0	0	4
Earnings (loss) from operations	2,050	374	14,345	9,944
Surveillance	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue - External Customers	102,966	115,915	331,824	350,005
Revenue - Intersegments	8,240	5,260	22,520	17,246
Earnings (loss) from operations	30,535	39,243	100,835	114,965
Detection	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue - External Customers	13,103	15,401	40,016	50,467
Revenue - Intersegments	1,836	1,027	6,098	1,803
Earnings (loss) from operations	1,354	1,131	3,265	801
Integrated Systems	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue - External Customers	29,172	19,715	77,673	45,136
Revenue - Intersegments	384	295	1,082	1,342
Earnings (loss) from operations	-97	1,333	112	1,267
Eliminations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue - Intersegments	-15,661	-9,658	-42,097	-32,922
Other	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Earnings (loss) from operations	($14,047)	($10,760)	($41,124)	($33,375)

Operating_Segments_and_Related4

Operating Segments and Related Information Operating Segments and Related Information (Details 3) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	$657,644	$716,541
Thermal Vision and Measurement	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	249,972	265,197
Raymarine	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	66,185	74,980
Surveillance	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	283,809	317,944
Detection	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	24,858	31,861
Integrated Systems	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'
Segment assets (accounts receivable, net and inventories)	$32,820	$26,559

Operating_Segments_and_Related5

Operating Segments and Related Information Operating Segments and Related Information (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$358,141	$332,230	$1,096,053	$1,018,973
United States	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	191,261	185,222	576,278	536,150
Europe	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	81,748	61,507	260,474	231,374
Other international	'	'	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$85,132	$85,501	$259,301	$251,449

Operating_Segments_and_Related6

Operating Segments and Related Information Operating Segments and Related Information (Details 5) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$1,014,138	$991,466
United States	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	596,967	583,008
Europe	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	362,959	355,497
Other international	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Long-lived assets	$54,212	$52,961

Operating_Segments_and_Related7

Operating Segments and Related Information Operating Segments and Related Information (Details 6) (US Government, USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
US Government	'	'	'	'
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$89,866	$91,714	$282,470	$265,976

Business_Acquisitions_Business2

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 20, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 24, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Lorex Technology Inc	Lorex Technology Inc	Traficon International NV	Traficon International NV	Traficon International NV	Traficon International NV
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash acquired	$1,170	'	$181	'	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	10,183	'	6,435	'	'	'
Inventories	13,967	'	2,853	'	'	'
Property and equipment	1,049	'	179	'	'	'
Other assets	3,004	'	657	'	'	'
Liabilities	-10,252	'	-5,248	'	'	'
Net tangible assets	19,121	'	5,057	'	5,100	'
Net deferred taxes	-4,189	'	-5,166	'	'	'
Identifiable intangible assets	15,100	'	20,102	'	'	'
Goodwill	31,138	'	28,370	'	'	'
Purchase price	$61,170	$61,200	$48,363	$2,100	'	$46,300

Business_Acquisitions_Business3

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Lorex Technology Inc	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Identifiable intangible assets	$15,100
Traficon International NV	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Identifiable intangible assets	20,102
Lorex Trade Name | Lorex Technology Inc	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	6,800
Patented/Proprietary Technology | Traficon International NV	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	5,951
Weighted average estimated useful life	'10 years
Backlog | Traficon International NV	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	1,852
Weighted average estimated useful life	'1 year 6 months
Customer Relationships | Lorex Technology Inc	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	8,300
Weighted average estimated useful life	'7 years
Customer Relationships | Traficon International NV	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	$12,299
Weighted average estimated useful life	'12 years

Business_Acquisitions_Business4

Business Acquisitions Business Acquisitions (Details textual) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 20, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Apr. 24, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 28, 2012	Apr. 16, 2013	Aug. 12, 2013	Aug. 12, 2013
	Lorex Technology Inc	Lorex Technology Inc	Lorex Technology Inc	Traficon International NV	Traficon International NV	Traficon International NV	Traficon International NV	Marine and Remote Sensing Solutions, Ltd.	DigitalOptics Corporation East	Thermal Vision and Measurement
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price	$61,170,000	'	$61,200,000	$48,363,000	$2,100,000	'	$46,300,000	$3,200,000	$14,900,000	'
Net tangible assets acquired	19,121,000	'	'	5,057,000	'	5,100,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase price allocation to intangible assets	15,100,000	'	'	20,102,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Purchase price allocation to goodwill	31,138,000	'	'	28,370,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other long-term assets	'	42,100,000	'	'	'	41,200,000	'	'	'	'
Purchase price allocation to property and equipment	1,049,000	'	'	179,000	'	'	'	'	'	5,000,000
Purchase price allocation to other assets	$3,004,000	'	'	$657,000	'	'	'	'	'	$9,900,000

Subsequent_Events_Subsequent_E

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Dividend declared	Minimum	Maximum
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected restructuring and related costs	'	$27	$30
Quarterly dividend, date declared	23-Oct-13	'	'
Quarterly dividend, value per share (in dollars per share)	$0.09	'	'
Quarterly dividend, date to be paid	6-Dec-13	'	'
Quarterly dividend, date of record	18-Nov-13	'	'
Quarterly dividend, amount declared	$12.70	'	'