Equity [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Stockholders’ equity at beginning of period Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss): Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Change in cumulative translation adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Exercise of stock options and warrants Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Employee stock purchase plan and restricted stock units settled in cash Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan Restricted stock units traded for taxes Restricted Stock Units Traded for Taxes, Value Restricted Stock Units Traded for Taxes, Value Stockholders’ equity at end of period Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Principal Debt Instrument, Face Amount Carrying Amount Long-term Debt Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Net unamortized original issue discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior notes Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 7% Senior Notes due 2019 Seven Percent Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] Seven Percent Senior Notes Due 2019 [Member] 10% Senior Notes due in 2017 Ten Percent Senior Notes Due June 2017 [Member] Senior Notes Due June 2017 [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Redemption Date [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Redemption Date [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Between 5/15/2016 and 5/15/2017 Redemption Period Two [Member] June First Twenty Fourteen Through June First Twenty Fifteen [Member] Between 5/15/2017 and 5/15/2018 Redemption Period Three [Member] June First Twenty Fifteen Through June First Twenty Sixteen [Member] After 5/15/2018 Redemption Period Four [Member] After June First Twenty Sixteen [Member] Before 5/15/2016 Redemption Period Before May 15 2016 [Member] Redemption Period Before May 15 2016 [Member] One Time Before 5/15/2016 Redemption Period One Time Before May 15 2016 [Member] Redemption Period One Time Before May 15 2016 [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Stated interest rate percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Original issue discount Debt issuance cost Debt Issuance Cost Credit agreement borrowings Proceeds from Lines of Credit Reacquisition price Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Proceeds amount intended to invest in replacement collateral Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount, Invested in Replacement Collateral Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount, Invested in Replacement Collateral Early termination fee Debt Instrument, Early Termination Fee Debt Instrument, Early Termination Fee Write off of unamortized issue costs Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost Unamortized premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Interest accrued in escrow Debt Instrument, Escrow Interest Accrued Debt Instrument, Escrow Interest Loss on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Ownership percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Fixed charge coverage ratio Debt Instrument Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Line Of Credit Facility Fixed Coverage Ratio Redemption amount as percentage of aggregate principal amount Debt Instrument Redemption Amount As Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Percent of aggregate principal amount that may be redeemed by the Company if certain terms are met Redemption amount as percentage of available aggregate principal amount Debt Instrument, Portion Of Aggregate Principal Amount Available For Redemption Debt Instrument, Portion of Aggregate Principal Amount Available for Redemption Redemption price as percentage of aggregate principal amount Debt Instrument Redemption Price As A Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Debt Instrument Redemption Price As A Percentage of Aggregate Principal Amount Period following asset disposition Debt Instrument, Duration Following Sale Required to Repurchase Loan With Unused Proceeds Debt Instrument, Duration Following Sale Required to Repurchase Loan With Unused Proceeds Legal fees Legal Fees Notes outstanding Senior Notes Outstanding borrowings Long-term Line of Credit Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Stock options and awards Stock Options and Stock Awards [Member] Stock Options and Stock Awards [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Document And Entity Information -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Kratos Government Solutions Kratos Government Solutions [Member] Kratos Government Solutions operating/reportable segment Public Safety & Security Public Safety and Security [Member] Public Safety and Security [Member] Unmanned Systems Kratos Unmanned Systems [Member] Kratos Unmanned Systems [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Reportable Segments Operating Segments [Member] Unallocated corporate expense, net Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Service revenues Sales Revenue, Services, Net Product sales Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Total revenues Revenue, Net Depreciation & amortization: Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction [Abstract] Total depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Operating income (loss) from continuing operations: Operating Income (Loss) [Abstract] Total operating income (loss) from continuing operations Operating Income (Loss) Total assets Assets Discontinued operations, Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventoried costs Inventory, Net of Allowances, Customer Advances and Progress Billings Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Non-current assets of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation Employee-related Liabilities, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Billings in excess of costs and earnings on uncompleted contracts Billings in Excess of Cost Deferred income tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt principal, net of current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Line of credit Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares outstanding at December 28, 2014 and September 27, 2015 Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.001 par value, 195,000,000 shares authorized; 57,801,978 and 59,085,117 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2014 and September 27, 2015, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Summary of changes in stockholders' equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Rollforward of common stock outstanding Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Revolving Loans Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Swingline Loan Swing Line Loan [Member] Swing Line Loan [Member] Revolving Loans plus outstanding Swingline Loans plus Letters of Credit Revolving Loan, Swingline Loan, and Line of Credit [Member] Revolving Loan, Swingline Loan, and Line of Credit [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Fixed charge coverage ratio not measured Scenario One [Member] Scenario One [Member] Fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.05 Scenario Two [Member] Scenario Two [Member] Herley disposition proceeds reinvestment reserve, as defined in the amendment Scenario Five [Member] Scenario Five [Member] Fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.10 Scenario Three [Member] Scenario Three [Member] Fixed charge coverage ratio remains at 1.15 Scenario Four [Member] Scenario Four [Member] 2014 Credit Agreement, Third Amendment Two Thousand Fourteen Credit Agreement, Third Amendment [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen Credit Agreement, Third Amendment [Member] 2014 Credit Agreement, Fourth Amendment Two Thousand Fourteen Credit Agreement, Fourth Amendment [Member] Two Thousand Fourteen Credit Agreement, Fourth Amendment [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Federal Funds rate Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member] LIBOR rate London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base rate Base Rate [Member] Eurodollar rate Eurodollar [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Herley Herley Industries Inc [Member] Herley Industries Inc [Member] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Maturity period Debt Instrument, Maturity Period Debt Instrument, Maturity Period Potential maximum borrowing capacity, subject to Lender approval Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Possible Borrowings Subject To Application And Bank Approval Line Of Credit Facility, Maximum Possible Borrowings Subject To Application And Bank Approval Base rate (the greater of prime rate or 0.5% over federal funds rate) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Base rate (floor, 1.0% over one-month LIBOR) Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Minimum amount required for repurchase Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Required Amount of Loan Repurchased Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Compliance, Required Amount of Loan Repurchased Covenant Terms, capacity of outstanding loans or credit Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Capacity of Outstanding Borrowing Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Capacity of Outstanding Borrowing Covenant Terms, percentage of reinvestment in excess of loans and credit Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Percentage of Reinvestment Reserve over Outstanding Borrowings in Excess of Capacity of Outstanding Borrowing Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Percentage of Reinvestment Reserve over Outstanding Borrowings in Excess of Capacity of Outstanding Borrowing Reserve amount based on collateral carrying value Line of Credit Facility, Collateral, Reserve Amount Line of Credit Facility, Collateral, Reserve Amount Period from sale allowed to reinvest in similar collateral assets Debt Instrument, Duration for Collateral Adjustment Debt Instrument, Duration for Collateral Adjustment Disposition decrease to collateral assets Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount Increase (Decrease) Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount Increase (Decrease) Letter of credit exposure outstanding Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Credit Line Outstanding Excluded From Calculation of Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Amount Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance, Credit Line Outstanding Excluded From Calculation of Minimum Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Amount Remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of product warranty liabilities Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reportiing Segments [Table] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers, by Reporting Segments [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Government contracts Government Contracts Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Revenue Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Major Customers [Axis] Customer [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] U.S. Government U.S. Government [Member] U.S. Government, major customer [Member] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items] Sales to the U.S. Government - amount Revenues Sales to the U.S. Government - percentage of total revenue Concentration Risk, Percentage Schedule of Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Subsidiary Guarantors on a Combined Basis Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantors on a Combined Basis Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Amounts due from affiliated companies Due from Affiliate, Current Other current assets Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value, Prepaid Expense And Other Assets, Current Restricted Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value, Prepaid Expense And Other Assets, Current Investment in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Accrued expenses Accrued Expenses, Current Accrued Expenses, Current Amounts due to affiliated companies Due to Affiliate, Current Long-term debt, net of current portion Long Term Debt And Unamortized Premium, Noncurrent Long Term Debt And Unamortized Premium, Noncurrent Total stockholders' equity Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Cost of sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold Selling, general and administrative expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Interest expense, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Interest Expense Net Other net expense items that are not major Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income (Expense) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income (Expense) Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Gain on disposal of discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Total gain (loss) on discontinued operations before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income (loss) from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Number of subsidiaries with certain unallowable costs Number of Subsidiaries With Unallowable Costs from Defense Contract Audit Agency Number of Subsidiaries With Unallowable Costs from Defense Contract Audit Agency Warranty Coverage Period [Table] Schedule of Product Information [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Product Warranties Product Warranties [Member] Product Warranties [Member] Warranty Coverage Period [Line Items] Product Information [Line Items] Warranty coverage period Product Warranty Accrual, Warranty Term Product Warranty Accrual, Warranty Term Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard and Extended Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of the period Product Warranty Accrual Costs accrued and revenues deferred Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued Settlements made (in cash or kind), revenues recognized and other Product Warranty Accrual, Payments, Revenue Recognized, And Other Product Warranty Accrual, Payments, Revenue Recognized, And Other Balance at end of period Less: Current portion Product Warranty Accrual, Current Non-current accrued product warranty and deferred warranty revenue Product Warranty Accrual, Noncurrent Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule Of Condensed Statement Of Operations And Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Condensed Statement Of Operations And Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Schedule of discontinued operations, income statement and balance sheet Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Cost of service revenues Cost of Services Cost of product sales Cost of Goods Sold Total costs Cost of Revenue Gross profit Gross Profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling General, And Administrative Expense, Business Acquisition Related Costs, And Other Impairment Charges Selling General, And Administrative Expense And Business Acquisition Related Costs Research and development expenses Research and Development Expense Operating income (loss) from continuing operations Other income (expense): Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest income (expense), net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Loss on extinguishment of debt Other income (expense), net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss from continuing operations before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) from discontinued operations Equity in net income (loss) of subsidiaries Equity In Net Income (Loss) Of Subsidiaries Equity In Net Income (Loss) Of Subsidiaries Net income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Gross value Goodwill, Gross Less accumulated impairment Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Net Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Income Tax Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Income tax benefit at federal statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State and foreign taxes, net of federal tax benefit and valuation allowance Income Tax Reconciliation State Income Taxes And Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Current State And Foreign Tax Expense Benefit Nondeductible expenses and other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Other, Amount Impact of deferred tax liabilities for indefinite-lived assets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Increase (decrease) in reserves for uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount Increase (decrease) in federal valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Total income tax provision (benefit) Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Supplies and other Other Inventory, Net of Reserves Subtotal inventoried costs Inventory, Net Less: Customer advances and progress payments Progress Payments Netted Against Inventory for Long-term Contracts or Programs Total inventoried costs Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Inventoried Costs Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Asset by Major Class [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Contracts and backlog Contracts and Backlog [Member] Contracts and Backlog [Member] Developed technology and technical know-how Developed Technology Rights [Member] Trade names Trade Names [Member] Favorable operating lease Favorable Operating Lease [Member] Favorable Operating Lease [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Acquired finite-lived intangible assets: Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Acquired finite-lived intangible assets: Gross Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible assets: Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Acquired finite-lived intangible assets: Net Value Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets: Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets: Gross Value Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible assets: Gross Value Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Gross Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill), Gross Intangible assets: Net Value Consolidated amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Shares outstanding at beginning of the period Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Stock issued for employee stock purchase plan, stock options and restricted stock units exercised Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Stock Options And Restricted Stock Units Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Stock Options And Other Shares outstanding at end of the period Significant Customers Significant Customers Disclosure [Text Block] Significant Customers Disclosure [Text Block] Fair value of long-term debt Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fiscal Year Fiscal Period, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards Updates New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventoried Costs Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Preferred Stock: Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock: Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Shares outstanding (in shares) Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of components of income tax expense (benefit) Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Selling, general and administrative expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expense Unused office space and other restructuring expenses Impairment Charges And Adjustments To Unused Office Space Liability Impairment Charges And Adjustments To Unused Office Space Liability Interest expense, net Other income (expense), net Provision (benefit) for income taxes from continuing operations Discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (loss) from operations of discontinued component (including gain on disposal of $80.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2015) Income tax expense Basic income (loss) per common share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Net income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted income (loss) per common share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Net income (loss) from discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Net income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted average common shares outstanding: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Change in cumulative translation adjustment 10-year term loan Loans Payable [Member] Number of subsidiaries acquired Number of Subsidiary Owned Number of Subsidiary Owned Quarterly installment payment - principal Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Schedule of inventoried costs Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] (Income) loss from discontinued operations Loss from continuing operations Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Amortization of deferred financing costs Amortization of Deferred Charges Amortization of premium and discount on Senior Secured Notes Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Loss on extinguishment of debt Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt, Operating Activities Loss On Extinguishment Of Debt, Operating Activities Non-cash income tax benefit Other Noncash Income Tax Expense Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Changes in unused office space accrual Unused Office Space, Accrual Adjustment The amount of any adjustments made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for unused office space. Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventoried costs Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Prepaid expenses and other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accrued compensation Increase (Decrease) in Employee Related Liabilities Accrued expenses Increase (Decrease) in Other Accrued Liabilities Advance payments received on contracts Increase (Decrease) in Customer Advances Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Billings in excess of costs and earnings on uncompleted contracts Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Income tax receivable and payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable, Net of Income Taxes Receivable Other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Change in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Capital expenditures Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Extinguishment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Proceeds from the sale of employee stock purchase plan shares Proceeds from (Repurchase of) Equity Deferred acquisition payments Payments for (Proceeds from) Previous Acquisition Repayment of debt Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows of continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Continuing Operations Net operating cash flows of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net investing cash flows of discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Table] Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Table] Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items] Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Line Items] [Line Items] for Significant Accounting Policies Disclosure [Table] Fiscal year duration Fiscal Year Duration Fiscal Year Duration First quarter duration Fiscal Year To Date Duration Fiscal Year To Date Duration Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Cumulative translation adjustment Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Post retirement benefit reserve adjustment net of tax expense Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Total accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassifications from other comprehensive income Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Purchase price, in cash Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Taxes incurred as part of transaction (up to $5.0 Million) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Tax Amount Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Tax Amount Escrow to satisfy any purchase price adjustments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Escrow Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Escrow Working capital adjustments Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Working Capital Adjustment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Working Capital Adjustment Gain on sale Disposal Group, Deferred Gain on Disposal Period to assert claim for indemnification Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Period to Assert Claim Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Period to Assert Claim Maximum amount of future payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Range of Outcomes, Value, High Transaction-related costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Transaction Related Cost Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Transaction Related Cost Income tax expense (benefit) in discontinued operations Depreciation and amortization Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Depreciation and Amortization Redemption Debt Instrument, Redemption, Amount Debt Instrument, Redemption, Amount Repayment of outstanding borrowings Repayments of Debt Schedule of goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of intangible assets (finite-lived) Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of intangible assets (indefinite-lived) Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations Investment in affiliated companies Payments For (Proceeds From) Investment In Affiliated Companies Payments For (Proceeds From) Investment In Affiliated Companies Change in restricted cash Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Extinguishment of long-term debt Financing from affiliated companies Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Deferred acquisition payments Other, net Cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Inventoried costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Non-current assets of discontinued operations Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Accrued expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued compensation Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Employee-related Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Employee-related Liabilities, Current Billings in excess of cost and earnings on uncompleted contracts Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Billings in Excess of Cost Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Billings in Excess of Cost Other current liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Current liabilities of discontinued operations Federal annual utilization of NOL carryforwards limit, next five years Operating Loss Carryforwards, Federal Annual Utilization Limit, Five Years Succeeding Initial Ownership Change Operating Loss Carryforwards, Federal Annual Utilization Limit, Five Years Succeeding Initial Ownership Change Threshold period for change in allowed annual amount of NOL to be recognized Threshold Period for Change in Allowed Annual Amount of Operating Loss Carryforward to be Recognized Threshold Period for Change in Allowed Annual Amount of Operating Loss Carryforward to be Recognized Federal annual utilization of NOL carryforwards limit, after year five Operating Loss Carryforwards, Federal Annual Utilization Limit, After Year Five Operating Loss Carryforwards, Federal Annual Utilization Limit, After Year Five Unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would impact the effective tax rate for continuing operations Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits increase (decrease) Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Unrecognized tax benefits related to discontinued operations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Discontinuing Operations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Discontinuing Operations Expense for interest and penalties Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Schedule of segment revenues, depreciation and amortization, and operating income (loss) Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Gain on Disposal