Astronics Corporation Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Fair Value - Additional Information (Detail) (Level 3 [Member], Maximum [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Apr. 04, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value liabilities, description	Our Level 3 fair value liabilities represent contingent consideration recorded related to the 2011 Ballard acquisition, to be paid up to a maximum of $5.5 million if annual revenue growth targets are met in the years 2012 - 2016 and the 2013 AeroSat acquisition, to be paid up to a maximum of $53.0 million if annual revenue targets are met in the years 2014 and 2015.
Revenue Recognition Milestone Method 2014 and 2015 [Member] \| AeroSat [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration on fair value liabilities	53,000
Revenue Recognition Milestone Method 2012 to 2016 [Member] \| Ballard [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration on fair value liabilities	5,500