Esterline Technologies 10-K 22 Dec 14 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 17, 2014	2-May-14
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	ESL
Entity Registrant Name	ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
Entity Central Index Key	33619
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-21
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,750,610
Entity Public Float			$3,491,192,615

Consolidated_Statement_of_Oper

Consolidated Statement of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 25, 2013		Oct. 26, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net Sales	$2,051,169	[1]	$1,888,777	[1]	$1,877,821	[1]
Cost of Sales	1,330,545		1,184,068		1,199,933
Gross Profit	720,624		704,709		677,888
Expenses
Selling, general & administrative	364,259		366,641		350,222
Research, development and engineering	98,901		90,214		100,877
Restructuring charges	13,642		0		0
Gain on sale of product line	0		-2,264		0
Gain on settlement of contingency	0		0		-11,891
Goodwill impairment	0		3,454		52,169
Other income	0		0		-1,263
Total Expenses	476,802		458,045		490,114
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations	243,822		246,664		187,774
Interest Income	-555		-535		-463
Interest Expense	33,010		39,638		46,227
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt	533		946		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	210,834		206,615		142,010
Income Tax Expense	44,274		33,891		27,816
Earnings from Continuing Operations Including Noncontrolling Interests	166,560		172,724		114,194
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-553		-1,730		-1,040
Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax	166,007		170,994		113,154
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax	-63,589		-6,260		-619
Net Earnings Attributable to Esterline	$102,418		$164,734		$112,535
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Esterline - Basic:
Continuing operations	$5.22		$5.48		$3.68
Discontinued operations	($2)		($0.20)		($0.02)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Esterline - Basic	$3.22		$5.28		$3.66
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Esterline - Diluted:
Continuing operations	$5.12		$5.39		$3.62
Discontinued operations	($1.96)		($0.20)		($0.02)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Esterline - Diluted	$3.16		$5.19		$3.60
[1]	Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$238,144	$179,178
Cash in escrow	0	4,018
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,023 and $9,215	379,889	383,666
Inventories	433,595	447,663
Income tax refundable	5,266	6,526
Deferred income tax benefits	48,679	47,277
Prepaid expenses	20,336	18,183
Other current assets	2,149	5,204
Current assets of businesses held for sale	41,446	0
Total Current Assets	1,169,504	1,091,715
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land	29,940	32,785
Buildings	225,594	247,885
Machinery and equipment	465,926	487,191
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Total	721,460	767,861
Accumulated depreciation	402,118	396,664
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	319,342	371,197
Other Non-Current Assets
Goodwill	1,071,786	1,128,977
Intangibles, net	471,377	580,949
Debt issuance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $5,743 and $4,359	4,295	6,211
Deferred income tax benefits	71,307	71,840
Other assets	14,179	11,223
Non-current assets of businesses held for sale	71,677	0
Total Assets	3,193,467	3,262,112
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	115,284	123,597
Accrued liabilities	262,536	253,561
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,774	21,279
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,773	2,307
Federal and foreign income taxes	1,571	7,348
Current liabilities of businesses held for sale	14,191	0
Total Current Liabilities	408,129	408,092
Long-Term Liabilities
Credit facilities	100,000	130,000
Long-term debt, net of current maturities	509,720	537,859
Deferred income tax liabilities	149,165	193,119
Pension and post-retirement obligations	62,693	68,102
Other liabilities	46,884	40,188
Non-current liabilities of businesses held for sale	18,876	0
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, par value $.20 per share, authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued 32,123,717 and 31,441,949 shares	6,425	6,288
Additional paid-in capital	655,723	604,511
Treasury stock at cost, repurchased 269,228 and 0 shares	-30,262	0
Retained earnings	1,387,508	1,285,090
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-131,577	-22,284
Total Esterline shareholders' equity	1,887,817	1,873,605
Noncontrolling interests	10,183	11,147
Total Shareholders' Equity	1,898,000	1,884,752
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$3,193,467	$3,262,112

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet_Par

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowances	$10,023	$9,215
Debt issuance costs, accumulated amortization	$5,743	$4,359
Common stock, par value	$0.20	$0.20
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	32,123,717	31,441,949
Treasury stock, shares repurchased	269,228	0

Consolidated_Statement_of_Cash

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$102,971	$166,464	$113,575
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	116,027	112,132	107,792
Deferred income taxes	-14,893	-21,812	-21,200
Share-based compensation	13,044	9,575	9,543
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets	3,174	-2,303	-944
Gain on settlement of contingency	0	0	-11,891
Goodwill impairment	0	3,454	52,169
Loss on assets held for sale	49,472	0	0
Working capital changes, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-17,375	5,015	-22,381
Inventories	-21,491	-28,317	-19,303
Prepaid expenses	-3,237	3,604	-2,506
Other current assets	1,009	-1,558	-1,002
Accounts payable	1,341	9,008	-6,482
Accrued liabilities	13,461	-3,120	14,879
Federal and foreign income taxes	-11,175	3,179	-7,068
Other liabilities	-13,852	-7,602	-14,702
Other, net	-2,112	3,053	3,692
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	216,364	250,772	194,171
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchase of capital assets	-45,678	-55,335	-49,446
Proceeds from sale of capital assets	572	2,303	944
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-44,745	-40,689	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	-89,851	-93,721	-48,502
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans	31,215	22,854	7,658
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	7,090	2,961	382
Shares repurchased	-30,262	0	0
Repayment of long-term credit facilities	-55,000	-110,000	-150,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-35,810	-235,428	-73,145
Proceeds from issuance of long-term credit facilities	25,000	175,000	30,000
Proceeds from government assistance	3,337	5,092	17,285
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-778	-1,048	0
Debt and other issuance costs	0	-454	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	-55,208	-141,023	-167,820
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-12,339	2,475	-2,209
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	58,966	18,503	-24,360
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year	179,178	160,675	185,035
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Year	238,144	179,178	160,675
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest	28,593	38,376	43,854
Cash paid for taxes	65,147	43,842	54,366
Supplemental Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Capital asset and lease obligation additions	$2,753	$11,691	$0

Consolidated_Statement_of_Shar

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity, Noncontrolling Interests and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $)	Total	Common Stock, Par Value $.20 Per Share	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Noncontrolling Interests	Comprehensive Income
In Thousands
Beginning of year at Oct. 28, 2011		$6,123	$551,703	$0	$1,007,821	($2,812)	$11,083
Shares issued under employee stock plans		51	7,989
Share-based compensation expense			9,543
Shares repurchased				0
Net earnings	112,535				112,535			112,535
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax	-2,399					-2,399		-2,399
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax	23,708					-23,708		-23,708
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-56,365					-56,365		-56,365
Share repurchases							-2,069
Net changes in equity attributable to noncontrolling interest							1,040
Comprehensive Income (Loss)								30,063
End of year at Oct. 26, 2012	1,620,535	6,174	569,235	0	1,120,356	-85,284	10,054
Shares issued under employee stock plans		114	25,701
Share-based compensation expense			9,575
Shares repurchased				0
Net earnings	164,734				164,734			164,734
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax	-3,119					-3,119		-3,119
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax	-42,994					42,994		42,994
Foreign currency translation adjustment	23,125					23,125		23,125
Share repurchases							0
Net changes in equity attributable to noncontrolling interest							1,093
Comprehensive Income (Loss)								227,734
End of year at Oct. 25, 2013	1,884,752	6,288	604,511	0	1,285,090	-22,284	11,147
Shares issued under employee stock plans		137	38,168
Share-based compensation expense			13,044
Shares repurchased		-30,262		-30,262
Net earnings	102,418				102,418			102,418
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax	-8,793					-8,793		-8,793
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax	3,968					-3,968		-3,968
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-96,532					-96,532		-96,532
Share repurchases							0
Net changes in equity attributable to noncontrolling interest							-964
Comprehensive Income (Loss)								-6,875
End of year at Oct. 31, 2014	1,898,000	6,425	655,723	-30,262	1,387,508	-131,577	10,183
Beginning of year at Jul. 30, 2014
Shares repurchased		-25,086
Net earnings	-3,472
End of year at Oct. 31, 2014	$1,898,000	$6,425

Consolidated_Statement_of_Shar1

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity Noncontrolling Interest, and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Common stock, par value	$0.20	$0.20
Common Stock, Par Value $.20 Per Share
Common stock, par value	$0.20	$0.20	$0.20
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instrument tax effect	$3,534	$913	$1,158
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations tax effect	($2,041)	($22,897)	$11,626

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies	NOTE 1:  Accounting Policies
	Nature of Operations
	Esterline Technologies Corporation (the Company) designs, manufactures and markets highly engineered products.  The Company serves the aerospace and defense industry, primarily in the United States and Europe.  The Company also serves the industrial/commercial and medical markets.
	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  Classifications have been changed for certain amounts in prior periods to conform with the current year’s presentation.  The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Friday of October.
	On June 5, 2014, the Company’s board of directors authorized a change in the Company’s fiscal year end to the last Friday of September from the last Friday in October.  The Company plans to report its financial results for the 11-month transition period of November 1, 2014, through October 2, 2015, on an Annual Report on Form 10-K and to thereafter file its annual report for each 12-month period ending the last Friday of September of each year, beginning with the 12-month period ending September 30, 2016.  The fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 will be a two-month quarter.  The Company’s fiscal year 2014 was unchanged and ended on October 31, 2014.
	Management Estimates
	To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Concentration of Risks
	The Company’s products are principally focused on the aerospace and defense industry, which includes military and commercial aircraft original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers, commercial airlines, and the United States and foreign governments.  Sales directly to the U.S. government aggregated 4% and 6% of sales in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Accordingly, the Company’s current and future financial performance is dependent on the economic condition of the aerospace and defense industry.  The commercial aerospace and defense markets have historically been subject to cyclical downturns during periods of weak economic conditions or material changes arising from domestic or international events.  Management believes that the Company’s sales are balanced across its customer base, which includes not only aerospace and defense customers but also medical and industrial commercial customers.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is determinable, and the collectability is reasonably assured.  The Company recognizes product revenues at the point of shipment or delivery in accordance with the terms of sale.  Sales are net of returns and allowances.  Returns and allowances are not significant because products are manufactured to customer specification and are covered by the terms of the product warranty.
	Revenues and profits on fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the achievement of contractual milestones and the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to total estimated costs for each contract (cost-to-cost method).  Types of milestones include design review and prototype completion.  The Company reviews cost performance and estimates to complete on its ongoing contracts at least quarterly.  The impact of revisions of profit estimates are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions are made. Provisions for anticipated losses on contracts are recorded in the period they become evident.  When change orders have been approved by both the company and the customer for both scope and price and realization is deemed probable, the original contract price is adjusted and revenues are recognized on contract performance (as determined by the achievement of contractual milestones and the cost-to-cost method).  For partially approved change orders, costs attributable to unpriced change orders are treated as costs of the contract performance in the period the costs are incurred.  Claims are also recognized as contract revenue when approved by both the company and the customer, based on contract performance.
	Research and Development
	Expenditures for internally-funded research and development are expensed as incurred.  Customer-funded research and development projects performed under contracts are accounted for as work in process as work is performed and recognized as cost of sales and sales under the proportional performance method.  Research and development expenditures are net of government assistance and tax subsidies, which are not contingent upon paying income tax.  In addition, government assistance for research and development is recorded as a reduction of research and development expense when repayment royalties are contingent upon sales generated directly from the funded research and development.  If reimbursement is not tied directly to sales generated from the funded research and development, the assistance is accounted for as a loan until the criteria for forgiveness has been met.
	Financial Instruments
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, long-term debt, foreign currency forward contracts, and interest rate swap agreements.  The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values because of the short-term maturities or expected settlement dates of these instruments.  The fair market value of the Company’s long-term debt and short-term borrowings was estimated at $639.4 million and $711.6 million at fiscal year end 2014 and 2013, respectively.  These estimates were derived using discounted cash flows with interest rates currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
	The Company is subject to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates from the sale of products in currencies other than its functional currency.  Furthermore, the Company has assets denominated in foreign currencies that are not offset by liabilities in such foreign currencies.  The Company has significant operations in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, and accordingly, the Company may experience gains or losses due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
	The Company’s policy is to hedge a portion of its forecasted transactions using forward exchange contracts, with maturities up to 24 months.  These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The portion of the net gain or loss on a derivative instrument that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  The remaining net gain or loss on the derivative in excess of the present value of the expected cash flows of the hedged transaction is recorded in earnings immediately.  If a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, or a portion of the hedge is deemed ineffective, the change in fair value is recorded in earnings.  The amount of hedge ineffectiveness has not been material in any of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 31, 2014.  At October 31, 2014, and October 25, 2013, the notional value of foreign currency forward contracts accounted for as a cash flow hedge was $283.0 million and $271.3 million, respectively.  The fair value of these contracts was a liability of $14.6 million and a $2.3 million liability at October 31, 2014, and October 25, 2013, respectively.  The Company does not enter into any forward contracts for trading purposes.
	In July 2011, the Company entered into a Euro Term Loan for €125.0 million under the secured credit facility.  The Company designated the Euro Term Loan a hedge of the investment in a certain French business unit.  The foreign currency gain or loss that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.  To the extent that this hedge is ineffective, the foreign currency gain or loss is recorded in earnings.  There has been no ineffectiveness since inception of the hedge. In the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company paid off the remaining balance of the Euro Term Loan.  As a result, the Company recorded a net loss of $0.5 million on extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2014.
	Interest Rate Risk Management
	Depending on the interest rate environment, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to convert the fixed interest rates on notes payable to variable interest rates or terminate any swap agreements in place.  These interest rate swap agreements have been designated as fair value hedges.  Accordingly, a gain or loss on swap agreements as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged portion of notes payable are recognized in interest expense during the period of the change in fair values.  The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by only entering into agreements with major financial institutions which are expected to be able to fully perform under the terms of the agreement.
	In fiscal 2010, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements for $175.0 million on the 2017 Notes.  The swap agreements exchanged the fixed interest rate on the 2017 Notes of 6.625% for a variable interest rate.  In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the swap agreements were terminated, and the Company redeemed the 2017 Notes with proceeds from the $175.0 million U.S. Term Loan.  The Company recorded a gain on the swap termination of $2.9 million.  The gain is included in the Loss on Extinguishment of Debt in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Depending on the interest rate environment, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to convert the variable interest rates on notes payable to fixed interest rates.  These swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges and the fair market value of the hedge instrument is included in Other Comprehensive Income.
	The fair market value of the interest rate swaps was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using quoted market interest rates.
	Foreign Currency Translation
	Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents based on year-end exchange rates.  Revenue and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates.  Aggregate exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of foreign assets and liabilities are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income.  Accumulated gain or (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustment was $(61.1) million, $35.4 million, and $12.3 million as of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014, October 25, 2013, and October 26, 2012, respectively.
	Foreign Currency Transaction Gains and Losses
	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations and are primarily the result of revaluing assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, gains and losses on forward exchange contracts and the change in value of foreign currency embedded derivatives in backlog.  These foreign currency transactions resulted in a $6.5 million loss in fiscal 2014, a $1.7 million loss in fiscal 2013, and a $3.5 million loss in fiscal 2012.
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.  Fair value of cash equivalents approximates carrying value.
	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are recorded at the net invoice price for sales billed to customers.  Accounts receivable are considered past due when outstanding more than normal trade terms allow.  An allowance for doubtful accounts is established when losses are expected to be incurred.  Accounts receivable are written off to the allowance for doubtful accounts when the balance is considered to be uncollectible.
	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost method.  Inventory cost includes material, labor and factory overhead.  The Company defers pre-production engineering costs as work-in-process inventory in connection with long-term supply arrangements that include contractual guarantees for reimbursement from the customer.  Inventory cost adjustments are recorded when inventory is considered to be excess or obsolete based upon an analysis of actual on-hand quantities on a part level basis to forecasted product demand and historical usage.
	Property, Plant and Equipment, and Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost and includes expenditures for major improvements.  Depreciation is generally provided on the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives ranging from 15 to 30 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment.  Depreciation expense was $56.2 million, $55.4 million, and $52.4 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  Depreciation expense included in discontinued operations was $5.0 million, $5.0 million, and $4.2 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  Assets under capital leases were $43.1 million at October 31, 2014, and $47.1 million at October 25, 2013.  Amortization expense of assets accounted for as capital leases is included with depreciation expense.  The fair value of liabilities related to the retirement of property is recorded when there is a legal or contractual obligation to incur asset retirement costs and the costs can be estimated.  The Company records the asset retirement cost by increasing the carrying cost of the underlying property by the amount of the asset retirement obligation.  The asset retirement cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the underlying property.
	Debt Issuance Costs
	Costs incurred to issue debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method.
	Long-lived Asset Impairments
	The carrying amount of long-lived assets is reviewed periodically for impairment.  An asset (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) is considered impaired when estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset.  In the event the carrying amount of such asset is not deemed recoverable, the asset is adjusted to its estimated fair value.  Fair value is generally determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows.
	Assets of Business Held for Sale
	Assets held for sale are to be reported at lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.  Judgment is required in estimating the sales price of assets held for sale and the time required to sell the assets.  These estimates are based upon available market data and operating cash flows of the assets held for sale.
	Contingencies
	The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims, both as plaintiff and defendant, and has contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business.  The Company is covered by insurance for general liability, product liability, workers’ compensation and certain environmental exposures, subject to certain deductible limits.  The Company is self-insured for amounts less than our deductible and where no insurance is available.  An estimated loss from a contingency should be accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  The Company evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.
	Goodwill and Intangibles
	Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually or when circumstances require.  A reporting unit is generally defined at the operating segment level or at the component level one level below the operating segment, if said component constitutes a business.  Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based upon the purchase price of the acquired unit, the valuation of acquired tangible and intangible assets, and liabilities assumed.  When a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment test is required.  This test involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, with the excess of fair value over allocated net assets representing the fair value of goodwill.  An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of goodwill.
	Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated period of benefit, ranging from 2 to 20 years.  Amortization expense is reflected in selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets and takes into account events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate that an impairment exists.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets (other than goodwill) are tested annually for impairment or more frequently on an interim basis if circumstances require.
	Environmental
	Environmental exposures are provided for at the time they are known to exist or are considered probable and reasonably estimable.  No provision has been recorded for environmental remediation costs which could result from changes in laws or other circumstances currently not known by the Company.  Costs provided for future expenditures on environmental remediation are not discounted to present value.
	Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Obligations
	The Company accounts for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as its measurement date.  Management selects appropriate assumptions including discount rate, rate of increase in future compensation levels and assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets and expected annual increases in costs of medical and other health care benefits in regard to the Company’s post-retirement benefit obligations.  These assumptions are based upon historical results, the current economic environment and reasonable expectations of future events.  Actual results which vary from assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods, and accordingly, are recognized in expense in these periods.  Significant differences between our assumptions and actual experience or significant changes in assumptions could impact the pension costs and the pension obligation.
	Legal Expenses
	The Company recognizes legal costs related to loss contingencies when the expense is incurred.
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
	Product Warranties
	Estimated product warranty expenses are recorded when the covered products are shipped to customers and recognized as revenue.  Product warranty expense is estimated based upon the terms of the warranty program.
	Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
	Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.  Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units.  Common shares issuable from stock options that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive were 136,200, 162,100, and 627,475 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share was 31,840,000, 31,173,000, and 30,749,000 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share was 32,448,000, 31,738,000, and 31,282,000 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014 was 31,907,000.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that modifies the criteria used to qualify divestitures for classification as discontinued operation and expands disclosure related to disposals of significant components.  The amendment will become effective for the company in fiscal 2016, with early adoption permitted; the Company does not expect to early adopt the amended guidance.  The amended guidance is expected to decrease the likelihood that future disposals will qualify for discontinued operations treatment, meaning that the results of operation of some future disposals may be reported as continuing operations.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended requirements for an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The updated standard becomes effective for the Company in the first fiscal quarter of 2018.  The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	NOTE 2:  Inventories
	Inventories at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
	In Thousands	2014		2013
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	165,839	$	165,231
	Work in progress		160,884		169,165
	Inventory costs under long-term contracts		17,470		13,717
	Finished goods		89,402		99,550
		$	433,595	$	447,663

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	NOTE 3:  Goodwill
	The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by segment for fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	In Thousands	Avionics &			Sensors &			Advanced
		Controls			Systems			Materials			Total
	Balance, October 26, 2012	$	456,092		$	428,420		$	214,450		$	1,098,962
	Goodwill from acquisitions		21,640			-			-			21,640
	Goodwill adjustments		-			2,904			-			2,904
	Goodwill impairment		(3,454	)		-			-			(3,454	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(9,575	)		18,159			341			8,925
	Balance, October 25, 2013		464,703			449,483			214,791			1,128,977
	Goodwill from acquisitions		-			17,741			-			17,741
	Goodwill adjustments		-			(1,427	)		-			(1,427	)
	Goodwill write off on assets held for sale		(6,333	)		(8,702	)		(7,427	)		(22,462	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(18,355	)		(31,742	)		(946	)		(51,043	)
	Balance, October 31, 2014	$	440,015		$	425,353		$	206,418		$	1,071,786
	On September 3, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a plan to sell certain non-core business units.  These business units are reported as discontinued operations.  Based upon the estimated fair values, the Company recorded an estimated after-tax loss of $49.5 million in fiscal 2014 on the assets held for sale in discontinued operations, of which $22.5 million was recorded against goodwill.
	During the third fiscal quarter of 2013, management performed Step One impairment tests for Racal Acoustics upon identification of an indicator of impairment.  The Company’s third quarter forecast in 2013 projected a higher operating loss in fiscal 2013 and lower earnings over the five years compared to the prior-year forecast due to further delays and reductions in global defense programs.  As required under U.S. GAAP, a Step Two impairment test was required in fiscal 2013, because the current fair value of the business using a discounted cash flow and market approach was less than its carrying amount of the business.  Under Step Two, the fair value of all of Racal Acoustics’ assets and liabilities was estimated, including tangible assets, existing technology, and trade names, for the purpose of deriving an estimate of the implied fair value of goodwill.  The implied fair value of the goodwill was then compared to the recorded goodwill to determine the amount of the impairment.  Assumptions used in measuring the value of these assets and liabilities included the discount rates, royalty rates, and obsolescence rates used in valuing the intangible assets, and pricing of comparable transactions in the market in valuing the tangible assets.  The excess of the carrying amount of goodwill over the implied fair value of goodwill resulted in an impairment charge of $3.5 million in fiscal 2013.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	NOTE 4:  Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	In Thousands			2014				2013
		Weighted		Gross				Gross
		Avg Years		Carrying		Accum.		Carrying		Accum.
		Useful Life		Amount		Amort.		Amount		Amort.
	Amortized Intangible Assets:
	Programs		16	$	619,175	$	251,199	$	726,049	$	251,437
	Core technology		12		15,926		8,893		9,589		6,711
	Patents and other		12		95,459		42,874		93,291		37,024
	Total			$	730,560	$	302,966	$	828,929	$	295,172
	Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:
	Trademark			$	43,783			$	47,192
	Programs represent the valuation of systems or components sold under long-term supply agreements with aerospace companies, military contractors, and OEM manufacturers using similar technology.  The valuation of the program includes the values of the program-specific technology, the backlog of contracts, and the relationship with customers which lead to potential future contracts.  The valuation of the program is based upon its discounted cash flow at a market-based discount rate.
	On September 3, 2014, the Board of Directors approved a plan to sell certain non-core business units.  These business units are reported as discontinued operations.  Based upon the estimated fair values, the Company recorded an estimated after-tax loss of $49.5 million in fiscal 2014 on the assets held for sale in discontinued operations, of which $12.9 million was recorded against intangible assets.
	Amortization of intangible assets from continuing operations was $49,628,000, $46,361,000, and $44,976,000 in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.   Amortization of intangible assets related to discontinued operations was $8,813,000, $8,637,000 and $8,547,000 in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively
	Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:
	In Thousands
	Fiscal Year
	2015					$	43,335
	2016						46,885
	2017						46,097
	2018						45,416
	2019						43,852

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	NOTE 5:  Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
	In Thousands	2014			2013
	Payroll and other compensation	$	123,317		$	119,677
	Commissions		5,014			4,786
	Casualty and medical		14,027			13,738
	Interest		7,006			6,707
	Warranties		16,243			19,372
	State and other tax accruals		6,811			6,536
	Customer deposits		19,624			21,500
	Deferred revenue		23,522			15,888
	Contract reserves		11,260			12,737
	Forward foreign exchange contracts		15,505			7,645
	Litigation reserves		5,534			10,266
	Environmental reserves		650			810
	Rent and future lease obligations		1,251			1,357
	Other		12,772			12,542
		$	262,536		$	253,561
	Accrued liabilities are recorded to reflect the Company’s contractual obligations relating to warranty commitments to customers.  Warranty coverage of various lengths and terms is provided to customers depending on standard offerings and negotiated contractual agreements.  An estimate for warranty expense is recorded at the time of sale based on the length of the warranty and historical warranty return rates and repair costs.
	Changes in the carrying amount of accrued product warranty costs are summarized as follows:
	In Thousands	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	19,372		$	21,870
	Warranty costs incurred		(3,074	)		(4,912	)
	Reclassification to liabilities held for sale		(858	)		-
	Product warranty accrual		8,185			7,380
	Release of reserves		(6,371	)		(4,555	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,011	)		(411	)
	Balance, end of year	$	16,243		$	19,372

Retirement_Benefits

Retirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits	NOTE 6:  Retirement Benefits
	Approximately 37% of U.S. employees have a defined benefit earned under the Esterline pension plan.
	Under the Esterline plan, pension benefits are based on years of service and five-year average compensation for the highest five consecutive years’ compensation during the last ten years of employment.  Esterline amended its defined benefit plan to add the cash balance formula with annual pay credits ranging from 2% to 6% effective January 1, 2003.  Participants elected either to continue earning benefits under the current plan formula or to earn benefits under the cash balance formula.  Effective January 1, 2003, all new participants are enrolled in the cash balance formula.  Esterline also has an unfunded supplemental retirement plan for key executives providing for periodic payments upon retirement.
	CMC sponsors defined benefit pension plans and other retirement benefit plans for its non-U.S. employees.  Pension benefits are based upon years of service and final average salary.  Other retirement benefit plans are non-contributory health care and life insurance plans.
	The Company sponsors a number of other non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans primarily in France and Germany.  These defined benefit plans generally provide benefits to employees based on formulas recognizing length of service and earnings.
	The Company accounts for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as its measurement date.  In addition, the Company makes actuarially computed contributions to these plans as necessary to adequately fund benefits.  The Company’s funding policy is consistent with the minimum funding requirements of ERISA.
	The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the Esterline plans are $296,893,000 and $304,379,000, respectively, with plan assets of $289,894,000 as of October 31, 2014.  The underfunded status for the Esterline plans is $14,484,000 at October 31, 2014.  Contributions to the Esterline plans totaled $13,270,000 and $16,174,000 in fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively.  There is no funding requirement for fiscal 2015 for the U.S. pension plans maintained by Esterline.
	The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the CMC plans are $137,700,000 and $138,785,000, respectively, with plan assets of $132,193,000 as of October 31, 2014.  The underfunded status for these CMC plans is $6,592,000 at October 31, 2014.  Contributions to the CMC plans totaled $7,537,000 and $10,859,000 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The expected funding requirement for fiscal 2015 for the CMC plans is $5,600,000.
	The accumulated benefit obligation and projected benefit obligation for the other non-U.S. plans are $24,284,000 and $30,184,000, respectively, with plan assets of $5,387,000 as of October 31, 2014.  The underfunded status for these other non-U.S. plans is $24,797,000 at October 31, 2014.  Contributions to the other non-U.S. plans totaled $2,717,000 and $1,894,000 in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Principal assumptions of the Esterline, CMC and Other Non-U.S. plans are as follows:
		Esterline				CMC				Other Non-U.S.
		Defined Benefit				Defined Benefit				Defined Benefit
		Pension Plans				Pension Plans				Pension Plans
		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Principal assumptions as of year end:
	Discount rate	4.25%		4.70%		4.10%		4.50%		2.00 - 8.75%		3.00 - 9.25%
	Rate of increase in future	4.21%		4.50%		3.00%		3.00%		4.50 - 8.83%		4.50 - 8.68%
	compensation levels
	Assumed long-term rate of	7.00%		7.00%		6.35%		6.34%		3.25 - 8.00%		3.20 - 8.00%
	return on plan assets
						Esterline				CMC
						Post-Retirement				Post-Retirement
						Pension Plans				Pension Plans
						2014		2013		2014		2013
	Principal assumptions as of year end:
	Discount rate					4.25%		4.70%		4.10%		4.50%
	Initial weighted average health care trend rate					6.00%		6.00%		6.20%		6.30%
	Ultimate weighted average health care trend rate					6.00%		6.00%		4.20%		4.20%
	The Company uses a discount rate for expected returns that is a spot rate developed from a yield curve established from high-quality corporate bonds and matched to plan-specific projected benefit payments.  Although future changes to the discount rate are unknown, had the discount rate increased or decreased by 25 basis points, pension liabilities in total would have decreased $13.0 million or increased $13.5 million, respectively.  If all other assumptions are held constant, the estimated effect on fiscal 2014 pension expense from a hypothetical 25 basis points increase or decrease in both the discount rate and expected long-term rate of return on plan assets would not have a material effect on our pension expense.  Management is not aware of any legislative or other initiatives or circumstances that will significantly impact the Company’s pension obligations in fiscal 2015.
	The assumed health care trend rate has a significant impact on the Company’s post-retirement benefit obligations.  The Company’s health care trend rate was based on the experience of its plan and expectations for the future.  A 100 basis points increase in the health care trend rate would increase the post-retirement benefit obligation by $1.6 million.  A 100 basis points decrease in the health care trend rate would decrease the post-retirement benefit obligation by $0.4 million.  Assuming all other assumptions are held constant, the estimated effect on fiscal 2014 post-retirement benefit expense from a hypothetical 100 basis points increase or decrease in the health care trend rate would not have a material effect on our post-retirement benefit expense.
	Plan assets are invested in a diversified portfolio of equity and debt securities, consisting primarily of common stocks, bonds and government securities.  The objective of these investments is to maintain sufficient liquidity to fund current benefit payments and achieve targeted risk-adjusted returns.  Management periodically reviews allocations of plan assets by investment type and evaluates external sources of information regarding the long-term historical returns and expected future returns for each investment type, and accordingly, the 6.3% to 7.0% assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets is considered to be appropriate.  Allocations by investment type are as follows:
				Actual
		Target		2014				2013
	Plan assets allocation as of fiscal year end:
	Equity securities	55 - 75%			62.2	%			63.9	%
	Debt securities	25 - 45%			35.7	%			33.6	%
	Cash	0%			2.1	%			2.5	%
	Total				100	%			100	%
	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s Pension Plan assets as of October 31, 2014, by asset category segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 7.
	In Thousands	Fair Value Hierarchy
		Level 1				Level 2				Total
	Asset category:
	Equity Funds:
	Registered Investments Company Funds - U.S. Equity	$	117,014			$	-			$	117,014
	Commingled Trust Funds - U.S. Equity		-				28,734				28,734
	U.S. Equity Securities		35,276				-				35,276
	Non-U.S. Equity Securities		22,457				-				22,457
	Commingled Trust Funds - Non-U.S. Securities		-				62,418				62,418
	Fixed Income Securities:
	Registered Investments Company Funds - Fixed Income		-				-				-
	Commingled Trust Funds - Fixed Income		-				87,078				87,078
	Non-U.S. Foreign Commercial and Government Bonds		65,703				-				65,703
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		8,794				-				8,794
	Total	$	249,244			$	178,230			$	427,474
	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s Pension Plan assets as of October 25, 2013, by asset category segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 7.
	In Thousands	Fair Value Hierarchy
		Level 1				Level 2				Total
	Asset category:
	Equity Funds:
	Registered Investments Company Funds - U.S. Equity	$	106,436			$	-			$	106,436
	Commingled Trust Funds - U.S. Equity		-				26,923				26,923
	U.S. Equity Securities		37,280				-				37,280
	Non-U.S. Equity Securities		25,584				-				25,584
	Commingled Trust Funds - Non-U.S. Securities		-				53,347				53,347
Fixed Income Securities:
Registered Investments Company Funds - Fixed Income		33,494				-				33,494
Commingled Trust Funds - Fixed Income		-				41,428				41,428
Non-U.S. Foreign Commercial and Government Bonds		56,351				-				56,351
Cash and Cash Equivalents		9,966				-				9,966
Total	$	269,111			$	121,698			$	390,809
Valuation Techniques
Level 1 Equity Securities are actively traded on U.S. and non-U.S. exchanges and are either valued using the market approach at quoted market prices on the measurement date or at the net asset value of the shares held by the plan on the measurement date based on quoted market prices.
Level 1 fixed income securities are primarily valued using the market approach at either quoted market prices, pricing models that use observable market data, or bids provided by independent investment brokerage firms.
Level 2 primarily consists of commingled trust funds that are primarily valued at the net asset value provided by the fund manager.  Net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying investments.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash which is used to pay benefits and cash invested in a short-term investment fund that holds securities with values based on quoted market prices, but for which the funds are not valued on quoted market basis.
Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans at the end of each fiscal year consisted of the following:
In Thousands	Defined Benefit											Post-Retirement
	Pension Plans											Benefit Plans
	2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
Components of Net Periodic Cost
Service cost	$	11,367			$	11,848			$	9,393		$	489		$	508		$	436
Interest cost		19,387				17,893				19,403			685			674			715
Expected return on plan assets		(25,999	)			(22,476	)			(21,508	)		-			-			-
Contractual termination		94				-				-			-			-			-
Curtailment		23				-				-			(1,747	)		-			-
Amortization of prior service cost		107				384				41			(151	)		(150	)		(69	)
Amortization of actuarial		6,052				14,255				10,551			38			103			41
(gain) loss
Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	11,031			$	21,904			$	17,880		$	(686	)	$	1,135		$	1,123
The funded status of the defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
In Thousands	Defined Benefit								Post-Retirement
	Pension Plans								Benefit Plans
	2014				2013				2014			2013
Benefit Obligations
Beginning balance	$	443,133			$	456,861			$	16,713		$	17,040
Currency translation adjustment		(13,285	)			(4,948	)			(1,230	)		(559	)
Service cost		11,367				11,848				489			508
Interest cost		19,387				17,893				685			674
Plan participant contributions		104				156				-			-
Amendment		-				273				-			-
Contractual termination		94				-				-			-
Curtailment		(241	)			-				(2,075	)		-
Actuarial (gain) loss		37,423				(16,905	)			(10	)		14
Other adjustments		(1,615	)			287				-			(252	)
Benefits paid		(23,019	)			(22,332	)			(775	)		(712	)
Ending balance	$	473,348			$	443,133			$	13,797		$	16,713
Plan Assets - Fair Value
Beginning balance	$	390,809			$	334,622			$	-		$	-
Currency translation adjustment		(10,144	)			(5,377	)			-			-
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on plan assets		48,424				55,730				-			-
Plan participant contributions		104				156				-			-
Company contribution		23,524				28,927				776			712
Other adjustments		(122	)			92				-			-
Expenses paid		(2,102	)			(1,009	)			-			-
Benefits paid		(23,019	)			(22,332	)			(776	)		(712	)
Ending balance	$	427,474			$	390,809			$	-		$	-
Funded Status
Fair value of plan assets	$	427,474			$	390,809			$	-		$	-
Benefit obligations		(473,348	)			(443,133	)			(13,797	)		(16,713	)
Net amount recognized	$	(45,874	)		$	(52,324	)		$	(13,797	)	$	(16,713	)
Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Non-current asset	$	5,940			$	2,201			$	-		$	-
Current liability		(2,214	)			(2,351	)			(704	)		(785	)
Non-current liability		(49,600	)			(52,174	)			(13,093	)		(15,928	)
Net amount recognized	$	(45,874	)		$	(52,324	)		$	(13,797	)	$	(16,713	)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	89,266			$	82,796			$	339		$	768
Prior service cost		700				490				(80	)		161
Ending balance	$	89,966			$	83,286			$	259		$	929
The accumulated benefit obligation for all pension plans was $458,877,000 at October 31, 2014, and $427,625,000 at October 25, 2013.
Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the plan or from the Company’s assets are as follows:
In Thousands
Fiscal Year
2015							$	43,185
2016								28,385
2017								29,704
2018								31,506
2019								31,868
2020 - 2024								171,953
Employees may participate in certain defined contribution plans.  The Company’s contribution expense under these plans totaled $10,300,000, $9,421,000, and $8,900,000 in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The Company contributes a matching amount that varies by participating company and employee group based on the first 6% of earnings contributed.  The three formulas used are: 25% of the first 6%; or 50% of the first 6%; or  100% of the first 2% and 50% on the next 4%.
The Company offered approximately 1,000 vested terminated participants in the Esterline plan a one-time opportunity to elect a lump sum payment from the plan in lieu of a lifetime annuity.  Subsequent to year end, approximately 380 participants elected the lump sum payment option resulting in payments from the plan of approximately $16.3 million in December 2014.  The Company estimates the settlement charge to be approximately $3.0 million.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	NOTE 7: Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  A fair value hierarchy has been established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.  An asset’s or liability’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The hierarchy of fair value measurements is described below:
	—	Level 1 – Valuations are based on quoted prices that the Company has the ability to obtain in actively traded markets for identical assets and liabilities.  Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market or exchange traded market, a valuation of these instruments does not require a significant degree of judgment.
	—	Level 2 – Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
	—	Level 3 – Valuations are based on model-based techniques for which some or all of the assumptions are obtained from indirect market information that is significant to the overall fair value measurement and which require a significant degree of management judgment.
	The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	In Thousands	Level 2
		2014		2013
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	24	$	2,270
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments		1,081		3,670
	Embedded derivatives		2,351		706
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	14,592	$	4,541
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments		4,188		122
	Embedded derivatives		15		344
	In Thousands	Level 3
		2014		2013
	Liabilities:
	Contingent purchase obligation	$	5,000	$	4,000
	The Company’s embedded derivatives are the result of entering into sales or purchase contracts that are denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency or the supplier’s or customer’s functional currency.  The fair value is determined by calculating the difference between quoted exchange rates at the time the contract was entered into and the period-end exchange rate.  These contracts are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	The Company’s derivative contracts consist of foreign currency exchange contracts and interest rate swap agreements.  These derivative contracts are over the counter and their fair value is determined using modeling techniques that include market inputs such as interest rates, yield curves, and currency exchange rates.  These contracts are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	The Company’s contingent purchase obligations consist of additional contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of Sunbank of $5.0 million as of October 31, 2014.  The contingent considerations will be payable to the sellers if certain performance objectives are met following the acquisition in accordance with the terms of the purchase agreement.  The values recorded on the balance sheet were derived from the estimated probability that the performance objectives will be met.  The contingent purchase obligation is categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.  The Company paid $4.0 million of contingent consideration in the second fiscal quarter of 2014 for satisfaction of its obligation related to Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse).

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments	NOTE 8:  Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company uses derivative financial instruments in the form of foreign currency forward exchange contracts and interest rate swap contracts for the purpose of minimizing exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates on business transactions and interest rates, respectively.  The Company’s policy is to execute such instruments with banks the Company believes to be credit worthy and not to enter into derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.  These derivative financial instruments do not subject the Company to undue risk, as gains and losses on these instruments generally offset gains and losses on the underlying assets, liabilities, or anticipated transactions that are being hedged.
	All derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  For a derivative that has not been designated as an accounting hedge, the change in the fair value is recognized immediately through earnings.  For a derivative that has been designated as an accounting hedge of an existing asset or liability (a fair value hedge), the change in the fair value of both the derivative and underlying asset or liability is recognized immediately through earnings.  For a derivative designated as an accounting hedge of an anticipated transaction (a cash flow hedge), the change in the fair value is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheet in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) to the extent the derivative is effective in mitigating the exposure related to the anticipated transaction.  The change in the fair value related to the ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is immediately recognized in earnings.  The amount recorded within AOCI is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the underlying hedged transaction affects earnings.
	The fair values of derivative instruments are presented on a gross basis, as the Company does not have any derivative contracts which are subject to master netting arrangements.  The Company does not have any derivative instruments with credit-risk-related contingent features or that required the posting of collateral as of October 31, 2014.  The cash flows from derivative contracts are recorded in operating activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts
	The Company transacts business in various foreign currencies which subjects the Company’s cash flows and earnings to exposure related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.  These exposures arise primarily from purchases or sales of products and services from third parties.  Foreign currency forward exchange contracts provide for the purchase or sale of foreign currencies at specified future dates at specified exchange rates and are used to offset changes in the fair value of certain assets or liabilities or forecasted cash flows resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies.  As of October 31, 2014, and October 25, 2013, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts principally to sell U.S. dollars with notional amounts of $396.2 million and $369.0 million, respectively.  These notional values consist primarily of contracts for the European euro, British pound sterling and Canadian dollar, and are stated in U.S. dollar equivalents at spot exchange rates at the respective dates.
	Interest Rate Swaps
	The Company manages its exposure to interest rate risk by maintaining an appropriate mix of fixed and variable rate debt, which over time should moderate the costs of debt financing.  When considered necessary, the Company may use financial instruments in the form of interest rate swaps to help meet this objective.  In fiscal 2010, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements for the $175.0 million 2017 Notes.  The swap agreements exchanged the fixed interest rate of 6.625% for a variable interest rate.  In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the swap agreements were terminated and the Company redeemed the 2017 Notes with the proceeds from the $175.0 million U.S. Term Loan.  The Company recorded a gain on the swap termination of $2.9 million in fiscal 2013.  The gain is included in the Loss on Extinguishment of Debt in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Embedded Derivative Instruments
	The Company’s embedded derivatives are the result of entering into sales or purchase contracts that are denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency or the supplier’s or customer’s functional currency.
	Net Investment Hedge
	In July 2011, the Company entered into a Euro Term Loan for €125.0 million under the secured credit facility.  The Company designated the Euro Term Loan a hedge of the investment in a certain French business unit.  The foreign currency gain or loss that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.  To the extent that this hedge is ineffective, the foreign currency gain or loss is recorded in earnings.  There has been no ineffectiveness since inception of the hedge. In the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company paid off the remaining balance of the Euro Term Loan.  As a result, the Company recorded a net loss of $0.5 million on extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2014.
	Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
	Fair values of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of:
	In Thousands	Classification		Fair Value
				2014				2013
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
		Other current assets		$	1,052			$	4,547
		Other assets			53				1,393
		Accrued liabilities			15,490				3,002
		Other liabilities			3,290				1,661
	Embedded Derivative Instruments:
		Other current assets		$	296			$	59
		Other assets			2,055				647
		Accrued liabilities			15				344
		Other liabilities			-				-
	The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of:
	Fair Value Hedges
	We recognized the following gains (losses) on contracts designated as fair value hedges:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	Interest rate swap contracts:
	Gain (loss) recognized in interest expense	$	-			$	1,058
	Gain (loss) recognized in loss on extinguishment of debt	$	-			$	2,918
	Embedded derivatives:
	Gain (loss) recognized in sales	$	2,011			$	835
	Cash Flow Hedges
	We recognized the following gains (losses) on contracts designated as cash flow hedges:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts:
	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	$	(6,245	)		$	(3,007	)
	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into sales	$	(6,083	)		$	(1,025	)
	Net Investment Hedges
	We recognized the following gains (losses) on contracts designated as net investment hedges:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	Euro term loan:
	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$	134			$	(2,697	)
	During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded a loss of $6.4 million and a gain of $2.5 million on foreign currency forward exchange contracts that have not been designated as an accounting hedge, respectively.  These foreign currency exchange gains (losses) are included in selling, general and administrative expense.
	There was no significant impact to the Company’s earnings related to the ineffective portion of any hedging instruments during fiscal years 2014 and 2013.  In addition, there was no significant impact to the Company’s earnings when a hedged firm commitment no longer qualified as a fair value hedge or when a hedged forecasted transaction no longer qualified as a cash flow hedge during fiscal years 2014 and 2013.
	Amounts included in AOCI are reclassified into earnings when the hedged transaction settles.  The Company expects to reclassify approximately $10.9 million of net loss into earnings in fiscal year 2015.  The maximum duration of a foreign currency cash flow hedge contract at October 31, 2014, is 24 months.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	NOTE 9:  Income Taxes
	Income tax expense from continuing operations for each of the fiscal years consisted of:
	In Thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Current
	U.S. Federal	$	28,433			$	27,584			$	27,999
	State		1,790				4,075				196
	Foreign		28,944				24,044				20,821
			59,167				55,703				49,016
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal		(1,691	)			(3,105	)			(2,230	)
	State		(33	)			(1,592	)			793
	Foreign		(13,169	)			(17,115	)			(19,763	)
			(14,893	)			(21,812	)			(21,200	)
	Income tax expense	$	44,274			$	33,891			$	27,816
	U.S. and foreign components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for each of the fiscal years were:
	In Thousands	2014				2013				2012
	U.S.	$	103,339			$	100,859			$	97,855
	Foreign		107,495				105,756				44,155
	Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	$	210,834			$	206,615			$	142,010
	Primary components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at the end of the fiscal years resulted from temporary tax differences associated with the following:
	In Thousands			2014				2013
	Reserves and liabilities			$	55,906			$	60,397
	NOL carryforwards				110				879
	Tax credit carryforwards				31,082				29,862
	Employee benefits				13,086				14,974
	Retirement benefits				10,431				2,759
	Non-qualified stock options				11,063				12,618
	Hedging activities				5,091				-
	Other				856				650
	Total deferred tax assets				127,625				122,139
	Depreciation and amortization				(15,925	)			(18,969	)
	Intangibles and amortization				(136,116	)			(173,524	)
	Deferred costs				(5,453	)			(4,535	)
	Hedging activities				-				(22	)
	Other				(1,083	)			(1,398	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities				(158,577	)			(198,448	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities			$	(30,952	)		$	(76,309	)
	The tax credit carryforwards can be carried forward indefinitely.
	The Company operates in numerous taxing jurisdictions and is subject to regular examinations by various U.S. federal, state and foreign jurisdictions for various tax periods.  Additionally, the Company has retained tax liabilities and the rights to tax refunds in connection with various acquisitions and divestitures of businesses in prior years.  The Company’s income tax positions are based on research and interpretations of income tax laws and rulings in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company does business.  Due to the subjectivity and complexity of the interpretations of the tax laws and rulings in each jurisdiction, the differences and interplay in the tax laws between those jurisdictions as well as the inherent uncertainty in estimating the final resolution of complex tax audit matters, the Company’s estimates of income tax liabilities and assets may differ from actual payments, assessments or refunds.
	Management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the current and long-term deferred tax assets as a result of future taxable income.  Significant factors management considered in determining the probability of the realization of the deferred tax assets include expected future earnings, the Company’s historical operating results and the reversal of deferred tax liabilities.  Accordingly, no valuation allowance has been recorded on the deferred tax assets.
	U.S. and various state and foreign income tax returns are open to examination, and presently there are foreign income tax returns under examination.  Such examinations could result in challenges to tax positions taken, and accordingly, the Company may record adjustments to provisions based on the outcomes of such matters.  However, the Company believes that the resolution of these matters, after considering amounts accrued, will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	The incremental tax benefit received by the Company upon exercise of non-qualified employee stock options was $7.1 million, $3.0 million, and $0.4 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for each of the fiscal years was as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	U.S. statutory income tax rate		35	%			35	%			35	%
	State income taxes		0.5	%			0.6	%			0.6	%
	Foreign taxes		-13.4	%			-11.3	%			-17.4	%
	Goodwill impairment		0	%			0.6	%			12.9	%
	Penalties		0.4	%			1.7	%			0	%
	Difference in foreign tax rates		1.4	%			-0.7	%			-1.1	%
	Domestic manufacturing deduction		-1.3	%			-1.3	%			-2.1	%
	Research & development credits		-2.5	%			-3.4	%			-3.4	%
	Net change in tax reserves		0.1	%			-2.9	%			0.5	%
	Valuation allowance		0	%			0	%			-1	%
	Change in foreign tax rates and laws		0	%			-1.5	%			-3.4	%
	Other, net		0.8	%			-0.4	%			-1	%
	Effective income tax rate		21	%			16.4	%			19.6	%
	No provision for federal income taxes has been made on accumulated earnings of foreign subsidiaries, since such earnings are considered indefinitely reinvested. The amount of undistributed foreign earnings which are considered to be indefinitely reinvested at October 31, 2014, is approximately $555.4 million.  Furthermore, the Company determined it was not practical to estimate the deferred taxes on these earnings.  The amount of deferred income taxes is not practical to compute due to the complexity of the Company’s international holding company structure, layers of regulatory requirements that have to be evaluated to determine the amount of allowable dividends, numerous potential repatriation scenarios that could be created to facilitate the repatriation of earnings to the U.S., and the complexity of computing foreign tax credits.
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	In Thousands
	Unrecognized tax benefits as of October 25, 2013					$	12,008
	Unrecognized gross benefit change:
	Gross increase due to prior period adjustments						183
	Gross decrease due to prior period adjustments						(606	)
Gross increase due to current period adjustments						868
Gross decrease due to a lapse with taxing authorities						(1,226	)
Total change in unrecognized gross benefit						(781	)
Unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2014					$	11,227
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate					$	10,816
Statement of operations:
Total amount of interest income (expense) included in income tax expense					$	109
Recognized in the statement of financial position:
Total amount of accrued interest included in income taxes payable					$	986
During the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that approximately $3.3 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits related to operating losses and tax credits could decrease as a result of settlement of examinations and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations.  The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major tax jurisdictions as follows:
		Years No Longer
Tax Jurisdiction		Subject to Audit
U.S. Federal		2008 and prior
Canada		2006 and prior
France		2010 and prior
United Kingdom		2011 and prior

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	NOTE 10:  Debt
	Long-term debt at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	U.S. credit facility	$	100,000			$	130,000
	Euro Term Loan, due July 2016		-				24,847
	U.S. Term Loan, due July 2016		161,875				170,625
	7.00% Senior Notes, due August 2020		250,000				250,000
	Government refundable advances		51,867				56,897
	Obligation under capital leases		58,448				56,229
	Other		304				540
			622,494				689,138
	Less current maturities		12,774				21,279
	Carrying amount of long-term debt	$	609,720			$	667,859
	Long-term debt
	In March 2011, the Company entered into a secured credit facility for $460 million made available through a group of banks.  The credit facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets and interest is based on standard inter-bank offering rates.  The credit facility expires in July 2016.  The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 1.50% to LIBOR plus 2.25%, depending on the leverage ratios at the time the funds are drawn.  At October 31, 2014, the Company had $100.0 million outstanding under the secured credit facility at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%, which is currently 1.66%.  An additional $59.8 million of unsecured foreign currency credit facilities have been extended by foreign banks for a total of $519.8 million available companywide.  Available credit under the above credit facilities was $387.9 million at fiscal 2014 year end, when reduced by outstanding borrowings of $100.0 million and letters of credit of $31.9 million. In June 2014, the Company amended the secured credit facility to increase the U.K. borrower sublimit and to permit additional borrowers under the revolving credit facility in order to give the Company greater flexibility on foreign borrowing.
	In July 2011, the Company amended the secured credit facility to provide for a €125.0 million term loan (Euro Term Loan).  On June 30, 2014, the Company redeemed the €125.0 million Euro Term Loan.  In connection with the redemption, the Company wrote off $0.5 million in unamortized debt issuance costs as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the third fiscal quarter of 2014.
	In April 2013, the Company amended the secured credit facility to provide for a $175.0 million term loan (U.S. Term Loan).  The interest rate on the U.S. Term Loan ranges from LIBOR plus 1.50% to LIBOR plus 2.25%, depending on the leverage ratios at the time the funds are drawn.  At October 31, 2014, the Company had $161.9 million outstanding under the U.S. Term Loan at an interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%, which is currently 1.66%.  The loan amortizes at 1.25% of the original principal balance quarterly through March 2016, with the remaining balance due in July 2016.
	In April 2013, the Company redeemed the $175.0 million 2017 Notes.  In connection with the redemption, the Company wrote off $1.3 million in unamortized debt issuance costs as a charge against interest expense.  In addition, the Company incurred a $3.9 million redemption premium and received proceeds of $2.9 million from the termination of its $175.0 million interest rate swap agreements.  As a result, the redemption of the 2017 Notes resulted in a net loss of $0.9 million on extinguishment of debt.
	In August 2010, the Company issued $250.0 million in 7% Senior Notes due August 2020 (2020 Notes) and requiring semi-annual interest payments in March and September of each year until maturity.  The net proceeds from the sale of the notes, after deducting $4.4 million of debt issuance cost, were $245.6 million.  The 2020 Notes are general unsecured senior obligations of the Company.  The 2020 Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally on a senior basis, by all the existing and future domestic subsidiaries of the Company unless designated as an “unrestricted subsidiary,” and those foreign subsidiaries that executed related subsidiary guarantees under the indenture covering the 2020 Notes.  The 2020 Notes are subject to redemption at the option of the Company at any time prior to August 1, 2015, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus any accrued interest to the date of redemption and a make-whole provision.  The 2020 Notes are also subject to redemption at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after August 1, 2015, at redemption prices starting at 103.500% of the principal amount plus accrued interest during the period beginning August 1, 2015, and declining annually to 100% of principal and accrued interest on or after August 1, 2018.
	Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the Company’s $250.0 million 2020 Notes was $266.9 million and $272.5 million as of October 31, 2014, and October 25, 2013, respectively.  The carrying amounts of the secured credit facility, and the U.S. Term Loan due 2016 approximate fair value.  The estimate of fair value for the 2020 Notes was based on Level 2 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy.
	Government refundable advances consist of payments received from the Canadian government to assist in research and development related to commercial aviation.  The repayment of this advance is based on year-over-year commercial aviation revenue growth at CMC beginning in 2014. Imputed interest on the advance was 4.6% at October 31, 2014.  The debt recognized was $51.9 million and $56.9 million as of October 31, 2014, and October 25, 2013, respectively.
	Capital leases
	In fiscal 2008, the Company entered into a land and building lease for a 216,000 square-foot manufacturing facility for an Avionics & Controls segment facility.  The land and building lease has a fixed term of 30 years.  The expected minimum lease payments include a 2% annual rent increase.  At October 31, 2014, the amount recorded as a capitalized lease obligation is $32.4 million.  The imputed interest rate is 9%.
	In fiscal 2009, the Company amended the building lease for an Avionics & Controls facility to extend the term of the lease to 2027.  At October 31, 2014, the amount recorded as a capitalized lease obligation is $11.5 million.  The imputed interest rate is 6.4%.
	In fiscal 2013, the Company amended the building lease for an Avionics & Controls facility to extend the term of the lease to 2022.  At October 31, 2014, the amount recorded as a capitalized lease obligation is $11.6 million.  The imputed interest rate is 4.5%.
	As of October 31, 2014, aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt and future non-cancelable minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations were as follows:
	In Thousands
	Fiscal Year
	2015			$	16,626
	2016				259,461
	2017				5,411
	2018				5,431
	2019				5,521
	2020 and thereafter				398,784
	Total				691,234
	Less: amount representing interest on capital leases				68,740
	Total long-term debt			$	622,494
	A number of underlying agreements contain various covenant restrictions which include maintenance of net worth, payment of dividends, interest coverage, and limitations on additional borrowings.  The Company was in compliance with these covenants at October 31, 2014.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	NOTE 11:  Commitments and Contingencies
	Rental expense for operating leases for engineering, selling, administrative and manufacturing totaled $19,188,000, $17,996,000 and $17,603,000 in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	At October 31, 2014, the Company’s rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases with a duration in excess of one year were as follows:
	In Thousands
	Fiscal Year
	2015		$	13,877
	2016			11,098
	2017			9,383
	2018			7,180
	2019			4,990
	2020 and thereafter			10,678
	Total		$	57,206
	The Company is subject to purchase obligations for goods and services.  The purchase obligations include amounts under legally enforceable agreements for goods and services with defined terms as to quantity, price and timing of delivery.  As of October 31, 2014, the Company’s purchase obligations were as follows:
	In Thousands				Less than		1‒3		5-Apr		After 5
		Total			1 year		years		years		years
	Purchase obligations	$	879,057		$	819,692	$	53,222	$	5,950	$	193
	The Company is a party to various lawsuits and claims, both as plaintiff and defendant, and has contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business, none of which, in the opinion of management, is expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  The Company believes that it has made appropriate and adequate provisions for contingent liabilities.
	In connection with an acquisition, the Company recorded a $20 million liability due to certain non-income tax positions taken by the acquired company.  The statutory audit period lapses in the first fiscal quarter of 2015, and accordingly, it is possible that the company may recognize other income from the release of the loss liability of $14 million, after tax.
	At the end of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, the Company had a $1.5 million and $1.4 million liability, respectively, related to environmental remediation at a previously sold business for which the Company provided indemnification.
	On March 5, 2014, the Company entered into a Consent Agreement with the U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance (DTCC) to resolve alleged International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) civil violations. The Consent Agreement settled the pending ITAR compliance matter with the DTCC previously reported by the Company that resulted from voluntary reports the Company filed with DTCC that disclosed possible technical and administrative violations of the ITAR. The Consent Agreement has a three-year term and provides for: (i) a payment of $20 million, $10 million of which is suspended and eligible for offset credit based on verified expenditures for past and future remedial compliance measures; (ii) the appointment of an external Special Compliance Official to oversee compliance with the Consent Agreement and the ITAR; (iii) two external audits of the Company’s ITAR compliance program; and (iv) continued implementation of ongoing remedial compliance measures and additional remedial compliance measures related to automated systems and ITAR compliance policies, procedures, and training.
	The settlement amount in the Consent Agreement was consistent with the amount proposed by DTCC in August 2013, for which the Company estimated and recorded a $10 million charge in the fiscal quarter ended July 26, 2013. The $10 million portion of the settlement that is not subject to suspension will be paid in installments, with $4 million paid in March 2014, and $2 million to be paid in each of March 2015, 2016, and 2017. The Company expects some part of recent investments made in our ITAR compliance program will be eligible for credit against the suspended portion of the settlement amount, which include: additional staffing, ongoing implementation of a new software system, employee training, and establishment of a regular compliance audit program and corrective action process. The Company expects recent and future investments in remedial compliance measures will be sufficient to cover the $10 million suspended payment.
	In September 2014, the Company agreed to acquire the aerospace and defense display business of Barco N.V.  The business designs and manufactures high-technology, harsh-environment displays and visualization solutions, holding positions in avionics, defense, air traffic control, and training and simulation markets.  The transaction is expected to close in January, contingent upon completion of certain French regulatory procedures, and other customary closing conditions.  The acquisition purchase price of €150 million, or approximately $187 million, will be funded primarily by international cash reserves.  The business will be included in our Avionics & Controls segment.
	Approximately 591 U.S.-based employees or 13% of total U.S.-based employees were represented by various labor unions.  The Company’s European operations are subject to national trade union agreements and to local regulations governing employment.

Employee_Stock_Plans

Employee Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Employee Stock Plans	NOTE 12:  Employee Stock Plans
	The Company has three share-based compensation plans, which are described below.  The compensation cost that has been charged against income for those plans for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $13.0 million, $9.6 million, and $9.5 million, respectively.  The total income tax benefit recognized in the income statement for the share-based compensation arrangement for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 was $3.0 million, $3.0 million, and $2.9 million, respectively.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	The Company offers an employee stock purchase plan to its employees.  The plan qualifies as a noncompensatory employee stock purchase plan under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Employees are eligible to participate through payroll deductions subject to certain limitations.
	The plan is as a safe harbor design where shares are purchased by participants at 95% of the fair market value on the purchase date and, therefore, compensation cost is not recorded.  During fiscal 2014, employees purchased 19,807 shares at a fair market value price of $102.45 per share.  At the end of fiscal 2014, the Company had reserved 93,406 shares for issuance under its employee share-save scheme for U.K. employees, leaving a balance of 593,436 shares available for issuance in the future.  As of October 31, 2014, deductions aggregating $759,440 were accrued for the purchase of shares on December 15, 2014.
	Employee Share-Save Scheme
	In 2009, the Company began offering shares under its employee share-save scheme for U.K. employees.  This plan allows participants the option to purchase shares at 95% of the market price of the stock as of the beginning of the offering period.  The term of these options is three years.  The share-save scheme is not a “safe-harbor” design, and, therefore, compensation cost is recognized on this plan.
	Under the employee share-save scheme, option exercise prices are equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  The Company granted 29,242, 16,722 and 45,063 options in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted in fiscal 2014 was $27.03 per share.  During fiscal 2014, 7,923 options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $66.05.
	The fair value of the awards under the employee share-save scheme was estimated using a Black-Scholes pricing model which uses the assumptions noted in the following table.  The risk-free rate for the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues in effect the time of grant.
		2014		2013				2012
	Volatility	33.69%			36.97	%			38.96	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.73%			0.4	%			0.38	%
	Expected life (years)	3		3				3
	Dividends	0		0				0
	Equity Incentive Plan
	The Company also provides an equity incentive plan for officers and key employees.  At the end of fiscal 2014, the Company had 1,480,764 shares reserved for issuance to officers and key employees, of which 1,456,261 shares were available to be granted in the future.
	The Board of Directors authorized the Compensation Committee to administer awards granted under the equity incentive plan and to establish the terms of such awards.  Awards under the equity incentive plan may be granted to eligible employees of the Company over the 10-year period ending March 5, 2023.  Options granted generally become exercisable ratably over a period of four years following the date of grant and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant.  Option exercise prices are equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted in fiscal 2014 and 2013 was $45.87 per share and $29.65 per share, respectively.
	The fair value of each option granted by the Company was estimated using a Black-Scholes pricing model which uses the assumptions noted in the following table.  The Company uses historical data to estimate volatility of the Company’s common stock and option exercise and employee termination assumptions.  The range of the expected term reflects the results from certain groups of employees exhibiting different behavior.  The risk-free rate for the periods within the contractual life of the grant is based upon the U.S. Treasury zero coupon issues in effect at the time of the grant.
		2014		2013		2012
	Volatility	41.87 - 43.17%		41.89 - 44.25%		41.62 - 44.29%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.73 - 2.99%		0.79 - 1.88%		0.91 - 2.11%
	Expected life (years)	9-May		4.5 - 9.5		4.5 - 9.5
	Dividends	0		0		0
	The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding options granted under the Company’s equity incentive plan:
		2014								2013							2012
						Weighted								Weighted						Weighted
		Shares				Average				Shares				Average			Shares			Average
		Subject to				Exercise				Subject to				Exercise			Subject to			Exercise
		Option				Price				Option				Price			Option			Price
	Outstanding,		1,831,738			$	51.08				2,124,300			$	46.18			1,825,300		$	44.49
	beginning of year
	Granted		207,200				97.61				257,000				65.58			386,400			52.97
	Exercised		(618,645	)			45.16				(518,537	)			37.89			(60,775	)		36.52
	Forfeited/cancelled		(43,500	)			64.74				(31,025	)			56.52			(26,625	)		50.68
	Outstanding,		1,376,793			$	60.31				1,831,738			$	51.08			2,124,300		$	46.18
	end of year
	Exercisable,		754,443			$	50.36				1,075,788			$	45.65			1,258,900		$	41.89
	end of year
	The aggregate intrinsic value of the option shares outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2014, was $78.2 million and $50.4 million, respectively.
	The number of option shares vested or that are expected to vest at October 31, 2014, was 1.3 million and the aggregate intrinsic value was $75.3 million.  The weighted average exercise price and weighted average remaining contractual term of option shares vested or that are expected to vest at October 31, 2014, was $59.67 and 6.1 years, respectively.  The weighted-average remaining contractual term of option shares currently exercisable is 4.9 years as of October 31, 2014.
	The table below presents stock activity related to stock options exercised in fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	In Thousands			2014				2013
	Proceeds from stock options exercised			$	29,359			$	20,072
	Tax benefits related to stock options exercised			$	6,892			$	2,961
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised			$	34,965			$	18,448
	Total unrecognized compensation expense for stock options that have not vested as of October 31, 2014, is $7.4 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.  The total fair value of option shares vested during the year ended October 31, 2014, was $8.2 million.
	The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at October 31, 2014:
		Options Outstanding											Options Exercisable
					Weighted
					Average				Weighted							Weighted
					Remaining				Average							Average
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Life (years)				Price				Shares			Price
	$   29.86 - 40.00		118,093			3.4			$	33.82				118,093		$	33.82
	40.01 - 50.00		196,675			4.5				41.71				196,675			41.71
	50.01 - 52.00		242,000			6.5				51.06				109,600			51.05
	52.01 - 65.00		426,850			5.4				59.75				278,550			59.16
	65.01 - 80.00		182,475			7.8				69.1				48,950			71.79
	80.01 - 118.32		210,700			9.2				96.63				2,575			81.76
	The Company granted 77,975 and 55,280 restricted stock units (RSUs) during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, respectively.  The fair value of each RSU granted by the Company is equal to the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.  RSUs granted generally have a three-year cliff vesting schedule.
	The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans:
		2014								2013
						Weighted								Weighted
						Average								Average
						Grant Date								Grant Date
	Shares				Fair Value				Shares				Fair Value
Non-vested, beginning of year		54,880			$	70.26				-			$	-
Granted		77,975				84.65				55,280				70.23
Vested		(27,284	)			73.57				-				-
Forfeited/cancelled		(1,600	)			81.09				(400	)			66.55
Non-vested, end of year		103,971			$	80.01				54,880			$	70.26
Total unrecognized compensation expense for RSUs that have not vested as of October 31, 2014, is $4.3 million, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.
The table below presents stock activity related to restricted stock units vested in fiscal 2014 and 2013:
In Thousands			2014				2013
Tax benefits related to restricted stock units vested			$	198			$	-
Intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested			$	3,153			$	-

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholder's Equity	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholderbs Equity	NOTE 13:  Shareholder’s Equity
	The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 25,000 shares of preferred stock ($100 par value), 475,000 shares of serial preferred stock ($1.00 par value), each issuable in series, and 60,000,000 shares of common stock ($.20 par value).  At the end of fiscal 2014, there were no shares of preferred stock or serial preferred stock outstanding.
	Changes in outstanding common shares are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year		31,441,949			30,869,390
	Shares issued under share-based compensation plans		681,768			572,559
	Shares issued		32,123,717			31,441,949
	Treasury stock purchased		(269,228	)		-
	Balance, end of year		31,854,489			31,441,949
	On June 19, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved the share repurchase program.  Under the program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $200 million of outstanding shares of common stock from time to time, depending on market conditions, share price and other factors.  Repurchases may be made in the open market or through private transactions, in accordance with SEC requirements.  The Company may enter into a Rule 10(b)5-1 plan designed to facilitate the repurchase of all or a portion of the repurchase amount.  The program does not require the Company to acquire a specific number of shares.  Common stock repurchased can be reissued, and accordingly, the Company accounts for repurchased stock under the cost method of accounting.
	We purchased the following shares of common stock in fiscal 2014 under the above described repurchase plan:
	In Thousands, Except Shares Amounts	Shares			Amount
	First quarter		-		$	-
	Second quarter		-			-
	Third quarter		45,979			5,176
	Fourth quarter		223,249			25,086
	Total		269,228		$	30,262
	The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
	In Thousands	2014			2013
	Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	$	(14,179	)	$	(1,851	)
	Tax effect		3,890			355
			(10,289	)		(1,496	)
	Pension and post-retirement obligations		(90,225	)		(84,215	)
	Tax effect		30,072			28,030
			(60,153	)		(56,185	)
	Currency translation adjustment		(61,135	)		35,397
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(131,577	)	$	(22,284	)

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	NOTE 14:  Acquisitions
	On December 20, 2013, the Company acquired Sunbank Family of Companies, LLC (Sunbank) for $51.7 million.  The purchase price included $5 million in additional contingent consideration based upon achievement of certain sales levels over a two-year period.  Sunbank is a manufacturer of electrical cable accessories, connectors and flexible conduit systems.  Sunbank is included in the Sensors & Systems segment.
	On February 4, 2013, the Company acquired the Gamesman Group (Gamesman) for $40.8 million.  Gamesman is a global supplier of input devices principally serving the gaming industry.  Gamesman is included in the Avionics & Controls segment.
	The above acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations were included from the effective date of each acquisition.

Restructuring

Restructuring	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring	NOTE 15:  Restructuring
	On December 5, 2013, the Company announced the acceleration of its plans to consolidate certain facilities and create cost efficiencies through shared services in sales, general and administrative and support functions.  These integration activities are expected to result in charges and expenses of approximately $35 million in fiscal 2014 and 2015.  The costs are mainly for exit and relocation of facilities, losses on the write off of certain property, plant and equipment, and severance.  In fiscal 2014, restructuring expense totaled $20.4 million, as more fully described in the following table.
	In Thousands				Write Off of
		Exit &			Property,
		Relocation			Plant &
		of Facilities			Equipment		Severance		Total
	Cost of sales	$	6,529		$	217	$	-	$	6,746
	Restructuring charges		5,346			2,585		5,711		13,642
	Total	$	11,875		$	2,802	$	5,711	$	20,388
	The Company has recorded an accrued liability of $7.1 million for these activities as of the end of fiscal 2014:
	In Thousands	Accrued
		Liabilities
	Beginning Balance as of October 25, 2013	$	-
	Amounts accrued and incurred		20,388
	Amounts paid		(10,500	)
	Write-off		(2,585	)
	Currency translation adjustment		(200	)
	Ending Balance as of October 31, 2014	$	7,103

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations
	NOTE 16:  Discontinued Operations
	On September 3, 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved the plan to sell certain non-core business units including Eclipse Electronic Systems, Inc. (Eclipse), a manufacturer of embedded communication intercept receivers for signal intelligence applications; Wallop Defence Systems, Ltd. (Wallop), a manufacturer of flare countermeasure devices; Pacific Aerospace and Electronics Inc. (PA&E), a manufacturer of hermetically sealed electrical connectors; and a small distribution business. These businesses were not separate reporting units as defined under U.S. GAAP and no indicator of impairment existed at August 1, 2014, requiring an impairment test of their corresponding reporting units’ goodwill or these businesses’ long-lived assets.  For fiscal 2014, these businesses are reported as discontinued operations.  Based upon the estimated fair values, we incurred an estimated after-tax loss of $49.5 million in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014 on the assets held for sale in discontinued operations.  Principle assumptions used in measuring the estimated after-tax loss included estimated selling price of the discontinued business, discount rates, industry growth rates, and pricing of comparable transactions in the market.
	The Company recorded a liability related to environmental remediation at a previously sold business for which the Company provided indemnification of $0.8 million in fiscal 2014, and $2.0 million in fiscal 2013.  A loss of $0.5 million, net of tax, in fiscal 2014 and a loss of $1.3 million, net of tax, in fiscal 2013, are reflected in discontinued operations.
		Avionics &				Sensors &				Advanced
	In Thousands	Controls				Systems				Materials				Other				Total
	2014
	Net Sales	$	33,749			$	22,479			$	25,886			$	-			$	82,114
	Operating earnings (loss)		(7,082	)			(181	)			(11,637	)			(845	)			(19,745	)
	Loss on net assets held for sale		(18,489	)			(12,675	)			(18,308	)			-				(49,472	)
	Tax expense (benefit)		(2,493	)			(523	)			(2,316	)			(296	)			(5,628	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued	$	(23,078	)		$	(12,333	)		$	(27,629	)		$	(549	)		$	(63,589	)
	operations
		Avionics &				Sensors &				Advanced
	In Thousands	Controls				Systems				Materials				Other				Total
	2013
	Net Sales	$	31,883			$	25,599			$	23,495			$	-			$	80,977
	Operating earnings (loss)		(7,912	)			1,566				(2,420	)			(2,000	)			(10,766	)
	Tax expense (benefit)		(3,180	)			689				(1,315	)			(700	)			(4,506	)
	Income (loss) from discontinued	$	(4,732	)		$	877			$	(1,105	)		$	(1,300	)		$	(6,260	)
	operations
		Avionics &				Sensors &				Advanced
	In Thousands	Controls				Systems				Materials				Other				Total
	2012
	Net Sales	$	66,900			$	29,017			$	18,580			$	-			$	114,497
	Operating earnings (loss)		9,842				1,387				(9,706	)			-				1,523
	Tax expense (benefit)		3,391				385				(1,634	)			-				2,142
	Income (loss) from discontinued	$	6,451			$	1,002			$	(8,072	)		$	-			$	(619	)
	operations
	Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at October 31, 2014, are comprised of the following:
				Avionics &				Sensors &				Advanced
	In Thousands			Controls				Systems				Materials				Total
	Accounts receivable, net			$	5,154			$	3,752			$	2,106			$	11,012
	Inventories				12,646				7,972				5,258				25,876
	Prepaid expenses				408				86				335				829
	Deferred income tax benefits				671				680				-				1,351
	Income tax refundable				-				-				2,378				2,378
	Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale			$	18,879			$	12,490			$	10,077			$	41,446
	Net Property, plant and equipment			$	4,949			$	4,105			$	19,839			$	28,893
	Intangibles, net				22,228				10,659				8,327				41,214
	Deferred income tax benefits				-				(30	)			-				(30	)
	Other assets				-				-				1,600				1,600
	Non-Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale			$	27,177			$	14,734			$	29,766			$	71,677
	Accounts payable			$	2,194			$	873			$	6,326			$	9,393
	Accrued liabilities				1,765				1,008				2,025				4,798
	Current Liabilities of Businesses       Held for Sale			$	3,959			$	1,881			$	8,351			$	14,191
	Deferred income tax liabilities			$	11,084			$	6,243			$	1,537			$	18,864
	Other liabilities				-				-				12				12
	Non-Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale			$	11,084			$	6,243			$	1,549			$	18,876
	Net Assets of Businesses Held for Sale			$	31,013			$	19,100			$	29,943			$	80,056

Business_Segment_Information

Business Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	NOTE 17:  Business Segment Information
	The Company’s businesses are organized and managed in three reporting segments: Avionics & Controls, Sensors & Systems and Advanced Materials.  Operating segments within each reporting segment are aggregated.  Operations within the Avionics & Controls segment focus on integrated cockpit systems, technology interface systems for commercial and military aircraft, and similar devices for land- and sea-based military vehicles, secure communication systems, military audio and data products, specialized medical equipment and other industrial applications.  Sensors & Systems includes operations that produce high-precision temperature and pressure sensors, electrical power switching, electrical interconnection systems, and other related systems principally for aerospace and defense customers.  The Advanced Materials segment focuses on thermally engineered components for critical aerospace applications, high-performance elastomer products used in a wide range of commercial aerospace and military applications, and combustible ordnance and warfare countermeasure devices.  All segments include sales to domestic, international, defense and commercial customers.
	Geographic sales information is based on product origin.  The Company evaluates these segments based on segment profits prior to net interest, other income/expense, corporate expenses and federal/foreign income taxes.
	Details of the Company’s operations by business segment for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
	In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Sales
	Avionics & Controls	$	788,536		$	739,774		$	723,115
	Sensors & Systems		771,369			676,331			673,377
	Advanced Materials		491,264			472,672			481,329
		$	2,051,169		$	1,888,777		$	1,877,821
	Earnings from Continuing Operations
	Avionics & Controls (1)	$	121,185		$	111,144		$	45,075
	Sensors & Systems		86,101			88,130			69,503
	Advanced Materials		104,833			109,556			103,243
	Segment Earnings		312,119			308,830			217,821
	Corporate expense		(68,297	)		(62,166	)		(43,201	)
	Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			11,891
	Other income		-			-			1,263
	Interest income		555			535			463
	Interest expense		(33,010	)		(39,638	)		(46,227	)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		(533	)		(946	)		-
		$	210,834		$	206,615		$	142,010
	In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Identifiable Assets
	Avionics & Controls	$	1,125,850		$	1,275,514		$	1,261,300
	Sensors & Systems		1,240,153			1,282,219			1,204,073
	Advanced Materials		498,984			560,681			558,058
	Discontinued Operations		212,712			-			-
	Corporate (2)		115,768			143,698			203,686
		$	3,193,467		$	3,262,112		$	3,227,117
	Capital Expenditures
	Avionics & Controls (3)	$	9,338		$	13,777		$	12,138
	Sensors & Systems		21,070			21,436			18,570
	Advanced Materials (4)		13,629			18,183			14,594
	Discontinued Operations		1,173			1,758			2,625
	Corporate		468			181			1,519
		$	45,678		$	55,335		$	49,446
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Avionics & Controls	$	36,330		$	35,559		$	32,721
	Sensors & Systems		43,507			40,033			38,205
	Advanced Materials		20,217			20,031			20,289
	Discontinued Operations		13,862			13,659			13,880
	Corporate		2,111			2,850			2,697
		$	116,027		$	112,132		$	107,792
	1	Fiscal 2013 includes a $3.5 million impairment charge against Racal Acoustics’ goodwill and fiscal 2012 includes a $52.2 million impairment charge against Racal Acoustics’ goodwill.
	2	Primarily cash and deferred tax assets (see Note 9).
	3	Excludes capital expenditures accounted for as a capitalized lease obligation of $11,691 in fiscal 2013.
	4	Excludes capital expenditures accounted for as a capitalized lease obligation of $2,753 in fiscal 2014.
	The Company’s operations by geographic area for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
	In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Sales 1
	Domestic
	Unaffiliated customers - U.S.	$	782,320		$	755,076		$	740,835
	Unaffiliated customers - export		221,678			182,140			195,717
	Intercompany		32,515			31,202			35,725
			1,036,513			968,418			972,277
	Canada
	Unaffiliated customers		231,937			232,890			245,353
	Intercompany		7,544			6,554			2,844
			239,481			239,444			248,197
	France
	Unaffiliated customers		460,836			423,774			410,766
	Intercompany		60,763			39,745			41,454
			521,599			463,519			452,220
United Kingdom
Unaffiliated customers		266,570			223,735			217,118
Intercompany		22,846			26,402			19,305
		289,416			250,137			236,423
All other Foreign
Unaffiliated customers		87,828			71,162			68,032
Intercompany		42,686			44,829			37,683
		130,514			115,991			105,715
Eliminations		(166,354	)		(148,732	)		(137,011	)
	$	2,051,169		$	1,888,777		$	1,877,821
In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
Segment Earnings 2
Domestic	$	179,565		$	175,332		$	161,465
Canada		33,599			42,963			33,128
France		50,750			49,042			33,152
United Kingdom		38,686			31,380			(19,539	)
All other foreign		9,519			10,113			9,615
	$	312,119		$	308,830		$	217,821
Identifiable Assets 3
Domestic	$	1,028,879		$	1,020,952		$	1,015,994
Canada		514,520			533,559			576,053
France		839,467			918,592			836,578
United Kingdom		555,620			515,090			477,214
All other foreign		139,213			130,221			117,592
	$	3,077,699		$	3,118,414		$	3,023,431
1	Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.
2	Before corporate expense, shown on page 73.
3	Excludes corporate, shown on page 73.
The Company’s foreign operations consist of manufacturing facilities located in Canada, China, the Dominican Republic, France, Germany, India, Mexico, Morocco, and the United Kingdom, and include sales and service operations located in Brazil, China, Japan, and Singapore.  Intercompany sales are at prices comparable with sales to unaffiliated customers.  U.S. government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 14.7% and 1.7%, respectively, in fiscal 2014 and 4.0% of consolidated sales.  In fiscal 2013, the U.S. government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 19.6% and 3.1%, respectively, and 6.0% of consolidated sales.  In fiscal 2012, the U.S. government sales as a percent of Advanced Materials and Avionics & Controls sales were 19.4% and 5.4%, respectively, and 7.0% of consolidated sales.
Product lines contributing sales of 10% or more of total sales in any of the last three fiscal years were as follows:
	2014			2013			2012
Connectors		18	%		16	%		16	%
Avionics		10	%		11	%		11	%

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	NOTE 18:  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial information:
	In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
	Fiscal Year 2014	Fourth			Third			Second			First
	Net sales	$	548,059		$	506,309		$	510,861		$	485,940
	Gross profit		193,577			177,087			179,225			170,735
	Earnings from continuing operations		51,632			39,837			40,595			33,943
	Loss from discontinued operations		(55,104	)		(929	)		(3,691	)		(3,865	)
	Net earnings	$	(3,472	)	$	38,908		$	36,904		$	30,078
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic
	Continuing operations	$	1.62		$	1.25		$	1.28		$	1.07
	Discontinued operations		(1.73	)		(0.03	)		(0.12	)		(0.12	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic 1	$	(0.11	)	$	1.22		$	1.16		$	0.95
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
	Continuing operations	$	1.62		$	1.22		$	1.25		$	1.05
	Discontinued operations		(1.73	)		(0.03	)		(0.11	)		(0.12	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted 1,6	$	(0.11	)	$	1.19		$	1.14		$	0.93
	Fiscal Year 2013	Fourth			Third			Second			First
	Net sales	$	513,667		$	463,613		$	475,870		$	435,627
	Gross profit		199,835			175,600			175,923			153,351
	Earnings from continuing operations 2,3,4,5		66,843			41,419			36,183			26,549
	Loss from discontinued operations		(980	)		(3,181	)		(661	)		(1,438	)
	Net earnings	$	65,863		$	38,238		$	35,522		$	25,111
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic
	Continuing operations	$	2.13		$	1.32		$	1.16		$	0.86
	Discontinued operations		(0.03	)		(0.10	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic 1	$	2.1		$	1.22		$	1.14		$	0.81
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
	Continuing operations	$	2.09		$	1.3		$	1.14		$	0.85
	Discontinued operations		(0.03	)		(0.10	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted 1	$	2.06		$	1.2		$	1.12		$	0.8
	1	The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per shares amounts reported for year-to-date periods.  This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period.
	2	Included $8.2 million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the third quarter.
	3	Included a $3.5 million goodwill impairment charge related to Racal Acoustics in the third quarter.
	4	Included a $10.0 million charge related to our pending matter with the DDTC in the third quarter.
	5	Included $3.7 million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the first quarter.
	6	Diluted shares is equal of basic shares in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014.

Guarantors

Guarantors	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantors	NOTE 19:  Guarantors
	The following schedules set forth condensed consolidating financial information as required by Rule 3-10 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-X for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012 for (a) Esterline Technologies Corporation (the Parent); (b) on a combined basis, the current subsidiary guarantors (Guarantor Subsidiaries) of the secured credit facility, 2017 Notes (for periods prior to the ending of the fiscal quarter ended April 26, 2013), and 2020 Notes; and (c) on a combined basis, the subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the secured credit facility, 2017 Notes (for periods prior to the ending of the fiscal quarter ended April 26, 2013), and 2020 Notes (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries).  The Guarantor Subsidiaries previously guaranteed the Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 that were repurchased or otherwise redeemed in August 2010.  The Guarantor Subsidiaries are direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Esterline Technologies Corporation and have fully and unconditionally, jointly and severally, guaranteed the secured credit facility, 2017 Notes (for periods prior to the ending of the fiscal quarter ended April 26, 2013), and the 2020 Notes.
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2014
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	ASSETS
	Current Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,634		$	3,454		$	220,056		$	-		$	238,144
	Cash in escrow		-			-			-			-			-
	Accounts receivable, net		610			143,158			236,121			-			379,889
	Inventories		-			188,982			244,613			-			433,595
	Income tax refundable		-			-			5,266			-			5,266
	Deferred income tax benefits		31,486			(1,191	)		18,384			-			48,679
	Prepaid expenses		147			6,703			13,486			-			20,336
	Other current assets		80			114			1,955			-			2,149
	Current assets of businesses held for sale		-			26,800			14,646			-			41,446
	Total Current Assets		46,957			368,020			754,527			-			1,169,504
	Property, Plant & Equipment, Net		1,489			158,089			159,764			-			319,342
	Goodwill		-			347,700			724,086			-			1,071,786
	Intangibles, net		-			106,164			365,213			-			471,377
	Debt issuance costs, net		4,134			-			161			-			4,295
	Deferred income tax benefits		20,455			30			50,822			-			71,307
	Other assets		130			7,502			6,547			-			14,179
	Non-current assets of businesses held		-			40,737			30,940			-			71,677
	for sale
	Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries		-			797,342			-			(797,342	)		-
	Investment in Subsidiaries		3,307,454			1,127,237			20,768			(4,455,459	)		-
	Total Assets	$	3,380,619		$	2,952,821		$	2,112,828		$	(5,252,801	)	$	3,193,467
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current Liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	1,751		$	36,905		$	76,628		$	-		$	115,284
	Accrued liabilities		20,178			93,168			149,190			-			262,536
	Current maturities of long-term debt		8,750			349			3,675			-			12,774
	Deferred income tax liabilities		76			8			1,689			-			1,773
	Federal and foreign income taxes		(2,282	)		(2,643	)		6,496			-			1,571
	Current liabilities of businesses held		-			4,010			10,181			-			14,191
	for sale
	Total Current Liabilities		28,473			131,797			247,859			-			408,129
	Credit Facilities		100,000			-			-			-			100,000
	Long-Term Debt, Net		403,125			55,176			51,419			-			509,720
	Deferred Income Tax Liabilities		58,615			(17,333	)		107,883			-			149,165
	Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations		18,683			1,226			42,784			-			62,693
	Other Liabilities		16,762			3,944			26,178			-			46,884
	Non-current liabilities of businesses held		-			17,327			1,549			-			18,876
	for sale
	Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries		856,961			-			456,861			(1,313,822	)		-
	Shareholders' Equity		1,898,000			2,760,684			1,178,295			(3,938,979	)		1,898,000
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	3,380,619		$	2,952,821		$	2,112,828		$	(5,252,801	)	$	3,193,467
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	Net sales	$	-		$	970,376		$	1,086,313		$	(5,520	)	$	2,051,169
	Cost of sales		-			617,881			718,184			(5,520	)		1,330,545
			-			352,495			368,129			-			720,624
	Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative		-			146,474			217,785			-			364,259
	Research, development & engineering		-			45,965			52,936			-			98,901
	Restructuring charges		-			9,637			4,005			-			13,642
	Gain on sale of product line		-			-			-			-			-
	Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
	Goodwill impairment		-			-			-			-			-
	Other (income) expense		-			-			-			-			-
Total Expenses		-			202,076			274,726			-			476,802
Operating Earnings from Continuing		-			150,419			93,403			-			243,822
Operations
Interest Income		(15,486	)		(9,240	)		(55,840	)		80,011			(555	)
Interest Expense		24,190			28,959			59,872			(80,011	)		33,010
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt		-			-			533			-			533
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(8,704	)		130,700			88,838			-			210,834
Before Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(1,894	)		27,922			18,246			-			44,274
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(6,810	)		102,778			70,592			-			166,560
Including Noncontrolling Interests
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling		-			-			(553	)		-			(553	)
Interests
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(6,810	)		102,778			70,039			-			166,007
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Loss from Discontinued Operations		(719	)		(34,636	)		(28,234	)		-			(63,589	)
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated		109,947			189			(301	)		(109,835	)		-
Subsidiaries
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Esterline	$	102,418		$	68,331		$	41,504		$	(109,835	)	$	102,418
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)	$	102,418		$	68,331		$	41,504		$	(109,835	)	$	102,418
Change in fair value of derivative financial		-			-			(8,793	)		-			(8,793	)
instruments, net of tax
Change in pension and post-retirement		(4,915	)		-			947			-			(3,968	)
obligations, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(96,532	)		(1,504	)		(77,029	)		78,533			(96,532	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	971		$	66,827		$	(43,371	)	$	(31,302	)	$	(6,875	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss) including	$	102,971		$	68,331		$	41,504		$	(109,835	)	$	102,971
noncontrolling interests
Depreciation & amortization		-			47,633			68,394			-			116,027
Deferred income taxes		(5,274	)		(4	)		(9,615	)		-			(14,893	)
Share-based compensation		-			5,706			7,338			-			13,044
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets		-			2,580			594			-			3,174
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
Goodwill impairment		-			-			-			-			-
Loss on assets held for sale		-			31,164			18,308			-			49,472
Working capital changes, net of effect
of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(294	)		8,820			(25,901	)		-			(17,375	)
Inventories		-			(7,858	)		(13,633	)		-			(21,491	)
Prepaid expenses		(30	)		(1,030	)		(2,177	)		-			(3,237	)
Other current assets		6			1			1,002			-			1,009
Accounts payable		37			4,186			(2,882	)		-			1,341
Accrued liabilities		(950	)		8,613			5,798			-			13,461
Federal and foreign income taxes		(4,690	)		27,794			(34,279	)		-			(11,175	)
Other liabilities		(5,951	)		608			(8,509	)		-			(13,852	)
Other, net		(14,802	)		(11,531	)		24,221			-			(2,112	)
		71,023			185,013			70,163			(109,835	)		216,364
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchases of capital assets		(331	)		(16,674	)		(28,673	)		-			(45,678	)
Proceeds from sale of capital assets		-			427			145			-			572
Acquisition of business, net of cash		-			(44,745	)		-			-			(44,745	)
acquired
		(331	)		(60,992	)		(28,528	)		-			(89,851	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance		31,215			-			-			-			31,215
under employee stock plans
Excess tax benefits from stock option		7,090			-			-			-			7,090
exercises
Shares repurchased		(30,262	)		-			-			-			(30,262	)
Repayment of long-term credit facilities		(55,000	)		-			-			-			(55,000	)
Repayment of long-term debt		(8,750	)		(390	)		(26,670	)		-			(35,810	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term		25,000			-			-			-			25,000
credit facilities
Proceeds from government assistance		-			-			3,337			-			3,337
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-			-			(778	)		-			(778	)
Debt and other issuance costs		-			-			-			-			-
Net change in intercompany financing		(33,112	)		(125,071	)		48,348			109,835			-
		(63,819	)		(125,461	)		24,237			109,835			(55,208	)
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash		(65	)		18			(12,292	)		-			(12,339	)
and Cash Equivalents
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and		6,808			(1,422	)		53,580			-			58,966
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents -		7,826			4,876			166,476			-			179,178
Beginning of Period
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$	14,634		$	3,454		$	220,056		$	-		$	238,144
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 25, 2013
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,826		$	4,876		$	166,476		$	-		$	179,178
Cash in escrow		4,018			-			-			-			4,018
Accounts receivable, net		316			154,492			228,858			-			383,666
Inventories		-			190,830			256,833			-			447,663
Income tax refundable		-			6,526			-			-			6,526
Deferred income tax benefits		26,731			171			20,375			-			47,277
Prepaid expenses		117			5,510			12,556			-			18,183
Other current assets		86			115			5,003			-			5,204
Current assets of businesses held for sale		-			-			-			-			-
Total Current Assets		39,094			362,520			690,101			-			1,091,715
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net		1,754			175,402			194,041			-			371,197
Goodwill		-			344,995			783,982			-			1,128,977
Intangibles, net		-			144,222			436,727			-			580,949
Debt issuance costs, net		5,252			-			959			-			6,211
Deferred income tax benefits		16,782			-			55,058			-			71,840
Other assets		18			3,692			7,513			-			11,223
Non-current assets of businesses held		-			-			-			-			-
for sale
Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries		-			549,307			-			(549,307	)		-
Investment in Subsidiaries		2,588,478			979,123			349,104			(3,916,705	)		-
Total Assets	$	2,651,378		$	2,559,261		$	2,517,485		$	(4,466,012	)	$	3,262,112
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	1,714		$	29,064		$	92,819		$	-		$	123,597
Accrued liabilities		21,652			87,826			144,083			-			253,561
Current maturities of long-term debt		8,750			237			12,292			-			21,279
Deferred income tax liabilities		568			24			1,715			-			2,307
Federal and foreign income taxes		2,408			(27,399	)		32,339			-			7,348
Current liabilities of businesses held		-			-			-			-			-
for sale
Total Current Liabilities		35,092			89,752			283,248			-			408,092
Credit Facilities		130,000			-			-			-			130,000
Long-Term Debt, Net		411,875			55,562			70,422			-			537,859
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities		57,757			(7	)		135,369			-			193,119
Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations		17,500			618			49,984			-			68,102
Other Liabilities		12,298			194			27,696			-			40,188
Non-current liabilities of businesses held		-			-			-			-			-
for sale
Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries		102,104			-			405,018			(507,122	)		-
Shareholders' Equity		1,884,752			2,413,142			1,545,748			(3,958,890	)		1,884,752
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,651,378		$	2,559,261		$	2,517,485		$	(4,466,012	)	$	3,262,112
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2013
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	-		$	912,572		$	980,512		$	(4,307	)	$	1,888,777
Cost of sales		-			567,432			620,943			(4,307	)		1,184,068
		-			345,140			359,569			-			704,709
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative		-			147,893			218,748			-			366,641
Research, development & engineering		-			46,999			43,215			-			90,214
Restructuring charges		-			-			-			-			-
Gain on sale of product line		-			(2,264	)		-			-			(2,264	)
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
Goodwill impairment		-			-			3,454			-			3,454
Other (income) expense		-			-			-			-			-
Total Expenses		-			192,628			265,417			-			458,045
Operating Earnings from Continuing		-			152,512			94,152			-			246,664
Operations
Interest Income		(15,639	)		(7,704	)		(54,602	)		77,410			(535	)
Interest Expense		30,050			26,868			60,130			(77,410	)		39,638
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt		946			-			-			-			946
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(15,357	)		133,348			88,624			-			206,615
Before Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(3,320	)		27,312			9,899			-			33,891
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(12,037	)		106,036			78,725			-			172,724
Including Noncontrolling Interests
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling		-			-			(1,730	)		-			(1,730	)
Interests
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(12,037	)		106,036			76,995			-			170,994
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Loss from Discontinued Operations		(1,300	)		(2,685	)		(2,275	)		-			(6,260	)
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated		178,071			1,697			3,705			(183,473	)		-
Subsidiaries
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Esterline	$	164,734		$	105,048		$	78,425		$	(183,473	)	$	164,734
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)	$	164,734		$	105,048		$	78,425		$	(183,473	)	$	164,734
Change in fair value of derivative financial		-			-			(3,119	)		-			(3,119	)
instruments, net of tax
Change in pension and post-retirement		36,669			-			6,325			-			42,994
obligations, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment		23,125			100			40,442			(40,542	)		23,125
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	224,528		$	105,148		$	122,073		$	(224,015	)	$	227,734
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2013
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss) including	$	166,464		$	105,048		$	78,425		$	(183,473	)	$	166,464
noncontrolling interests
Depreciation & amortization		-			43,539			68,593			-			112,132
Deferred income taxes		8,274			(11,067	)		(19,019	)		-			(21,812	)
Share-based compensation		-			4,163			5,412			-			9,575
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets		-			(1,013	)		(1,290	)		-			(2,303	)
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
Goodwill impairment		-			-			3,454			-			3,454
Loss on assets held for sale		-			-			-			-			-
Working capital changes, net of effect
of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(135	)		(4,976	)		10,126			-			5,015
Inventories		-			(16,652	)		(11,665	)		-			(28,317	)
Prepaid expenses		(41	)		1,775			1,870			-			3,604
Other current assets		1,332			437			(3,327	)		-			(1,558	)
Accounts payable		(230	)		362			8,876			-			9,008
Accrued liabilities		5,955			6,725			(15,800	)		-			(3,120	)
Federal and foreign income taxes		4,445			(10,800	)		9,534			-			3,179
Other liabilities		3,271			(185	)		(10,688	)		-			(7,602	)
Other, net		(89	)		2,329			813			-			3,053
		189,246			119,685			125,314			(183,473	)		250,772
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchases of capital assets		(105	)		(15,937	)		(39,293	)		-			(55,335	)
Proceeds from sale of capital assets		-			1,013			1,290			-			2,303
Acquisition of business, net of cash		-			-			(40,689	)		-			(40,689	)
acquired
		(105	)		(14,924	)		(78,692	)		-			(93,721	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2013
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance		22,854			-			-			-			22,854
under employee stock plans
Excess tax benefits from stock option		2,961			-			-			-			2,961
exercises
Shares repurchased														-
Repayment of long-term credit facilities		(110,000	)		-			-			-			(110,000	)
Repayment of long-term debt		(179,375	)		(326	)		(55,727	)		-			(235,428	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term		175,000			-			-			-			175,000
credit facilities
Proceeds from government assistance		-			-			5,092			-			5,092
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-			-			(1,048	)		-			(1,048	)
Debt and other issuance costs		(454	)		-			-			-			(454	)
Net change in intercompany financing		(109,094	)		(100,893	)		26,514			183,473			-
		(198,108	)		(101,219	)		(25,169	)		183,473			(141,023	)
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash		23			10			2,442			-			2,475
and Cash Equivalents
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and		(8,944	)		3,552			23,895			-			18,503
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents -		16,770			1,324			142,581			-			160,675
Beginning of Period
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$	7,826		$	4,876		$	166,476		$	-		$	179,178
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	-		$	846,062		$	1,035,764		$	(4,005	)	$	1,877,821
Cost of sales		-			530,401			673,537			(4,005	)		1,199,933
		-			315,661			362,227			-			677,888
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative		-			127,022			223,200			-			350,222
Research, development & engineering		-			45,506			55,371			-			100,877
Restructuring charges		-			-			-			-			-
Gain on sale of product line		-			-			-			-			-
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			(11,891	)		-			(11,891	)
Goodwill impairment		-			-			52,169			-			52,169
Other (income) expense		-			-			(1,263	)		-			(1,263	)
Total Expenses		-			172,528			317,586			-			490,114
Operating Earnings from Continuing		-			143,133			44,641			-			187,774
Operations
Interest Income		(14,178	)		(16,141	)		(60,297	)		90,153			(463	)
Interest Expense		34,948			27,210			74,222			(90,153	)		46,227
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt		-			-			-			-			-
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(20,770	)		132,064			30,716			-			142,010
Before Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(5,591	)		28,711			4,696			-			27,816
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(15,179	)		103,353			26,020			-			114,194
Including Noncontrolling Interests
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling		-			-			(1,040	)		-			(1,040	)
Interests
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(15,179	)		103,353			24,980			-			113,154
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Loss from Discontinued Operations		-			6,977			(7,596	)		-			(619	)
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated		127,714			17,659			(145	)		(145,228	)		-
Subsidiaries
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Esterline	$	112,535		$	127,989		$	17,239		$	(145,228	)	$	112,535
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)	$	112,535		$	127,989		$	17,239		$	(145,228	)	$	112,535
Change in fair value of derivative financial		-			-			(2,399	)		-			(2,399	)
instruments, net of tax
Change in pension and post-retirement		(15,727	)		-			(7,981	)		-			(23,708	)
obligations, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(56,365	)		172			(58,746	)		58,574			(56,365	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	40,443		$	128,161		$	(51,887	)	$	(86,654	)	$	30,063
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss) including	$	113,575		$	127,989		$	17,239		$	(145,228	)	$	113,575
noncontrolling interests
Depreciation & amortization		-			39,405			68,387			-			107,792
Deferred income taxes		18,013			(16,390	)		(22,823	)		-			(21,200	)
Share-based compensation		-			4,246			5,297			-			9,543
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets		-			(410	)		(534	)		-			(944	)
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			(11,891	)		-			(11,891	)
Goodwill impairment		-			-			52,169			-			52,169
Loss on assets held for sale		-			-			-			-			-
Working capital changes, net of effect														-
of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(23	)		(2,704	)		(19,654	)		-			(22,381	)
Inventories		-			(15,707	)		(3,596	)		-			(19,303	)
Prepaid expenses		(17	)		(385	)		(2,104	)		-			(2,506	)
Other current assets		6			(208	)		(800	)		-			(1,002	)
Accounts payable		1,132			(174	)		(7,440	)		-			(6,482	)
Accrued liabilities		(1,929	)		(156	)		16,964			-			14,879
Federal and foreign income taxes		(4,345	)		(7,707	)		4,984			-			(7,068	)
Other liabilities		(20,618	)		12,196			(6,280	)		-			(14,702	)
Other, net		(1,418	)		580			4,530			-			3,692
		104,376			140,575			94,448			(145,228	)		194,171
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchases of capital assets		(1,503	)		(23,553	)		(24,390	)		-			(49,446	)
Proceeds from sale of capital assets		-			410			534			-			944
Acquisition of business, net of cash		-			-			-			-			-
acquired
		(1,503	)		(23,143	)		(23,856	)		-			(48,502	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance		7,658			-			-			-			7,658
under employee stock plans
Excess tax benefits from stock option		382			-			-			-			382
exercises
Shares repurchased														-
Repayment of long-term credit facilities		(150,000	)		-			-			-			(150,000	)
Repayment of long-term debt		-			(405	)		(72,740	)		-			(73,145	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term		30,000			-			-			-			30,000
credit facilities
Proceeds from government assistance		-			-			17,285			-			17,285
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-			-			-			-			-
Debt and other issuance costs		-			-			-			-			-
Net change in intercompany financing		(24,731	)		(129,158	)		8,661			145,228			-
		(136,691	)		(129,563	)		(46,794	)		145,228			(167,820	)
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash		751			5			(2,965	)		-			(2,209	)
and Cash Equivalents
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and		(33,067	)		(12,126	)		20,833			-			(24,360	)
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents -		49,837			13,450			121,748			-			185,035
Beginning of Period
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$	16,770		$	1,324		$	142,581		$	-		$	160,675

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	ESTERLINE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(In Thousands)
			Balance at		Charged							Balance
			Beginning		to Costs &							at End
			of Year		Expenses		Other 1,2		Deductions 3			of Year
	Fiscal Years
	2014		$	9,215	$	860	$	349	$	(401	)	$	10,023
	2013		$	9,029	$	981	$	-	$	(795	)	$	9,215
	2012		$	7,063	$	4,343	$	-	$	(2,377	)	$	9,029
	1	Acquisition-related addition.
	2	Reclassification to assets held for sale.
	3	Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

Accounting_Policies_Policies

Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations	Nature of Operations
	Esterline Technologies Corporation (the Company) designs, manufactures and markets highly engineered products.  The Company serves the aerospace and defense industry, primarily in the United States and Europe.  The Company also serves the industrial/commercial and medical markets.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  Classifications have been changed for certain amounts in prior periods to conform with the current year’s presentation.  The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Friday of October.
	On June 5, 2014, the Company’s board of directors authorized a change in the Company’s fiscal year end to the last Friday of September from the last Friday in October.  The Company plans to report its financial results for the 11-month transition period of November 1, 2014, through October 2, 2015, on an Annual Report on Form 10-K and to thereafter file its annual report for each 12-month period ending the last Friday of September of each year, beginning with the 12-month period ending September 30, 2016.  The fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 will be a two-month quarter.  The Company’s fiscal year 2014 was unchanged and ended on October 31, 2014.
Management Estimates	Management Estimates
	To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Risks	Concentration of Risks
	The Company’s products are principally focused on the aerospace and defense industry, which includes military and commercial aircraft original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers, commercial airlines, and the United States and foreign governments.  Sales directly to the U.S. government aggregated 4% and 6% of sales in fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Accordingly, the Company’s current and future financial performance is dependent on the economic condition of the aerospace and defense industry.  The commercial aerospace and defense markets have historically been subject to cyclical downturns during periods of weak economic conditions or material changes arising from domestic or international events.  Management believes that the Company’s sales are balanced across its customer base, which includes not only aerospace and defense customers but also medical and industrial commercial customers.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when the title and risk of loss have passed to the customer, there is persuasive evidence of an agreement, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the price is determinable, and the collectability is reasonably assured.  The Company recognizes product revenues at the point of shipment or delivery in accordance with the terms of sale.  Sales are net of returns and allowances.  Returns and allowances are not significant because products are manufactured to customer specification and are covered by the terms of the product warranty.
	Revenues and profits on fixed-price contracts with significant engineering as well as production requirements are recorded based on the achievement of contractual milestones and the ratio of total actual incurred costs to date to total estimated costs for each contract (cost-to-cost method).  Types of milestones include design review and prototype completion.  The Company reviews cost performance and estimates to complete on its ongoing contracts at least quarterly.  The impact of revisions of profit estimates are recognized on a cumulative catch-up basis in the period in which the revisions are made. Provisions for anticipated losses on contracts are recorded in the period they become evident.  When change orders have been approved by both the company and the customer for both scope and price and realization is deemed probable, the original contract price is adjusted and revenues are recognized on contract performance (as determined by the achievement of contractual milestones and the cost-to-cost method).  For partially approved change orders, costs attributable to unpriced change orders are treated as costs of the contract performance in the period the costs are incurred.  Claims are also recognized as contract revenue when approved by both the company and the customer, based on contract performance.
Research and Development	Research and Development
	Expenditures for internally-funded research and development are expensed as incurred.  Customer-funded research and development projects performed under contracts are accounted for as work in process as work is performed and recognized as cost of sales and sales under the proportional performance method.  Research and development expenditures are net of government assistance and tax subsidies, which are not contingent upon paying income tax.  In addition, government assistance for research and development is recorded as a reduction of research and development expense when repayment royalties are contingent upon sales generated directly from the funded research and development.  If reimbursement is not tied directly to sales generated from the funded research and development, the assistance is accounted for as a loan until the criteria for forgiveness has been met.
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term borrowings, long-term debt, foreign currency forward contracts, and interest rate swap agreements.  The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values because of the short-term maturities or expected settlement dates of these instruments.  The fair market value of the Company’s long-term debt and short-term borrowings was estimated at $639.4 million and $711.6 million at fiscal year end 2014 and 2013, respectively.  These estimates were derived using discounted cash flows with interest rates currently available to the Company for issuance of debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.
	Foreign Currency Exchange Risk Management
	The Company is subject to risks associated with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates from the sale of products in currencies other than its functional currency.  Furthermore, the Company has assets denominated in foreign currencies that are not offset by liabilities in such foreign currencies.  The Company has significant operations in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, and accordingly, the Company may experience gains or losses due to foreign exchange fluctuations.
	The Company’s policy is to hedge a portion of its forecasted transactions using forward exchange contracts, with maturities up to 24 months.  These forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges.  The portion of the net gain or loss on a derivative instrument that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity and is reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  The remaining net gain or loss on the derivative in excess of the present value of the expected cash flows of the hedged transaction is recorded in earnings immediately.  If a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, or a portion of the hedge is deemed ineffective, the change in fair value is recorded in earnings.  The amount of hedge ineffectiveness has not been material in any of the three fiscal years in the period ended October 31, 2014.  At October 31, 2014, and October 25, 2013, the notional value of foreign currency forward contracts accounted for as a cash flow hedge was $283.0 million and $271.3 million, respectively.  The fair value of these contracts was a liability of $14.6 million and a $2.3 million liability at October 31, 2014, and October 25, 2013, respectively.  The Company does not enter into any forward contracts for trading purposes.
	In July 2011, the Company entered into a Euro Term Loan for €125.0 million under the secured credit facility.  The Company designated the Euro Term Loan a hedge of the investment in a certain French business unit.  The foreign currency gain or loss that is effective as a hedge is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders’ equity.  To the extent that this hedge is ineffective, the foreign currency gain or loss is recorded in earnings.  There has been no ineffectiveness since inception of the hedge. In the third fiscal quarter of 2014, the Company paid off the remaining balance of the Euro Term Loan.  As a result, the Company recorded a net loss of $0.5 million on extinguishment of debt in fiscal 2014.
	Interest Rate Risk Management
	Depending on the interest rate environment, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to convert the fixed interest rates on notes payable to variable interest rates or terminate any swap agreements in place.  These interest rate swap agreements have been designated as fair value hedges.  Accordingly, a gain or loss on swap agreements as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged portion of notes payable are recognized in interest expense during the period of the change in fair values.  The Company attempts to manage exposure to counterparty credit risk by only entering into agreements with major financial institutions which are expected to be able to fully perform under the terms of the agreement.
	In fiscal 2010, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements for $175.0 million on the 2017 Notes.  The swap agreements exchanged the fixed interest rate on the 2017 Notes of 6.625% for a variable interest rate.  In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the swap agreements were terminated, and the Company redeemed the 2017 Notes with proceeds from the $175.0 million U.S. Term Loan.  The Company recorded a gain on the swap termination of $2.9 million.  The gain is included in the Loss on Extinguishment of Debt in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	Depending on the interest rate environment, the Company may enter into interest rate swap agreements to convert the variable interest rates on notes payable to fixed interest rates.  These swap agreements are accounted for as cash flow hedges and the fair market value of the hedge instrument is included in Other Comprehensive Income.
	The fair market value of the interest rate swaps was estimated by discounting expected cash flows using quoted market interest rates.
Foreign Currency Translation	Foreign Currency Translation
	Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated into their U.S. dollar equivalents based on year-end exchange rates.  Revenue and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates.  Aggregate exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of foreign assets and liabilities are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of comprehensive income.  Accumulated gain or (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustment was $(61.1) million, $35.4 million, and $12.3 million as of the fiscal years ended October 31, 2014, October 25, 2013, and October 26, 2012, respectively.
Foreign Currency Transaction Gains and Losses	Foreign Currency Transaction Gains and Losses
	Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in results of operations and are primarily the result of revaluing assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than the functional currency, gains and losses on forward exchange contracts and the change in value of foreign currency embedded derivatives in backlog.  These foreign currency transactions resulted in a $6.5 million loss in fiscal 2014, a $1.7 million loss in fiscal 2013, and a $3.5 million loss in fiscal 2012.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents
	Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase.  Fair value of cash equivalents approximates carrying value.
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable are recorded at the net invoice price for sales billed to customers.  Accounts receivable are considered past due when outstanding more than normal trade terms allow.  An allowance for doubtful accounts is established when losses are expected to be incurred.  Accounts receivable are written off to the allowance for doubtful accounts when the balance is considered to be uncollectible.
Inventories	Inventories
	Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost method.  Inventory cost includes material, labor and factory overhead.  The Company defers pre-production engineering costs as work-in-process inventory in connection with long-term supply arrangements that include contractual guarantees for reimbursement from the customer.  Inventory cost adjustments are recorded when inventory is considered to be excess or obsolete based upon an analysis of actual on-hand quantities on a part level basis to forecasted product demand and historical usage.
Property, Plant and Equipment, and Depreciation	Property, Plant and Equipment, and Depreciation
	Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost and includes expenditures for major improvements.  Depreciation is generally provided on the straight-line method based upon estimated useful lives ranging from 15 to 30 years for buildings and 3 to 10 years for machinery and equipment.  Depreciation expense was $56.2 million, $55.4 million, and $52.4 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  Depreciation expense included in discontinued operations was $5.0 million, $5.0 million, and $4.2 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  Assets under capital leases were $43.1 million at October 31, 2014, and $47.1 million at October 25, 2013.  Amortization expense of assets accounted for as capital leases is included with depreciation expense.  The fair value of liabilities related to the retirement of property is recorded when there is a legal or contractual obligation to incur asset retirement costs and the costs can be estimated.  The Company records the asset retirement cost by increasing the carrying cost of the underlying property by the amount of the asset retirement obligation.  The asset retirement cost is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the underlying property.
Debt Issuance Costs	Debt Issuance Costs
	Costs incurred to issue debt are deferred and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt using a method that approximates the effective interest method.
Long-lived Asset Impairments	Long-lived Asset Impairments
	The carrying amount of long-lived assets is reviewed periodically for impairment.  An asset (other than goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets) is considered impaired when estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset.  In the event the carrying amount of such asset is not deemed recoverable, the asset is adjusted to its estimated fair value.  Fair value is generally determined based upon estimated discounted future cash flows.
Assets of Business Held for Sale	Assets of Business Held for Sale
	Assets held for sale are to be reported at lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.  Judgment is required in estimating the sales price of assets held for sale and the time required to sell the assets.  These estimates are based upon available market data and operating cash flows of the assets held for sale.
Contingencies	Contingencies
	The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims, both as plaintiff and defendant, and has contingent liabilities arising from the conduct of business.  The Company is covered by insurance for general liability, product liability, workers’ compensation and certain environmental exposures, subject to certain deductible limits.  The Company is self-insured for amounts less than our deductible and where no insurance is available.  An estimated loss from a contingency should be accrued by a charge to income if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.  The Company evaluates, among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the amount of loss.
Goodwill and Intangibles	Goodwill and Intangibles
	Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually or when circumstances require.  A reporting unit is generally defined at the operating segment level or at the component level one level below the operating segment, if said component constitutes a business.  Goodwill is allocated to reporting units based upon the purchase price of the acquired unit, the valuation of acquired tangible and intangible assets, and liabilities assumed.  When a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment test is required.  This test involves allocating the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit, with the excess of fair value over allocated net assets representing the fair value of goodwill.  An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of goodwill.
	Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated period of benefit, ranging from 2 to 20 years.  Amortization expense is reflected in selling, general and administrative expense on the Consolidated Statement of Operations.  The Company periodically evaluates the recoverability of intangible assets and takes into account events or circumstances that warrant revised estimates of useful lives or that indicate that an impairment exists.
	Indefinite-lived intangible assets (other than goodwill) are tested annually for impairment or more frequently on an interim basis if circumstances require.
Environmental	Environmental
	Environmental exposures are provided for at the time they are known to exist or are considered probable and reasonably estimable.  No provision has been recorded for environmental remediation costs which could result from changes in laws or other circumstances currently not known by the Company.  Costs provided for future expenditures on environmental remediation are not discounted to present value.
Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Obligations	Pension Plan and Post-Retirement Benefit Plan Obligations
	The Company accounts for pension expense using the end of the fiscal year as its measurement date.  Management selects appropriate assumptions including discount rate, rate of increase in future compensation levels and assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets and expected annual increases in costs of medical and other health care benefits in regard to the Company’s post-retirement benefit obligations.  These assumptions are based upon historical results, the current economic environment and reasonable expectations of future events.  Actual results which vary from assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods, and accordingly, are recognized in expense in these periods.  Significant differences between our assumptions and actual experience or significant changes in assumptions could impact the pension costs and the pension obligation.
Legal Expenses	Legal Expenses
	The Company recognizes legal costs related to loss contingencies when the expense is incurred.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award.
Product Warranties	Product Warranties
	Estimated product warranty expenses are recorded when the covered products are shipped to customers and recognized as revenue.  Product warranty expense is estimated based upon the terms of the warranty program.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The Company recognizes the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or tax returns.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share is computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.  Diluted earnings per share also includes the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units.  Common shares issuable from stock options that are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive were 136,200, 162,100, and 627,475 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share was 31,840,000, 31,173,000, and 30,749,000 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.  The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share was 32,448,000, 31,738,000, and 31,282,000 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014 was 31,907,000.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance that modifies the criteria used to qualify divestitures for classification as discontinued operation and expands disclosure related to disposals of significant components.  The amendment will become effective for the company in fiscal 2016, with early adoption permitted; the Company does not expect to early adopt the amended guidance.  The amended guidance is expected to decrease the likelihood that future disposals will qualify for discontinued operations treatment, meaning that the results of operation of some future disposals may be reported as continuing operations.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) amended requirements for an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers.  The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method.  Early adoption is not permitted.  The updated standard becomes effective for the Company in the first fiscal quarter of 2018.  The Company has not yet selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	Inventories at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
	In Thousands	2014		2013
	Raw materials and purchased parts	$	165,839	$	165,231
	Work in progress		160,884		169,165
	Inventory costs under long-term contracts		17,470		13,717
	Finished goods		89,402		99,550
		$	433,595	$	447,663

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Goodwill by Segment	The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by segment for fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	In Thousands	Avionics &			Sensors &			Advanced
		Controls			Systems			Materials			Total
	Balance, October 26, 2012	$	456,092		$	428,420		$	214,450		$	1,098,962
	Goodwill from acquisitions		21,640			-			-			21,640
	Goodwill adjustments		-			2,904			-			2,904
	Goodwill impairment		(3,454	)		-			-			(3,454	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(9,575	)		18,159			341			8,925
	Balance, October 25, 2013		464,703			449,483			214,791			1,128,977
	Goodwill from acquisitions		-			17,741			-			17,741
	Goodwill adjustments		-			(1,427	)		-			(1,427	)
	Goodwill write off on assets held for sale		(6,333	)		(8,702	)		(7,427	)		(22,462	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(18,355	)		(31,742	)		(946	)		(51,043	)
	Balance, October 31, 2014	$	440,015		$	425,353		$	206,418		$	1,071,786

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible assets at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	In Thousands			2014				2013
		Weighted		Gross				Gross
		Avg Years		Carrying		Accum.		Carrying		Accum.
		Useful Life		Amount		Amort.		Amount		Amort.
	Amortized Intangible Assets:
	Programs		16	$	619,175	$	251,199	$	726,049	$	251,437
	Core technology		12		15,926		8,893		9,589		6,711
	Patents and other		12		95,459		42,874		93,291		37,024
	Total			$	730,560	$	302,966	$	828,929	$	295,172
	Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:
	Trademark			$	43,783			$	47,192
Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets	Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for each of the next five fiscal years is as follows:
	In Thousands
	Fiscal Year
	2015					$	43,335
	2016						46,885
	2017						46,097
	2018						45,416
	2019						43,852

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities	Accrued liabilities at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
	In Thousands	2014			2013
	Payroll and other compensation	$	123,317		$	119,677
	Commissions		5,014			4,786
	Casualty and medical		14,027			13,738
	Interest		7,006			6,707
	Warranties		16,243			19,372
	State and other tax accruals		6,811			6,536
	Customer deposits		19,624			21,500
	Deferred revenue		23,522			15,888
	Contract reserves		11,260			12,737
	Forward foreign exchange contracts		15,505			7,645
	Litigation reserves		5,534			10,266
	Environmental reserves		650			810
	Rent and future lease obligations		1,251			1,357
	Other		12,772			12,542
		$	262,536		$	253,561
Changes in Carrying Amount of Accrued Product Warranty Costs	Changes in the carrying amount of accrued product warranty costs are summarized as follows:
	In Thousands	2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year	$	19,372		$	21,870
	Warranty costs incurred		(3,074	)		(4,912	)
	Reclassification to liabilities held for sale		(858	)		-
	Product warranty accrual		8,185			7,380
	Release of reserves		(6,371	)		(4,555	)
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(1,011	)		(411	)
	Balance, end of year	$	16,243		$	19,372

Retirement_Benefits_Tables

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Principal Assumptions of Esterline and CMC Plans	Principal assumptions of the Esterline, CMC and Other Non-U.S. plans are as follows:
		Esterline				CMC				Other Non-U.S.
		Defined Benefit				Defined Benefit				Defined Benefit
		Pension Plans				Pension Plans				Pension Plans
		2014		2013		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Principal assumptions as of year end:
	Discount rate	4.25%		4.70%		4.10%		4.50%		2.00 - 8.75%		3.00 - 9.25%
	Rate of increase in future	4.21%		4.50%		3.00%		3.00%		4.50 - 8.83%		4.50 - 8.68%
	compensation levels
	Assumed long-term rate of	7.00%		7.00%		6.35%		6.34%		3.25 - 8.00%		3.20 - 8.00%
	return on plan assets
						Esterline				CMC
						Post-Retirement				Post-Retirement
						Pension Plans				Pension Plans
						2014		2013		2014		2013
	Principal assumptions as of year end:
	Discount rate					4.25%		4.70%		4.10%		4.50%
	Initial weighted average health care trend rate					6.00%		6.00%		6.20%		6.30%
	Ultimate weighted average health care trend rate					6.00%		6.00%		4.20%		4.20%
Allocations By Investment Type	Allocations by investment type are as follows:
				Actual
		Target		2014				2013
	Plan assets allocation as of fiscal year end:
	Equity securities	55 - 75%			62.2	%			63.9	%
	Debt securities	25 - 45%			35.7	%			33.6	%
	Cash	0%			2.1	%			2.5	%
	Total				100	%			100	%
Net Periodic Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans	Net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans at the end of each fiscal year consisted of the following:
	In Thousands	Defined Benefit											Post-Retirement
		Pension Plans											Benefit Plans
		2014				2013				2012			2014			2013			2012
	Components of Net Periodic Cost
	Service cost	$	11,367			$	11,848			$	9,393		$	489		$	508		$	436
	Interest cost		19,387				17,893				19,403			685			674			715
	Expected return on plan assets		(25,999	)			(22,476	)			(21,508	)		-			-			-
	Contractual termination		94				-				-			-			-			-
	Curtailment		23				-				-			(1,747	)		-			-
	Amortization of prior service cost		107				384				41			(151	)		(150	)		(69	)
	Amortization of actuarial		6,052				14,255				10,551			38			103			41
	(gain) loss
	Net periodic cost (benefit)	$	11,031			$	21,904			$	17,880		$	(686	)	$	1,135		$	1,123
Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension and Post-Retirement Plans	The funded status of the defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
	In Thousands	Defined Benefit								Post-Retirement
		Pension Plans								Benefit Plans
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Benefit Obligations
	Beginning balance	$	443,133			$	456,861			$	16,713		$	17,040
	Currency translation adjustment		(13,285	)			(4,948	)			(1,230	)		(559	)
	Service cost		11,367				11,848				489			508
	Interest cost		19,387				17,893				685			674
	Plan participant contributions		104				156				-			-
	Amendment		-				273				-			-
	Contractual termination		94				-				-			-
	Curtailment		(241	)			-				(2,075	)		-
	Actuarial (gain) loss		37,423				(16,905	)			(10	)		14
	Other adjustments		(1,615	)			287				-			(252	)
	Benefits paid		(23,019	)			(22,332	)			(775	)		(712	)
	Ending balance	$	473,348			$	443,133			$	13,797		$	16,713
	Plan Assets - Fair Value
	Beginning balance	$	390,809			$	334,622			$	-		$	-
	Currency translation adjustment		(10,144	)			(5,377	)			-			-
	Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on plan assets		48,424				55,730				-			-
	Plan participant contributions		104				156				-			-
	Company contribution		23,524				28,927				776			712
	Other adjustments		(122	)			92				-			-
	Expenses paid		(2,102	)			(1,009	)			-			-
	Benefits paid		(23,019	)			(22,332	)			(776	)		(712	)
	Ending balance	$	427,474			$	390,809			$	-		$	-
	Funded Status
	Fair value of plan assets	$	427,474			$	390,809			$	-		$	-
	Benefit obligations		(473,348	)			(443,133	)			(13,797	)		(16,713	)
	Net amount recognized	$	(45,874	)		$	(52,324	)		$	(13,797	)	$	(16,713	)
	Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
	Non-current asset	$	5,940			$	2,201			$	-		$	-
	Current liability		(2,214	)			(2,351	)			(704	)		(785	)
	Non-current liability		(49,600	)			(52,174	)			(13,093	)		(15,928	)
	Net amount recognized	$	(45,874	)		$	(52,324	)		$	(13,797	)	$	(16,713	)
	Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	Net actuarial loss (gain)	$	89,266			$	82,796			$	339		$	768
	Prior service cost		700				490				(80	)		161
	Ending balance	$	89,966			$	83,286			$	259		$	929
Estimated Future Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid from Plan or from Assets	Estimated future benefit payments expected to be paid from the plan or from the Company’s assets are as follows:
	In Thousands
	Fiscal Year
	2015							$	43,185
	2016								28,385
	2017								29,704
	2018								31,506
	2019								31,868
	2020 - 2024								171,953
Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets
Allocations By Investment Type	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s Pension Plan assets as of October 31, 2014, by asset category segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 7.
	In Thousands	Fair Value Hierarchy
		Level 1				Level 2				Total
	Asset category:
	Equity Funds:
	Registered Investments Company Funds - U.S. Equity	$	117,014			$	-			$	117,014
	Commingled Trust Funds - U.S. Equity		-				28,734				28,734
	U.S. Equity Securities		35,276				-				35,276
	Non-U.S. Equity Securities		22,457				-				22,457
	Commingled Trust Funds - Non-U.S. Securities		-				62,418				62,418
	Fixed Income Securities:
	Registered Investments Company Funds - Fixed Income		-				-				-
	Commingled Trust Funds - Fixed Income		-				87,078				87,078
	Non-U.S. Foreign Commercial and Government Bonds		65,703				-				65,703
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		8,794				-				8,794
	Total	$	249,244			$	178,230			$	427,474
	The following table presents the fair value of the Company’s Pension Plan assets as of October 25, 2013, by asset category segregated by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 7.
	In Thousands	Fair Value Hierarchy
		Level 1				Level 2				Total
	Asset category:
	Equity Funds:
	Registered Investments Company Funds - U.S. Equity	$	106,436			$	-			$	106,436
	Commingled Trust Funds - U.S. Equity		-				26,923				26,923
	U.S. Equity Securities		37,280				-				37,280
	Non-U.S. Equity Securities		25,584				-				25,584
	Commingled Trust Funds - Non-U.S. Securities		-				53,347				53,347
	Fixed Income Securities:
	Registered Investments Company Funds - Fixed Income		33,494				-				33,494
	Commingled Trust Funds - Fixed Income		-				41,428				41,428
	Non-U.S. Foreign Commercial and Government Bonds		56,351				-				56,351
	Cash and Cash Equivalents		9,966				-				9,966
	Total	$	269,111			$	121,698			$	390,809

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	In Thousands	Level 2
		2014		2013
	Assets:
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	24	$	2,270
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments		1,081		3,670
	Embedded derivatives		2,351		706
	Liabilities:
	Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments	$	14,592	$	4,541
	Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments		4,188		122
	Embedded derivatives		15		344
	In Thousands	Level 3
		2014		2013
	Liabilities:
	Contingent purchase obligation	$	5,000	$	4,000

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments In Consolidated Balance Sheet	Fair values of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of:
	In Thousands	Classification		Fair Value
				2014				2013
	Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:
		Other current assets		$	1,052			$	4,547
		Other assets			53				1,393
		Accrued liabilities			15,490				3,002
		Other liabilities			3,290				1,661
	Embedded Derivative Instruments:
		Other current assets		$	296			$	59
		Other assets			2,055				647
		Accrued liabilities			15				344
		Other liabilities			-				-
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations	The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of:
	Fair Value Hedges
	We recognized the following gains (losses) on contracts designated as fair value hedges:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	Interest rate swap contracts:
	Gain (loss) recognized in interest expense	$	-			$	1,058
	Gain (loss) recognized in loss on extinguishment of debt	$	-			$	2,918
	Embedded derivatives:
	Gain (loss) recognized in sales	$	2,011			$	835
	Cash Flow Hedges
	We recognized the following gains (losses) on contracts designated as cash flow hedges:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	Foreign currency forward exchange contracts:
	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	$	(6,245	)		$	(3,007	)
	Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into sales	$	(6,083	)		$	(1,025	)
	Net Investment Hedges
	We recognized the following gains (losses) on contracts designated as net investment hedges:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	Euro term loan:
	Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI	$	134			$	(2,697	)

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations	Income tax expense from continuing operations for each of the fiscal years consisted of:
	In Thousands	2014				2013				2012
	Current
	U.S. Federal	$	28,433			$	27,584			$	27,999
	State		1,790				4,075				196
	Foreign		28,944				24,044				20,821
			59,167				55,703				49,016
	Deferred
	U.S. Federal		(1,691	)			(3,105	)			(2,230	)
	State		(33	)			(1,592	)			793
	Foreign		(13,169	)			(17,115	)			(19,763	)
			(14,893	)			(21,812	)			(21,200	)
	Income tax expense	$	44,274			$	33,891			$	27,816
U.S. and Foreign Components of Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	U.S. and foreign components of earnings from continuing operations before income taxes for each of the fiscal years were:
	In Thousands	2014				2013				2012
	U.S.	$	103,339			$	100,859			$	97,855
	Foreign		107,495				105,756				44,155
	Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes	$	210,834			$	206,615			$	142,010
Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)	Primary components of the Company’s deferred tax assets (liabilities) at the end of the fiscal years resulted from temporary tax differences associated with the following:
	In Thousands			2014				2013
	Reserves and liabilities			$	55,906			$	60,397
	NOL carryforwards				110				879
	Tax credit carryforwards				31,082				29,862
	Employee benefits				13,086				14,974
	Retirement benefits				10,431				2,759
	Non-qualified stock options				11,063				12,618
	Hedging activities				5,091				-
	Other				856				650
	Total deferred tax assets				127,625				122,139
	Depreciation and amortization				(15,925	)			(18,969	)
	Intangibles and amortization				(136,116	)			(173,524	)
	Deferred costs				(5,453	)			(4,535	)
	Hedging activities				-				(22	)
	Other				(1,083	)			(1,398	)
	Total deferred tax liabilities				(158,577	)			(198,448	)
	Net deferred tax liabilities			$	(30,952	)		$	(76,309	)
Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate	A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the effective income tax rate for each of the fiscal years was as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	U.S. statutory income tax rate		35	%			35	%			35	%
	State income taxes		0.5	%			0.6	%			0.6	%
	Foreign taxes		-13.4	%			-11.3	%			-17.4	%
	Goodwill impairment		0	%			0.6	%			12.9	%
	Penalties		0.4	%			1.7	%			0	%
	Difference in foreign tax rates		1.4	%			-0.7	%			-1.1	%
	Domestic manufacturing deduction		-1.3	%			-1.3	%			-2.1	%
	Research & development credits		-2.5	%			-3.4	%			-3.4	%
	Net change in tax reserves		0.1	%			-2.9	%			0.5	%
	Valuation allowance		0	%			0	%			-1	%
	Change in foreign tax rates and laws		0	%			-1.5	%			-3.4	%
	Other, net		0.8	%			-0.4	%			-1	%
	Effective income tax rate		21	%			16.4	%			19.6	%
Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
	In Thousands
	Unrecognized tax benefits as of October 25, 2013					$	12,008
	Unrecognized gross benefit change:
	Gross increase due to prior period adjustments						183
	Gross decrease due to prior period adjustments						(606	)
	Gross increase due to current period adjustments						868
	Gross decrease due to a lapse with taxing authorities						(1,226	)
	Total change in unrecognized gross benefit						(781	)
	Unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2014					$	11,227
	Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate					$	10,816
	Statement of operations:
	Total amount of interest income (expense) included in income tax expense					$	109
	Recognized in the statement of financial position:
	Total amount of accrued interest included in income taxes payable					$	986
	During the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that approximately $3.3 million of previously unrecognized tax benefits related to operating losses and tax credits could decrease as a result of settlement of examinations and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations.  The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.
Income Tax Examinations by Tax Authorities in its Major Tax Jurisdictions	The Company is no longer subject to income tax examinations by tax authorities in its major tax jurisdictions as follows:
			Years No Longer
	Tax Jurisdiction		Subject to Audit
	U.S. Federal		2008 and prior
	Canada		2006 and prior
	France		2010 and prior
	United Kingdom		2011 and prior

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-term debt at the end of fiscal 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following:
	In Thousands	2014				2013
	U.S. credit facility	$	100,000			$	130,000
	Euro Term Loan, due July 2016		-				24,847
	U.S. Term Loan, due July 2016		161,875				170,625
	7.00% Senior Notes, due August 2020		250,000				250,000
	Government refundable advances		51,867				56,897
	Obligation under capital leases		58,448				56,229
	Other		304				540
			622,494				689,138
	Less current maturities		12,774				21,279
	Carrying amount of long-term debt	$	609,720			$	667,859
Long-Term Debt and Future Non-Cancelable Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations	As of October 31, 2014, aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt and future non-cancelable minimum lease payments under capital lease obligations were as follows:
	In Thousands
	Fiscal Year
	2015			$	16,626
	2016				259,461
	2017				5,411
	2018				5,431
	2019				5,521
	2020 and thereafter				398,784
	Total				691,234
	Less: amount representing interest on capital leases				68,740
	Total long-term debt			$	622,494

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rental Commitments For Noncancelable Operating Leases	At October 31, 2014, the Company’s rental commitments for noncancelable operating leases with a duration in excess of one year were as follows:
	In Thousands
	Fiscal Year
	2015		$	13,877
	2016			11,098
	2017			9,383
	2018			7,180
	2019			4,990
	2020 and thereafter			10,678
	Total		$	57,206
Purchase Obligations	As of October 31, 2014, the Company’s purchase obligations were as follows:
	In Thousands				Less than		1‒3		5-Apr		After 5
		Total			1 year		years		years		years
	Purchase obligations	$	879,057		$	819,692	$	53,222	$	5,950	$	193

Employee_Stock_Plans_Tables

Employee Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Changes in Outstanding Options Granted Under Equity Incentive Plans	The following table summarizes the changes in outstanding options granted under the Company’s equity incentive plan:
		2014								2013							2012
						Weighted								Weighted						Weighted
		Shares				Average				Shares				Average			Shares			Average
		Subject to				Exercise				Subject to				Exercise			Subject to			Exercise
		Option				Price				Option				Price			Option			Price
	Outstanding,		1,831,738			$	51.08				2,124,300			$	46.18			1,825,300		$	44.49
	beginning of year
	Granted		207,200				97.61				257,000				65.58			386,400			52.97
	Exercised		(618,645	)			45.16				(518,537	)			37.89			(60,775	)		36.52
	Forfeited/cancelled		(43,500	)			64.74				(31,025	)			56.52			(26,625	)		50.68
	Outstanding,		1,376,793			$	60.31				1,831,738			$	51.08			2,124,300		$	46.18
	end of year
	Exercisable,		754,443			$	50.36				1,075,788			$	45.65			1,258,900		$	41.89
	end of year
Stock Activity Related to Stock Options Exercised	The table below presents stock activity related to stock options exercised in fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	In Thousands			2014				2013
	Proceeds from stock options exercised			$	29,359			$	20,072
	Tax benefits related to stock options exercised			$	6,892			$	2,961
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised			$	34,965			$	18,448
Stock Options Outstanding	The following table summarizes information for stock options outstanding at October 31, 2014:
		Options Outstanding											Options Exercisable
					Weighted
					Average				Weighted							Weighted
					Remaining				Average							Average
	Range of Exercise Prices	Shares			Life (years)				Price				Shares			Price
	$   29.86 - 40.00		118,093			3.4			$	33.82				118,093		$	33.82
	40.01 - 50.00		196,675			4.5				41.71				196,675			41.71
	50.01 - 52.00		242,000			6.5				51.06				109,600			51.05
	52.01 - 65.00		426,850			5.4				59.75				278,550			59.16
	65.01 - 80.00		182,475			7.8				69.1				48,950			71.79
	80.01 - 118.32		210,700			9.2				96.63				2,575			81.76
Summary of Changes in RSUs Granted Under Company's Equity Incentive Plans	The following table summarizes the changes in RSUs granted under the Company’s equity incentive plans:
		2014								2013
						Weighted								Weighted
						Average								Average
						Grant Date								Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value				Shares				Fair Value
	Non-vested, beginning of year		54,880			$	70.26				-			$	-
	Granted		77,975				84.65				55,280				70.23
	Vested		(27,284	)			73.57				-				-
	Forfeited/cancelled		(1,600	)			81.09				(400	)			66.55
	Non-vested, end of year		103,971			$	80.01				54,880			$	70.26
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Activity Related to Stock Options Exercised	The table below presents stock activity related to restricted stock units vested in fiscal 2014 and 2013:
	In Thousands			2014				2013
	Tax benefits related to restricted stock units vested			$	198			$	-
	Intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested			$	3,153			$	-
Employee Share-save Scheme
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair Value of Option Granted using Black-Scholes Pricing Model
		2014		2013				2012
	Volatility	33.69%			36.97	%			38.96	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.73%			0.4	%			0.38	%
	Expected life (years)	3		3				3
	Dividends	0		0				0
Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair Value of Option Granted using Black-Scholes Pricing Model
		2014		2013		2012
	Volatility	41.87 - 43.17%		41.89 - 44.25%		41.62 - 44.29%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.73 - 2.99%		0.79 - 1.88%		0.91 - 2.11%
	Expected life (years)	9-May		4.5 - 9.5		4.5 - 9.5
	Dividends	0		0		0

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholder's Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Outstanding Common Shares	Changes in outstanding common shares are summarized as follows:
		2014			2013
	Balance, beginning of year		31,441,949			30,869,390
	Shares issued under share-based compensation plans		681,768			572,559
	Shares issued		32,123,717			31,441,949
	Treasury stock purchased		(269,228	)		-
	Balance, end of year		31,854,489			31,441,949
Schedule of Shares of Common Stock Purchased under Repurchase Plan	We purchased the following shares of common stock in fiscal 2014 under the above described repurchase plan:
	In Thousands, Except Shares Amounts	Shares			Amount
	First quarter		-		$	-
	Second quarter		-			-
	Third quarter		45,979			5,176
	Fourth quarter		223,249			25,086
	Total		269,228		$	30,262
Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
	In Thousands	2014			2013
	Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	$	(14,179	)	$	(1,851	)
	Tax effect		3,890			355
			(10,289	)		(1,496	)
	Pension and post-retirement obligations		(90,225	)		(84,215	)
	Tax effect		30,072			28,030
			(60,153	)		(56,185	)
	Currency translation adjustment		(61,135	)		35,397
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(131,577	)	$	(22,284	)

Restructuring_Tables

Restructuring (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs
	In Thousands				Write Off of
		Exit &			Property,
		Relocation			Plant &
		of Facilities			Equipment		Severance		Total
	Cost of sales	$	6,529		$	217	$	-	$	6,746
	Restructuring charges		5,346			2,585		5,711		13,642
	Total	$	11,875		$	2,802	$	5,711	$	20,388
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities	The Company has recorded an accrued liability of $7.1 million for these activities as of the end of fiscal 2014:
	In Thousands	Accrued
		Liabilities
	Beginning Balance as of October 25, 2013	$	-
	Amounts accrued and incurred		20,388
	Amounts paid		(10,500	)
	Write-off		(2,585	)
	Currency translation adjustment		(200	)
	Ending Balance as of October 31, 2014	$	7,103

Discontinued_Operations_Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations	ERROR: Could not retrieve Word content for note block
	Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale within the Consolidated Balance Sheet at October 31, 2014, are comprised of the following:
		Avionics &		Sensors &			Advanced
	In Thousands	Controls		Systems			Materials		Total
	Accounts receivable, net	$	5,154	$	3,752		$	2,106	$	11,012
	Inventories		12,646		7,972			5,258		25,876
	Prepaid expenses		408		86			335		829
	Deferred income tax benefits		671		680			-		1,351
	Income tax refundable		-		-			2,378		2,378
	Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	$	18,879	$	12,490		$	10,077	$	41,446
	Net Property, plant and equipment	$	4,949	$	4,105		$	19,839	$	28,893
	Intangibles, net		22,228		10,659			8,327		41,214
	Deferred income tax benefits		-		(30	)		-		(30	)
	Other assets		-		-			1,600		1,600
	Non-Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	$	27,177	$	14,734		$	29,766	$	71,677
	Accounts payable	$	2,194	$	873		$	6,326	$	9,393
	Accrued liabilities		1,765		1,008			2,025		4,798
	Current Liabilities of Businesses       Held for Sale	$	3,959	$	1,881		$	8,351	$	14,191
	Deferred income tax liabilities	$	11,084	$	6,243		$	1,537	$	18,864
	Other liabilities		-		-			12		12
	Non-Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	$	11,084	$	6,243		$	1,549	$	18,876
	Net Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	$	31,013	$	19,100		$	29,943	$	80,056

Business_Segment_Information_T

Business Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information for Continuing Operations	Details of the Company’s operations by business segment for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
	In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Sales
	Avionics & Controls	$	788,536		$	739,774		$	723,115
	Sensors & Systems		771,369			676,331			673,377
	Advanced Materials		491,264			472,672			481,329
		$	2,051,169		$	1,888,777		$	1,877,821
	Earnings from Continuing Operations
	Avionics & Controls (1)	$	121,185		$	111,144		$	45,075
	Sensors & Systems		86,101			88,130			69,503
	Advanced Materials		104,833			109,556			103,243
	Segment Earnings		312,119			308,830			217,821
	Corporate expense		(68,297	)		(62,166	)		(43,201	)
	Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			11,891
	Other income		-			-			1,263
	Interest income		555			535			463
	Interest expense		(33,010	)		(39,638	)		(46,227	)
	Loss on extinguishment of debt		(533	)		(946	)		-
		$	210,834		$	206,615		$	142,010
	In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Identifiable Assets
	Avionics & Controls	$	1,125,850		$	1,275,514		$	1,261,300
	Sensors & Systems		1,240,153			1,282,219			1,204,073
	Advanced Materials		498,984			560,681			558,058
	Discontinued Operations		212,712			-			-
	Corporate (2)		115,768			143,698			203,686
		$	3,193,467		$	3,262,112		$	3,227,117
	Capital Expenditures
	Avionics & Controls (3)	$	9,338		$	13,777		$	12,138
	Sensors & Systems		21,070			21,436			18,570
	Advanced Materials (4)		13,629			18,183			14,594
	Discontinued Operations		1,173			1,758			2,625
	Corporate		468			181			1,519
		$	45,678		$	55,335		$	49,446
	Depreciation and Amortization
	Avionics & Controls	$	36,330		$	35,559		$	32,721
	Sensors & Systems		43,507			40,033			38,205
	Advanced Materials		20,217			20,031			20,289
	Discontinued Operations		13,862			13,659			13,880
	Corporate		2,111			2,850			2,697
		$	116,027		$	112,132		$	107,792
	1	Fiscal 2013 includes a $3.5 million impairment charge against Racal Acoustics’ goodwill and fiscal 2012 includes a $52.2 million impairment charge against Racal Acoustics’ goodwill.
	2	Primarily cash and deferred tax assets (see Note 9).
	3	Excludes capital expenditures accounted for as a capitalized lease obligation of $11,691 in fiscal 2013.
	4	Excludes capital expenditures accounted for as a capitalized lease obligation of $2,753 in fiscal 2014.
Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area	The Company’s operations by geographic area for the last three fiscal years were as follows:
	In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Sales 1
	Domestic
	Unaffiliated customers - U.S.	$	782,320		$	755,076		$	740,835
	Unaffiliated customers - export		221,678			182,140			195,717
	Intercompany		32,515			31,202			35,725
			1,036,513			968,418			972,277
	Canada
	Unaffiliated customers		231,937			232,890			245,353
	Intercompany		7,544			6,554			2,844
			239,481			239,444			248,197
	France
	Unaffiliated customers		460,836			423,774			410,766
	Intercompany		60,763			39,745			41,454
			521,599			463,519			452,220
	United Kingdom
	Unaffiliated customers		266,570			223,735			217,118
	Intercompany		22,846			26,402			19,305
			289,416			250,137			236,423
	All other Foreign
	Unaffiliated customers		87,828			71,162			68,032
	Intercompany		42,686			44,829			37,683
			130,514			115,991			105,715
	Eliminations		(166,354	)		(148,732	)		(137,011	)
		$	2,051,169		$	1,888,777		$	1,877,821
	In Thousands	2014			2013			2012
	Segment Earnings 2
	Domestic	$	179,565		$	175,332		$	161,465
	Canada		33,599			42,963			33,128
	France		50,750			49,042			33,152
	United Kingdom		38,686			31,380			(19,539	)
	All other foreign		9,519			10,113			9,615
		$	312,119		$	308,830		$	217,821
	Identifiable Assets 3
	Domestic	$	1,028,879		$	1,020,952		$	1,015,994
	Canada		514,520			533,559			576,053
	France		839,467			918,592			836,578
	United Kingdom		555,620			515,090			477,214
	All other foreign		139,213			130,221			117,592
		$	3,077,699		$	3,118,414		$	3,023,431
	1	Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.
	2	Before corporate expense, shown on page 73.
	3	Excludes corporate, shown on page 73.
Product Lines Contributing Sales of Ten Percent or More	Product lines contributing sales of 10% or more of total sales in any of the last three fiscal years were as follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Connectors		18	%		16	%		16	%
	Avionics		10	%		11	%		11	%

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information	The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly financial information:
	In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts
	Fiscal Year 2014	Fourth			Third			Second			First
	Net sales	$	548,059		$	506,309		$	510,861		$	485,940
	Gross profit		193,577			177,087			179,225			170,735
	Earnings from continuing operations		51,632			39,837			40,595			33,943
	Loss from discontinued operations		(55,104	)		(929	)		(3,691	)		(3,865	)
	Net earnings	$	(3,472	)	$	38,908		$	36,904		$	30,078
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic
	Continuing operations	$	1.62		$	1.25		$	1.28		$	1.07
	Discontinued operations		(1.73	)		(0.03	)		(0.12	)		(0.12	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic 1	$	(0.11	)	$	1.22		$	1.16		$	0.95
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
	Continuing operations	$	1.62		$	1.22		$	1.25		$	1.05
	Discontinued operations		(1.73	)		(0.03	)		(0.11	)		(0.12	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted 1,6	$	(0.11	)	$	1.19		$	1.14		$	0.93
	Fiscal Year 2013	Fourth			Third			Second			First
	Net sales	$	513,667		$	463,613		$	475,870		$	435,627
	Gross profit		199,835			175,600			175,923			153,351
	Earnings from continuing operations 2,3,4,5		66,843			41,419			36,183			26,549
	Loss from discontinued operations		(980	)		(3,181	)		(661	)		(1,438	)
	Net earnings	$	65,863		$	38,238		$	35,522		$	25,111
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic
	Continuing operations	$	2.13		$	1.32		$	1.16		$	0.86
	Discontinued operations		(0.03	)		(0.10	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - basic 1	$	2.1		$	1.22		$	1.14		$	0.81
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted
	Continuing operations	$	2.09		$	1.3		$	1.14		$	0.85
	Discontinued operations		(0.03	)		(0.10	)		(0.02	)		(0.05	)
	Earnings (loss) per share - diluted 1	$	2.06		$	1.2		$	1.12		$	0.8
	1	The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per shares amounts reported for year-to-date periods.  This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period.
	2	Included $8.2 million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the third quarter.
	3	Included a $3.5 million goodwill impairment charge related to Racal Acoustics in the third quarter.
	4	Included a $10.0 million charge related to our pending matter with the DDTC in the third quarter.
	5	Included $3.7 million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the first quarter.
	6	Diluted shares is equal of basic shares in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014.

Guarantors_Tables

Guarantors (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2014
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	ASSETS
	Current Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	14,634		$	3,454		$	220,056		$	-		$	238,144
	Cash in escrow		-			-			-			-			-
	Accounts receivable, net		610			143,158			236,121			-			379,889
	Inventories		-			188,982			244,613			-			433,595
	Income tax refundable		-			-			5,266			-			5,266
	Deferred income tax benefits		31,486			(1,191	)		18,384			-			48,679
	Prepaid expenses		147			6,703			13,486			-			20,336
	Other current assets		80			114			1,955			-			2,149
	Current assets of businesses held for sale		-			26,800			14,646			-			41,446
	Total Current Assets		46,957			368,020			754,527			-			1,169,504
	Property, Plant & Equipment, Net		1,489			158,089			159,764			-			319,342
	Goodwill		-			347,700			724,086			-			1,071,786
	Intangibles, net		-			106,164			365,213			-			471,377
	Debt issuance costs, net		4,134			-			161			-			4,295
	Deferred income tax benefits		20,455			30			50,822			-			71,307
	Other assets		130			7,502			6,547			-			14,179
	Non-current assets of businesses held		-			40,737			30,940			-			71,677
	for sale
	Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries		-			797,342			-			(797,342	)		-
	Investment in Subsidiaries		3,307,454			1,127,237			20,768			(4,455,459	)		-
	Total Assets	$	3,380,619		$	2,952,821		$	2,112,828		$	(5,252,801	)	$	3,193,467
	LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Current Liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	1,751		$	36,905		$	76,628		$	-		$	115,284
	Accrued liabilities		20,178			93,168			149,190			-			262,536
	Current maturities of long-term debt		8,750			349			3,675			-			12,774
	Deferred income tax liabilities		76			8			1,689			-			1,773
	Federal and foreign income taxes		(2,282	)		(2,643	)		6,496			-			1,571
	Current liabilities of businesses held		-			4,010			10,181			-			14,191
	for sale
	Total Current Liabilities		28,473			131,797			247,859			-			408,129
	Credit Facilities		100,000			-			-			-			100,000
	Long-Term Debt, Net		403,125			55,176			51,419			-			509,720
	Deferred Income Tax Liabilities		58,615			(17,333	)		107,883			-			149,165
	Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations		18,683			1,226			42,784			-			62,693
	Other Liabilities		16,762			3,944			26,178			-			46,884
	Non-current liabilities of businesses held		-			17,327			1,549			-			18,876
	for sale
	Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries		856,961			-			456,861			(1,313,822	)		-
	Shareholders' Equity		1,898,000			2,760,684			1,178,295			(3,938,979	)		1,898,000
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	3,380,619		$	2,952,821		$	2,112,828		$	(5,252,801	)	$	3,193,467
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of October 25, 2013
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	ASSETS
	Current Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	7,826		$	4,876		$	166,476		$	-		$	179,178
	Cash in escrow		4,018			-			-			-			4,018
	Accounts receivable, net		316			154,492			228,858			-			383,666
	Inventories		-			190,830			256,833			-			447,663
	Income tax refundable		-			6,526			-			-			6,526
	Deferred income tax benefits		26,731			171			20,375			-			47,277
	Prepaid expenses		117			5,510			12,556			-			18,183
	Other current assets		86			115			5,003			-			5,204
	Current assets of businesses held for sale		-			-			-			-			-
	Total Current Assets		39,094			362,520			690,101			-			1,091,715
	Property, Plant & Equipment, Net		1,754			175,402			194,041			-			371,197
Goodwill		-			344,995			783,982			-			1,128,977
Intangibles, net		-			144,222			436,727			-			580,949
Debt issuance costs, net		5,252			-			959			-			6,211
Deferred income tax benefits		16,782			-			55,058			-			71,840
Other assets		18			3,692			7,513			-			11,223
Non-current assets of businesses held		-			-			-			-			-
for sale
Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries		-			549,307			-			(549,307	)		-
Investment in Subsidiaries		2,588,478			979,123			349,104			(3,916,705	)		-
Total Assets	$	2,651,378		$	2,559,261		$	2,517,485		$	(4,466,012	)	$	3,262,112
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	1,714		$	29,064		$	92,819		$	-		$	123,597
Accrued liabilities		21,652			87,826			144,083			-			253,561
Current maturities of long-term debt		8,750			237			12,292			-			21,279
Deferred income tax liabilities		568			24			1,715			-			2,307
Federal and foreign income taxes		2,408			(27,399	)		32,339			-			7,348
Current liabilities of businesses held		-			-			-			-			-
for sale
Total Current Liabilities		35,092			89,752			283,248			-			408,092
Credit Facilities		130,000			-			-			-			130,000
Long-Term Debt, Net		411,875			55,562			70,422			-			537,859
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities		57,757			(7	)		135,369			-			193,119
Pension and Post-Retirement Obligations		17,500			618			49,984			-			68,102
Other Liabilities		12,298			194			27,696			-			40,188
Non-current liabilities of businesses held		-			-			-			-			-
for sale
Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries		102,104			-			405,018			(507,122	)		-
Shareholders' Equity		1,884,752			2,413,142			1,545,748			(3,958,890	)		1,884,752
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	2,651,378		$	2,559,261		$	2,517,485		$	(4,466,012	)	$	3,262,112
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	Net sales	$	-		$	970,376		$	1,086,313		$	(5,520	)	$	2,051,169
	Cost of sales		-			617,881			718,184			(5,520	)		1,330,545
			-			352,495			368,129			-			720,624
	Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative		-			146,474			217,785			-			364,259
	Research, development & engineering		-			45,965			52,936			-			98,901
	Restructuring charges		-			9,637			4,005			-			13,642
	Gain on sale of product line		-			-			-			-			-
	Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
	Goodwill impairment		-			-			-			-			-
	Other (income) expense		-			-			-			-			-
	Total Expenses		-			202,076			274,726			-			476,802
	Operating Earnings from Continuing		-			150,419			93,403			-			243,822
	Operations
	Interest Income		(15,486	)		(9,240	)		(55,840	)		80,011			(555	)
	Interest Expense		24,190			28,959			59,872			(80,011	)		33,010
	Loss on Extinguishment of Debt		-			-			533			-			533
	Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(8,704	)		130,700			88,838			-			210,834
	Before Income Taxes
	Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(1,894	)		27,922			18,246			-			44,274
	Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(6,810	)		102,778			70,592			-			166,560
	Including Noncontrolling Interests
	Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling		-			-			(553	)		-			(553	)
	Interests
	Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(6,810	)		102,778			70,039			-			166,007
	Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
	Loss from Discontinued Operations		(719	)		(34,636	)		(28,234	)		-			(63,589	)
	Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
	Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated		109,947			189			(301	)		(109,835	)		-
	Subsidiaries
	Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Esterline	$	102,418		$	68,331		$	41,504		$	(109,835	)	$	102,418
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Net earnings (loss)	$	102,418		$	68,331		$	41,504		$	(109,835	)	$	102,418
	Change in fair value of derivative financial		-			-			(8,793	)		-			(8,793	)
	instruments, net of tax
	Change in pension and post-retirement		(4,915	)		-			947			-			(3,968	)
	obligations, net of tax
	Foreign currency translation adjustment		(96,532	)		(1,504	)		(77,029	)		78,533			(96,532	)
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	971		$	66,827		$	(43,371	)	$	(31,302	)	$	(6,875	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2013
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	Net sales	$	-		$	912,572		$	980,512		$	(4,307	)	$	1,888,777
	Cost of sales		-			567,432			620,943			(4,307	)		1,184,068
			-			345,140			359,569			-			704,709
	Expenses
	Selling, general and administrative		-			147,893			218,748			-			366,641
	Research, development & engineering		-			46,999			43,215			-			90,214
	Restructuring charges		-			-			-			-			-
	Gain on sale of product line		-			(2,264	)		-			-			(2,264	)
	Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
	Goodwill impairment		-			-			3,454			-			3,454
	Other (income) expense		-			-			-			-			-
	Total Expenses		-			192,628			265,417			-			458,045
	Operating Earnings from Continuing		-			152,512			94,152			-			246,664
	Operations
	Interest Income		(15,639	)		(7,704	)		(54,602	)		77,410			(535	)
	Interest Expense		30,050			26,868			60,130			(77,410	)		39,638
	Loss on Extinguishment of Debt		946			-			-			-			946
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(15,357	)		133,348			88,624			-			206,615
Before Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(3,320	)		27,312			9,899			-			33,891
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(12,037	)		106,036			78,725			-			172,724
Including Noncontrolling Interests
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling		-			-			(1,730	)		-			(1,730	)
Interests
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(12,037	)		106,036			76,995			-			170,994
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Loss from Discontinued Operations		(1,300	)		(2,685	)		(2,275	)		-			(6,260	)
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated		178,071			1,697			3,705			(183,473	)		-
Subsidiaries
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Esterline	$	164,734		$	105,048		$	78,425		$	(183,473	)	$	164,734
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)	$	164,734		$	105,048		$	78,425		$	(183,473	)	$	164,734
Change in fair value of derivative financial		-			-			(3,119	)		-			(3,119	)
instruments, net of tax
Change in pension and post-retirement		36,669			-			6,325			-			42,994
obligations, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment		23,125			100			40,442			(40,542	)		23,125
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	224,528		$	105,148		$	122,073		$	(224,015	)	$	227,734
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Net sales	$	-		$	846,062		$	1,035,764		$	(4,005	)	$	1,877,821
Cost of sales		-			530,401			673,537			(4,005	)		1,199,933
		-			315,661			362,227			-			677,888
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative		-			127,022			223,200			-			350,222
Research, development & engineering		-			45,506			55,371			-			100,877
Restructuring charges		-			-			-			-			-
Gain on sale of product line		-			-			-			-			-
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			(11,891	)		-			(11,891	)
Goodwill impairment		-			-			52,169			-			52,169
Other (income) expense		-			-			(1,263	)		-			(1,263	)
Total Expenses		-			172,528			317,586			-			490,114
Operating Earnings from Continuing		-			143,133			44,641			-			187,774
Operations
Interest Income		(14,178	)		(16,141	)		(60,297	)		90,153			(463	)
Interest Expense		34,948			27,210			74,222			(90,153	)		46,227
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt		-			-			-			-			-
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(20,770	)		132,064			30,716			-			142,010
Before Income Taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		(5,591	)		28,711			4,696			-			27,816
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(15,179	)		103,353			26,020			-			114,194
Including Noncontrolling Interests
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling		-			-			(1,040	)		-			(1,040	)
Interests
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations		(15,179	)		103,353			24,980			-			113,154
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Loss from Discontinued Operations		-			6,977			(7,596	)		-			(619	)
Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated		127,714			17,659			(145	)		(145,228	)		-
Subsidiaries
Net Earnings (Loss) Attributable to Esterline	$	112,535		$	127,989		$	17,239		$	(145,228	)	$	112,535
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)	$	112,535		$	127,989		$	17,239		$	(145,228	)	$	112,535
Change in fair value of derivative financial		-			-			(2,399	)		-			(2,399	)
instruments, net of tax
Change in pension and post-retirement		(15,727	)		-			(7,981	)		-			(23,708	)
obligations, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(56,365	)		172			(58,746	)		58,574			(56,365	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$	40,443		$	128,161		$	(51,887	)	$	(86,654	)	$	30,063
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
	Net earnings (loss) including	$	102,971		$	68,331		$	41,504		$	(109,835	)	$	102,971
	noncontrolling interests
	Depreciation & amortization		-			47,633			68,394			-			116,027
	Deferred income taxes		(5,274	)		(4	)		(9,615	)		-			(14,893	)
	Share-based compensation		-			5,706			7,338			-			13,044
	Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets		-			2,580			594			-			3,174
	Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
	Goodwill impairment		-			-			-			-			-
	Loss on assets held for sale		-			31,164			18,308			-			49,472
	Working capital changes, net of effect
	of acquisitions:
	Accounts receivable		(294	)		8,820			(25,901	)		-			(17,375	)
	Inventories		-			(7,858	)		(13,633	)		-			(21,491	)
	Prepaid expenses		(30	)		(1,030	)		(2,177	)		-			(3,237	)
	Other current assets		6			1			1,002			-			1,009
	Accounts payable		37			4,186			(2,882	)		-			1,341
	Accrued liabilities		(950	)		8,613			5,798			-			13,461
	Federal and foreign income taxes		(4,690	)		27,794			(34,279	)		-			(11,175	)
	Other liabilities		(5,951	)		608			(8,509	)		-			(13,852	)
	Other, net		(14,802	)		(11,531	)		24,221			-			(2,112	)
			71,023			185,013			70,163			(109,835	)		216,364
	Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
	Purchases of capital assets		(331	)		(16,674	)		(28,673	)		-			(45,678	)
	Proceeds from sale of capital assets		-			427			145			-			572
	Acquisition of business, net of cash		-			(44,745	)		-			-			(44,745	)
	acquired
			(331	)		(60,992	)		(28,528	)		-			(89,851	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2014
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
	Proceeds provided by stock issuance		31,215			-			-			-			31,215
	under employee stock plans
	Excess tax benefits from stock option		7,090			-			-			-			7,090
	exercises
	Shares repurchased		(30,262	)		-			-			-			(30,262	)
	Repayment of long-term credit facilities		(55,000	)		-			-			-			(55,000	)
	Repayment of long-term debt		(8,750	)		(390	)		(26,670	)		-			(35,810	)
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term		25,000			-			-			-			25,000
	credit facilities
	Proceeds from government assistance		-			-			3,337			-			3,337
	Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-			-			(778	)		-			(778	)
	Debt and other issuance costs		-			-			-			-			-
	Net change in intercompany financing		(33,112	)		(125,071	)		48,348			109,835			-
			(63,819	)		(125,461	)		24,237			109,835			(55,208	)
	Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash		(65	)		18			(12,292	)		-			(12,339	)
	and Cash Equivalents
	Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and		6,808			(1,422	)		53,580			-			58,966
	Cash Equivalents
	Cash and Cash Equivalents -		7,826			4,876			166,476			-			179,178
	Beginning of Period
	Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$	14,634		$	3,454		$	220,056		$	-		$	238,144
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2013
	In Thousands							Non-
					Guarantor			Guarantor
		Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
	Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
	Net earnings (loss) including	$	166,464		$	105,048		$	78,425		$	(183,473	)	$	166,464
noncontrolling interests
Depreciation & amortization		-			43,539			68,593			-			112,132
Deferred income taxes		8,274			(11,067	)		(19,019	)		-			(21,812	)
Share-based compensation		-			4,163			5,412			-			9,575
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets		-			(1,013	)		(1,290	)		-			(2,303	)
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			-			-			-
Goodwill impairment		-			-			3,454			-			3,454
Loss on assets held for sale		-			-			-			-			-
Working capital changes, net of effect
of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(135	)		(4,976	)		10,126			-			5,015
Inventories		-			(16,652	)		(11,665	)		-			(28,317	)
Prepaid expenses		(41	)		1,775			1,870			-			3,604
Other current assets		1,332			437			(3,327	)		-			(1,558	)
Accounts payable		(230	)		362			8,876			-			9,008
Accrued liabilities		5,955			6,725			(15,800	)		-			(3,120	)
Federal and foreign income taxes		4,445			(10,800	)		9,534			-			3,179
Other liabilities		3,271			(185	)		(10,688	)		-			(7,602	)
Other, net		(89	)		2,329			813			-			3,053
		189,246			119,685			125,314			(183,473	)		250,772
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchases of capital assets		(105	)		(15,937	)		(39,293	)		-			(55,335	)
Proceeds from sale of capital assets		-			1,013			1,290			-			2,303
Acquisition of business, net of cash		-			-			(40,689	)		-			(40,689	)
acquired
		(105	)		(14,924	)		(78,692	)		-			(93,721	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 25, 2013
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance		22,854			-			-			-			22,854
under employee stock plans
Excess tax benefits from stock option		2,961			-			-			-			2,961
exercises
Shares repurchased														-
Repayment of long-term credit facilities		(110,000	)		-			-			-			(110,000	)
Repayment of long-term debt		(179,375	)		(326	)		(55,727	)		-			(235,428	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term		175,000			-			-			-			175,000
credit facilities
Proceeds from government assistance		-			-			5,092			-			5,092
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-			-			(1,048	)		-			(1,048	)
Debt and other issuance costs		(454	)		-			-			-			(454	)
Net change in intercompany financing		(109,094	)		(100,893	)		26,514			183,473			-
		(198,108	)		(101,219	)		(25,169	)		183,473			(141,023	)
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash		23			10			2,442			-			2,475
and Cash Equivalents
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and		(8,944	)		3,552			23,895			-			18,503
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents -		16,770			1,324			142,581			-			160,675
Beginning of Period
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$	7,826		$	4,876		$	166,476		$	-		$	179,178
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings (loss) including	$	113,575		$	127,989		$	17,239		$	(145,228	)	$	113,575
noncontrolling interests
Depreciation & amortization		-			39,405			68,387			-			107,792
Deferred income taxes		18,013			(16,390	)		(22,823	)		-			(21,200	)
Share-based compensation		-			4,246			5,297			-			9,543
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets		-			(410	)		(534	)		-			(944	)
Gain on settlement of contingency		-			-			(11,891	)		-			(11,891	)
Goodwill impairment		-			-			52,169			-			52,169
Loss on assets held for sale		-			-			-			-			-
Working capital changes, net of effect														-
of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable		(23	)		(2,704	)		(19,654	)		-			(22,381	)
Inventories		-			(15,707	)		(3,596	)		-			(19,303	)
Prepaid expenses		(17	)		(385	)		(2,104	)		-			(2,506	)
Other current assets		6			(208	)		(800	)		-			(1,002	)
Accounts payable		1,132			(174	)		(7,440	)		-			(6,482	)
Accrued liabilities		(1,929	)		(156	)		16,964			-			14,879
Federal and foreign income taxes		(4,345	)		(7,707	)		4,984			-			(7,068	)
Other liabilities		(20,618	)		12,196			(6,280	)		-			(14,702	)
Other, net		(1,418	)		580			4,530			-			3,692
		104,376			140,575			94,448			(145,228	)		194,171
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchases of capital assets		(1,503	)		(23,553	)		(24,390	)		-			(49,446	)
Proceeds from sale of capital assets		-			410			534			-			944
Acquisition of business, net of cash		-			-			-			-			-
acquired
		(1,503	)		(23,143	)		(23,856	)		-			(48,502	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 26, 2012
In Thousands							Non-
				Guarantor			Guarantor
	Parent			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Total
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance		7,658			-			-			-			7,658
under employee stock plans
Excess tax benefits from stock option		382			-			-			-			382
exercises
Shares repurchased														-
Repayment of long-term credit facilities		(150,000	)		-			-			-			(150,000	)
Repayment of long-term debt		-			(405	)		(72,740	)		-			(73,145	)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term		30,000			-			-			-			30,000
credit facilities
Proceeds from government assistance		-			-			17,285			-			17,285
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests		-			-			-			-			-
Debt and other issuance costs		-			-			-			-			-
Net change in intercompany financing		(24,731	)		(129,158	)		8,661			145,228			-
		(136,691	)		(129,563	)		(46,794	)		145,228			(167,820	)
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash		751			5			(2,965	)		-			(2,209	)
and Cash Equivalents
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and		(33,067	)		(12,126	)		20,833			-			(24,360	)
Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents -		49,837			13,450			121,748			-			185,035
Beginning of Period
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$	16,770		$	1,324		$	142,581		$	-		$	160,675

Accounting_Policies_Additional

Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2014

Apr. 26, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 26, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Aug. 01, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Swap

Euro Term Loan

Senior Notes Due In 2017

Senior Notes Due In 2017

Fair Value Hedging

Fair Value Hedging

Foreign Exchange Contract

Foreign Exchange Contract

Foreign Exchange Contract

Foreign Exchange Contract

U.S. Government

U.S. Government

Building

Machinery and Equipment

Building

Machinery and Equipment

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Euro Term Loan

USD ($)

USD ($)

Cash Flow Hedging

Cash Flow Hedging

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Accounting Policies [Line Items]

Sales revenue percentage

4.00%

6.00%

Fair market value of long-term debt and short-term borrowings

$639,400,000

$639,400,000

$711,600,000

Maturities of forecasted transactions using forward exchange contracts

24 months

Derivative notional amount

125,000,000

396,200,000

369,000,000

283,000,000

271,300,000

Fair value of foreign currency forwards contracts, liabilities

14,600,000

2,300,000

Net loss on extinguishment of debt

-533,000

-946,000

0

-500,000

-500,000

Amount of interest rate swap agreement

175,000,000

175,000,000

Senior Notes maturity year

2017

Fixed interest rate of swap agreement

6.63%

Proceeds from issuance of long-term credit facilities

175,000,000

25,000,000

175,000,000

30,000,000

Gain on termination of interest rate swap

2,900,000

Accumulated gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustment

-61,135,000

-61,135,000

35,397,000

12,300,000

Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions

6,500,000

-1,700,000

-3,500,000

Estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment

15 years

3 years

30 years

10 years

Depreciation expense

56,200,000

55,400,000

52,400,000

Depreciation expense included in discontinued operations

5,000,000

5,000,000

4,200,000

Assets under capital leases

$43,100,000

$43,100,000

$47,100,000

Estimated amortization of intangible assets

2 years

20 years

Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of earnings per share

136,200

162,100

627,475

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute basic earnings per share

31,840,000

31,173,000

30,749,000

Weighted average number of shares outstanding used to compute diluted earnings per share

32,448,000

31,738,000

31,282,000

Weighted average number of share outstanding basic and diluted

31,907,000

Inventories_Detail

Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and purchased parts	$165,839	$165,231
Work in progress	160,884	169,165
Inventory costs under long-term contracts	17,470	13,717
Finished goods	89,402	99,550
Total Inventories	$433,595	$447,663

Changes_in_Goodwill_by_Segment

Changes in Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 26, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		$1,128,977	$1,098,962
Goodwill from acquisitions		17,741	21,640
Goodwill adjustments		-1,427	2,904
Goodwill impairment	-3,500	0	-3,454	-52,169
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-51,043	8,925
Goodwill, Ending Balance		1,071,786	1,128,977	1,098,962
Goodwill write off on assets held for sale		-22,462
Avionics & Controls
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		464,703	456,092
Goodwill from acquisitions		0	21,640
Goodwill adjustments		0	0
Goodwill impairment			-3,454
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-18,355	-9,575
Goodwill, Ending Balance		440,015	464,703
Goodwill write off on assets held for sale		-6,333
Sensors & Systems
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		449,483	428,420
Goodwill from acquisitions		17,741	0
Goodwill adjustments		-1,427	2,904
Goodwill impairment			0
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-31,742	18,159
Goodwill, Ending Balance		425,353	449,483
Goodwill write off on assets held for sale		-8,702
Advanced Materials
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance		214,791	214,450
Goodwill from acquisitions		0	0
Goodwill adjustments		0	0
Goodwill impairment			0
Foreign currency translation adjustment		-946	341
Goodwill, Ending Balance		206,418	214,791
Goodwill write off on assets held for sale		($7,427)

Goodwill_Additional_Informatio

Goodwill - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 03, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 26, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss on assets held for sale	$49,500,000	$49,500,000		$49,472,000	$0	$0
Estimated net Loss against goodwill	22,500,000
Goodwill impairment			$3,500,000	$0	$3,454,000	$52,169,000

Intangible_Assets_Detail

Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Amortized Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	$730,560	$828,929
Accumulated Amortization	302,966	295,172
Trademark
Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	43,783	47,192
Programs
Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Estimated amortization of intangible assets	16 years
Amortized Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	619,175	726,049
Accumulated Amortization	251,199	251,437
Core Technology
Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Estimated amortization of intangible assets	12 years
Amortized Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	15,926	9,589
Accumulated Amortization	8,893	6,711
Patents
Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Estimated amortization of intangible assets	12 years
Amortized Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount	95,459	93,291
Accumulated Amortization	$42,874	$37,024

Intangible_Assets_Additional_I

Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 03, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Loss on assets held for sale	$49,500,000	$49,500,000	$49,472,000	$0	$0
Estimated net Loss against intangibles	12,900,000
Amortization of intangible assets			49,628,000	46,361,000	44,976,000
Amortization of intangible assets discontinued operations			$8,813,000	$8,637,000	$8,547,000

Estimated_Amortization_Expense

Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$43,335
2016	46,885
2017	46,097
2018	45,416
2019	$43,852

Accrued_Liabilities_Detail

Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities Current [Abstract]
Payroll and other compensation	$123,317	$119,677
Commissions	5,014	4,786
Casualty and medical	14,027	13,738
Interest	7,006	6,707
Warranties	16,243	19,372	21,870
State and other tax accruals	6,811	6,536
Customer deposits	19,624	21,500
Deferred revenue	23,522	15,888
Contract reserves	11,260	12,737
Forward foreign exchange contracts	15,505	7,645
Litigation reserves	5,534	10,266
Environmental reserves	650	810
Rent and future lease obligations	1,251	1,357
Other	12,772	12,542
Total accrued liabilities	$262,536	$253,561

Changes_in_Carrying_Amount_of_

Changes in Carrying Amount of Accrued Product Warranty Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	$19,372	$21,870
Warranty costs incurred	-3,074	-4,912
Reclassification to liabilities held for sale	-858	0
Product warranty accrual	8,185	7,380
Release of reserves	-6,371	-4,555
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-1,011	-411
Balance, end of year	$16,243	$19,372

Retirement_Benefits_Additional

Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
	Participants			Participants
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$458,877,000	$427,625,000			$427,625,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	62,693,000	68,102,000			68,102,000
Company contribution expense	10,300,000	9,421,000	8,900,000
Increase/decrease discount rate basis points	25
Decrease in pension liability based on basis points	13,000,000
Increase in pension liability based on basis points	13,500,000
Increase/decrease health care trend rate basis points	100
Increase in Post Retirement Benefit Obligation based on basis points	1,600,000
Decrease in Post Retirement Benefit Obligation based on basis points	400,000
Employer matching contribution percent	6.00%
Defined contribution plan description	The three formulas used are: 25% of the first 6%; or 50% of the first 6%; or 100% of the first 2% and 50% on the next 4%.
Number of vested terminated participants to elect a lump sum payment in lieu of a lifetime annuity	1,000
Settlement charges	3,000,000
Scenario, Forecast
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of participant elected lump sum payment option				380
Contractual termination				16,300,000
Other Non-U.S Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan projected benefit obligation	30,184,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	24,284,000
Defined benefit plan, plan assets	5,387,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	24,797,000
Company contribution expense	2,717,000				1,894,000
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan expected future investment return	6.30%
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan expected future investment return	7.00%
United States Defined Pension Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan participation, percentage	37.00%
Defined benefit plan pension benefits based on average compensation, years	5 years
Defined benefit plan, service period related to benefit, years	5 years
Defined benefit plans based on compensation during last years of employment	10 years
Defined benefit plan amendment date	1/1/03
Defined benefit plan projected benefit obligation	304,379,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	296,893,000
Defined benefit plan, plan assets	289,894,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	14,484,000
Company contribution expense	13,270,000				16,174,000
Expected funding requirement for fiscal 2015	0
United States Defined Pension Benefit Plans | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan annual pay credits	2.00%
United States Defined Pension Benefit Plans | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan annual pay credits	6.00%
CMC Defined Pension Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan projected benefit obligation	137,700,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	138,785,000
Defined benefit plan, plan assets	132,193,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	6,592,000
Company contribution expense	7,537,000				10,859,000
Expected funding requirement for fiscal 2015	$5,600,000

Principal_Assumptions_of_Ester

Principal Assumptions of Esterline, CMC and Other Non-U.S. Plans (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.30%
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.00%
Pension Plan | Minimum | Other Non-U.S Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	2.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.50%
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets	3.25%
Pension Plan | Maximum | Other Non-U.S Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	8.75%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	8.83%
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets	8.00%
Esterline Plans | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.25%	4.70%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	4.21%	4.50%
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.00%	7.00%
Esterline Plans | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.25%	4.70%
Initial weighted average health care trend rate	6.00%	6.00%
Ultimate weighted average health care trend rate	6.00%	6.00%
CMC Plans | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.10%	4.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels	3.00%	3.00%
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets	6.35%	6.34%
CMC Plans | Pension Plan | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate		3.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		4.50%
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets		3.20%
CMC Plans | Pension Plan | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate		9.25%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels		8.68%
Assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets		8.00%
CMC Plans | Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.10%	4.50%
Initial weighted average health care trend rate	6.20%	6.30%
Ultimate weighted average health care trend rate	4.20%	4.20%

Allocation_by_Investment_Type_

Allocation by Investment Type (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Retirement Benefits
Actual, Allocation Percentage	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities
Retirement Benefits
Target, Allocation Percentage, Range minimum	55.00%
Target, Allocation Percentage, Range maximum	75.00%
Actual, Allocation Percentage	62.20%	63.90%
Debt Securities
Retirement Benefits
Target, Allocation Percentage, Range minimum	25.00%
Target, Allocation Percentage, Range maximum	45.00%
Actual, Allocation Percentage	35.70%	33.60%
Cash
Retirement Benefits
Target, Allocation Percentage	0.00%
Actual, Allocation Percentage	2.10%	2.50%

Fair_Value_of_Pension_Plan_Ass

Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$427,474	$390,809
Funds - U.S. Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	117,014	106,436
Commingled Trust Funds - U.S. Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28,734	26,923
U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35,276	37,280
Non-U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	22,457	25,584
Commingled Trust Fund - Non-U.S. Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	62,418	53,347
Registered Investments Company Funds - Fixed Income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	33,494
Commingled Trust Fund - Fixed Income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	87,078	41,428
Non-U.S. Foreign Commercial And Government Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	65,703	56,351
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,794	9,966
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	249,244	269,111
Level 1 | Funds - U.S. Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	117,014	106,436
Level 1 | Commingled Trust Funds - U.S. Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 1 | U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	35,276	37,280
Level 1 | Non-U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	22,457	25,584
Level 1 | Commingled Trust Fund - Non-U.S. Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Registered Investments Company Funds - Fixed Income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	33,494
Level 1 | Commingled Trust Fund - Fixed Income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 1 | Non-U.S. Foreign Commercial And Government Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	65,703	56,351
Level 1 | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	8,794	9,966
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	178,230	121,698
Level 2 | Funds - U.S. Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Commingled Trust Funds - U.S. Equity
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	28,734	26,923
Level 2 | U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Non-U.S. Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Commingled Trust Fund - Non-U.S. Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	62,418	53,347
Level 2 | Registered Investments Company Funds - Fixed Income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Commingled Trust Fund - Fixed Income
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	87,078	41,428
Level 2 | Non-U.S. Foreign Commercial And Government Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Level 2 | Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$0	$0

Net_Periodic_Pension_Cost_for_

Net Periodic Pension Cost for Defined Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$11,367	$11,848	$9,393
Interest cost	19,387	17,893	19,403
Expected return on plan assets	-25,999	-22,476	-21,508
Contractual termination	94	0	0
Curtailment	23	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	107	384	41
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	6,052	14,255	10,551
Net periodic cost (benefit)	11,031	21,904	17,880
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	489	508	436
Interest cost	685	674	715
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Contractual termination	0	0	0
Curtailment	-1,747	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	-151	-150	-69
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss	38	103	41
Net periodic cost (benefit)	($686)	$1,135	$1,123

Funded_Status_of_Defined_Benef

Funded Status of Defined Benefit Pension and Post-Retirement Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$390,809,000
Company contribution expense	10,300,000	9,421,000	8,900,000
Ending balance	427,474,000	390,809,000
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	11,367,000	11,848,000	9,393,000
Interest cost	19,387,000	17,893,000	19,403,000
Contractual termination	-94,000	0	0
Curtailment	23,000	0	0
Pension Plan | Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance	443,133,000	456,861,000
Currency translation adjustment	-13,285,000	-4,948,000
Service cost	11,367,000	11,848,000
Interest cost	19,387,000	17,893,000
Plan participant contributions	104,000	156,000
Amendment	0	273,000
Contractual termination	94,000	0
Curtailment	-241,000	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	37,423,000	-16,905,000
Other adjustments	-1,615,000	287,000
Benefits paid	-23,019,000	-22,332,000
Ending balance	473,348,000	443,133,000
Pension Plan | Plan Assets - Fair Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan participant contributions	104,000	156,000
Other adjustments	-122,000	92,000
Benefits paid	-23,019,000	-22,332,000
Beginning balance	390,809,000	334,622,000
Currency translation adjustment	-10,144,000	-5,377,000
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on plan assets	48,424,000	55,730,000
Company contribution expense	23,524,000	28,927,000
Expenses paid	-2,102,000	-1,009,000
Ending balance	427,474,000	390,809,000
Pension Plan | Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Ending balance	-473,348,000	-443,133,000
Ending balance	427,474,000	390,809,000
Funded Status, Net amount recognized	-45,874,000	-52,324,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	489,000	508,000	436,000
Interest cost	685,000	674,000	715,000
Contractual termination	0	0	0
Curtailment	-1,747,000	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan | Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Beginning balance	16,713,000	17,040,000
Currency translation adjustment	-1,230,000	-559,000
Service cost	489,000	508,000
Interest cost	685,000	674,000
Plan participant contributions	0	0
Amendment	0	0
Contractual termination	0	0
Curtailment	-2,075,000	0
Actuarial (gain) loss	-10,000	14,000
Other adjustments	0	-252,000
Benefits paid	-775,000	-712,000
Ending balance	13,797,000	16,713,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan | Plan Assets - Fair Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan participant contributions	0	0
Other adjustments	0	0
Benefits paid	-776,000	-712,000
Beginning balance	0	0
Currency translation adjustment	0	0
Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on plan assets	0	0
Company contribution expense	776,000	712,000
Expenses paid	0	0
Ending balance	0	0
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan | Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Ending balance	-13,797,000	-16,713,000
Ending balance	0	0
Funded Status, Net amount recognized	($13,797,000)	($16,713,000)

Schedule_of_Amounts_Recognized

Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Non-current liability	($62,693,000)	($68,102,000)
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Ending balance	90,225,000	84,215,000
Pension Plan
Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Non-current asset	5,940,000	2,201,000
Current liability	-2,214,000	-2,351,000
Non-current liability	-49,600,000	-52,174,000
Net amount recognized	-45,874,000	-52,324,000
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial loss (gain)	89,266,000	82,796,000
Prior service cost	700,000	490,000
Ending balance	89,966,000	83,286,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan
Amount Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Non-current asset	0	0
Current liability	-704,000	-785,000
Non-current liability	-13,093,000	-15,928,000
Net amount recognized	-13,797,000	-16,713,000
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Net actuarial loss (gain)	339,000	768,000
Prior service cost	-80,000	161,000
Ending balance	$259,000	$929,000

Estimated_Future_Benefit_Payme

Estimated Future Benefit Payments Expected to be Paid from the Plan or from the Company's Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Retirement Benefits
Fiscal Year, 2015	$43,185
Fiscal Year, 2016	28,385
Fiscal Year, 2017	29,704
Fiscal Year, 2018	31,506
Fiscal Year, 2019	31,868
Fiscal Year, 2020 - 2024	$171,953

Schedule_of_Financial_Assets_a

Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives, Assets	$2,351	$706
Embedded derivatives, Liabilities	15	344
Level 3
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent purchase obligation	5,000	4,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument | Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments, Assets	24	2,270
Derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	14,592	4,541
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument | Level 2
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring And Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments, Assets	1,081	3,670
Derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments, Liabilities	$4,188	$122

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	2-May-14	Oct. 31, 2014
Sunbank Family Of Companies Llc
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Business Acquisition Contingent Consideration Payable		$5
Eclipse Electronic Systems Inc
Fair Value Measurements [Line Items]
Contingent purchase obligation paid	$4

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Apr. 26, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 26, 2012

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2014

Aug. 01, 2014

Jul. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2014

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 25, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Fair Value Hedging

Euro Term Loan

Euro Term Loan

100 Million Interest Rate Swap Agreement

Senior Notes Six Point Six Two Five Percent Maturing In March Two Thousand Seventeen

Foreign Exchange Contract

Foreign Exchange Contract

Interest Rate Swap

USD ($)

USD ($)

Fair Value Hedging

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

Derivative [Line Items]

Derivative notional amount

€ 125,000,000

$396,200,000

$369,000,000

Senior Notes

175,000,000

Senior Notes maturity year

2017

Fixed interest rate

6.63%

Proceeds from redemption of 2017 notes

175,000,000

25,000,000

175,000,000

30,000,000

Gain on termination of contract

2,900,000

2,900,000

Net loss on extinguishment of debt

-533,000

-946,000

0

-500,000

-500,000

Gain (Loss) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts not designated as an accounting hedge

-6,400,000

2,500,000

Reclassification of net loss into earnings

$10,900,000

Maturities of forecasted transactions using forward exchange contracts

24 months

Fair_Values_of_Derivative_Inst

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Other Current Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives, Assets	$296	$59
Other Current Assets | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts, assets	1,052	4,547
Other Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives, Assets	2,055	647
Other Assets | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts, assets	53	1,393
Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives, Liabilities	15	344
Accrued Liabilities | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts, liabilities	15,490	3,002
Other Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives, Liabilities	0	0
Other Liabilities | Foreign Exchange Contract
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts, liabilities	$3,290	$1,661

Effect_of_Derivative_Instrumen

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Gain (loss) recognized in interest expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest rate swap contracts	$0	$1,058
Gain (loss) recognized in loss on extinguishment of debt
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Interest rate swap contracts	0	2,918
Fair Value Hedging | Sales
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Embedded derivatives	2,011	835
Cash Flow Hedging
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in AOCI (effective portion)	-6,245	-3,007
Gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into sales	-6,083	-1,025
Net Investment Hedges
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Euro term loan	$134	($2,697)

Income_Tax_Expense_from_Contin

Income Tax Expense from Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Current
U.S. Federal	$28,433	$27,584	$27,999
State	1,790	4,075	196
Foreign	28,944	24,044	20,821
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total	59,167	55,703	49,016
Deferred
U.S. Federal	-1,691	-3,105	-2,230
State	-33	-1,592	793
Foreign	-13,169	-17,115	-19,763
Deferred income tax	-14,893	-21,812	-21,200
Income tax expense	$44,274	$33,891	$27,816

US_and_Foreign_Components_of_E

U.S and Foreign Components of Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S.	$103,339	$100,859	$97,855
Foreign	107,495	105,756	44,155
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	$210,834	$206,615	$142,010

Components_of_Deferred_Tax_Ass

Components of Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities) (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reserves and liabilities	$55,906	$60,397
NOL carryforwards	110	879
Tax credit carryforwards	31,082	29,862
Employee benefits	13,086	14,974
Retirement benefits	10,431	2,759
Non-qualified stock options	11,063	12,618
Hedging activities	5,091	0
Other	856	650
Total deferred tax assets	127,625	122,139
Depreciation and amortization	-15,925	-18,969
Intangibles and amortization	-136,116	-173,524
Deferred costs	-5,453	-4,535
Hedging activities	0	-22
Other	-1,083	-1,398
Total deferred tax liabilities	-158,577	-198,448
Net deferred tax liabilities	($30,952)	($76,309)

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Incremental tax benefit received upon exercise of non-qualified employee stock options	$7.10	$3	$0.40
Undistributed foreign earnings	555.4
Unrecognized tax benefits related to operating losses and tax credits decrease as a result of settlement of examinations and/or the expiration of statutes of limitations	$3.30

Reconciliation_of_US_Federal_S

Reconciliation of U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Income Tax Rate (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes	0.50%	0.60%	0.60%
Foreign taxes	-13.40%	-11.30%	-17.40%
Goodwill impairment	0.00%	0.60%	12.90%
Penalties	0.40%	1.70%	0.00%
Difference in foreign tax rates	1.40%	-0.70%	-1.10%
Domestic manufacturing deduction	-1.30%	-1.30%	-2.10%
Research & development credits	-2.50%	-3.40%	-3.40%
Net change in tax reserves	0.10%	-2.90%	0.50%
Valuation allowance	0.00%	0.00%	-1.00%
Change in foreign tax rates and laws	0.00%	-1.50%	-3.40%
Other, net	0.80%	-0.40%	-1.00%
Effective income tax rate	21.00%	16.40%	19.60%

Reconciliation_of_Beginning_an

Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits as of October 25, 2013	$12,008
Gross increase due to prior period adjustments	183
Gross decrease due to prior period adjustments	-606
Gross increase due to current period adjustments	868
Gross decrease due to a lapse with taxing authorities	-1,226
Total change in unrecognized gross benefit	-781
Unrecognized tax benefits as of October 31, 2014	11,227
Unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate	10,816
Statement of operations:
Total amount of interest income (expense) included in income tax expense	109
Recognized in the statement of financial position:
Total amount of accrued interest included in income taxes payable	$986

Income_Tax_Examinations_by_Tax

Income Tax Examinations by Tax Authorities in its Major Tax Jurisdictions (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
U.S.Federal
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Years No Longer Subject To Audit	2008 and prior
Canada
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Years No Longer Subject To Audit	2006 and prior
France
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Years No Longer Subject To Audit	2010 and prior
United Kingdom
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Years No Longer Subject To Audit	2011 and prior

LongTerm_Debt_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Detail)

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Nov. 30, 2010

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Jul. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

U.S. Credit Facility

U.S. Credit Facility

Euro Term Loan

Euro Term Loan

Euro Term Loan

US Term Loans

US Term Loans

US Term Loans

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Credit facility

$100,000

$130,000

$161,900

Term Loan

0

24,847

125,000

161,875

170,625

175,000

Senior Notes

175,000

250,000

250,000

Government refundable advances

51,867

56,897

Obligation under capital leases

58,448

56,229

Other

304

540

Total long-term debt

622,494

689,138

Less current maturities

12,774

21,279

Carrying amount of long-term debt

$609,720

$667,859

LongTerm_Debt_Parenthetical_De

Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Aug. 31, 2010
Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt interest rate	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Debt instruments maturity date	31-Aug-20	31-Aug-20
Euro Term Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments maturity date	31-Jul-16	31-Jul-16
US Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instruments maturity date	31-Jul-16	31-Jul-16

Debt_Additional_Information_De

Debt - Additional Information (Detail)

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 26, 2012

Oct. 30, 2008

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2011

Aug. 01, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Aug. 31, 2010

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Aug. 31, 2010

Aug. 31, 2010

Aug. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2014

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

sqft

Control System Facility

Manufacturing Facility for Control Systems Operation

Interface Technologies Facility

Euro Term Loan

Euro Term Loan

Euro Term Loan

Euro Term Loan

US Term Loans

US Term Loans

US Term Loans

Senior Notes Six Point Six Two Five Percent Maturing In March Two Thousand Seventeen

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

Senior Notes 7% Maturing in August 2020

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty

Senior Notes Due Twenty Twenty

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Minimum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

Maximum

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Debt Redemption After August 1, 2015

Debt Redemption After August First Two Thousand Eighteen

Debt Redemption Prior August First Two Thousand Fifteen

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

US Term Loans

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

US Term Loans

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

US Term Loans

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

US Term Loans

Secured Debt

Secured Debt

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Credit facility maximum borrowing capacity

$387,900,000

$460,000,000

$59,800,000

Credit facility expiration date

31-Jul-16

Interest rate, basis spread on variable rate

1.50%

1.50%

1.50%

1.50%

1.66%

2.25%

2.25%

1.66%

Credit facility interest rate description

The interest rate ranges from LIBOR plus 1.50% to LIBOR plus 2.25%, depending on the leverage ratios at the time the funds are drawn.

Interest rate of LIBOR plus 1.50%, which is currently 1.66%.

Available credit under credit facilities

519,800,000

Credit facility

161,900,000

100,000,000

Outstanding letters of credit

31,900,000

Term Loan

125,000,000

0

24,847,000

161,875,000

170,625,000

175,000,000

Early payment of debt

125,000,000

Net loss on extinguishment of debt

-533,000

-946,000

0

-500,000

-900,000

Loan amortization rate

1.25%

Loan amortization end date

31-Mar-16

Loan remaining balance due date

31-Jul-16

31-Jul-16

31-Jul-16

31-Jul-16

31-Aug-20

31-Aug-20

Amount of interest rate swap agreement

175,000,000

Unamortized debt issuance cost

4,295,000

6,211,000

1,300,000

Redemption premium in connection with early redemption of notes

3,900,000

Gain on termination of interest rate swap

2,900,000

Debt instrument, carrying amount

250,000,000

250,000,000

Fixed interest rate

7.00%

7.00%

7.00%

Debt issuance cost

4,400,000

Net proceeds from issuance of debt

245,600,000

Debt instrument redemption price percentage plus accrued interest

103.50%

100.00%

100.00%

Fair market value of long-term debt and short-term borrowings

639,400,000

711,600,000

266,900,000

272,500,000

Imputed interest on advance

460.00%

Discounted value of debt

51,900,000

56,900,000

Capital lease size of facility under lease agreement in square feet

216,000

Capital lease fixed lease term, in years

30 years

Capital lease minimum annual rent increase

2.00%

Capitalized lease obligation

$58,448,000

$56,229,000

$11,600,000

$32,400,000

$11,500,000

Capital lease imputed interest rate

4.50%

9.00%

6.40%

LongTerm_Debt_and_Future_NonCa

Long-Term Debt and Future Non-Cancelable Minimum Lease Payments Under Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$16,626
2016	259,461
2017	5,411
2018	5,431
2019	5,521
2020 and thereafter	398,784
Total	691,234
Less: amount representing interest on capital leases	68,740
Total long-term debt	$622,494	$689,138

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012	Sep. 01, 2014	Sep. 01, 2014	Mar. 05, 2014	Jul. 26, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	USD ($)	US
								Person
Contingent Liabilities [Line Items]
Rental expense for operating leases for engineering, selling, administrative and manufacturing	$19,188,000	$17,996,000	$17,603,000
Business acquisition preacquisition contingency amount of settlement	20,000,000
Reasonably possible other income from release of loss contingency	14,000,000
Environmental Exit Costs, Assets Previously Disposed, Liability for Remediation	1,500,000	1,400,000
Consent agreement term	The Consent Agreement has a three-year term and provides for: (i) a payment of $20 million, $10 million of which is suspended and eligible for offset credit based on verified expenditures for past and future remedial compliance measures; (ii) the appointment of an external Special Compliance Official to oversee compliance with the Consent Agreement and the ITAR; (iii) two external audits of the Companybs ITAR compliance program; and (iv) continued
Total penalty proposed by DDTC Office of Compliance						20,000,000
Penalty suspended and eligible for offset credit						10,000,000
Estimated and recorded charge							10,000,000
Paid and Recorded in March 2014							4,000,000
Estimated and to be paid in March 2015							2,000,000
Estimated and to be paid in March 2016							2,000,000
Estimated and to be paid March 2017							2,000,000
Future acquistion agreement purchase price				$187,000,000	€ 150,000,000
Number of employees represented by various labor union								591
Percentage of employees represented by labor unions								13.00%

Rental_Commitments_For_Noncanc

Rental Commitments For Noncancelable Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$13,877
2016	11,098
2017	9,383
2018	7,180
2019	4,990
2020 and thereafter	10,678
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Total	$57,206

Purchase_Obligations_Detail

Purchase Obligations (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Purchase obligations, Total	$879,057
Purchase obligations, Less than 1 year	819,692
Purchase obligations, 1-3 years	53,222
Purchase obligations, 4-5 years	5,950
Purchase obligations, After 5 years	$193

Employee_Stock_Plans_Additiona

Employee Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based compensation	$13,044,000	$9,575,000	$9,543,000
Income tax benefit recognized	3,000,000	3,000,000	2,900,000
Number of options granted	207,200	257,000	386,400
Number of options exercised	618,645	518,537	60,775
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised	$45.16	$37.89	$36.52
Aggregate intrinsic value of option shares outstanding	78,200,000
Aggregate intrinsic value of option shares exercisable	50,400,000
Number of option shares vested or expected to vest	1,300,000
Option shares vested or expected to vest aggregate intrinsic value	75,300,000
Weighted average exercise price of option shares vested or expected to vest	$59.67
Weighted average remaining contractual term of option shares vested or expected to vest, years	6 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term of option shares currently exercisable	4 years 10 months 24 days
Total unrecognized compensation expense for options	7,400,000
Unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized over a weighted average period, years	1 year 10 months 24 days
Fair value of option shares vested	8,200,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Total unrecognized compensation expense for options	4,300,000
Unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized over a weighted average period, years	1 year 8 months 12 days
Granted	77,975	55,280
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase price fair market value percentage	95.00%
Number of shares purchased by employees	19,807
Employees purchase price per share fair market value	$102.45
Employee Share-save Scheme
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock reserved for issuance, shares	93,406
Remaining shares available for issuance	593,436
Accrued deductions for purchase of shares	$759,440
Share purchase date	15-Dec-14
Discount rate of market value on purchase date	95.00%
The term of options, years	3 years
Number of options granted	29,242	16,722	45,063
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted	$27.03
Number of options exercised	7,923
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised	$66.05
Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining shares available for issuance	1,480,764
Weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted	$45.87	$29.65
Shares reserved for issuance to officers and key employees	1,456,261
Award period	10 years
Award period end date	5-Mar-23
Options vesting period	4 years

Schedule_of_Fair_Value_of_Opti

Schedule of Fair Value of Option Granted using Black-Scholes Pricing Model (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Employee Share-save Scheme
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Volatility	33.69%	36.97%	38.96%
Risk-free interest rate	0.73%	0.40%	0.38%
Expected life (years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Dividends	$0	$0	$0
Equity Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividends	$0	$0	$0
Volatility, minimum	41.87%	41.89%	41.62%
Volatility, maximum	43.17%	44.25%	44.29%
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	1.73%	0.79%	0.91%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.99%	1.88%	2.11%
Equity Incentive Plan | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	5 years	4 years 6 months	4 years 6 months
Equity Incentive Plan | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	9 years	9 years 6 months	9 years 6 months

Changes_In_Outstanding_Options

Changes In Outstanding Options Granted Under Equity Incentive Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of year, Shares Subject to Option	1,831,738	2,124,300	1,825,300
Granted, Shares Subject to Option	207,200	257,000	386,400
Exercised, Shares Subject to Options	-618,645	-518,537	-60,775
Forfeited/cancelled Shares Subject to Option	-43,500	-31,025	-26,625
Outstanding, end of year, Shares Subject to Option	1,376,793	1,831,738	2,124,300
Exercisable, end of year, Shares Subject to Option	754,443	1,075,788	1,258,900
Outstanding, beginning of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$51.08	$46.18	$44.49
Granted, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$97.61	$65.58	$52.97
Exercised, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$45.16	$37.89	$36.52
Forfeited/cancelled Weighted Average Exercise Price	$64.74	$56.52	$50.68
Outstanding, end of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$60.31	$51.08	$46.18
Exercisable, end of year, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$50.36	$45.65	$41.89

Stock_Activity_Related_To_Stoc

Stock Activity Related To Stock Options Exercised (Detail) (Employee Stock Option, USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Employee Stock Option
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Proceeds from stock options exercised	$29,359	$20,072
Tax benefits related to stock options exercised	6,892	2,961
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$34,965	$18,448

Stock_Options_Outstanding_Deta

Stock Options Outstanding (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Exercisable, Shares	754,443	1,075,788	1,258,900
$29.86 - $40.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit	$29.86
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit	$40
Options Outstanding, Shares	118,093
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	3 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$33.82
Options Exercisable, Shares	118,093
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Price	$33.82
$40.01 - $50.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit	$40.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit	$50
Options Outstanding, Shares	196,675
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	4 years 6 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$41.71
Options Exercisable, Shares	196,675
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Price	$41.71
$50.01 - $52.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit	$50.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit	$52
Options Outstanding, Shares	242,000
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	6 years 6 months
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$51.06
Options Exercisable, Shares	109,600
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Price	$51.05
$52.01 - $65.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit	$52.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit	$65
Options Outstanding, Shares	426,850
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	5 years 4 months 24 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$59.75
Options Exercisable, Shares	278,550
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Price	$59.16
$65.01 - $80.00
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit	$65.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit	$80
Options Outstanding, Shares	182,475
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	7 years 9 months 18 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$69.10
Options Exercisable, Shares	48,950
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Price	$71.79
$80.01 - $118.32
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, lower limit	$80.01
Range of Exercise Prices, upper limit	$118.32
Options Outstanding, Shares	210,700
Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Life (years)	9 years 2 months 12 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Price	$96.63
Options Exercisable, Shares	2,575
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Price	$81.76

Summary_of_Changes_in_RSUs_Gra

Summary of Changes in RSUs Granted Under Equity Incentive Plan (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Non-vested shares
Non-vested, beginning of year	54,880	0
Granted	77,975	55,280
Vested	-27,284	0
Forfeited/cancelled	-1,600	-400
Non-vested, end of year	103,971	54,880
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Weighted-Average grant date fair value per share Non-vested, beginning of year	$70.26	$0
Weighted-Average grant date fair value per share Granted	$84.65	$70.23
Weighted-Average grant date fair value per share Vested	$73.57	$0
Weighted-Average grant date fair value per share Forfeited/cancelled	$81.09	$66.55
Weighted-Average grant date fair value per share Non-vested, end of year	$80.01	$70.26

Stock_Activity_Related_to_Rest

Stock Activity Related to Restricted Stock Units Vested (Detail) (Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Employee Service Share Based Compensation Allocation Of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Tax benefits related to restricted stock units vested	$198	$0
Intrinsic value of restricted stock units vested	$3,153	$0

Shareholders_Equity_Additional

Shareholder's Equity - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Jun. 19, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares authorized	25,000
Preferred stock, par value	$100
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000		60,000,000
Common stock, par value	$0.20		$0.20
Preferred stock shares outstanding	0
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased		$200
Series B Preferred Stock
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock shares authorized	475,000
Preferred stock, par value	$1
Preferred stock shares outstanding	0

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Shareholder's Equity - Schedule of Changes in Outstanding Common Shares (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of year	31,441,949	30,869,390
Shares issued under share-based compensation plans	681,768	572,559
Shares issued	32,123,717	31,441,949
Treasury stock purchased	-269,228	0
Balance, end of year	31,854,489	31,441,949

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_o1

Shareholder's Equity - Schedule of Shares of Common Stock Purchased under Repurchase Plan (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	2-May-14	Jan. 31, 2014
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased	269,228	0
Common Stock, Par Value $.20 Per Share
Class Of Stock [Line Items]
Number of shares repurchased	269,228		223,249	45,979	0	0
Share repurchased amount	30,262		$25,086	$5,176	$0	$0

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_o2

Shareholder's Equity - Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	($14,179)	($1,851)
Tax effect	3,890	355
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, Total	-10,289	-1,496
Pension and post-retirement obligations	-90,225	-84,215
Tax effect	30,072	28,030
Pension and post-retirement obligations, Total	-60,153	-56,185
Accumulated gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustment	-61,135	35,397	12,300
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($131,577)	($22,284)

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 20, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013
Sunbank
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquired	$51.70
Contingent consideration	5
Contingent consideration achievement period of certain sales levels	2 years
Gamesman Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquired		$40.80

Restructuring_Additional_Infor

Restructuring - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Dec. 05, 2013	Oct. 25, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Expected integration cost		$35,000,000
Restructuring expense	20,400,000
Accrued restructuring	$7,103,000		$0

Schedule_of_Restructuring_and_

Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Exit & Relocation of Facilities	$11,875
Write-Off of Property, Plant & Equipment	2,802
Severance	5,711
Restructuring charges	20,388
Cost of Sales
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Exit & Relocation of Facilities	6,529
Write-Off of Property, Plant & Equipment	217
Severance	0
Restructuring charges	6,746
Restructuring Charges
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Exit & Relocation of Facilities	5,346
Write-Off of Property, Plant & Equipment	2,585
Severance	5,711
Restructuring charges	$13,642

Schedule_of_Accrued_Liabilitie

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities, Beginning Balance	$0
Accrued Liabilities, Amounts accrued and incurred	20,388
Accrued Liabilities, Amounts paid	-10,500
Accrued Liabilities, Write-off	-2,585
Accrued Liabilities, Currency translation adjustments	-200
Accrued Liabilities, Ending Balance	$7,103

Discontinued_Operations_Additi

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Sep. 03, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	2-May-14	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Loss on assets held for sale	$49,500,000	$49,500,000								$49,472,000	$0	$0
Environmental Exit Costs, Assets Previously Disposed, Liability for Remediation		1,500,000				1,400,000				1,500,000	1,400,000
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax		-55,104,000	-929,000	-3,691,000	-3,865,000	-980,000	-3,181,000	-661,000	-1,438,000	-63,589,000	-6,260,000	-619,000
Previously Sold Business
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Environmental Exit Costs, Assets Previously Disposed, Liability for Remediation		800,000								800,000			2,000,000
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax										($500,000)			($1,300,000)

Discontinued_Operations_Income

Discontinued Operations Income (Loss) Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	$82,114	$80,977	$114,497
Operating earnings (loss)	-19,745	-10,766	1,523
Loss on net assets held for sale	-49,472
Tax expense (benefit)	-5,628	-4,506	2,142
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-63,589	-6,260	-619
Avionics & Controls
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	33,749	31,883	66,900
Operating earnings (loss)	-7,082	-7,912	9,842
Loss on net assets held for sale	-18,489
Tax expense (benefit)	-2,493	-3,180	3,391
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-23,078	-4,732	6,451
Sensors & Systems
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	22,479	25,599	29,017
Operating earnings (loss)	-181	1,566	1,387
Loss on net assets held for sale	-12,675
Tax expense (benefit)	-523	689	385
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-12,333	877	1,002
Advanced Materials
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	25,886	23,495	18,580
Operating earnings (loss)	-11,637	-2,420	-9,706
Loss on net assets held for sale	-18,308
Tax expense (benefit)	-2,316	-1,315	-1,634
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	-27,629	-1,105	-8,072
Other Non U S
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	0	0	0
Operating earnings (loss)	-845	-2,000	0
Loss on net assets held for sale	0
Tax expense (benefit)	-296	-700	0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	($549)	($1,300)	$0

Discontinued_Operations_Assets

Discontinued Operations Assets and Liabilities Held for Sale (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$11,012
Inventories	25,876
Prepaid expenses	829
Deferred income tax benefits	1,351
Income tax refundable	2,378
Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	41,446	0
Net Property, plant and equipment	28,893
Intangibles, net	41,214
Deferred income tax benefits	-30
Other assets	1,600
Non-Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	71,677
Accounts payable	9,393
Accrued liabilities	4,798
Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	14,191
Deferred income tax liabilities	18,864
Other liabilities	12
Non-Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	18,876	0
Net Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	80,056
Avionics & Controls
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	5,154
Inventories	12,646
Prepaid expenses	408
Deferred income tax benefits	671
Income tax refundable	0
Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	18,879
Net Property, plant and equipment	4,949
Intangibles, net	22,228
Deferred income tax benefits	0
Other assets	0
Non-Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	27,177
Accounts payable	2,194
Accrued liabilities	1,765
Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	3,959
Deferred income tax liabilities	11,084
Other liabilities	0
Non-Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	11,084
Net Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	31,013
Sensors & Systems
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	3,752
Inventories	7,972
Prepaid expenses	86
Deferred income tax benefits	680
Income tax refundable	0
Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	12,490
Net Property, plant and equipment	4,105
Intangibles, net	10,659
Deferred income tax benefits	-30
Other assets	0
Non-Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	14,734
Accounts payable	873
Accrued liabilities	1,008
Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	1,881
Deferred income tax liabilities	6,243
Other liabilities	0
Non-Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	6,243
Net Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	19,100
Advanced Materials
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	2,106
Inventories	5,258
Prepaid expenses	335
Deferred income tax benefits	0
Income tax refundable	2,378
Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	10,077
Net Property, plant and equipment	19,839
Intangibles, net	8,327
Deferred income tax benefits	0
Other assets	1,600
Non-Current Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	29,766
Accounts payable	6,326
Accrued liabilities	2,025
Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	8,351
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,537
Other liabilities	12
Non-Current Liabilities of Businesses Held for Sale	1,549
Net Assets of Businesses Held for Sale	$29,943

Business_Segment_Information_A

Business Segment Information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reporting segments	3
U.S. Government
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales as a percentage of segment sales	4.00%	6.00%	7.00%
Advanced Materials | Operating Segments | U.S. Government
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales as a percentage of segment sales	14.70%	19.60%	19.40%
Avionics & Controls | Operating Segments | U.S. Government
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales as a percentage of segment sales	1.70%	3.10%	5.40%

Business_Segment_Information_f

Business Segment Information for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	2-May-14	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Jul. 26, 2013	Apr. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 25, 2013		Oct. 26, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$548,059	$506,309	$510,861	$485,940	$513,667	$463,613	$475,870	$435,627	$2,051,169	[1]	$1,888,777	[1]	$1,877,821	[1]
Segment Earnings									312,119		308,830		217,821
Corporate expense									-68,297		-62,166		-43,201
Gain on settlement of contingency									0		0		11,891
Other income									0		0		1,263
Interest income									555		535		463
Interest expense									-33,010		-39,638		-46,227
Net loss on extinguishment of debt									-533		-946		0
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Taxes									210,834		206,615		142,010
Avionics & Controls
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									788,536		739,774		723,115
Segment Earnings									121,185	[2]	111,144	[2]	45,075	[2]
Sensors & Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									771,369		676,331		673,377
Segment Earnings									86,101		88,130		69,503
Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales									491,264		472,672		481,329
Segment Earnings									$104,833		$109,556		$103,243
[1]	Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.
[2]	Fiscal 2013 includes a $3.5B million impairment charge against Racal Acousticsb goodwill and fiscal 2012 includes a $52.2B million impairment charge against Racal Acousticsb goodwill.

Business_Segment_Information_f1

Business Segment Information for Continuing Operations (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 26, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Impairment charge	$3,500	$0	$3,454	$52,169

Reconciliation_of_Assets_from_

Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Capitalized lease obligation	$2,753	$11,691

Revenue_from_External_Customer

Revenue from External Customers Attributed to Foreign Countries by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2014

Aug. 01, 2014

2-May-14

Jan. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Jul. 26, 2013

Apr. 26, 2013

Jan. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 25, 2013

Oct. 26, 2012

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

$548,059

$506,309

$510,861

$485,940

$513,667

$463,613

$475,870

$435,627

$2,051,169

[1]

$1,888,777

[1]

$1,877,821

[1]

Domestic

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

1,036,513

[1]

968,418

[1]

972,277

[1]

Canada

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

239,481

[1]

239,444

[1]

248,197

[1]

France

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

521,599

[1]

463,519

[1]

452,220

[1]

United Kingdom

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

289,416

[1]

250,137

[1]

236,423

[1]

All Other Foreign

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

130,514

[1]

115,991

[1]

105,715

[1]

Intersegment Elimination

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

-166,354

[1]

-148,732

[1]

-137,011

[1]

Unaffiliated customers - U.S. | Domestic

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

782,320

[1]

755,076

[1]

740,835

[1]

Unaffiliated customers - Export | Domestic

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

221,678

[1]

182,140

[1]

195,717

[1]

Intercompany | Domestic

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

32,515

[1]

31,202

[1]

35,725

[1]

Intercompany | Canada

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

7,544

[1]

6,554

[1]

2,844

[1]

Intercompany | France

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

60,763

[1]

39,745

[1]

41,454

[1]

Intercompany | United Kingdom

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

22,846

[1]

26,402

[1]

19,305

[1]

Intercompany | All Other Foreign

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

42,686

[1]

44,829

[1]

37,683

[1]

Unaffiliated Customers | Canada

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

231,937

[1]

232,890

[1]

245,353

[1]

Unaffiliated Customers | France

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

460,836

[1]

423,774

[1]

410,766

[1]

Unaffiliated Customers | United Kingdom

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

266,570

[1]

223,735

[1]

217,118

[1]

Unaffiliated Customers | All Other Foreign

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

Sales

$87,828

[1]

$71,162

[1]

$68,032

[1]

[1]

Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.

Revenue_from_External_Customer1

Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 25, 2013		Oct. 26, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	$312,119	[1]	$308,830	[1]	$217,821	[1]
Identifiable Assets	3,077,699	[2]	3,118,414	[2]	3,023,431	[2]
Domestic
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	179,565	[1]	175,332	[1]	161,465	[1]
Identifiable Assets	1,028,879	[2]	1,020,952	[2]	1,015,994	[2]
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	33,599	[1]	42,963	[1]	33,128	[1]
Identifiable Assets	514,520	[2]	533,559	[2]	576,053	[2]
France
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	50,750	[1]	49,042	[1]	33,152	[1]
Identifiable Assets	839,467	[2]	918,592	[2]	836,578	[2]
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	38,686	[1]	31,380	[1]	-19,539	[1]
Identifiable Assets	555,620	[2]	515,090	[2]	477,214	[2]
All Other Foreign
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	9,519	[1]	10,113	[1]	9,615	[1]
Identifiable Assets	$139,213	[2]	$130,221	[2]	$117,592	[2]
[1]	Before corporate expense, shown on page 73.
[2]	Excludes corporate, shown on page 73.

Product_Lines_Contributing_Sal

Product Lines Contributing Sales (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Connector
Product Information [Line Items]
Product Line Sales Total Percentage	18.00%	16.00%	16.00%
Avionics
Product Information [Line Items]
Product Line Sales Total Percentage	10.00%	11.00%	11.00%

Summary_of_Unaudited_Quarterly

Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Aug. 01, 2014		2-May-14		Jan. 31, 2014		Oct. 25, 2013		Jul. 26, 2013		Apr. 26, 2013		Jan. 25, 2013		Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 25, 2013		Oct. 26, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net Sales	$548,059		$506,309		$510,861		$485,940		$513,667		$463,613		$475,870		$435,627		$2,051,169	[1]	$1,888,777	[1]	$1,877,821	[1]
Gross profit	193,577		177,087		179,225		170,735		199,835		175,600		175,923		153,351		720,624		704,709		677,888
Earnings from continuing operations	51,632		39,837		40,595		33,943		66,843	[2],[3],[4],[5]	41,419	[2],[3],[4],[5]	36,183	[2],[3],[4],[5]	26,549	[2],[3],[4],[5]	166,007		170,994		113,154
Loss from discontinued operations	-55,104		-929		-3,691		-3,865		-980		-3,181		-661		-1,438		-63,589		-6,260		-619
Net Earnings Attributable to Esterline	($3,472)		$38,908		$36,904		$30,078		$65,863		$38,238		$35,522		$25,111		$102,418		$164,734		$112,535
Continuing operations	$1.62		$1.25		$1.28		$1.07		$2.13		$1.32		$1.16		$0.86		$5.22		$5.48		$3.68
Discontinued operations	($1.73)		($0.03)		($0.12)		($0.12)		($0.03)		($0.10)		($0.02)		($0.05)		($2)		($0.20)		($0.02)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Esterline - Basic	($0.11)	[6]	$1.22	[6]	$1.16	[6]	$0.95	[6]	$2.10	[6]	$1.22	[6]	$1.14	[6]	$0.81	[6]	$3.22		$5.28		$3.66
Continuing operations	$1.62		$1.22		$1.25		$1.05		$2.09		$1.30		$1.14		$0.85		$5.12		$5.39		$3.62
Discontinued operations	($1.73)		($0.03)		($0.11)		($0.12)		($0.03)		($0.10)		($0.02)		($0.05)		($1.96)		($0.20)		($0.02)
Earnings (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Esterline - Diluted	($0.11)	[6],[7]	$1.19	[6],[7]	$1.14	[6],[7]	$0.93	[6],[7]	$2.06	[6]	$1.20	[6]	$1.12	[6]	$0.80	[6]	$3.16		$5.19		$3.60
[1]	Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.
[2]	Included $8.2B million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the third quarter.
[3]	Included a $3.5B million goodwill impairment charge related to Racal Acoustics in the third quarter.
[4]	Included a $10.0B million charge related to our pending matter with the DDTC in the third quarter.
[5]	Included $3.7B million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the first quarter.
[6]	The sum of the quarterly per share amounts may not equal per shares amounts reported for year-to-date periods. This is due to changes in the number of weighted average shares outstanding and the effects of rounding for each period.
[7]	Diluted shares is equal of basic shares in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014.

Summary_of_Unaudited_Quarterly1

Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 26, 2013	Jan. 25, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefit reductions resulting from lapse of applicable statute of limitations and change in enacted tax rate	$8,200,000	$3,700,000
Impairment charge	3,500,000		0	3,454,000	52,169,000
Other pending charges	$10,000,000

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012	Oct. 28, 2011
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$238,144,000	$179,178,000	$160,675,000	$185,035,000
Cash in escrow	0	4,018,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,023 and $9,215	379,889,000	383,666,000
Inventories	433,595,000	447,663,000
Income tax refundable	5,266,000	6,526,000
Deferred income tax benefits	48,679,000	47,277,000
Prepaid expenses	20,336,000	18,183,000
Other current assets	2,149,000	5,204,000
Current assets of businesses held for sale	41,446,000	0
Total Current Assets	1,169,504,000	1,091,715,000
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net	319,342,000	371,197,000
Goodwill	1,071,786,000	1,128,977,000	1,098,962,000
Intangibles, net	471,377,000	580,949,000
Unamortized debt issuance cost	4,295,000	6,211,000
Deferred income tax benefits	71,307,000	71,840,000
Other assets	14,179,000	11,223,000
Non-current assets of businesses held for sale	71,677,000	0
Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	0	0
Total Assets	3,193,467,000	3,262,112,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	115,284,000	123,597,000
Accrued liabilities	262,536,000	253,561,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	12,774,000	21,279,000
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,773,000	2,307,000
Federal and foreign income taxes	1,571,000	7,348,000
Current liabilities of businesses held for sale	14,191,000	0
Total Current Liabilities	408,129,000	408,092,000
Credit facilities	100,000,000	130,000,000
Long-Term Debt, Net	509,720,000	537,859,000
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	149,165,000	193,119,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	62,693,000	68,102,000
Other Liabilities	46,884,000	40,188,000
Non-current liabilities of businesses held for sale	18,876,000	0
Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries	0	0
Shareholders' Equity	1,898,000,000	1,884,752,000	1,620,535,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	3,193,467,000	3,262,112,000
Parent Company
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	14,634,000	7,826,000	16,770,000	49,837,000
Cash in escrow	0	4,018,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,023 and $9,215	610,000	316,000
Inventories	0	0
Income tax refundable	0	0
Deferred income tax benefits	31,486,000	26,731,000
Prepaid expenses	147,000	117,000
Other current assets	80,000	86,000
Current assets of businesses held for sale	0	0
Total Current Assets	46,957,000	39,094,000
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net	1,489,000	1,754,000
Goodwill	0	0
Intangibles, net	0	0
Unamortized debt issuance cost	4,134,000	5,252,000
Deferred income tax benefits	20,455,000	16,782,000
Other assets	130,000	18,000
Non-current assets of businesses held for sale	0	0
Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	3,307,454,000	2,588,478,000
Total Assets	3,380,619,000	2,651,378,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	1,751,000	1,714,000
Accrued liabilities	20,178,000	21,652,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	8,750,000	8,750,000
Deferred income tax liabilities	76,000	568,000
Federal and foreign income taxes	-2,282,000	2,408,000
Current liabilities of businesses held for sale	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	28,473,000	35,092,000
Credit facilities	100,000,000	130,000,000
Long-Term Debt, Net	403,125,000	411,875,000
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	58,615,000	57,757,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	18,683,000	17,500,000
Other Liabilities	16,762,000	12,298,000
Non-current liabilities of businesses held for sale	0	0
Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries	856,961,000	102,104,000
Shareholders' Equity	1,898,000,000	1,884,752,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	3,380,619,000	2,651,378,000
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3,454,000	4,876,000	1,324,000	13,450,000
Cash in escrow	0	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,023 and $9,215	143,158,000	154,492,000
Inventories	188,982,000	190,830,000
Income tax refundable	0	6,526,000
Deferred income tax benefits	-1,191,000	171,000
Prepaid expenses	6,703,000	5,510,000
Other current assets	114,000	115,000
Current assets of businesses held for sale	26,800,000	0
Total Current Assets	368,020,000	362,520,000
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net	158,089,000	175,402,000
Goodwill	347,700,000	344,995,000
Intangibles, net	106,164,000	144,222,000
Unamortized debt issuance cost	0	0
Deferred income tax benefits	30,000	0
Other assets	7,502,000	3,692,000
Non-current assets of businesses held for sale	40,737,000	0
Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries	797,342,000	549,307,000
Investment in Subsidiaries	1,127,237,000	979,123,000
Total Assets	2,952,821,000	2,559,261,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	36,905,000	29,064,000
Accrued liabilities	93,168,000	87,826,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	349,000	237,000
Deferred income tax liabilities	8,000	24,000
Federal and foreign income taxes	-2,643,000	-27,399,000
Current liabilities of businesses held for sale	4,010,000	0
Total Current Liabilities	131,797,000	89,752,000
Credit facilities	0	0
Long-Term Debt, Net	55,176,000	55,562,000
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	-17,333,000	-7,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	1,226,000	618,000
Other Liabilities	3,944,000	194,000
Non-current liabilities of businesses held for sale	17,327,000	0
Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries	0	0
Shareholders' Equity	2,760,684,000	2,413,142,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	2,952,821,000	2,559,261,000
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	220,056,000	166,476,000	142,581,000	121,748,000
Cash in escrow	0	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,023 and $9,215	236,121,000	228,858,000
Inventories	244,613,000	256,833,000
Income tax refundable	5,266,000	0
Deferred income tax benefits	18,384,000	20,375,000
Prepaid expenses	13,486,000	12,556,000
Other current assets	1,955,000	5,003,000
Current assets of businesses held for sale	14,646,000	0
Total Current Assets	754,527,000	690,101,000
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net	159,764,000	194,041,000
Goodwill	724,086,000	783,982,000
Intangibles, net	365,213,000	436,727,000
Unamortized debt issuance cost	161,000	959,000
Deferred income tax benefits	50,822,000	55,058,000
Other assets	6,547,000	7,513,000
Non-current assets of businesses held for sale	30,940,000	0
Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries	0	0
Investment in Subsidiaries	20,768,000	349,104,000
Total Assets	2,112,828,000	2,517,485,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	76,628,000	92,819,000
Accrued liabilities	149,190,000	144,083,000
Current maturities of long-term debt	3,675,000	12,292,000
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,689,000	1,715,000
Federal and foreign income taxes	6,496,000	32,339,000
Current liabilities of businesses held for sale	10,181,000	0
Total Current Liabilities	247,859,000	283,248,000
Credit facilities	0	0
Long-Term Debt, Net	51,419,000	70,422,000
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	107,883,000	135,369,000
Pension and post-retirement obligations	42,784,000	49,984,000
Other Liabilities	26,178,000	27,696,000
Non-current liabilities of businesses held for sale	1,549,000	0
Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries	456,861,000	405,018,000
Shareholders' Equity	1,178,295,000	1,545,748,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	2,112,828,000	2,517,485,000
Eliminations
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Cash in escrow	0	0
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $10,023 and $9,215	0	0
Inventories	0	0
Income tax refundable	0	0
Deferred income tax benefits	0	0
Prepaid expenses	0	0
Other current assets	0	0
Current assets of businesses held for sale	0	0
Total Current Assets	0	0
Property, Plant & Equipment, Net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intangibles, net	0	0
Unamortized debt issuance cost	0	0
Deferred income tax benefits	0	0
Other assets	0	0
Non-current assets of businesses held for sale	0	0
Amounts Due From (To) Subsidiaries	-797,342,000	-549,307,000
Investment in Subsidiaries	-4,455,459,000	-3,916,705,000
Total Assets	-5,252,801,000	-4,466,012,000
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable	0	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0
Current maturities of long-term debt	0	0
Deferred income tax liabilities	0	0
Federal and foreign income taxes	0	0
Current liabilities of businesses held for sale	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	0	0
Credit facilities	0	0
Long-Term Debt, Net	0	0
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	0	0
Pension and post-retirement obligations	0	0
Other Liabilities	0	0
Non-current liabilities of businesses held for sale	0	0
Amounts Due To (From) Subsidiaries	-1,313,822,000	-507,122,000
Shareholders' Equity	-3,938,979,000	-3,958,890,000
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	($5,252,801,000)	($4,466,012,000)

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2014	2-May-14	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013		Jul. 26, 2013		Apr. 26, 2013		Jan. 25, 2013		Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 25, 2013		Oct. 26, 2012
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Net Sales	$548,059	$506,309	$510,861	$485,940	$513,667		$463,613		$475,870		$435,627		$2,051,169	[1]	$1,888,777	[1]	$1,877,821	[1]
Cost of Sales													1,330,545		1,184,068		1,199,933
Gross Profit	193,577	177,087	179,225	170,735	199,835		175,600		175,923		153,351		720,624		704,709		677,888
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative													364,259		366,641		350,222
Research, development & engineering													98,901		90,214		100,877
Restructuring charges													13,642		0		0
Gain on sale of product line													0		-2,264		0
Gain on settlement of contingency													0		0		-11,891
Goodwill impairment							3,500						0		3,454		52,169
Other (income) expense													0		0		-1,263
Total Expenses													476,802		458,045		490,114
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations													243,822		246,664		187,774
Interest Income													-555		-535		-463
Interest Expense													33,010		39,638		46,227
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt													533		946		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes													210,834		206,615		142,010
Income Tax Expense													44,274		33,891		27,816
Earnings from Continuing Operations Including Noncontrolling Interests													166,560		172,724		114,194
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests													-553		-1,730		-1,040
Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax	51,632	39,837	40,595	33,943	66,843	[2],[3],[4],[5]	41,419	[2],[3],[4],[5]	36,183	[2],[3],[4],[5]	26,549	[2],[3],[4],[5]	166,007		170,994		113,154
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax	-55,104	-929	-3,691	-3,865	-980		-3,181		-661		-1,438		-63,589		-6,260		-619
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries													0		0		0
Net Earnings Attributable to Esterline	-3,472	38,908	36,904	30,078	65,863		38,238		35,522		25,111		102,418		164,734		112,535
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)	-3,472	38,908	36,904	30,078	65,863		38,238		35,522		25,111		102,418		164,734		112,535
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax													-8,793		-3,119		-2,399
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax													-3,968		42,994		-23,708
Foreign currency translation adjustment													-96,532		23,125		-56,365
Comprehensive Income (Loss)													-6,875		227,734		30,063
Parent Company
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Net Sales													0		0		0
Cost of Sales													0		0		0
Gross Profit													0		0		0
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative													0		0		0
Research, development & engineering													0		0		0
Restructuring charges													0		0		0
Gain on sale of product line													0		0		0
Gain on settlement of contingency													0		0		0
Goodwill impairment													0		0		0
Other (income) expense													0		0		0
Total Expenses													0		0		0
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations													0		0		0
Interest Income													-15,486		-15,639		-14,178
Interest Expense													24,190		30,050		34,948
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt													0		946		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes													-8,704		-15,357		-20,770
Income Tax Expense													-1,894		-3,320		-5,591
Earnings from Continuing Operations Including Noncontrolling Interests													-6,810		-12,037		-15,179
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests													0		0		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													-6,810		-12,037		-15,179
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													-719		-1,300		0
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries													109,947		178,071		127,714
Net Earnings Attributable to Esterline													102,418		164,734		112,535
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)													102,418		164,734		112,535
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax													0		0		0
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax													-4,915		36,669		-15,727
Foreign currency translation adjustment													-96,532		23,125		-56,365
Comprehensive Income (Loss)													971		224,528		40,443
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Net Sales													970,376		912,572		846,062
Cost of Sales													617,881		567,432		530,401
Gross Profit													352,495		345,140		315,661
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative													146,474		147,893		127,022
Research, development & engineering													45,965		46,999		45,506
Restructuring charges													9,637		0		0
Gain on sale of product line													0		-2,264		0
Gain on settlement of contingency													0		0		0
Goodwill impairment													0		0		0
Other (income) expense													0		0		0
Total Expenses													202,076		192,628		172,528
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations													150,419		152,512		143,133
Interest Income													-9,240		-7,704		-16,141
Interest Expense													28,959		26,868		27,210
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt													0		0		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes													130,700		133,348		132,064
Income Tax Expense													27,922		27,312		28,711
Earnings from Continuing Operations Including Noncontrolling Interests													102,778		106,036		103,353
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests													0		0		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													102,778		106,036		103,353
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													-34,636		-2,685		6,977
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries													189		1,697		17,659
Net Earnings Attributable to Esterline													68,331		105,048		127,989
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)													68,331		105,048		127,989
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax													0		0		0
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax													0		0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustment													-1,504		100		172
Comprehensive Income (Loss)													66,827		105,148		128,161
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Net Sales													1,086,313		980,512		1,035,764
Cost of Sales													718,184		620,943		673,537
Gross Profit													368,129		359,569		362,227
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative													217,785		218,748		223,200
Research, development & engineering													52,936		43,215		55,371
Restructuring charges													4,005		0		0
Gain on sale of product line													0		0		0
Gain on settlement of contingency													0		0		-11,891
Goodwill impairment													0		3,454		52,169
Other (income) expense													0		0		-1,263
Total Expenses													274,726		265,417		317,586
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations													93,403		94,152		44,641
Interest Income													-55,840		-54,602		-60,297
Interest Expense													59,872		60,130		74,222
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt													533		0		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes													88,838		88,624		30,716
Income Tax Expense													18,246		9,899		4,696
Earnings from Continuing Operations Including Noncontrolling Interests													70,592		78,725		26,020
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests													-553		-1,730		-1,040
Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													70,039		76,995		24,980
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													-28,234		-2,275		-7,596
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries													-301		3,705		-145
Net Earnings Attributable to Esterline													41,504		78,425		17,239
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)													41,504		78,425		17,239
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax													-8,793		-3,119		-2,399
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax													947		6,325		-7,981
Foreign currency translation adjustment													-77,029		40,442		-58,746
Comprehensive Income (Loss)													-43,371		122,073		-51,887
Eliminations
Guarantee Obligations [Line Items]
Net Sales													-5,520		-4,307		-4,005
Cost of Sales													-5,520		-4,307		-4,005
Gross Profit													0		0		0
Expenses
Selling, general and administrative													0		0		0
Research, development & engineering													0		0		0
Restructuring charges													0		0		0
Gain on sale of product line													0		0		0
Gain on settlement of contingency													0		0		0
Goodwill impairment													0		0		0
Other (income) expense													0		0		0
Total Expenses													0		0		0
Operating Earnings from Continuing Operations													0		0		0
Interest Income													80,011		77,410		90,153
Interest Expense													-80,011		-77,410		-90,153
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt													0		0		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes													0		0		0
Income Tax Expense													0		0		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Including Noncontrolling Interests													0		0		0
Earnings Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests													0		0		0
Earnings from Continuing Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													0		0		0
Loss from Discontinued Operations Attributable to Esterline, Net of Tax													0		0		0
Equity in Net Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries													-109,835		-183,473		-145,228
Net Earnings Attributable to Esterline													-109,835		-183,473		-145,228
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Net earnings (loss)													-109,835		-183,473		-145,228
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax													0		0		0
Change in pension and post-retirement obligations, net of tax													0		0		0
Foreign currency translation adjustment													78,533		-40,542		58,574
Comprehensive Income (Loss)													($31,302)		($224,015)		($86,654)
[1]	Based on country from which the sale originated and the sale was recorded.
[2]	Included $8.2B million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the third quarter.
[3]	Included a $3.5B million goodwill impairment charge related to Racal Acoustics in the third quarter.
[4]	Included a $10.0B million charge related to our pending matter with the DDTC in the third quarter.
[5]	Included $3.7B million of income tax benefits related to the favorable resolution of certain tax matters in the first quarter.

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	$102,971	$166,464	$113,575
Depreciation and amortization	116,027	112,132	107,792
Deferred income taxes	-14,893	-21,812	-21,200
Share-based compensation	13,044	9,575	9,543
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets	3,174	-2,303	-944
Gain on settlement of contingency	0	0	-11,891
Goodwill impairment	0	3,454	52,169
Loss on assets held for sale	49,472	0	0
Working capital changes, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-17,375	5,015	-22,381
Inventories	-21,491	-28,317	-19,303
Prepaid expenses	-3,237	3,604	-2,506
Other current assets	1,009	-1,558	-1,002
Accounts payable	1,341	9,008	-6,482
Accrued liabilities	13,461	-3,120	14,879
Federal and foreign income taxes	-11,175	3,179	-7,068
Other liabilities	-13,852	-7,602	-14,702
Other, net	-2,112	3,053	3,692
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	216,364	250,772	194,171
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchase of capital assets	-45,678	-55,335	-49,446
Proceeds from sale of capital assets	572	2,303	944
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-44,745	-40,689	0
Net cash provided (Used) by investing activities	-89,851	-93,721	-48,502
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans	31,215	22,854	7,658
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	7,090	2,961	382
Shares repurchased	-30,262	0	0
Repayment of long-term credit facilities	-55,000	-110,000	-150,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-35,810	-235,428	-73,145
Proceeds from issuance of long-term credit facilities	25,000	175,000	30,000
Proceeds from government assistance	3,337	5,092	17,285
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-778	-1,048	0
Debt and other issuance costs	0	-454	0
Net change in intercompany financing	0	0	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	-55,208	-141,023	-167,820
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-12,339	2,475	-2,209
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	58,966	18,503	-24,360
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year	179,178	160,675	185,035
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Year	238,144	179,178	160,675
Parent Company
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	102,971	166,464	113,575
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-5,274	8,274	18,013
Share-based compensation	0	0	0
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets	0	0	0
Gain on settlement of contingency	0	0	0
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0
Loss on assets held for sale	0	0	0
Working capital changes, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-294	-135	-23
Inventories	0	0	0
Prepaid expenses	-30	-41	-17
Other current assets	6	1,332	6
Accounts payable	37	-230	1,132
Accrued liabilities	-950	5,955	-1,929
Federal and foreign income taxes	-4,690	4,445	-4,345
Other liabilities	-5,951	3,271	-20,618
Other, net	-14,802	-89	-1,418
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	71,023	189,246	104,376
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchase of capital assets	-331	-105	-1,503
Proceeds from sale of capital assets	0	0	0
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Net cash provided (Used) by investing activities	-331	-105	-1,503
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans	31,215	22,854	7,658
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	7,090	2,961	382
Shares repurchased	-30,262
Repayment of long-term credit facilities	-55,000	-110,000	-150,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-8,750	-179,375	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term credit facilities	25,000	175,000	30,000
Proceeds from government assistance	0	0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Debt and other issuance costs	0	-454	0
Net change in intercompany financing	-33,112	-109,094	-24,731
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	-63,819	-198,108	-136,691
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-65	23	751
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	6,808	-8,944	-33,067
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year	7,826	16,770	49,837
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Year	14,634	7,826	16,770
Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	68,331	105,048	127,989
Depreciation and amortization	47,633	43,539	39,405
Deferred income taxes	-4	-11,067	-16,390
Share-based compensation	5,706	4,163	4,246
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets	2,580	-1,013	-410
Gain on settlement of contingency	0	0	0
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0
Loss on assets held for sale	31,164	0	0
Working capital changes, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	8,820	-4,976	-2,704
Inventories	-7,858	-16,652	-15,707
Prepaid expenses	-1,030	1,775	-385
Other current assets	1	437	-208
Accounts payable	4,186	362	-174
Accrued liabilities	8,613	6,725	-156
Federal and foreign income taxes	27,794	-10,800	-7,707
Other liabilities	608	-185	12,196
Other, net	-11,531	2,329	580
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	185,013	119,685	140,575
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchase of capital assets	-16,674	-15,937	-23,553
Proceeds from sale of capital assets	427	1,013	410
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	-44,745	0	0
Net cash provided (Used) by investing activities	-60,992	-14,924	-23,143
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Shares repurchased	0
Repayment of long-term credit facilities	0	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	-390	-326	-405
Proceeds from issuance of long-term credit facilities	0	0	0
Proceeds from government assistance	0	0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Debt and other issuance costs	0	0	0
Net change in intercompany financing	-125,071	-100,893	-129,158
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	-125,461	-101,219	-129,563
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	18	10	5
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-1,422	3,552	-12,126
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year	4,876	1,324	13,450
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Year	3,454	4,876	1,324
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	41,504	78,425	17,239
Depreciation and amortization	68,394	68,593	68,387
Deferred income taxes	-9,615	-19,019	-22,823
Share-based compensation	7,338	5,412	5,297
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets	594	-1,290	-534
Gain on settlement of contingency	0	0	-11,891
Goodwill impairment	0	3,454	52,169
Loss on assets held for sale	18,308	0	0
Working capital changes, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	-25,901	10,126	-19,654
Inventories	-13,633	-11,665	-3,596
Prepaid expenses	-2,177	1,870	-2,104
Other current assets	1,002	-3,327	-800
Accounts payable	-2,882	8,876	-7,440
Accrued liabilities	5,798	-15,800	16,964
Federal and foreign income taxes	-34,279	9,534	4,984
Other liabilities	-8,509	-10,688	-6,280
Other, net	24,221	813	4,530
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	70,163	125,314	94,448
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchase of capital assets	-28,673	-39,293	-24,390
Proceeds from sale of capital assets	145	1,290	534
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	-40,689	0
Net cash provided (Used) by investing activities	-28,528	-78,692	-23,856
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Shares repurchased	0
Repayment of long-term credit facilities	0	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	-26,670	-55,727	-72,740
Proceeds from issuance of long-term credit facilities	0	0	0
Proceeds from government assistance	3,337	5,092	17,285
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	-778	-1,048	0
Debt and other issuance costs	0	0	0
Net change in intercompany financing	48,348	26,514	8,661
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	24,237	-25,169	-46,794
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-12,292	2,442	-2,965
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	53,580	23,895	20,833
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year	166,476	142,581	121,748
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Year	220,056	166,476	142,581
Eliminations
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Operating Activities
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests	-109,835	-183,473	-145,228
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0	0
Share-based compensation	0	0	0
Loss (gain) on disposal of capital assets	0	0	0
Gain on settlement of contingency	0	0	0
Goodwill impairment	0	0	0
Loss on assets held for sale	0	0	0
Working capital changes, net of effect of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable	0	0	0
Inventories	0	0	0
Prepaid expenses	0	0	0
Other current assets	0	0	0
Accounts payable	0	0	0
Accrued liabilities	0	0	0
Federal and foreign income taxes	0	0	0
Other liabilities	0	0	0
Other, net	0	0	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	-109,835	-183,473	-145,228
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
Purchase of capital assets	0	0	0
Proceeds from sale of capital assets	0	0	0
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	0	0
Net cash provided (Used) by investing activities	0	0	0
Cash Flows Provided (Used) by Financing Activities
Proceeds provided by stock issuance under employee stock plans	0	0	0
Excess tax benefits from stock option exercises	0	0	0
Shares repurchased	0
Repayment of long-term credit facilities	0	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of long-term credit facilities	0	0	0
Proceeds from government assistance	0	0	0
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interests	0	0	0
Debt and other issuance costs	0	0	0
Net change in intercompany financing	109,835	183,473	145,228
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	109,835	183,473	145,228
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rates on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Year	$0	$0	$0

Valuation_And_Qualifying_Accou1

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014		Oct. 25, 2013		Oct. 26, 2012
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$9,215		$9,029		$7,063
Charged to Costs & Expenses	860		981		4,343
Other	349	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Deductions	-401	[2]	-795	[2]	-2,377	[2]
Balance at End of Year	$10,023		$9,215		$9,029
[1]	Acquisition-related addition.
[2]	ERROR: Could not retrieve Word content for footnote "Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries."