Nordson (NDSN) 10-K 16 Dec 13 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 29, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NORDSON CORP	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000072331	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-31	'	'
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	'	64,256,419	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$4,445,488,000

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Sales	$1,542,921	$1,409,578	$1,233,159
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'	'
Cost of sales	676,777	584,249	484,727
Cost of sales - restructuring	'	2,040	'
Selling and administrative expenses	541,169	485,285	429,489
Severance and restructuring costs	1,126	2,524	1,589
Long-lived asset impairments	'	'	1,811
Total operating costs and expenses	1,219,072	1,074,098	917,616
Operating profit	323,849	335,480	315,543
Other income (expense):	'	'	'
Interest expense	-14,841	-11,153	-5,069
Interest and investment income	421	463	569
Other - net	1,694	1,463	3,518
Total other income (expense)	-12,726	-9,227	-982
Income before income taxes	311,123	326,253	314,561
Income tax provision:	'	'	'
Current	84,184	91,596	91,481
Deferred	5,122	9,828	716
Income taxes	89,306	101,424	92,197
Net income	$221,817	$224,829	$222,364
Average common shares	64,214	64,407	67,616
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, restricted stock and deferred stock-based compensation	694	696	809
Average common shares and common share equivalents	64,908	65,103	68,425
Basic earnings per share	$3.45	$3.49	$3.29
Diluted earnings per share	$3.42	$3.45	$3.25
Dividends declared per common share	$0.63	$0.53	$0.44

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'
Net income	$221,817	$224,829	$222,364
Components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'
Translation adjustments	465	-10,806	562
Pension and postretirement benefit plans:	'	'	'
Prior service (cost) credit arising during the year	-1,050	2,142	714
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year	38,149	-23,829	-20,966
Amortization of prior service cost	-375	-183	-300
Amortization of actuarial loss	9,657	7,899	6,284
Settlement loss recognized	'	563	'
Total pension and postretirement benefit plans	46,381	-13,408	-14,268
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	46,846	-24,214	-13,706
Total comprehensive income	$268,663	$200,615	$208,658

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$42,375	$41,239
Marketable securities	'	279
Receivables - net	308,707	324,563
Inventories - net	198,401	169,585
Deferred income taxes	29,354	29,929
Prepaid expenses	21,733	21,028
Total current assets	600,570	586,623
Property, plant and equipment - net	200,979	174,931
Goodwill	939,211	812,817
Intangible assets - net	269,073	227,891
Other assets	32,456	27,253
Total assets	2,042,289	1,829,515
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	3,604	50,001
Accounts payable	62,123	67,443
Income taxes payable	14,522	27,354
Accrued liabilities	110,528	117,376
Customer advance payments	28,341	20,894
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,832	55,668
Current obligations under capital leases	5,521	4,948
Total current liabilities	235,471	343,684
Long-term debt	638,158	528,041
Obligations under capital leases	10,112	10,945
Pension obligations	103,754	161,399
Postretirement obligations	59,794	69,851
Deferred income taxes	79,977	26,159
Other liabilities	27,160	19,666
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Preferred shares, no par value; 10,000 shares authorized; none issued	'	'
Common shares, no par value; 160,000 shares authorized; 98,023 shares issued at October 31, 2013 and 2012	12,253	12,253
Capital in excess of stated value	304,549	287,581
Retained earnings	1,362,584	1,181,245
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-57,380	-104,226
Common shares in treasury, at cost	-734,143	-707,083
Total shareholders' equity	887,863	669,770
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$2,042,289	$1,829,515

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred shares, par value	'	'
Preferred shares, authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred shares, issued	0	0
Common shares, par value	'	'
Common shares, authorized	160,000	160,000
Common shares, issued	98,023	98,023

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Shares [Member]	Capital in Excess of Stated Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Common Shares in Treasury, At Cost [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at beginning of year at Nov. 01, 2010	'	$12,253	$255,595	$797,695	($66,306)	($494,165)
Balance at beginning of year at Nov. 01, 2010	'	30,152	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under company stock and employee benefit plans	'	-936	'	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury shares	'	3,206	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments	562	'	'	'	562	'
Shares issued under company stock and employee benefit plans	'	'	1,564	'	'	13,315
Net income	222,364	'	'	222,364	'	'
Tax benefit from stock option and restricted stock transactions	'	'	6,924	'	'	'
Dividends paid ($.63 per share in 2013, $.525 per share in 2012, and $.44 per share in 2011)	'	'	'	-29,838	'	'
Purchase of treasury shares	'	'	'	'	'	-143,217
Net prior service cost arising during the year, net of tax of $840 in 2013, $(1,078) in 2012 and $(315) in 2011	'	'	'	'	414	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	8,845	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of tax of $(28,644) in 2013, $7,791 in 2012 and $9,002 in 2011	'	'	'	'	-14,682	'
Balance at end of year at Oct. 31, 2011	571,323	12,253	272,928	990,221	-80,012	-624,067
Balance at end of year at Oct. 31, 2011	'	32,422	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under company stock and employee benefit plans	'	-571	'	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury shares	'	1,915	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments	-10,806	'	'	'	-10,806	'
Shares issued under company stock and employee benefit plans	'	'	-504	'	'	7,762
Net income	224,829	'	'	224,829	'	'
Settlement loss recognized, net of tax of $(331)	563	'	'	'	563	'
Tax benefit from stock option and restricted stock transactions	'	'	4,792	'	'	'
Dividends paid ($.63 per share in 2013, $.525 per share in 2012, and $.44 per share in 2011)	'	'	'	-33,805	'	'
Purchase of treasury shares	'	'	'	'	'	-90,778
Net prior service cost arising during the year, net of tax of $840 in 2013, $(1,078) in 2012 and $(315) in 2011	'	'	'	'	1,959	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	10,365	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of tax of $(28,644) in 2013, $7,791 in 2012 and $9,002 in 2011	'	'	'	'	-15,930	'
Balance at end of year at Oct. 31, 2012	669,770	12,253	287,581	1,181,245	-104,226	-707,083
Balance at end of year at Oct. 31, 2012	'	33,766	'	'	'	'
Shares issued under company stock and employee benefit plans	'	-468	'	'	'	'
Purchase of treasury shares	'	507	'	'	'	'
Translation adjustments	465	'	'	'	465	'
Shares issued under company stock and employee benefit plans	'	'	-325	'	'	6,490
Net income	221,817	'	'	221,817	'	'
Tax benefit from stock option and restricted stock transactions	'	'	5,531	'	'	'
Dividends paid ($.63 per share in 2013, $.525 per share in 2012, and $.44 per share in 2011)	'	'	'	-40,478	'	'
Purchase of treasury shares	'	'	'	'	'	-33,550
Net prior service cost arising during the year, net of tax of $840 in 2013, $(1,078) in 2012 and $(315) in 2011	'	'	'	'	-1,425	'
Stock-based compensation	'	'	11,762	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of tax of $(28,644) in 2013, $7,791 in 2012 and $9,002 in 2011	'	'	'	'	47,806	'
Balance at end of year at Oct. 31, 2013	$887,863	$12,253	$304,549	$1,362,584	($57,380)	($734,143)
Balance at end of year at Oct. 31, 2013	'	33,805	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sha1

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Retained Earnings [Member]	'	'	'
Dividends paid per share	$0.63	$0.53	$0.44
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'
Tax on settlement loss recognized	'	($331)	'
Tax on net prior service cost (credit) occurring during the year	840	-1,078	-315
Tax on net actuarial loss occurring during the year	($28,644)	$7,791	$9,002

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net income	$221,817	$224,829	$222,364
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation	31,766	24,469	20,758
Amortization	22,672	14,521	8,018
Long-lived asset impairments	'	'	1,811
Provision for losses on receivables	889	710	977
Deferred income taxes	5,122	9,828	716
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	-5,531	-4,792	-6,924
Non-cash stock compensation	11,762	10,365	8,845
(Gain)/loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	-1,879	-638	362
Other non-cash	760	-401	-1,519
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Receivables	19,971	-49,595	-4,474
Inventories	-10,741	171	-14,666
Prepaid expenses	-75	-1,201	-1,619
Other noncurrent assets	-5,898	-1,290	875
Accounts payable	-2,549	4,882	4,389
Income taxes payable	-8,552	18,855	-1,993
Accrued liabilities	-19,130	12,923	3,263
Customer advance payments	-839	2,124	-2,382
Other noncurrent liabilities	7,195	12,156	12,035
Other	1,616	-3,518	-4,109
Net cash provided by operating activities	268,376	274,398	246,727
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-47,219	-30,959	-20,239
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	3,847	6,120	161
Proceeds from sale of product lines	'	2,213	'
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	-176,333	-443,864	-292,980
Investment in equity affiliate	-1,116	'	'
Proceeds from sale of (purchases of) marketable securities	276	-279	7,552
Net cash used in investing activities	-220,545	-466,769	-305,506
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	5,036	250,001	190
Repayment of short-term borrowings	-51,505	-200,033	-2,361
Proceeds from long-term debt	270,283	401,175	1,039,800
Repayment of long-term debt	-208,067	-136,589	-830,937
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-5,842	-5,203	-4,738
Issuance of common shares	6,018	4,934	9,652
Purchase of treasury shares	-33,402	-88,455	-137,989
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	5,531	4,792	6,924
Dividends paid	-40,478	-33,805	-29,838
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	-52,426	196,817	50,703
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	5,731	-615	3,155
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,136	3,831	-4,921
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	41,239	37,408	42,329
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$42,375	$41,239	$37,408

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 1 — Significant accounting policies
	Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates and joint ventures in which our ownership is 50 percent or less or in which we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
	Presentation — Certain amounts for 2012 have been reclassified to conform to 2013 presentation.
	Fiscal year — Our fiscal year is November 1 through October 31.
	Revenue recognition — Most of our revenues are recognized upon shipment, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.
	A relative selling price hierarchy exists for determining the selling price of deliverables in multiple deliverable arrangements. Vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) is used, if available. Third-party evidence (TPE) is used if VSOE is not available, and best estimated selling price (BESP) is used if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Our multiple deliverable arrangements include installation, installation supervision, training, and spare parts, which tend to be completed in a short period of time, at an insignificant cost, and utilizing skills not unique to us, therefore, are typically regarded as inconsequential or perfunctory. Revenue for undelivered items is deferred and included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. Revenues deferred in 2013, 2012 and 2011 were not material.
	Shipping and handling costs — Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue. Shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of sales.
	Advertising costs — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $12,480, $10,935 and $9,008 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Research and development — Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were $47,973, $36,535 and $26,997 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Earnings per share — Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year, while diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents consist of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options computed using the treasury stock method, as well as restricted stock and deferred stock-based compensation. Options whose exercise price is higher than the average market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. No options for common shares were excluded from the 2013 diluted earnings per share calculation. Options for 75 and 71 common shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation in 2012 and 2011, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Under the long-term incentive plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common share awards based on corporate performance measures over three-year performance periods. Awards for which performance measures have not been met were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
	Cash and cash equivalents — Highly liquid instruments with maturities of 90 days or less at date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
	Allowance for doubtful accounts — An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The amount of the allowance is determined principally on the basis of past collection experience and known factors regarding specific customers. Accounts are written off against the allowance when it becomes evident that collection will not occur.
	Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost was determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for 21 percent of consolidated inventories at October 31, 2013, and 24 percent at October 31, 2012. The first-in, first-out (FIFO) method is used for all other inventories. Consolidated inventories would have been $6,797 and $6,810 higher than reported at October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively, had the FIFO method, which approximates current cost, been used for valuation of all inventories.
	Property, plant and equipment and depreciation — Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Additions and improvements that extend the lives of assets are capitalized, while expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Plant and equipment are depreciated for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, in the case of property under capital leases, over the terms of the leases. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives. Useful lives are as follows:
	Land improvements		15-25 years
	Buildings		20-40 years
	Machinery and equipment		3-12 years
	Enterprise management systems		5-13 years
	Depreciation expense is included in cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.
	Internal use software costs are expensed or capitalized depending on whether they are incurred in the preliminary project stage, application development stage or the post-implementation stage. Amounts capitalized are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software beginning with the project’s completion. All re-engineering costs are expensed as incurred. Interest costs on significant capital projects are capitalized. No interest was capitalized in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Goodwill and intangible assets — Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The majority of goodwill relates to and is assigned directly to specific reporting units. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing. Our annual impairment testing is performed as of August 1. Testing is done more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of those assets.
	Other amortizable intangible assets, which consist primarily of patent/technology costs, customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names, are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis. At October 31, 2013, the weighted average useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets were:
	Patent/technology costs		14 years
	Customer relationships		18 years
	Noncompete agreements		5 years
	Trade names		16 years
	Foreign currency translation — The financial statements of subsidiaries outside the United States are generally measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Generally, gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, including forward contracts, of these subsidiaries and the United States parent are included in net income. Gains and losses from intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss — Accumulated other comprehensive loss at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
		2013			2012
	Translation adjustments	$	26,699		$	26,234
	Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments		(84,079	)		(130,460	)
		$	(57,380	)	$	(104,226	)
	Warranties — Our standard warranty program provides for repair or replacement of defective products within a specified time period (generally one year) measured from the date of delivery or first use. The estimate for future warranty-related costs is calculated based on actual historical return rates. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The liability for warranty costs is included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	8,929		$	6,723
	Accruals for warranties		7,891			5,430
	Warranty assumed from acquisitions		947			2,252
	Warranty payments		(8,356	)		(5,307	)
	Currency adjustments		(2	)		(169	)
	Balance at end of year	$	9,409		$	8,929

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Note 2 — Recently issued accounting standards
	In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued guidance amending the way companies test for goodwill impairment. Companies will have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine the existence of events or circumstances that lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, companies determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. This guidance did not change our annual process for goodwill impairment testing or impact the financial statements.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) requiring new disclosures for reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income. Companies are required to present these disclosures either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. This guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2014. It will only be a change in disclosure, so we do not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued an ASU which requires the netting of unrecognized tax benefits against a deferred tax asset for a loss or other carry forward that would apply in settlement of uncertain tax positions. Under the new standard, unrecognized tax benefits will be netted against all available same-jurisdiction loss or other tax carry forwards that would be utilized, rather than only against carry forwards that are created by the unrecognized tax benefits. The new guidance is effective prospectively to all existing unrecognized tax benefits, but entities can choose to apply it retrospectively. The guidance will be effective for us in our first quarter of 2015, with early adoption permitted. We are currently assessing the impact this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 3 — Acquisitions
	Business acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases, with the acquired assets and liabilities recorded at estimated fair value on the dates of acquisition. The cost in excess of the net assets of the business acquired is included in goodwill. Operating results since the respective dates of acquisitions are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
	2013 acquisitions
	On November 8, 2012, we purchased certain assets of Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., a Japanese licensed distributor of EDI Holdings, Inc, (EDI), that we had previously acquired in 2012. This operation provides die sales to extrusion processors, web converters, and OEMs in Japan and Taiwan and carries out final manufacturing steps on new equipment to enhance die performance and accommodate local requirements. The acquisition date fair value was $1,335, which consisted of cash transferred of $1,231 and a holdback liability of $104. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, identifiable intangible assets of $912 were recorded. The identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of $847 of customer relationships that are being amortized over nine years and $65 of technology being amortized over nine years. This operation is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.
	On August 30, 2013, we purchased 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Münster, Germany based Kreyenborg Group’s Kreyenborg GmbH and BKG Bruckmann & Kreyenborg Granuliertechnik GmbH (“the Kreyenborg Group”). The Kreyenborg Group broadens our existing offering of screen changers, pumps and valves, critical components in the polymer processing melt stream for extrusion processes, and expands the product portfolio to include pelletizers, the key component in polymer compounding, recycling and related processes. The acquired companies employ approximately 270 people, have additional operations in Shanghai, China, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Georgia, USA, and are being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment. We acquired the Kreyenborg Group for an aggregate purchase price of $169,994, net of cash acquired of $22,913 and debt assumed of $391. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, goodwill of $115,103 and identifiable intangible assets of $60,021 were recorded. The identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of $42,306 of customer relationships (amortized over 15 years), $15,336 of technology (amortized over 15 years) and $1,851 of tradenames related to BKG (amortized over 10 years). Goodwill associated with this acquisition is not tax deductible.
	On September 27, 2013 we purchased certain assets of Nellcor Puritan Bennett Mexico, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Covidien LP (“Nellcor”) to be used by our Value Plastics operation. The fair value on the date of acquisition was $5,500, consisting solely of cash. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, goodwill of $2,301, property, plant and equipment of $1,149, technology of $740 (amortized over 10 years) and customer relationships of $1,310 (amortized over 25 years) were recorded. Goodwill associated with this acquisition is not tax deductible. Value Plastics is reported in our Advanced Technology Systems segment.
	As of October 31, 2013, the purchase price allocations remain preliminary as we complete our assessments of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, deferred taxes and certain reserves.
	2012 acquisitions
	On June 14, 2012, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of EDI Holdings, Inc. (EDI), a provider of slot coating and flat polymer extrusion dies for plastic processors and web converters headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. EDI is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment. As of October 31, 2013, the purchase price allocations remain preliminary as we complete over assessments of property, intangible assets, deferred taxes and certain reserves.
	On June 21, 2012, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc. (Xaloy), a manufacturer of melt delivery components for injection and extrusion machinery in the global plastic processing industry headquartered in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Xaloy is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.
	On August 1, 2012 we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc. (SEE), a manufacturer of precision dispense systems and fluid dispense valves headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. SEE is being reported in our Industrial Coating Systems segment.
	These acquisitions were not individually material, but in the aggregate they must be disclosed pursuant to the business combinations guidance. The total purchase price of these acquisitions was allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon management’s estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, such excess was allocated to goodwill. The following table summarizes the combined purchase price allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the transaction dates.
	Fair values:
	Current assets	$	70,391
	Non-current assets		58,275
	Intangible assets subject to amortization		122,216
	Goodwill		271,501
	Current liabilities		(31,426	)
	Non-current liabilities		(34,059	)
			456,898
	Less cash acquired		(8,403	)
	Purchase price	$	448,495
	The intangible assets consist of customer lists of $48,350, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of nine years; technology assets of $25,740 which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 15 years; trade names of $43,710 which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 15 years; and non-compete agreements of $4,416, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of two years. The goodwill of $24,058 associated with the SEE acquisition is tax deductible, and none of the goodwill associated with the EDI and Xaloy acquisitions is tax deductible. However, there is $11,000 of goodwill related to their previous acquisitions that is tax deductible.
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information for 2012 and 2011 assumes the acquisitions above occurred as of the beginning of 2011, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of intangible assets, interest expense on acquisition debt and income tax effects. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may occur in the future or that would have occurred had the acquisitions been affected on the date indicated, nor are they necessarily indicative of our future results of operations.
		2012			2011
	Sales	$	1,537,251		$	1,429,798
	Net income	$	234,092		$	225,867
	Basic earnings per share	$	3.63		$	3.34
	Diluted earnings per share	$	3.6		$	3.3
	Proforma results for 2011 were adjusted to include $2,109 of acquisition-related expenses and $4,589 of nonrecurring expense related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventory. Proforma results for 2012 were adjusted to exclude $2,109 of acquisition-related expenses and $4,589 of nonrecurring expense related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventory. Proforma results for 2011 and 2012 includes $13,159 and $11,713 of pretax amortization expense related to intangible assets.
	2011 acquisitions
	On August 26, 2011, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Value Plastics, a leading designer and manufacturer of precision engineered, plastic molded, single-use fluid connection components headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado. Value Plastics’ products are used primarily in critical flow control applications for healthcare and medical device markets. Cash, and proceeds from our revolving loan agreement and private shelf facility with NYLIM, were used for the purchase. Value Plastics supports our strategic objective of building upon our medical and life sciences platform and complements our growing positions in biomaterial delivery devices and medical device assembly. Our global reach and infrastructure will provide opportunities to leverage the business’ profitable growth beyond its primary domestic markets served and into general industrial markets.
	The allocation of purchase price is shown in the table below.
	Fair values:
	Assets acquired	$	27,101
	Liabilities assumed		(19,288	)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization		74,720
	Goodwill		178,954
			261,487
	Less cash acquired		(3,108	)
	Purchase price	$	258,379
	The intangible assets include customer relationships of $40,400 being amortized over 25 years, technology and know-how of $18,500 being amortized over 15 years, a trade name asset of $15,400 being amortized over 20 years and a non-compete agreement of $420 being amortized over two years. None of the goodwill associated with the Value Plastics acquisition is tax deductible; however, they had $15,600 of existing goodwill related to a previous acquisition that is tax deductible.
	The following unaudited pro forma financial information for 2011 assumes the acquisition occurred as of the beginning of 2010, after giving effect to certain adjustments, including amortization of intangible assets, interest expense on acquisition debt and income tax effects. The pro forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may occur in the future or that would have occurred had the acquisition of Value Plastics been affected on the date indicated, nor are they necessarily indicative of our future results of operations.
	Sales	$	1,259,127
	Net income	$	224,934
	Basic earnings per share	$	3.33
	Diluted earnings per share	$	3.29
	Proforma results were adjusted to exclude $375 of acquisition-related expenses and $2,401 of nonrecurring expense related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventory. Proforma results include $3,829 of pretax amortization expense related to Value Plastics’ intangible assets.
	Other 2011 acquisitions — On November 1, 2010, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Micromedics, an Eagan, Minnesota company that is a leader in applying and dispensing biomaterials for controlling bleeding, healing wounds and other related medical procedures. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred, which consisted solely of cash, was $21,296. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, goodwill of $13,312 and identifiable intangible assets of $7,500 were recorded, of which customer relationships is the primary asset valued at $4,550 and amortized over 10 years. Goodwill associated with this acquisition is not tax deductible. Micromedics is being reported in our Advanced Technology Systems segment.
	On June 30, 2011, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Verbruggen, a Belgium manufacturer of flat dies and coextrusion equipment for the multi-layer flexible packaging industry. The acquisition date fair value of the consideration transferred, which consisted solely of cash, was $13,305. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, goodwill of $8,461 and identifiable intangible assets of $4,017 were recorded, of which customer relationships is the primary asset valued at $2,900 and amortized over 11 years. Goodwill associated with this acquisition is not tax deductible. Verbruggen is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.
	Assuming the Micromedics and Verbruggen acquisitions had taken place at the beginning of 2011, pro-forma results would not have been materially different.

Details_of_Balance_Sheet

Details of Balance Sheet	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Details of Balance Sheet	'
	Note 4 — Details of balance sheet
		2013			2012
	Receivables:
	Accounts	$	292,469		$	308,604
	Notes		9,467			13,797
	Other		11,036			5,938
			312,972			328,339
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(4,265	)		(3,776	)
		$	308,707		$	324,563
	Inventories:
	Raw materials and component parts	$	81,943		$	71,189
	Work-in-process		34,756			22,159
	Finished goods		115,078			103,552
			231,777			196,900
	Obsolescence and other reserves		(26,579	)		(20,505	)
	LIFO reserve		(6,797	)		(6,810	)
		$	198,401		$	169,585
	Property, plant and equipment:
	Land	$	10,383		$	8,533
	Land improvements		3,849			3,424
	Buildings		127,178			125,338
	Machinery and equipment		294,374			257,229
	Enterprise management system		43,983			43,335
	Construction-in-progress		21,251			10,110
	Leased property under capitalized leases		26,838			23,842
			527,856			471,811
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(326,877	)		(296,880	)
		$	200,979		$	174,931
	Accrued liabilities:
	Salaries and other compensation	$	44,561		$	46,930
	Pension and retirement		720			1,435
	Taxes other than income taxes		5,570			6,192
	Other		59,677			62,819
		$	110,528		$	117,376

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Note 5 — Goodwill and intangible assets
	We account for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350 and account for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the entities acquired are recorded at their estimated fair values at the acquisition date. Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets acquired in various business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment annually at the reporting unit level, or more often if indications of impairment exist. We assess the fair value of reporting units on a non-recurring basis using a combination of two valuation methods, a market approach and an income approach, to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. The implied fair value of our reporting units is determined based on significant unobservable inputs; accordingly, these inputs fall within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
	Our reporting units are the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment, the Industrial Coating Systems segment and one level below the Advanced Technology Systems segment.
	The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. In the first step, performed in the fourth quarter of each year, we calculate a fair value using a discounted cash flow valuation methodology and compare the result against the carrying value for net assets of each reporting unit. Indications of value derived for each reporting unit using the market approach are corroborated with the results of the discounted cash flow approach. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then a second step is performed to determine if goodwill is impaired. In the second step, a hypothetical purchase price allocation of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities is performed using the fair value calculated in step one. The difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and the hypothetical fair value of assets and liabilities is the implied goodwill amount. Impairment is recorded if the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is higher than its implied goodwill. Based upon results of step one in 2013, 2012 and 2011, the second step of the goodwill impairment test was not necessary.
	We acquired the Kreyenborg Group on August 30, 2013 and certain assets from Nellcor on September 27, 2013. Determination of the preliminary goodwill associated with these acquisitions was completed with the assistance of independent valuation specialists in October 2013. Since the dates of the valuations, no events or changes in circumstances have occurred that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of these acquisitions below their carrying values.
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2013 by operating segment follow:
		Adhesive		Advanced		Industrial		Total
		Dispensing		Technology		Coating
		Systems		Systems		Systems
	Balance at October 31, 2012	$	284,411	$	505,159	$	23,247	$	812,817
	Acquisitions		115,103		2,301		—		117,404
	Adjustments		4,014		—		811		4,825
	Currency effect		3,741		424		—		4,165
	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	407,269	$	507,884	$	24,058	$	939,211
	The adjustments to goodwill for the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment resulted from changes to the purchase price and finalization of the purchase price allocations of EDI and Xaloy. The adjustments to goodwill for the Industrial Coating Systems segment resulted from changes to the purchase price and purchase price allocation of SEE.
	Accumulated impairment losses, which were recorded in 2009, were $232,789 at October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012. Of these losses, $229,173 related to the Advanced Technology Systems segment and $3,616 related to the Industrial Coating Systems segment.
	Information regarding intangible assets subject to amortization follows:
		October 31, 2013
		Carrying		Accumulated		Net Book Value
		Amount		Amortization
	Customer relationships	$	171,489	$	28,872	$	142,617
	Patent/technology costs		85,414		21,145		64,269
	Trade name		67,865		7,856		60,009
	Noncompete agreements		9,965		8,091		1,874
	Other		1,400		1,096		304
	Total	$	336,133	$	67,060	$	269,073
		October 31, 2012
		Carrying		Accumulated		Net Book Value
		Amount		Amortization
	Customer relationships	$	126,086	$	18,167	$	107,919
	Patent/technology costs		68,892		15,678		53,214
	Trade name		65,911		3,716		62,195
	Noncompete agreements		9,337		5,234		4,103
	Other		1,432		972		460
	Total	$	271,658	$	43,767	$	227,891
	Amortization expense for 2013 and 2012 was $22,672 and $14,521, respectively.
	Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years follows:
	Year	Amounts
	2014	$	24,641
	2015	$	23,242
	2016	$	22,324
	2017	$	21,951
	2018	$	21,766

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	'
	Note 6 — Retirement, pension and other postretirement plans
	Retirement plans — We have funded contributory retirement plans covering certain employees. Our contributions are primarily determined by the terms of the plans, subject to the limitation that they shall not exceed the amounts deductible for income tax purposes. We also sponsor unfunded contributory supplemental retirement plans for certain employees. Generally, benefits under these plans vest gradually over a period of approximately three years from date of employment, and are based on the employee’s contribution. The expense applicable to retirement plans for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was approximately $12,955, $10,827 and $8,594, respectively.
	Pension plans — We have various pension plans covering a portion of our United States and international employees. Pension plan benefits are generally based on years of employment and, for salaried employees, the level of compensation. Actuarially determined amounts are contributed to United States plans to provide sufficient assets to meet future benefit payment requirements. We also sponsor an unfunded supplemental pension plan for certain employees. International subsidiaries fund their pension plans according to local requirements.
	A reconciliation of the benefit obligations, plan assets, accrued benefit cost and the amount recognized in financial statements for pension plans is as follows:
			United States						International
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	326,792		$	268,949		$	83,433		$	71,361
	Service cost			8,896			7,488			2,098			1,504
	Interest cost			12,314			12,137			2,872			3,002
	Participant contributions			—			—			132			133
	Plan amendments			1,667			(3,199	)		—			—
	Addition of plans from business combination			—			14,935			—			—
	Foreign currency exchange rate change			—			—			(279	)		(2,000	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss			(40,996	)		36,852			(54	)		11,934
	Benefits paid			(8,957	)		(10,370	)		(2,659	)		(2,501	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year		$	299,716		$	326,792		$	85,543		$	83,433
	Change in plan assets:
	Beginning fair value of plan assets		$	214,128		$	184,701		$	34,217		$	32,167
	Actual return on plan assets			20,951			22,088			2,102			1,283
	Company contributions			17,384			9,060			3,501			3,492
	Participant contributions			—			—			132			133
	Addition of plans from business combination			—			8,649			—			—
	Foreign currency exchange rate change			—			—			(215	)		(357	)
	Benefits paid			(8,957	)		(10,370	)		(2,659	)		(2,501	)
	Ending fair value of plan assets		$	243,506		$	214,128		$	37,078		$	34,217
	Funded status at end of year		$	(56,210	)	$	(112,664	)	$	(48,465	)	$	(49,216	)
	Amounts recognized in financial statements:
	Noncurrent asset		$	—		$	—		$	22		$	144
	Accrued benefit liability			(938	)		(620	)		(5	)		(5	)
	Long-term pension and retirement obligations			(55,272	)		(112,044	)		(48,482	)		(49,355	)
	Total amount recognized in financial statements		$	(56,210	)	$	(112,664	)	$	(48,465	)	$	(49,216	)
			United States						International
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
	Net actuarial loss		$	93,537		$	154,238		$	24,392		$	26,310
	Prior service cost (credit)			4			(1,506	)		(798	)		(1,080	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$	93,541		$	152,732		$	23,594		$	25,230
	Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		$	8,260		$	13,943		$	1,531		$	1,418
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			237			157			(82	)		(96	)
	Total		$	8,497		$	14,100		$	1,449		$	1,322
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
			United States						International
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year		$	152,732		$	138,962		$	25,230		$	13,736
	Net (gain) loss arising during the year			(46,707	)		29,877			(642	)		12,197
	Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year			1,668			(3,199	)		—			—
	Net gain (loss) recognized during the year			(13,995	)		(11,672	)		(1,406	)		(564	)
	Prior service (cost) credit recognized during the year			(157	)		(342	)		81			97
	Settlement loss			—			(894	)		—			—
	Exchange rate effect during the year			—			—			331			(236	)
	Balance at end of year		$	93,541		$	152,732		$	23,594		$	25,230
	Information regarding the accumulated benefit obligation is as follows:
			United States						International
			2013			2012			2013			2012
	For all plans:
	Accumulated benefit obligation		$	291,310		$	316,080		$	67,647		$	65,725
	For plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
	Projected benefit obligation			299,716			326,792			71,788			70,153
	Accumulated benefit obligation			291,310			316,080			59,589			58,425
	Fair value of plan assets			243,506			214,128			29,000			26,757
	Net pension benefit costs include the following components:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Service cost		$	8,896		$	7,488		$	6,058		$	2,098		$	1,504		$	2,097
Interest cost			12,314			12,137			12,008			2,872			3,002			2,973
Expected return on plan assets			(15,241	)		(14,901	)		(15,575	)		(1,512	)		(1,547	)		(1,466	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			157			342			666			(81	)		(97	)		5
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss			13,995			11,672			7,438			1,406			564			858
Settlement loss			—			682			—			—			—			—
Total benefit cost		$	20,121		$	17,420		$	10,595		$	4,783		$	3,426		$	4,467
Net periodic pension cost for 2012 included a settlement loss of $682, due to a plan termination.
The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of pension benefits were as follows:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
Discount rate			4.75	%		3.85	%		4.46	%		3.72	%		3.52	%		4.43	%
Rate of compensation increase			3.3			3.3			3.2			3.18			3.13			3.16
Assumptions used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
Discount rate			3.85			4.46			5.21			3.52			4.43			4.17
Expected return on plan assets			7.24			7.75			8.25			4.43			4.85			4.84
Rate of compensation increase			3.3			3.2			3.3			3.13			3.16			3.21
The amortization of prior service cost is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the plans.
The discount rate reflects the current rate at which pension liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. The discount rate used considers a yield derived from matching projected pension payments with maturities of a portfolio of available bonds that receive the highest rating given from a recognized investments ratings agency. The increase in the discount rate in 2013 and decrease in 2012 is due to changes in yields for these types of investments as a result of the economic environment.
In determining the expected return on plan assets, we consider both historical performance and an estimate of future long-term rates of return on assets similar to those in our plans. We consult with and consider the opinions of financial and other professionals in developing appropriate return assumptions. The rate of compensation increase is based on managements’ estimates using historical experience and expected increases in rates.
Economic assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. The effect of a one percent change in the discount rate, expected return on assets and compensation increase is shown in the table below. Bracketed numbers represent decreases in expense and obligation amounts.
		United States						International
		1% Point			1% Point			1% Point			1% Point
		Increase			Decrease			Increase			Decrease
Discount rate:
Effect on total service and interest cost components		$	(4,340	)	$	5,207		$	(1,052	)	$	1,343
in 2013
Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2013		$	(34,718	)	$	42,756		$	(13,572	)	$	17,606
Expected return on assets:
Effect on total service and interest cost components		$	(2,019	)	$	2,019		$	(348	)	$	348
in 2013
Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2013		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Compensation increase:
Effect on total service and interest cost components		$	3,580		$	(2,967	)	$	869		$	(726	)
in 2013
Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2013		$	14,832		$	(12,619	)	$	6,039		$	(5,300	)
The allocation of pension plan assets as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
Asset Category
Equity securities			27  %			37  %			—  %			—  %
Debt securities			29			20			—			—
Insurance contracts			—			—			60			56
Pooled investment funds			43			42			39			43
Other			1			1			1			1
Total			100  %			100  %			100  %			100  %
Our investment objective for defined benefit plan assets is to meet the plans’ benefit obligations, while minimizing the potential for future required plan contributions.
Our United States plans comprise 87 percent of the worldwide pension assets. In general, the investment strategies focus on asset class diversification, liquidity to meet benefit payments and an appropriate balance of long-term investment return and risk. Target ranges for asset allocations are determined by dynamically matching the actuarial projections of the plans’ future liabilities and benefit payments with expected long-term rates of return on the assets, taking into account investment return volatility and correlations across asset classes. The current target in “return-seeking assets” is 45 percent and 55 percent in fixed income. Plan assets are diversified across several investment managers and are invested in liquid funds that are selected to track broad market indices. Investment risk is carefully controlled with plan assets rebalanced to target allocations on a periodic basis and continual monitoring of investment managers’ performance relative to the investment guidelines established with each investment manager.
Our international plans comprise 13 percent of the worldwide pension assets. Asset allocations are developed on a country-specific basis. Our investment strategy is to cover pension obligations with insurance contracts or to employ independent managers to invest the assets.
The fair values of our pension plan assets at October 31, 2013 by asset category are in the table below:
		United States												International
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
Cash		$	2,811		$	2,811		$	—		$	—		$	321		$	321		$	—	$	—
Money market funds			2,783			2,783			—			—			—			—			—		—
Equity securities:
Basic materials			3,834			3,834			—			—			—			—			—		—
Consumer goods			4,958			4,958			—			—			—			—			—		—
Financial			7,825			7,825			—			—			—			—			—		—
Healthcare			4,109			4,109			—			—			—			—			—		—
Industrial goods			3,255			3,255			—			—			—			—			—		—
Technology			4,159			4,159			—			—			—			—			—		—
Utilities			988			988			—			—			—			—			—		—
Mutual funds			32,617			32,617			—			—			—			—			—		—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government			26,892			10,715			16,177			—			—			—			—		—
Corporate			43,367			—			43,367			—			—			—			—		—
Other			1,356			—			1,356			—			—			—			—		—
Other types of investments:
Insurance contracts			—			—			—			—			22,093			—			—		22,093
Real estate collective funds			14,958			—			—			14,958			—			—			—		—
Pooled investment funds			88,973			—			88,973			—			14,664			—			14,664		—
Other			621			621			—			—			—			—			—		—
		$	243,506		$	78,675		$	149,873		$	14,958		$	37,078		$	321		$	14,664	$	22,093
The fair values of our pension plan assets at October 31, 2012 by asset category are in the table below:
		United States												International
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
Cash		$	1,346		$	1,346		$	—		$	—		$	323		$	323		$	—	$	—
Money market funds			2,114			2,114			—			—			—			—			—		—
Equity securities:
Basic materials			5,849			5,849			—			—			—			—			—		—
Consumer goods			7,359			7,359			—			—			—			—			—		—
Financial			9,190			9,190			—			—			—			—			—		—
Healthcare			4,891			4,891			—			—			—			—			—		—
Industrial goods			3,174			3,174			—			—			—			—			—		—
Technology			4,581			4,581			—			—			—			—			—		—
Utilities			1,491			1,491			—			—			—			—			—		—
Mutual funds			39,900			39,900			—			—			—			—			—		—
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Government			17,697			1,784			15,913			—			—			—			—		—
Corporate			24,865			—			24,865			—			—			—			—		—
Other			593			—			593			—			—			—			—		—
Other types of investments:
Insurance contracts			—			—			—			—			19,046			—			—		19,046
Real estate collective funds			13,110			—			—			13,110			—			—			—		—
Pooled investment funds			77,220			—			77,220			—			14,848			—			14,848		—
Other			748			748			—			—			—			—			—		—
		$	214,128		$	82,427		$	118,591		$	13,110		$	34,217		$	323		$	14,848	$	19,046
These investment funds did not own a significant number of shares of Nordson Corporation common stock for any year presented.
The inputs and methodology used to measure fair value of plan assets are consistent with those described in Note 12. Following are the valuation methodologies used to measure these assets:
	•		Money market funds — Money market funds are public investment vehicles that are valued with a net asset value of one dollar. This is a quoted price in an active market and is classified as Level 1.
	•		Equity securities — Common stocks are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. Mutual funds are valued at the net asset values of the shares at year-end, as determined by the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded and are classified as Level 1.
	•		Fixed income securities — U.S. Treasury bills reflect the closing price on the active market in which the securities are traded and are classified as Level 1. Securities of U.S. agencies are valued using bid evaluations and a classified as Level 2. Corporate fixed income securities are valued using evaluated prices, such as dealer quotes, bids and offers and are therefore classified as Level 2.
	•		Insurance contracts — Insurance contracts are investments with various insurance companies. The fair value is equal to the contract value. These contracts do not hold any specific assets. These investments are classified as Level 3.
	•		Real estate collective funds — These funds are valued at the estimated fair value of the underlying properties. Estimated fair value is calculated using a combination of key inputs, such as revenue and expense growth rates, terminal capitalization rates and discount rates. These investments are classified as Level 3.
	•		Pooled investment funds — These are public investment vehicles valued using the net asset value. The net asset value is based on the value of the assets owned by the plan, less liabilities. These investments are not quoted on an active exchange and are classified as Level 2.
The following tables present an analysis of changes during the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 in Level 3 plan assets, by plan asset class, for U.S. and International pension plans using significant unobservable inputs to measure fair value:
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Real estate			Insurance			Total
		collective funds			contracts
Beginning balance at October 31, 2012		$	13,110		$	19,046		$	32,156
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held, end of year			1,970			1,025			2,995
Assets sold during the period			13			—			13
Purchases			—			4,242			4,242
Sales			(135	)		(2,093	)		(2,228	)
Foreign currency translation			—			(127	)		(127	)
Ending balance at October 31, 2013		$	14,958		$	22,093		$	37,051
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Real estate			Insurance			Total
		collective funds			contracts
Beginning balance at October 31, 2011		$	—		$	18,501		$	18,501
Actual return on plan assets:
Assets held, end of year			1,169			780			1,949
Assets sold during the period			2			—			2
Purchases			12,000			2,311			14,311
Sales			(61	)		(2,122	)		(2,183	)
Foreign currency translation			—			(424	)		(424	)
Ending balance at October 31, 2012		$	13,110		$	19,046		$	32,156
Contributions to pension plans in 2014 are estimated to be approximately $21,900.
Retiree pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are anticipated to be paid as follows:
Year		United States			International
2014		$	10,905		$	3,659
2015			11,888			2,539
2016			12,885			2,159
2017			14,131			1,998
2018			15,228			2,857
2019-2023			93,560			18,777
Other postretirement plans — We have an unfunded postretirement benefit plan covering certain of our United States employees. Employees hired after January 1, 2002, are not eligible to participate in this plan. The plan provides medical and life insurance benefits. The plan is contributory, with retiree contributions in the form of premiums that are adjusted annually, and contains other cost-sharing features, such as deductibles and coinsurance. We also sponsor an unfunded, non-contributory postretirement benefit plan that provides medical and life insurance benefits for certain international employees.
A reconciliation of the benefit obligations, accrued benefit cost and the amount recognized in financial statements for other postretirement plans is as follows:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year		$	71,228		$	73,392		$	851		$	678
Service cost			1,145			1,183			35			28
Interest cost			2,598			2,759			38			41
Participant contributions			600			1,393			—			—
Plan amendment			—			(202	)		—			—
Foreign currency exchange rate change			—			—			(34	)		1
Actuarial (gain) loss			(11,619	)		(4,315	)		(118	)		107
Benefits paid			(2,948	)		(2,982	)		(4	)		(4	)
Benefit obligation at end of year		$	61,004		$	71,228		$	768		$	851
Change in plan assets:
Beginning fair value of plan assets		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Company contributions			2,348			1,589			4			4
Participant contributions			600			1,393			—			—
Benefits paid			(2,948	)		(2,982	)		(4	)		(4	)
Ending fair value of plan assets		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Funded status at end of year		$	(61,004	)	$	(71,228	)	$	(768	)	$	(851	)
Amounts recognized in financial statements:
Accrued benefit liability		$	(1,974	)	$	(2,224	)	$	(4	)	$	(4	)
Long-term postretirement obligations			(59,030	)		(69,004	)		(764	)		(847	)
Total amount recognized in financial statements		$	(61,004	)	$	(71,228	)	$	(768	)	$	(851	)
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
Net actuarial (gain) loss		$	17,854		$	31,585		$	(243	)	$	(138	)
Prior service cost (credit)			(1,461	)		(1,934	)		—			—
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss		$	16,393		$	29,651		$	(243	)	$	(138	)
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss		$	1,139		$	2,214		$	(14	)	$	(4	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			(449	)		(1,758	)		—			—
Total		$	690		$	456		$	(14	)	$	(4	)
The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
Balance at beginning of year		$	29,651		$	35,374		$	(138	)	$	(260	)
Net (gain) loss arising during the year			(11,619	)		(4,315	)		(117	)		108
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year			—			(202	)		—			—
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year			(2,112	)		(1,790	)		4			14
Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year			473			584			—			—
Exchange rate effect during the year			—			—			8			—
Balance at end of year		$	16,393		$	29,651		$	(243	)	$	(138	)
Net postretirement benefit costs include the following components:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Service cost		$	1,145		$	1,183		$	1,122		$	35		$	28		$	31
Interest cost			2,598			2,759			2,932			38			41			41
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)			(473	)		(584	)		(1,147	)		—			—			—
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss			2,112			1,789			1,606			(4	)		(14	)		(8	)
Total benefit cost		$	5,382		$	5,147		$	4,513		$	69		$	55		$	64
The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of postretirement benefits were as follows:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
Discount rate			4.8	%		3.85	%		4.5	%		4.95	%		4.4	%		5.85	%
Health care cost trend rate			4.12			4.9			9.36			6.65			6.83			7
Rate to which health care cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)			3.47			3.6			5			3.5			3.5			3.5
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate			2021			2017			2016			2031			2031			2031
Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
Discount rate			3.85	%		4.5	%		5.25	%		4.4	%		5.85	%		5.75	%
The decrease in the weighted-average health care cost trend rate in the United States relates to a change in the plan design of the retiree medical plan effective January 1, 2013 moving to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for post-65 coverage.
The discount rate and the health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a one-percentage point change in the discount rate and the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:
		United States						International
		1% Point			1% Point			1% Point			1% Point
		Increase			Decrease			Increase			Decrease
Discount rate:
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2013		$	(758	)	$	911		$	(20	)	$	11
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2013		$	(7,945	)	$	9,886		$	(138	)	$	181
Health care trend rate:
Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2013		$	630		$	(508	)	$	17		$	(13	)
Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2013		$	8,907		$	(7,286	)	$	172		$	(135	)
Contributions to postretirement plans in 2014 are estimated to be approximately $2,000.
Retiree postretirement benefit payments are anticipated to be paid as follows:
Year		United States			International
2014		$	1,974		$	4
2015			2,254			11
2016			2,490			12
2017			2,747			13
2018			2,965			16
2019-2023			17,767			117

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 7 — Income taxes
	Income tax expense includes the following:
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	U.S. federal	$	45,004		$	51,458		$	53,983
	State and local		2,351			1,378			2,029
	Foreign		36,829			38,760			35,469
	Total current		84,184			91,596			91,481
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal		8,361			7,204			1,851
	State and local		(991	)		782			23
	Foreign		(2,248	)		1,842			(1,158	)
	Total deferred		5,122			9,828			716
		$	89,306		$	101,424		$	92,197
	Earnings before income taxes of domestic operations, which are calculated after intercompany profit eliminations, were $164,702, $177,035 and $181,258 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Income tax expense in 2013 also includes a benefit of $900 for the reduction of unrecognized tax benefits primarily related to expiration of certain foreign statutes of limitations. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted which retroactively reinstated and extended the Federal Research and Development Tax Credit (Federal R&D Tax Credit) from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 and extended certain other tax provisions. As a result, our income tax provision for 2013 included a discrete tax benefit of $1,700 related to 2012.
	Income tax expense in 2012 includes a benefit of $2,717 related to the utilization of loss carryforwards and to the release of the valuation allowance related to loss carryforwards which are expected to be utilized in future years.
	Income tax expense in 2011 includes a benefit of $2,027 from a reduction in unrecognized tax benefits, primarily related to settlements with tax authorities. In December 2010, the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which provided retroactive reinstatement of a research credit. As a result, income tax expense for 2011 includes a tax benefit of $1,580 related to research credit generated in 2010. Income tax expense in 2011 also includes a benefit related to the utilization of loss carryforwards of $682.
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal rate to the worldwide consolidated effective tax rate follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Domestic Production Deduction		(1.71	)		(1.82	)		(1.76	)
	Foreign tax rate variances, net of foreign tax credits		(3.39	)		(2.31	)		(2.51	)
	State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		0.28			0.43			0.42
	Amounts related to prior years		(1.00	)		(0.31	)		(1.31	)
	Other — net		(0.48	)		0.1			(0.53	)
	Effective tax rate		28.7	%		31.09	%		29.31	%
	The Domestic Production Deduction, enacted by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, allows a deduction with respect to income from certain United States manufacturing activities.
	Earnings before income taxes of international operations, which are calculated before intercompany profit elimination entries, were $146,421, $149,218 and $133,303 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries that are intended to be permanently invested in their operations. These undistributed earnings aggregated approximately $510,842 and $400,487 at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Should these earnings be distributed, applicable foreign tax credits would substantially offset taxes due upon the distribution. It is not practical to estimate the amount of additional taxes that might be payable on such undistributed earnings.
	At October 31, 2013 and 2012, total unrecognized tax benefits were $5,717 and $3,140, respectively. The amounts that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate were $5,178 and $2,601 at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The increase in unrecognized tax benefits as compared to prior year relates primarily to foreign positions and, if recognized, a substantial portion of the gross unrecognized tax benefits would be offset against assets currently recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,140		$	2,576		$	4,078
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		703			148			387
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		3,261			896			138
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(317	)		—			—
	Settlements		—			0			(2,027	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(1,070	)		(480	)		—
	Balance at end of year	$	5,717		$	3,140		$	2,576
	At October 31, 2013 and 2012, we had accrued interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits of $1,085 and $304, respectively. We include interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as other income (expense).
	We are subject to United States Federal income tax as well as income taxes in numerous state and foreign jurisdictions. We are subject to examination in the U.S. by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the 2010, 2012 and 2013 tax years; tax years prior to 2010 and the 2011 year have been examined by the IRS. Generally, major state and foreign jurisdiction tax years remain open to examination for tax years after 2007. Within the next twelve months, it is reasonably possible that certain statute of limitations periods would expire, which could result in a decrease in our unrecognized tax benefits in a range of $0 to $470.
	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Employee benefits	$	66,148		$	90,707
	Other accruals not currently deductible for taxes		16,984			16,105
	Tax credit and loss carryforwards		13,077			17,145
	Inventory adjustments		4,998			5,278
	Translation of foreign currency accounts		384			929
	Total deferred tax assets		101,591			130,164
	Valuation allowance		(5,663	)		(5,046	)
	Total deferred tax assets		95,928			125,118
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization		146,500			121,348
	Other — net		51			—
	Total deferred tax liabilities		146,551			121,348
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(50,623	)	$	3,770
	At October 31, 2013, we had $1,498 of tax credit carryforwards of which $122 will expire in 2014 through 2017, and $1,376 of which has an indefinite carryforward period. We also had $16,939 Federal, $51,347 state and $10,980 foreign operating loss carryforwards, of which $68,658 will expire in 2014 through 2033, and $10,608 of which has an indefinite carryforward period. The net change in the valuation allowance was an increase of $617 in 2013 and a decrease of $1,005 in 2012. The valuation allowance of $5,663 at October 31, 2013, relates primarily to tax credits and loss carryforwards that may expire before being realized. We continue to assess the need for valuation allowances against deferred tax assets based on determinations of whether it is more likely than not that deferred tax benefits will be realized.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	Note 8 — Notes payable
	Bank lines of credit and notes payable are summarized as follows:
		2013			2012
	Maximum borrowings under bank lines of credit:
	Domestic banks	$	—		$	50,000
	Foreign banks		83,191			40,260
	Total	$	83,191		$	90,260
	Outstanding notes payable:
	Domestic bank debt	$	—		$	50,000
	Foreign bank debt		3,604			1
	Total	$	3,604		$	50,001
	Weighted-average interest rate on notes payable		2	%		1.1	%
	Unused bank lines of credit	$	79,587		$	40,259
	In 2012, we entered into a 364-day, $250,000 Credit Agreement with PNC Bank. We borrowed $250,000 under this agreement for acquisitions made in 2012 and then repaid $200,000 using proceed of the Senior Notes described in Note 9, leaving a balance of $50,000 outstanding at October 31, 2012. The remaining balance of this facility was repaid on June 3, 2013.

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	Note 9 — Long-term debt
	A summary of long-term debt is as follows:
		2013		2012
	Revolving credit agreement, due 2017	$	254,000	$	262,450
	Senior notes, due 2017-2025		200,000		200,000
	Euro loan, due 2016		129,058		—
	Private shelf facility, due 2012-2020		63,889		69,445
	Senior note, due 2013		—		50,000
	Development loans, due 2011-2026		1,702		1,814
	Other		341		—
			648,990		583,709
	Less current maturities		10,832		55,668
	Long-term maturities	$	638,158	$	528,041
	Revolving credit agreement — This $500,000 unsecured multi-currency revolving credit agreement is with a group of banks and expires in December 2016. Payment of quarterly commitment fees is required. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings under this agreement was 1.06 percent at October 31, 2013.
	Senior notes, due 2017-2025 —These fixed-rate notes entered into in 2012 with a group of insurance companies had an original weighted-average life of 8.78 years at the time of issuance. The weighted-average interest rate at October 31, 2013 was 2.93 percent.
	Euro loan, due 2016 — This loan was entered into in 2013 with The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. It can be extended by one year at the end of the third and fourth anniversaries. The interest rate is variable based upon the EUR LIBOR rate. The interest rate at October 31, 2013 was 0.99 percent.
	Private shelf facility — In 2011, we entered into a $150,000 three-year Private Shelf Note agreement with New York Life Investment Management LLC (NYLIM). The amount of the facility was increased to $175,000 in 2013. Borrowings under the agreement may be up to 12 years, with an average life of up to 10 years, and are unsecured. The interest rate on each borrowing can be fixed or floating and is based upon the market rate at the borrowing date. At October 31, 2013, the amount outstanding under this facility was at a fixed rate of 2.21 percent per annum.
	Senior note, due 2013 — This note had a fixed interest rate of 4.98 percent and was repaid as scheduled in 2013.
	Development loans, due 2011-2026 — These fixed-rate loans with the State of Ohio and Cuyahoga County, Ohio were issued in 2011 in connection with the construction of our corporate headquarters building and are payable in monthly installments over 15 years beginning in 2011. The interest rate on the State of Ohio loan is 3.00 percent, and the interest rate on the Cuyahoga County loan is 3.50 percent.
	Annual maturities — The annual maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to October 31, 2013, are as follows: $10,832 in 2014; $10,757 in 2015; $139,822 in 2016; and $292,095 in 2017 and $26,587 in 2018.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Leases	'
	Note 10 — Leases
	We have lease commitments expiring at various dates, principally for manufacturing, warehouse and office space, automobiles and office equipment. Many leases contain renewal options and some contain purchase options and residual guarantees.
	Rent expense for all operating leases was approximately $14,835, $13,822 and $12,292 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is recorded in depreciation expense.
	Assets held under capitalized leases and included in property, plant and equipment are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Transportation equipment	$	16,261		$	15,697
	Other		10,577			8,145
	Total capitalized leases		26,838			23,842
	Accumulated amortization		(10,805	)		(7,614	)
	Net capitalized leases	$	16,033		$	16,228
	At October 31, 2013, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable capitalized and operating leases are as follows:
		Capitalized			Operating
		Leases			Leases
	Year:
	2014	$	7,298		$	12,321
	2015		4,819			7,506
	2016		2,446			5,478
	2017		667			4,527
	2018		403			3,292
	Later years		4,806			10,289
	Total minimum lease payments		20,439		$	43,413
	Less amount representing executory costs		3,114
	Net minimum lease payments		17,325
	Less amount representing interest		1,692
	Present value of net minimum lease payments		15,633
	Less current portion		5,521
	Long-term obligations at October 31, 2013	$	10,112

Severance_and_Restructuring_Co

Severance and Restructuring Costs	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Severance and Restructuring Costs	'
	Note 11 — Severance and restructuring costs
	During 2013, we recognized severance costs of $811 in the Advanced Technology Systems segment and $315 in the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment. These costs were associated with restructuring initiatives to optimize global operations. Severance payments in 2013 totaled $784.
	In order to optimize Industrial Coating Systems operations in Ohio, a restructuring initiative was undertaken in 2012 that resulted in $690 of severance costs. All severance amounts were paid in 2012.
	In 2011, we announced a restructuring of the Georgia operations of our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment in order to optimize operations and better serve our customers. The restructuring involved the expansion of our facility in Duluth and construction of a new facility in Swainsboro, where operations from our existing Swainsboro facility, as well as facilities in Norcross and Dawsonville, were transferred. Severance costs and other termination fees associated with this action were $2,326. Of the total expense amount, $769 was recorded in 2012, and $1,557 was recorded in 2011. Payments of $2,326 were made in 2012. In addition, $2,916 of expenses related to production inefficiencies and moving costs were incurred in 2012. Of this amount, $2,040 was recorded in cost of sales, and $876 was recorded in severance and restructuring costs.
	As a result of this restructuring initiative, we assessed the fair value of the Swainsboro, Norcross and Dawsonville facilities in 2011 and remeasured to fair value two of them using third-party property appraisals or market-corroborated inputs. The amount of Level 2 long-lived assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis was $4,150. Impairment losses of $1,322 on the two facilities were recorded in long-lived asset impairments in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Swainsboro and Norcross facilities were sold in 2012, and the resulting net gain of $830 was included in other income in the Consolidated Statement of Income.
	In order to optimize Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment operations in Germany, a restructuring initiative was launched in 2011 that resulted in severance costs of $209. Of that amount, $177 was recorded in 2012, and $32 was recorded in 2011. Payments of $206 were made in 2012. In 2011, we also assessed the fair value of a facility and remeasured it to fair value using a third party appraisal. The amount of Level 2 long-lived assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis was $932. An impairment loss of $489 was recorded in long-lived asset impairments in the Consolidated Statement of Income. This facility was sold in 2012, and a loss of $117 was recorded in other expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Note 12 — Fair value measurements
	The inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are classified into the following categories:
	Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
	Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
	The following table presents the classification of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2013:
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Rabbi trust(a)		$	13,611	$	—	$	13,611	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts(b)			3,493		—		3,493		—
	Total assets at fair value		$	17,104	$	—	$	17,104	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plans(c)		$	7,322	$	7,322	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts(b)			1,180		—		1,180		—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	8,502	$	7,322	$	1,180	$	—
	(a)	We maintain a rabbi trust that serves as an investment to shadow our deferred compensation plan liability. The investment assets of the trust consist of life insurance policies for which we recognize income or expense based upon changes in cash surrender value.
	(b)	We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures resulting from receivables, payables, intercompany receivables, intercompany payables and loans denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts are not designated as hedges.
	(c)	Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100 percent of their salary and annual cash incentive compensation and for executive officers, up to 90 percent of their long-term incentive compensation, into various non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Deferrals can be allocated to various market performance measurement funds. Changes in the value of compensation deferred under these plans are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying measurement funds.
	Fair value disclosures related to impairments of long-lived assets are disclosed in Note 11, and fair value disclosures related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are disclosed in Note 5.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Financial Instruments	'
	Note 13 — Financial instruments
	We operate internationally and enter into intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Consequently, we are subject to market risk arising from exchange rate movements between the dates foreign currency transactions occur and the dates they are settled. We regularly use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our risks related to most of these transactions. These contracts usually have maturities of 90 days or less and generally require us to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity, at rates stated in the contracts. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments under U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of the foreign currency forward contracts are recognized in each accounting period in “other — net” on the Consolidated Statement of Income together with the transaction gain or loss from the related balance sheet position. In 2013, we recognized net gains of $1,437 on foreign currency forward contracts and net losses of $3,651 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. In 2012, we recognized net gains of $294 on foreign currency forward contracts and net losses of $1,310 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. In 2011, we recognized net losses of $11,277 on foreign currency forward contracts and net gains of $13,477 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	The following table summarizes, by currency, the contracts outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 2012:
			Sell				Buy
			Notional		Fair Market		Notional		Fair Market
			Amounts		Value		Amounts		Value
	October 31, 2013 contract amounts:
	Euro		$	194,531	$	194,187	$	131,198	$	131,825
	Pound sterling			17,854		17,856		29,441		29,950
	Japanese yen			11,426		11,404		8,686		8,672
	Australian dollar			894		899		8,653		8,986
	Hong Kong dollar			1,935		1,935		42,140		42,132
	Singapore dollar			201		201		9,815		10,065
	Others			5,768		5,745		24,227		24,503
	Total		$	232,609	$	232,227	$	254,160	$	256,133
	October 31, 2012 contract amounts:
	Euro		$	3,186	$	3,220	$	95,370	$	95,769
	Pound sterling			—		—		28,771		28,959
	Japanese yen			5,810		5,766		15,643		15,465
	Australian dollar			515		519		9,131		9,156
	Singapore dollar			—		—		8,626		8,681
	Others			4,758		4,725		19,686		19,829
	Total		$	14,269	$	14,230	$	177,227	$	177,859
	We also use intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature to hedge the value of investment in wholly-owned subsidiaries. For hedges of the net investment in foreign operations, realized and unrealized gains and losses are shown in the cumulative translation adjustment account included in total comprehensive income. For 2013 and 2012, net gains of $699 and $240, respectively, were included in the cumulative translation adjustment account related to foreign denominated fixed-rate debt designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign operations.
	We are exposed to credit-related losses in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to financial instruments. These financial instruments include cash deposits and foreign currency forward contracts. We periodically monitor the credit ratings of these counterparties in order to minimize our exposure. Our customers represent a wide variety of industries and geographic regions. As of October 31, 2013, there were no significant concentrations of credit risk.
	The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments, other than receivables and accounts payable, are shown in the table below. The carrying values of receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
			2013				2012
			Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	42,375	$	42,375	$	41,239	$	41,239
	Marketable securities			—		—		279		279
	Notes payable			3,604		3,604		50,001		50,001
	Long-term debt (including current portion)			648,990		636,904		583,709		584,624
	Foreign currency forward contracts (net)			2,313		2,313		671		671
	We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of financial instruments:
		•		Cash, cash equivalents and notes payable are valued at their carrying amounts due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments.
		•		Marketable securities are valued at quoted market prices, which are considered to be Level 1 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.
		•		Long-term debt is valued by discounting future cash flows at currently available rates for borrowing arrangements with similar terms and conditions, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.
		•		Foreign currency forward contracts are estimated using quoted exchange rates, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

Capital_Shares

Capital Shares	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Capital Shares	'
	Note 14 — Capital shares
	Preferred — We have authorized 10,000 Series A convertible preferred shares without par value. No preferred shares were outstanding in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	Common — We have 160,000 authorized common shares without par value. At October 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 98,023 common shares issued. At October 31, 2013 and 2012, the number of outstanding common shares, net of treasury shares, was 64,218 and 64,257, respectively.
	Common shares repurchased as part of publicly announced programs during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
	Year	Number of		Total		Average
		Shares		Amount		per Share
	2013		459	$	30,443	$	66.29
	2012		1,831	$	86,022	$	46.98
	2011		3,024	$	134,163	$	44.37

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Note 15 — Stock-based compensation
	At the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 26, 2013, our shareholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive and Award Plan (the “2012 Plan”). The 2012 Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards and other stock or performance-based incentives. A maximum of 2,900 common shares is available for grant under the Plan, inclusive of shares available to be granted under the 2008 Plan immediately prior to shareholder approval of the 2012 Plan.
	Stock options — Nonqualified or incentive stock options may be granted to our employees and directors. Generally, options granted to employees may be exercised beginning one year from the date of grant at a rate not exceeding 25 percent per year and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Vesting accelerates upon the occurrence of events that involve or may result in a change of control. Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of treasury shares on a first-in, first-out basis. We recognized compensation expense of $4,906, $3,789 and $2,906 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Following is a summary of stock options for 2013:
		Number of			Weighted-Average		Aggregate		Weighted-
		Options			Exercise Price Per		Intrinsic		Average
					Share		Value		Remaining
									Term
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,764		$	28.35
	Granted		283		$	61.61
	Exercised		(283	)	$	21.72
	Forfeited or expired		(15	)	$	48.38
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		1,749		$	34.63	$	65,492		6.1 years
	Vested at October 31, 2013 or expected to vest		1,699		$	34.22	$	64,348		6.1 years
	Exercisable at October 31, 2013		942		$	25.07	$	44,276		4.7 years
	Summarized information on currently outstanding options follows:
		Range of Exercise Price
		$14 — $20			$21 — $31		$32 — $63
	Number outstanding		452			500		797
	Weighted-average remaining contractual life, in years		3.8			5		8.1
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	16.15		$	27.15	$	49.82
	Number exercisable		401			391		150
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	16.37		$	26.96	$	43.47
	As of October 31, 2013, there was $9,631 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.7 years.
	The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options that have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected stock price volatility. The fair value of each option grant was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
		2013		2012	2011
	Expected volatility	45.3%-46.9%		45.4%-46.9%	43.1%-45.1%
	Expected dividend yield	0.97%-1.01%		1.20%	1.28%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.75%-0.90%		1.03%-1.23%	1.89%-2.25%
	Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1		5.4-6.1	5.4-6.3
	The weighted-average expected volatility used to value options granted in 2013, 2012 and 2011 was 46.3 percent, 46.2 percent and 44.3 percent, respectively.
	Historical information was the primary basis for the selection of the expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the expected lives of the options. The risk-free interest rate was selected based upon yields of United States Treasury issues with terms equal to the expected life of the option being valued.
	The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $24.12, $17.03 and $16.80, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $12,892, $13,329 and $23,076, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $6,018, $4,934 and $9,652, respectively. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $5,531, $4,792 and $6,924, respectively.
	Restricted stock — We may grant restricted shares to our employees and directors. These shares may not be transferred for a designated period of time (generally one to three years) defined at the date of grant.
	For employee recipients, in the event of termination of employment due to early retirement, restricted shares granted within 12 months prior to termination are forfeited, and other restricted shares are forfeited on a pro-rata basis. In the event of termination of employment due to retirement at normal retirement age (age 65) restricted shares granted within 12 months prior to termination are forfeited, and, for other restricted shares, the restriction period will terminate and the shares will vest and be transferable. Restrictions lapse in the event of a recipient’s disability or death. Termination for any other reason prior to the lapse of any restrictions results in forfeiture of the shares.
	For non-employee directors, all restrictions lapse in the event of disability or death of the non-employee director. Termination of service as a director for any other reason within one year of date of grant results in a pro-rata forfeiture of shares.
	As shares are issued, deferred stock-based compensation equivalent to the fair market value on the date of grant is charged to shareholders’ equity and subsequently amortized over the vesting period. Tax benefits arising from the lapse of restrictions on the stock are recognized when realized and credited to capital in excess of stated value.
	The following table summarizes 2013 activity related to restricted stock:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Share
	Restricted at October 31, 2012		100		$	40.58
	Granted		36		$	62.08
	Vested		(51	)	$	35.85
	Forfeited		(3	)	$	48.18
	Restricted at October 31, 2013		82		$	52.67
	As of October 31, 2013, there was $1,827 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock. The cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The amount charged to expense related to restricted stock was $2,464, $1,724 and $1,278 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Deferred directors’ compensation — Non-employee directors may defer all or part of their compensation until retirement. Compensation may be deferred as cash or as stock equivalent units. Deferred cash amounts are recorded as liabilities. Additional stock equivalent units are earned when common stock dividends are declared.
	The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during 2013:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Share
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012		200		$	19.44
	Deferrals		1		$	69.39
	Restricted stock units vested		11		$	45.2
	Dividend equivalents		1		$	68.03
	Distributions		(65	)	$	17.03
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		148		$	23.22
	The amount charged to expense related to this plan was $183, $265 and $265 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Long-term incentive plan — Under the long-term incentive plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common stock unit awards based on corporate performance measures over three-year performance periods. Awards vary based on the degree to which corporate performance exceeds predetermined threshold, target and maximum performance levels at the end of a performance period. No award will occur unless certain threshold performance objectives are exceeded.
	The amount of compensation expense is based upon current performance projections for each three-year period and the percentage of the requisite service that has been rendered. The calculations are also based upon the grant date fair value determined using the closing market price of common stock at the grant date, adjusted for dividends not to be paid. This value was $59.59 per share for 2013, $42.12 per share for 2012 and $42.02 per share for 2011. The cumulative amounts recorded in shareholders’ equity at October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $8,083, $8,707 and $6,081, respectively. The amounts charged to expense for executive officers and selected other key employees in 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $3,588, $4,235 and $4,067, respectively.
	Shares reserved for future issuance — At October 31, 2013, there were 2,657 of common shares reserved for future issuance through the exercise of outstanding options or rights.

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data	'
	Note 16 — Operating segments and geographic area data
	We conduct business in three primary operating segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems, and Industrial Coating Systems. The composition of segments and measure of segment profitability is consistent with that used by our chief operating decision maker. The primary measure used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing performance is operating profit, which equals sales less cost of sales and certain operating expenses. Items below the operating profit line of the Consolidated Statement of Income (interest and investment income, interest expense and other income/expense) are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by our chief operating decision maker and are not presented by operating segment. In addition, the measure of segment operating profit that is reported to and reviewed by the chief operating decision maker excludes expense in 2011 related to the withdrawal from a multiemployer employee pension fund in Japan. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies.
	No single customer accounted for ten percent or more of sales in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	The following table presents information about our reportable segments:
			Adhesive			Advanced			Industrial			Corporate			Total
			Dispensing			Technology			Coating
			Systems			Systems			Systems
	Year ended October 31, 2013
	Net external sales		$	793,488		$	516,266		$	233,167		$	—		$	1,542,921
	Depreciation			15,638			9,180			3,370			3,578			31,766
	Operating profit			203,757	(a)		123,403	(b)		33,786			(37,097	)		323,849
	Identifiable assets(c)			750,616			721,524			113,835			456,919	(d)		2,042,894
	Expenditures for long-lived assets			20,498			10,080			6,239			10,402			47,219
	Year ended October 31, 2012
	Net external sales		$	684,096		$	515,992		$	209,490		$	—		$	1,409,578
	Depreciation			9,532			8,695			3,141			3,101			24,469
	Operating profit (loss)			211,072	(a)		134,074			25,933	(e)		(35,599	)		335,480
	Identifiable assets(c)			611,357			718,354			110,982			395,331	(d)		1,836,024
	Expenditures for long-lived assets			14,612			6,871			4,602			4,874			30,959
	Year ended October 31, 2011
	Net external sales		$	611,911		$	437,232		$	184,016		$	—		$	1,233,159
	Depreciation			7,087			7,851			2,855			2,965			20,758
	Operating profit			210,350	(a)		114,660			27,220			(36,687	)(f)		315,543
	Identifiable assets(c)			286,974			691,479			71,438			270,500	(d)		1,320,391
	Expenditures for long-lived assets			4,477			4,833			2,437			8,492			20,239
	(a)	Includes $315 of severance and restructuring costs in 2013. Includes $3,862 of cost of goods sold — restructuring and severance and restructuring costs in 2012. Includes $1,811 of impairment charges related to the write down of assets to fair value and $1,589 of severance charges and other termination fees in 2011.
	(b)	Includes $811 of severance and restructuring costs.
	(c)	Operating segment identifiable assets include notes and accounts receivable net of customer advance payments and allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories net of reserves, property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation and goodwill.
	(d)	Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes, capital leases, headquarter facilities, the major portion of our enterprise management system, and intangible assets.
	(e)	Includes $690 of severance and restructuring costs.
	(f)	Includes $3,120 of expense related to the withdrawal from a multi-employer employee pension plan in Japan.
	We have significant sales and long-lived assets in the following geographic areas:
			2013			2012			2011
	Net external sales
	United States		$	465,789		$	388,904		$	312,328
	Americas			123,654			109,074			102,077
	Europe			416,725			381,005			390,319
	Japan			127,945			127,509			111,003
	Asia Pacific			408,808			403,086			317,432
	Total net external sales		$	1,542,921		$	1,409,578		$	1,233,159
	Long-lived assets
	United States		$	136,551		$	127,486		$	90,994
	Americas			4,154			3,180			2,933
	Europe			22,576			14,896			16,312
	Japan			4,384			3,431			3,496
	Asia Pacific			33,314			25,938			17,148
	Total long-lived assets		$	200,979		$	174,931		$	130,883
	A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Total profit for reportable segments		$	323,849		$	335,480		$	315,543
	Interest expense			(14,841	)		(11,153	)		(5,069	)
	Interest and investment income			421			463			569
	Other-net			1,694			1,463			3,518
	Income before income taxes		$	311,123		$	326,253		$	314,561
	A reconciliation of total assets for reportable segments to total consolidated assets is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Total assets for reportable segments		$	2,042,894		$	1,836,024		$	1,320,391
	Customer advance payments			28,341			20,894			9,375
	Eliminations			(28,946	)		(27,403	)		(25,316	)
	Total consolidated assets		$	2,042,289		$	1,829,515		$	1,304,450

Supplemental_Information_for_t

Supplemental Information for the Statement of Cash Flows	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information for the Statement of Cash Flows	'
	Note 17 — Supplemental information for the statement of cash flows
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash operating activities:
	Interest paid	$	16,037	$	9,285	$	4,972
	Income taxes paid		93,074		70,935		96,487
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Capitalized lease obligations incurred	$	6,441	$	12,981	$	8,154
	Capitalized lease obligations terminated		468		894		534
	Shares acquired and issued through exercise of stock options		148		2,323		5,228

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	'
	Note 18 — Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2013:00:00
	Sales	$	347,043	$	382,100	$	402,960	$	410,818
	Gross margin		197,229		216,938		225,083		226,894
	Net income		42,011		54,605		65,424		59,777
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.65		0.85		1.02		0.93
	Diluted		0.65		0.84		1.01		0.92
	2012:00:00
	Sales	$	275,836	$	315,193	$	379,872	$	438,677
	Gross margin		169,346		189,656		223,214		241,073
	Net income		38,338		52,111		66,694		67,686
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.59		0.81		1.04		1.06
	Diluted		0.58		0.8		1.03		1.04
	The sum of the per-share amounts for the four quarters of 2013 and 2012 do not equal the annual per-share amounts due to differences in the average number of shares outstanding during the respective periods.
	During the third quarter of 2013, we recorded a pre-tax gain of $2,116 on the sale of real estate in China. During the first quarter of 2013, we recorded a favorable adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits of $900 primarily related to expiration of certain foreign statutes of limitations. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted which retroactively reinstated and extended the Federal Research and Development Tax Credit (Federal R&D Tax Credit) from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 and extended certain other tax provisions. As a result, our income tax provision for the first quarter of 2013 included a discrete tax benefit of $1,700 related to 2012.
	During the first quarter of 2012, pre-tax severance and restructuring costs of $811 and pre-tax costs of $682 related to the termination of a pension plan were recorded. During the second quarter of 2012, pre-tax severance and restructuring costs of $3,776 were recorded. Of this amount, $2,040 was recorded in cost of sales. During the fourth quarter of 2012, a pre-tax gain of $832 on the sale of real estate was recorded.

Contingencies

Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Note 19 — Contingencies
	We are involved in pending or potential litigation regarding environmental, product liability, patent, contract, employee and other matters arising from the normal course of business. Including the environmental matter discussed below, it is our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, that resolutions of these matters are not expected to result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual operating results or cash flows.
	Environmental – We have voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties to share costs associated with the remediation of the City of New Richmond municipal landfill (the “Site”) and constructing a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site. At October 31, 2013, and 2012 our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $668 and $750, respectively. The liability for environmental remediation represents management’s best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable undiscounted costs related to known remediation obligations. The accuracy of our estimate of environmental liability is affected by several uncertainties such as additional requirements that may be identified in connection with remedial activities, the complexity and evolution of environmental laws and regulations, and the identification of presently unknown remediation requirements. Consequently, our liability could be greater than our current estimate. However, we do not expect that the costs associated with remediation will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	'
	Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves
		Balance at		Assumed		Charged		Deductions		Currency			Balance
		Beginning		from		to				Effects			at End
		of Year		Acquisitions		Expense							of Year
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	2011	$	3,353		22		977		1,047		6		$	3,311
	2012	$	3,311		648		710		801		(92	)	$	3,776
	2013	$	3,776		256		885		698		46		$	4,265
	Inventory Obsolescence and Other Reserves
	2011	$	16,802		8		3,982		4,850		108		$	16,050
	2012	$	16,050		2,071		6,033		3,237		(412	)	$	20,505
	2013	$	20,505		3,969		5,075		2,961		(9	)	$	26,579

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Consolidation	'
	Consolidation —The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates and joint ventures in which our ownership is 50 percent or less or in which we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
Presentation	'
	Presentation — Certain amounts for 2012 have been reclassified to conform to 2013 presentation.
Fiscal Year	'
	Fiscal year — Our fiscal year is November 1 through October 31.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue recognition —Most of our revenues are recognized upon shipment, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.
	A relative selling price hierarchy exists for determining the selling price of deliverables in multiple deliverable arrangements. Vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) is used, if available. Third-party evidence (TPE) is used if VSOE is not available, and best estimated selling price (BESP) is used if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Our multiple deliverable arrangements include installation, installation supervision, training, and spare parts, which tend to be completed in a short period of time, at an insignificant cost, and utilizing skills not unique to us, therefore, are typically regarded as inconsequential or perfunctory. Revenue for undelivered items is deferred and included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. Revenues deferred in 2013, 2012 and 2011 were not material.
Shipping and Handling Costs	'
	Shipping and handling costs — Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are recorded as revenue. Shipping and handling expenses are included in cost of sales.
Advertising Costs	'
	Advertising costs — Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and were $12,480, $10,935 and $9,008 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Research and Development	'
	Research and development — Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and were $47,973, $36,535 and $26,997 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings per share — Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year, while diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents consist of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options computed using the treasury stock method, as well as restricted stock and deferred stock-based compensation. Options whose exercise price is higher than the average market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. No options for common shares were excluded from the 2013 diluted earnings per share calculation. Options for 75 and 71 common shares were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation in 2012 and 2011, respectively, because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Under the long-term incentive plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common share awards based on corporate performance measures over three-year performance periods. Awards for which performance measures have not been met were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and cash equivalents — Highly liquid instruments with maturities of 90 days or less at date of purchase are considered to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for doubtful accounts — An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. The amount of the allowance is determined principally on the basis of past collection experience and known factors regarding specific customers. Accounts are written off against the allowance when it becomes evident that collection will not occur.
Inventories	'
	Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost was determined using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for 21 percent of consolidated inventories at October 31, 2013, and 24 percent at October 31, 2012. The first-in, first-out (FIFO) method is used for all other inventories. Consolidated inventories would have been $6,797 and $6,810 higher than reported at October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively, had the FIFO method, which approximates current cost, been used for valuation of all inventories.
Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation	'
	Property, plant and equipment and depreciation — Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. Additions and improvements that extend the lives of assets are capitalized, while expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Plant and equipment are depreciated for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, in the case of property under capital leases, over the terms of the leases. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the lease term or their useful lives. Useful lives are as follows:
	Land improvements		15-25 years
	Buildings		20-40 years
	Machinery and equipment		3-12 years
	Enterprise management systems		5-13 years
	Depreciation expense is included in cost of sales and selling and administrative expenses.
	Internal use software costs are expensed or capitalized depending on whether they are incurred in the preliminary project stage, application development stage or the post-implementation stage. Amounts capitalized are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the software beginning with the project’s completion. All re-engineering costs are expensed as incurred. Interest costs on significant capital projects are capitalized. No interest was capitalized in 2013, 2012 or 2011.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and intangible assets — Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. The majority of goodwill relates to and is assigned directly to specific reporting units. Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to annual impairment testing. Our annual impairment testing is performed as of August 1. Testing is done more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount of those assets.
	Other amortizable intangible assets, which consist primarily of patent/technology costs, customer relationships, noncompete agreements, and trade names, are amortized over their useful lives on a straight-line basis. At October 31, 2013, the weighted average useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets were:
	Patent/technology costs		14 years
	Customer relationships		18 years
	Noncompete agreements		5 years
	Trade names		16 years
Foreign Currency Translation	'
	Foreign currency translation — The financial statements of subsidiaries outside the United States are generally measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated at the rates of exchange at the balance sheet dates. Income and expense items are translated at average monthly rates of exchange. The resulting translation adjustments are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Generally, gains and losses from foreign currency transactions, including forward contracts, of these subsidiaries and the United States parent are included in net income. Gains and losses from intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long-term investment nature are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss — Accumulated other comprehensive loss at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
		2013			2012
	Translation adjustments	$	26,699		$	26,234
	Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments		(84,079	)		(130,460	)
		$	(57,380	)	$	(104,226	)
Warranties	'
	Warranties — Our standard warranty program provides for repair or replacement of defective products within a specified time period (generally one year) measured from the date of delivery or first use. The estimate for future warranty-related costs is calculated based on actual historical return rates. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The liability for warranty costs is included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	8,929		$	6,723
	Accruals for warranties		7,891			5,430
	Warranty assumed from acquisitions		947			2,252
	Warranty payments		(8,356	)		(5,307	)
	Currency adjustments		(2	)		(169	)
	Balance at end of year	$	9,409		$	8,929

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation	'
	Useful lives are as follows:
	Land improvements		15-25 years
	Buildings		20-40 years
	Machinery and equipment		3-12 years
	Enterprise management systems		5-13 years
Weighted Average Useful Lives for Each Major Category of Amortizable Intangible Assets	'
	The weighted average useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets were:
	Patent/technology costs		14 years
	Customer relationships		18 years
	Noncompete agreements		5 years
	Trade names		16 years
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss — Accumulated other comprehensive loss at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of:
		2013			2012
	Translation adjustments	$	26,699		$	26,234
	Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments		(84,079	)		(130,460	)
		$	(57,380	)	$	(104,226	)
Reconciliation of Product Warranty Liability	'
	Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for 2013 and 2012:
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	8,929		$	6,723
	Accruals for warranties		7,891			5,430
	Warranty assumed from acquisitions		947			2,252
	Warranty payments		(8,356	)		(5,307	)
	Currency adjustments		(2	)		(169	)
	Balance at end of year	$	9,409		$	8,929

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
2012 Acquisitions [Member]	'
Allocation of Purchase Price	'
	The following table summarizes the combined purchase price allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the transaction dates.
	Fair values:
	Current assets	$	70,391
	Non-current assets		58,275
	Intangible assets subject to amortization		122,216
	Goodwill		271,501
	Current liabilities		(31,426	)
	Non-current liabilities		(34,059	)
			456,898
	Less cash acquired		(8,403	)
	Purchase price	$	448,495
Business Acquisition Pro forma of Financial Information	'
		2012			2011
	Sales	$	1,537,251		$	1,429,798
	Net income	$	234,092		$	225,867
	Basic earnings per share	$	3.63		$	3.34
	Diluted earnings per share	$	3.6		$	3.3
Value Plastics [Member]	'
Allocation of Purchase Price	'
	The allocation of purchase price is shown in the table below.
	Fair values:
	Assets acquired	$	27,101
	Liabilities assumed		(19,288	)
	Intangible assets subject to amortization		74,720
	Goodwill		178,954
			261,487
	Less cash acquired		(3,108	)
	Purchase price	$	258,379
Business Acquisition Pro forma of Financial Information	'
	Sales	$	1,259,127
	Net income	$	224,934
	Basic earnings per share	$	3.33
	Diluted earnings per share	$	3.29

Details_of_Balance_Sheet_Table

Details of Balance Sheet (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Text Block [Abstract]	'
Details of Balance Sheet	'
	Details of balance sheet
		2013			2012
	Receivables:
	Accounts	$	292,469		$	308,604
	Notes		9,467			13,797
	Other		11,036			5,938
			312,972			328,339
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		(4,265	)		(3,776	)
		$	308,707		$	324,563
	Inventories:
	Raw materials and component parts	$	81,943		$	71,189
	Work-in-process		34,756			22,159
	Finished goods		115,078			103,552
			231,777			196,900
	Obsolescence and other reserves		(26,579	)		(20,505	)
	LIFO reserve		(6,797	)		(6,810	)
		$	198,401		$	169,585
	Property, plant and equipment:
	Land	$	10,383		$	8,533
	Land improvements		3,849			3,424
	Buildings		127,178			125,338
	Machinery and equipment		294,374			257,229
	Enterprise management system		43,983			43,335
	Construction-in-progress		21,251			10,110
	Leased property under capitalized leases		26,838			23,842
			527,856			471,811
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(326,877	)		(296,880	)
		$	200,979		$	174,931
	Accrued liabilities:
	Salaries and other compensation	$	44,561		$	46,930
	Pension and retirement		720			1,435
	Taxes other than income taxes		5,570			6,192
	Other		59,677			62,819
		$	110,528		$	117,376

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during 2013 by operating segment follow:
		Adhesive		Advanced		Industrial		Total
		Dispensing		Technology		Coating
		Systems		Systems		Systems
	Balance at October 31, 2012	$	284,411	$	505,159	$	23,247	$	812,817
	Acquisitions		115,103		2,301		—		117,404
	Adjustments		4,014		—		811		4,825
	Currency effect		3,741		424		—		4,165
	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	407,269	$	507,884	$	24,058	$	939,211
Summary of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	Information regarding intangible assets subject to amortization follows:
		October 31, 2013
		Carrying		Accumulated		Net Book
		Amount		Amortization		Value
	Customer relationships	$	171,489	$	28,872	$	142,617
	Patent/technology costs		85,414		21,145		64,269
	Trade name		67,865		7,856		60,009
	Noncompete agreements		9,965		8,091		1,874
	Other		1,400		1,096		304
	Total	$	336,133	$	67,060	$	269,073
		October 31, 2012
		Carrying		Accumulated		Net Book
		Amount		Amortization		Value
	Customer relationships	$	126,086	$	18,167	$	107,919
	Patent/technology costs		68,892		15,678		53,214
	Trade name		65,911		3,716		62,195
	Noncompete agreements		9,337		5,234		4,103
	Other		1,432		972		460
	Total	$	271,658	$	43,767	$	227,891
Estimated Amortization Expense	'
	Estimated amortization expense for each of the five succeeding years follows:
	Year	Amounts
	2014	$	24,641
	2015	$	23,242
	2016	$	22,324
	2017	$	21,951
	2018	$	21,766

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P1

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost [Member]	'
Reconciliation of the Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Accrued Benefit Cost and the Amount Recognized in Financial Statements for Pension Plans	'
	A reconciliation of the benefit obligations, plan assets, accrued benefit cost and the amount recognized in financial statements for pension plans is as follows:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	326,792		$	268,949		$	83,433		$	71,361
	Service cost		8,896			7,488			2,098			1,504
	Interest cost		12,314			12,137			2,872			3,002
	Participant contributions		—			—			132			133
	Plan amendments		1,667			(3,199	)		—			—
	Addition of plans from business combination		—			14,935			—			—
	Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			(279	)		(2,000	)
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(40,996	)		36,852			(54	)		11,934
	Benefits paid		(8,957	)		(10,370	)		(2,659	)		(2,501	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	299,716		$	326,792		$	85,543		$	83,433
	Change in plan assets:
	Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	214,128		$	184,701		$	34,217		$	32,167
	Actual return on plan assets		20,951			22,088			2,102			1,283
	Company contributions		17,384			9,060			3,501			3,492
	Participant contributions		—			—			132			133
	Addition of plans from business combination		—			8,649			—			—
	Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			(215	)		(357	)
	Benefits paid		(8,957	)		(10,370	)		(2,659	)		(2,501	)
	Ending fair value of plan assets	$	243,506		$	214,128		$	37,078		$	34,217
	Funded status at end of year	$	(56,210	)	$	(112,664	)	$	(48,465	)	$	(49,216	)
	Amounts recognized in financial statements:
	Noncurrent asset	$	—		$	—		$	22		$	144
	Accrued benefit liability		(938	)		(620	)		(5	)		(5	)
	Long-term pension and retirement obligations		(55,272	)		(112,044	)		(48,482	)		(49,355	)
	Total amount recognized in financial statements	$	(56,210	)	$	(112,664	)	$	(48,465	)	$	(49,216	)
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
	Net actuarial loss	$	93,537		$	154,238		$	24,392		$	26,310
	Prior service cost (credit)		4			(1,506	)		(798	)		(1,080	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	93,541		$	152,732		$	23,594		$	25,230
	Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	$	8,260		$	13,943		$	1,531		$	1,418
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		237			157			(82	)		(96	)
	Total	$	8,497		$	14,100		$	1,449		$	1,322
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Gain) Loss	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	152,732		$	138,962		$	25,230		$	13,736
	Net (gain) loss arising during the year		(46,707	)		29,877			(642	)		12,197
	Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year		1,668			(3,199	)		—			—
	Net gain (loss) recognized during the year		(13,995	)		(11,672	)		(1,406	)		(564	)
	Prior service (cost) credit recognized during the year		(157	)		(342	)		81			97
	Settlement loss		—			(894	)		—			—
	Exchange rate effect during the year		—			—			331			(236	)
	Balance at end of year	$	93,541		$	152,732		$	23,594		$	25,230
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	'
	Information regarding the accumulated benefit obligation is as follows:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	For all plans:
	Accumulated benefit obligation	$	291,310		$	316,080		$	67,647		$	65,725
	For plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:
	Projected benefit obligation		299,716			326,792			71,788			70,153
	Accumulated benefit obligation		291,310			316,080			59,589			58,425
	Fair value of plan assets		243,506			214,128			29,000			26,757
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	Net pension benefit costs include the following components:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost	$	8,896		$	7,488		$	6,058		$	2,098		$	1,504		$	2,097
	Interest cost		12,314			12,137			12,008			2,872			3,002			2,973
	Expected return on plan assets		(15,241	)		(14,901	)		(15,575	)		(1,512	)		(1,547	)		(1,466	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		157			342			666			(81	)		(97	)		5
	Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss		13,995			11,672			7,438			1,406			564			858
	Settlement loss		—			682			—			—			—			—
	Total benefit cost	$	20,121		$	17,420		$	10,595		$	4,783		$	3,426		$	4,467
Weighted Average Assumptions Representing the Rates Used to Develop the Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation and the Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of pension benefits were as follows:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
	Discount rate		4.75	%		3.85	%		4.46	%		3.72	%		3.52	%		4.43	%
	Rate of compensation increase		3.3			3.3			3.2			3.18			3.13			3.16
	Assumptions used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
	Discount rate		3.85			4.46			5.21			3.52			4.43			4.17
	Expected return on plan assets		7.24			7.75			8.25			4.43			4.85			4.84
	Rate of compensation increase		3.3			3.2			3.3			3.13			3.16			3.21
The Effect of a One Percent Change in the Discount Rate, Expected Return on Assets and Compensation Increase	'
	The effect of a one percent change in the discount rate, expected return on assets and compensation increase is shown in the table below. Bracketed numbers represent decreases in expense and obligation amounts.
		United States						International
		1% Point			1% Point			1% Point			1% Point
		Increase			Decrease			Increase			Decrease
	Discount rate:
	Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	(4,340	)	$	5,207		$	(1,052	)	$	1,343
	in 2013
	Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2013	$	(34,718	)	$	42,756		$	(13,572	)	$	17,606
	Expected return on assets:
	Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	(2,019	)	$	2,019		$	(348	)	$	348
	in 2013
	Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Compensation increase:
	Effect on total service and interest cost components	$	3,580		$	(2,967	)	$	869		$	(726	)
	in 2013
	Effect on pension obligation as of October 31, 2013	$	14,832		$	(12,619	)	$	6,039		$	(5,300	)
Allocation of Pension Plan Assets	'
	The allocation of pension plan assets as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Asset Category
	Equity securities		27  %			37  %			—  %			—  %
	Debt securities		29			20			—			—
	Insurance contracts		—			—			60			56
	Pooled investment funds		43			42			39			43
	Other		1			1			1			1
	Total		100  %			100  %			100  %			100  %
Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets	'
	The fair values of our pension plan assets at October 31, 2013 by asset category are in the table below:
		United States												International
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Cash	$	2,811		$	2,811		$	—		$	—		$	321		$	321		$	—	$	—
	Money market funds		2,783			2,783			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Equity securities:
	Basic materials		3,834			3,834			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Consumer goods		4,958			4,958			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Financial		7,825			7,825			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Healthcare		4,109			4,109			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Industrial goods		3,255			3,255			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Technology		4,159			4,159			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Utilities		988			988			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Mutual funds		32,617			32,617			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. Government		26,892			10,715			16,177			—			—			—			—		—
	Corporate		43,367			—			43,367			—			—			—			—		—
	Other		1,356			—			1,356			—			—			—			—		—
	Other types of investments:
	Insurance contracts		—			—			—			—			22,093			—			—		22,093
	Real estate collective funds		14,958			—			—			14,958			—			—			—		—
	Pooled investment funds		88,973			—			88,973			—			14,664			—			14,664		—
	Other		621			621			—			—			—			—			—		—
		$	243,506		$	78,675		$	149,873		$	14,958		$	37,078		$	321		$	14,664	$	22,093
	The fair values of our pension plan assets at October 31, 2012 by asset category are in the table below:
		United States												International
		Total			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
	Cash	$	1,346		$	1,346		$	—		$	—		$	323		$	323		$	—	$	—
	Money market funds		2,114			2,114			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Equity securities:
	Basic materials		5,849			5,849			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Consumer goods		7,359			7,359			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Financial		9,190			9,190			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Healthcare		4,891			4,891			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Industrial goods		3,174			3,174			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Technology		4,581			4,581			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Utilities		1,491			1,491			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Mutual funds		39,900			39,900			—			—			—			—			—		—
	Fixed income securities:
	U.S. Government		17,697			1,784			15,913			—			—			—			—		—
	Corporate		24,865			—			24,865			—			—			—			—		—
	Other		593			—			593			—			—			—			—		—
	Other types of investments:
	Insurance contracts		—			—			—			—			19,046			—			—		19,046
	Real estate collective funds		13,110			—			—			13,110			—			—			—		—
	Pooled investment funds		77,220			—			77,220			—			14,848			—			14,848		—
	Other		748			748			—			—			—			—			—		—
		$	214,128		$	82,427		$	118,591		$	13,110		$	34,217		$	323		$	14,848	$	19,046
Change in Level 3 Fair Value of Plan Assets	'
	The following tables present an analysis of changes during the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 in Level 3 plan assets, by plan asset class, for U.S. and International pension plans using significant unobservable inputs to measure fair value:
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Real estate			Insurance			Total
		collective funds			contracts
	Beginning balance at October 31, 2012	$	13,110		$	19,046		$	32,156
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Assets held, end of year		1,970			1,025			2,995
	Assets sold during the period		13			—			13
	Purchases		—			4,242			4,242
	Sales		(135	)		(2,093	)		(2,228	)
	Foreign currency translation		—			(127	)		(127	)
	Ending balance at October 31, 2013	$	14,958		$	22,093		$	37,051
		Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
		Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
		Real estate			Insurance			Total
		collective funds			contracts
	Beginning balance at October 31, 2011	$	—		$	18,501		$	18,501
	Actual return on plan assets:
	Assets held, end of year		1,169			780			1,949
	Assets sold during the period		2			—			2
	Purchases		12,000			2,311			14,311
	Sales		(61	)		(2,122	)		(2,183	)
	Foreign currency translation		—			(424	)		(424	)
	Ending balance at October 31, 2012	$	13,110		$	19,046		$	32,156
Retiree Pension Benefit Payments	'
	Retiree pension benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are anticipated to be paid as follows:
	Year	United States			International
	2014	$	10,905		$	3,659
	2015		11,888			2,539
	2016		12,885			2,159
	2017		14,131			1,998
	2018		15,228			2,857
	2019-2023		93,560			18,777
Components of Net Postretirement Benefit Cost [Member]	'
Reconciliation of the Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Accrued Benefit Cost and the Amount Recognized in Financial Statements for Pension Plans	'
	A reconciliation of the benefit obligations, accrued benefit cost and the amount recognized in financial statements for other postretirement plans is as follows:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Change in benefit obligation:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	71,228		$	73,392		$	851		$	678
	Service cost		1,145			1,183			35			28
	Interest cost		2,598			2,759			38			41
	Participant contributions		600			1,393			—			—
	Plan amendment		—			(202	)		—			—
	Foreign currency exchange rate change		—			—			(34	)		1
	Actuarial (gain) loss		(11,619	)		(4,315	)		(118	)		107
	Benefits paid		(2,948	)		(2,982	)		(4	)		(4	)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	$	61,004		$	71,228		$	768		$	851
	Change in plan assets:
	Beginning fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Company contributions		2,348			1,589			4			4
	Participant contributions		600			1,393			—			—
	Benefits paid		(2,948	)		(2,982	)		(4	)		(4	)
	Ending fair value of plan assets	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Funded status at end of year	$	(61,004	)	$	(71,228	)	$	(768	)	$	(851	)
	Amounts recognized in financial statements:
	Accrued benefit liability	$	(1,974	)	$	(2,224	)	$	(4	)	$	(4	)
	Long-term postretirement obligations		(59,030	)		(69,004	)		(764	)		(847	)
	Total amount recognized in financial statements	$	(61,004	)	$	(71,228	)	$	(768	)	$	(851	)
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	$	17,854		$	31,585		$	(243	)	$	(138	)
	Prior service cost (credit)		(1,461	)		(1,934	)		—			—
	Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss	$	16,393		$	29,651		$	(243	)	$	(138	)
	Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:
	Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	$	1,139		$	2,214		$	(14	)	$	(4	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(449	)		(1,758	)		—			—
	Total	$	690		$	456		$	(14	)	$	(4	)
Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'
	Net postretirement benefit costs include the following components:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Service cost	$	1,145		$	1,183		$	1,122		$	35		$	28		$	31
	Interest cost		2,598			2,759			2,932			38			41			41
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		(473	)		(584	)		(1,147	)		—			—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss		2,112			1,789			1,606			(4	)		(14	)		(8	)
	Total benefit cost	$	5,382		$	5,147		$	4,513		$	69		$	55		$	64
Weighted Average Assumptions Representing the Rates Used to Develop the Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation and the Net Periodic Benefit Costs	'
	The weighted average assumptions used in the valuation of postretirement benefits were as follows:
		United States									International
		2013			2012			2011			2013			2012			2011
	Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:
	Discount rate		4.8	%		3.85	%		4.5	%		4.95	%		4.4	%		5.85	%
	Health care cost trend rate		4.12			4.9			9.36			6.65			6.83			7
	Rate to which health care cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)		3.47			3.6			5			3.5			3.5			3.5
	Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate		2021			2017			2016			2031			2031			2031
	Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:
	Discount rate		3.85	%		4.5	%		5.25	%		4.4	%		5.85	%		5.75	%
Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Gain) Loss	'
	The following table summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:
		United States						International
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	29,651		$	35,374		$	(138	)	$	(260	)
	Net (gain) loss arising during the year		(11,619	)		(4,315	)		(117	)		108
	Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year		—			(202	)		—			—
	Net gain (loss) recognized during the year		(2,112	)		(1,790	)		4			14
	Prior service credit (cost) recognized during the year		473			584			—			—
	Exchange rate effect during the year		—			—			8			—
	Balance at end of year	$	16,393		$	29,651		$	(243	)	$	(138	)
Defined Benefit Plan Effect of One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates and Discount Rate	'
	The discount rate and the health care cost trend rate assumptions have a significant effect on the amounts reported. For example, a one-percentage point change in the discount rate and the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following effects:
		United States						International
		1% Point			1% Point			1% Point			1% Point
		Increase			Decrease			Increase			Decrease
	Discount rate:
	Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2013	$	(758	)	$	911		$	(20	)	$	11
	Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2013	$	(7,945	)	$	9,886		$	(138	)	$	181
	Health care trend rate:
	Effect on total service and interest cost components in 2013	$	630		$	(508	)	$	17		$	(13	)
	Effect on postretirement obligation as of October 31, 2013	$	8,907		$	(7,286	)	$	172		$	(135	)
Retiree Pension Benefit Payments	'
	Retiree postretirement benefit payments are anticipated to be paid as follows:
	Year	United States			International
	2014	$	1,974		$	4
	2015		2,254			11
	2016		2,490			12
	2017		2,747			13
	2018		2,965			16
	2019-2023		17,767			117

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Tax Expense	'
	Income tax expense includes the following:
		2013			2012			2011
	Current:
	U.S. federal	$	45,004		$	51,458		$	53,983
	State and local		2,351			1,378			2,029
	Foreign		36,829			38,760			35,469
	Total current		84,184			91,596			91,481
	Deferred:
	U.S. federal		8,361			7,204			1,851
	State and local		(991	)		782			23
	Foreign		(2,248	)		1,842			(1,158	)
	Total deferred		5,122			9,828			716
		$	89,306		$	101,424		$	92,197
Income Taxes Computed at the U.S. Statutory Rate and Income Tax	'
	A reconciliation of the U.S. statutory federal rate to the worldwide consolidated effective tax rate follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
	Domestic Production Deduction		(1.71	)		(1.82	)		(1.76	)
	Foreign tax rate variances, net of foreign tax credits		(3.39	)		(2.31	)		(2.51	)
	State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		0.28			0.43			0.42
	Amounts related to prior years		(1.00	)		(0.31	)		(1.31	)
	Other — net		(0.48	)		0.1			(0.53	)
	Effective tax rate		28.7	%		31.09	%		29.31	%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	'
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits for 2013, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,140		$	2,576		$	4,078
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year		703			148			387
	Additions for tax positions of prior years		3,261			896			138
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(317	)		—			—
	Settlements		—			0			(2,027	)
	Lapse of statute of limitations		(1,070	)		(480	)		—
	Balance at end of year	$	5,717		$	3,140		$	2,576
Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Employee benefits	$	66,148		$	90,707
	Other accruals not currently deductible for taxes		16,984			16,105
	Tax credit and loss carryforwards		13,077			17,145
	Inventory adjustments		4,998			5,278
	Translation of foreign currency accounts		384			929
	Total deferred tax assets		101,591			130,164
	Valuation allowance		(5,663	)		(5,046	)
	Total deferred tax assets		95,928			125,118
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Depreciation and amortization		146,500			121,348
	Other — net		51			—
	Total deferred tax liabilities		146,551			121,348
	Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	$	(50,623	)	$	3,770

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Bank Lines of Credit and Notes	'
	Bank lines of credit and notes payable are summarized as follows:
		2013			2012
	Maximum borrowings under bank lines of credit:
	Domestic banks	$	—		$	50,000
	Foreign banks		83,191			40,260
	Total	$	83,191		$	90,260
	Outstanding notes payable:
	Domestic bank debt	$	—		$	50,000
	Foreign bank debt		3,604			1
	Total	$	3,604		$	50,001
	Weighted-average interest rate on notes payable		2	%		1.1	%
	Unused bank lines of credit	$	79,587		$	40,259

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Long-term Debt	'
	A summary of long-term debt is as follows:
		2013		2012
	Revolving credit agreement, due 2017	$	254,000	$	262,450
	Senior notes, due 2017-2025		200,000		200,000
	Euro loan, due 2016		129,058		—
	Private shelf facility, due 2012-2020		63,889		69,445
	Senior note, due 2013		—		50,000
	Development loans, due 2011-2026		1,702		1,814
	Other		341		—
			648,990		583,709
	Less current maturities		10,832		55,668
	Long-term maturities	$	638,158	$	528,041

Leases_Tables

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]	'
Assets Held Under Capitalized Leases and Included in Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Assets held under capitalized leases and included in property, plant and equipment are as follows:
		2013			2012
	Transportation equipment	$	16,261		$	15,697
	Other		10,577			8,145
	Total capitalized leases		26,838			23,842
	Accumulated amortization		(10,805	)		(7,614	)
	Net capitalized leases	$	16,033		$	16,228
Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Noncancelable Capitalized and Operating Leases	'
	future minimum lease payments under noncancelable capitalized and operating leases are as follows:
		Capitalized			Operating
		Leases			Leases
	Year:
	2014	$	7,298		$	12,321
	2015		4,819			7,506
	2016		2,446			5,478
	2017		667			4,527
	2018		403			3,292
	Later years		4,806			10,289
	Total minimum lease payments		20,439		$	43,413
	Less amount representing executory costs		3,114
	Net minimum lease payments		17,325
	Less amount representing interest		1,692
	Present value of net minimum lease payments		15,633
	Less current portion		5,521
	Long-term obligations at October 31, 2013	$	10,112

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the classification of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2013:
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Rabbi trust(a)		$	13,611	$	—	$	13,611	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts(b)			3,493		—		3,493		—
	Total assets at fair value		$	17,104	$	—	$	17,104	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plans(c)		$	7,322	$	7,322	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts(b)			1,180		—		1,180		—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	8,502	$	7,322	$	1,180	$	—
	(a)	We maintain a rabbi trust that serves as an investment to shadow our deferred compensation plan liability. The investment assets of the trust consist of life insurance policies for which we recognize income or expense based upon changes in cash surrender value.
	(b)	We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures resulting from receivables, payables, intercompany receivables, intercompany payables and loans denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates. These foreign exchange contracts are not designated as hedges.
	(c)	Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100 percent of their salary and annual cash incentive compensation and for executive officers, up to 90 percent of their long-term incentive compensation, into various non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Deferrals can be allocated to various market performance measurement funds. Changes in the value of compensation deferred under these plans are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying measurement funds.

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Currency, Forward Exchange Contracts	'
	The following table summarizes, by currency, forward exchange contracts outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 2012:
		Sell				Buy
		Notional		Fair Market		Notional		Fair Market
		Amounts		Value		Amounts		Value
	October 31, 2013 contract amounts:
	Euro	$	194,531	$	194,187	$	131,198	$	131,825
	Pound sterling		17,854		17,856		29,441		29,950
	Japanese yen		11,426		11,404		8,686		8,672
	Australian dollar		894		899		8,653		8,986
	Hong Kong dollar		1,935		1,935		42,140		42,132
	Singapore dollar		201		201		9,815		10,065
	Others		5,768		5,745		24,227		24,503
	Total	$	232,609	$	232,227	$	254,160	$	256,133
	October 31, 2012 contract amounts:
	Euro	$	3,186	$	3,220	$	95,370	$	95,769
	Pound sterling		—		—		28,771		28,959
	Japanese yen		5,810		5,766		15,643		15,465
	Australian dollar		515		519		9,131		9,156
	Singapore dollar		—		—		8,626		8,681
	Others		4,758		4,725		19,686		19,829
	Total	$	14,269	$	14,230	$	177,227	$	177,859
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments, Other than Receivables and Accounts Payable	'
	The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments, other than receivables and accounts payable, are shown in the table below. The carrying values of receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
		2013				2012
		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	42,375	$	42,375	$	41,239	$	41,239
	Marketable securities		—		—		279		279
	Notes payable		3,604		3,604		50,001		50,001
	Long-term debt (including current portion)		648,990		636,904		583,709		584,624
	Foreign currency forward contracts (net)		2,313		2,313		671		671

Capital_Shares_Tables

Capital Shares (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Capital shares	'
	Common shares repurchased as part of publicly announced programs during 2013, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:
	Year	Number of		Total		Average
		Shares		Amount		per Share
	2013		459	$	30,443	$	66.29
	2012		1,831	$	86,022	$	46.98
	2011		3,024	$	134,163	$	44.37

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summarized Activity Related to Stock Options	'
	Following is a summary of stock options for 2013:
		Number of			Weighted-Average		Aggregate		Weighted-
		Options			Exercise Price Per		Intrinsic		Average
					Share		Value		Remaining
									Term
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,764		$	28.35
	Granted		283		$	61.61
	Exercised		(283	)	$	21.72
	Forfeited or expired		(15	)	$	48.38
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		1,749		$	34.63	$	65,492		6.1 years
	Vested at October 31, 2013 or expected to vest		1,699		$	34.22	$	64,348		6.1 years
	Exercisable at October 31, 2013		942		$	25.07	$	44,276		4.7 years
Summarized Information on Currently Outstanding Options	'
	Summarized information on currently outstanding options follows:
		Range of Exercise Price
		$14 - $20			$21 - $31		$32 - $63
	Number outstanding		452			500		797
	Weighted-average remaining contractual life, in years		3.8			5		8.1
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	16.15		$	27.15	$	49.82
	Number exercisable		401			391		150
	Weighted-average exercise price	$	16.37		$	26.96	$	43.47
Fair Value Assumptions of Stock Options	'
	The fair value of each option grant was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
		2013		2012	2011
	Expected volatility	45.3%-46.9%		45.4%-46.9%	43.1%-45.1%
	Expected dividend yield	0.97%-1.01%		1.20%	1.28%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.75%-0.90%		1.03%-1.23%	1.89%-2.25%
	Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1		5.4-6.1	5.4-6.3
Summarized Activity Related to Restricted Stock	'
	The following table summarizes 2013 activity related to restricted stock:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Share
	Restricted at October 31, 2012		100		$	40.58
	Granted		36		$	62.08
	Vested		(51	)	$	35.85
	Forfeited		(3	)	$	48.18
	Restricted at October 31, 2013		82		$	52.67
Summarized Activity Related to Director Deferred Compensation Shares	'
	The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during 2013:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value Per Share
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012		200		$	19.44
	Deferrals		1		$	69.39
	Restricted stock units vested		11		$	45.2
	Dividend equivalents		1		$	68.03
	Distributions		(65	)	$	17.03
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		148		$	23.22

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp1

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reportable Segments	'
	The following table presents information about our reportable segments:
			Adhesive			Advanced			Industrial			Corporate			Total
			Dispensing			Technology			Coating
			Systems			Systems			Systems
	Year ended October 31, 2013
	Net external sales		$	793,488		$	516,266		$	233,167		$	—		$	1,542,921
	Depreciation			15,638			9,180			3,370			3,578			31,766
	Operating profit			203,757	(a)		123,403	(b)		33,786			(37,097	)		323,849
	Identifiable assets (c)			750,616			721,524			113,835			456,919	(d)		2,042,894
	Expenditures for long-lived assets			20,498			10,080			6,239			10,402			47,219
	Year ended October 31, 2012
	Net external sales		$	684,096		$	515,992		$	209,490		$	—		$	1,409,578
	Depreciation			9,532			8,695			3,141			3,101			24,469
	Operating profit (loss)			211,072	(a)		134,074			25,933	(e)		(35,599	)		335,480
	Identifiable assets (c)			611,357			718,354			110,982			395,331	(d)		1,836,024
	Expenditures for long-lived assets			14,612			6,871			4,602			4,874			30,959
	Year ended October 31, 2011
	Net external sales		$	611,911		$	437,232		$	184,016		$	—		$	1,233,159
	Depreciation			7,087			7,851			2,855			2,965			20,758
	Operating profit			210,350	(a)		114,660			27,220			(36,687	)(f)		315,543
	Identifiable assets (c)			286,974			691,479			71,438			270,500	(d)		1,320,391
	Expenditures for long-lived assets			4,477			4,833			2,437			8,492			20,239
	(a)	Includes $315 of severance and restructuring costs in 2013. Includes $3,862 of cost of goods sold – restructuring and severance and restructuring costs in 2012. Includes $1,811 of impairment charges related to the write down of assets to fair value and $1,589 of severance charges and other termination fees in 2011.
	(b)	Includes $811 of severance and restructuring costs.
	(c)	Operating segment identifiable assets include notes and accounts receivable net of customer advance payments and allowance for doubtful accounts, inventories net of reserves, property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation and goodwill.
	(d)	Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes, capital leases, headquarter facilities, the major portion of our enterprise management system, and intangible assets.
	(e)	Includes $690 of severance and restructuring costs.
	(f)	Includes $3,120 of expense related to the withdrawal from a multi-employer employee pension plan in Japan.
Sales Information by Geographic Regions	'
	We have significant sales and long-lived assets in the following geographic areas:
			2013			2012			2011
	Net external sales
	United States		$	465,789		$	388,904		$	312,328
	Americas			123,654			109,074			102,077
	Europe			416,725			381,005			390,319
	Japan			127,945			127,509			111,003
	Asia Pacific			408,808			403,086			317,432
	Total net external sales		$	1,542,921		$	1,409,578		$	1,233,159
	Long-lived assets
	United States		$	136,551		$	127,486		$	90,994
	Americas			4,154			3,180			2,933
	Europe			22,576			14,896			16,312
	Japan			4,384			3,431			3,496
	Asia Pacific			33,314			25,938			17,148
	Total long-lived assets		$	200,979		$	174,931		$	130,883
Total Consolidated Income Before Income Taxes	'
	A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Total profit for reportable segments		$	323,849		$	335,480		$	315,543
	Interest expense			(14,841	)		(11,153	)		(5,069	)
	Interest and investment income			421			463			569
	Other-net			1,694			1,463			3,518
	Income before income taxes		$	311,123		$	326,253		$	314,561
Summary of Reconciliation of Consolidated Assets	'
	A reconciliation of total assets for reportable segments to total consolidated assets is as follows:
			2013			2012			2011
	Total assets for reportable segments		$	2,042,894		$	1,836,024		$	1,320,391
	Customer advance payments			28,341			20,894			9,375
	Eliminations			(28,946	)		(27,403	)		(25,316	)
	Total consolidated assets		$	2,042,289		$	1,829,515		$	1,304,450

Supplemental_Information_for_t1

Supplemental Information for the Statement of Cash Flows (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]	'
Supplemental information for the statement of cash flows	'
	Supplemental information for the statement of cash flows
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash operating activities:
	Interest paid	$	16,037	$	9,285	$	4,972
	Income taxes paid		93,074		70,935		96,487
	Non-cash investing and financing activities:
	Capitalized lease obligations incurred	$	6,441	$	12,981	$	8,154
	Capitalized lease obligations terminated		468		894		534
	Shares acquired and issued through exercise of stock options		148		2,323		5,228

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Data	'
	Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	2013:00:00
	Sales	$	347,043	$	382,100	$	402,960	$	410,818
	Gross margin		197,229		216,938		225,083		226,894
	Net income		42,011		54,605		65,424		59,777
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.65		0.85		1.02		0.93
	Diluted		0.65		0.84		1.01		0.92
	2012:00:00
	Sales	$	275,836	$	315,193	$	379,872	$	438,677
	Gross margin		169,346		189,656		223,214		241,073
	Net income		38,338		52,111		66,694		67,686
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.59		0.81		1.04		1.06
	Diluted		0.58		0.8		1.03		1.04

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Advertising costs incurred	$12,480	$10,935	$9,008
Research and development costs incurred	47,973	36,535	26,997
Periods of performance considered for calculating compensation expense	'3 years	'	'
Liquid instruments maturity days	'90 days or less	'	'
Cost percentage of inventory under LIFO method	21.00%	24.00%	'
Consolidated inventories under FIFO method	6,797	6,810	'
Interest charges capitalized	$0	$0	$0
Standard product warranty period	'1 year	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Options for common shares excluded from computation of diluted earning per share	0	75	71
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliates and joint ventures	50.00%	'	'

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies - Useful Lives of Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] | Land Improvements [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'15 years
Minimum [Member] | Buildings [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'20 years
Minimum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'3 years
Minimum [Member] | Enterprise Management Systems [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'5 years
Maximum [Member] | Land Improvements [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'25 years
Maximum [Member] | Buildings [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'40 years
Maximum [Member] | Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'12 years
Maximum [Member] | Enterprise Management Systems [Member]	'
Depreciation Amortization Impairment [Line Items]	'
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment and depreciation	'13 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies - Weighted Average Useful Lives for Each Major Category of Amortizable Intangible Assets (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Patent/Technology Costs [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets	'14 years	'
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets	'18 years	'
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets	'5 years	'2 years
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Weighted average useful lives for each major category of amortizable intangible assets	'16 years	'15 years

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Translation adjustments	$26,699	$26,234
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments	-84,079	-130,460
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	($57,380)	($104,226)

Significant_Accounting_Policie7

Significant Accounting Policies - Reconciliation of Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	$8,929	$6,723
Accruals for warranties	7,891	5,430
Warranty assumed from acquisitions	947	2,252
Warranty payments	-8,356	-5,307
Currency adjustments	-2	-169
Ending balance	$9,409	$8,929

Acquisitions_Additional_Inform

Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Aug. 02, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Aug. 26, 2011

Aug. 26, 2011

Aug. 26, 2011

Aug. 26, 2011

Aug. 26, 2011

Nov. 01, 2010

Nov. 01, 2010

Jun. 30, 2011

Jun. 30, 2011

Nov. 08, 2012

Nov. 08, 2012

Nov. 08, 2012

Jun. 14, 2012

Jun. 21, 2012

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Aug. 30, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

Sep. 27, 2013

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

2012 Acquisitions [Member]

2012 Acquisitions [Member]

Customer Lists [Member]

Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc. [Member]

EDI and Xaloy [Member]

Value Plastics Inc [Member]

Value Plastics Inc [Member]

Value Plastics Inc [Member]

Value Plastics Inc [Member]

Value Plastics Inc [Member]

Micromedics [Member]

Micromedics [Member]

Verbruggen [Member]

Verbruggen [Member]

Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member]

Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member]

Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member]

EDI Holdings, Inc. [Member]

Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc. [Member]

Kreyenborg [Member]

Kreyenborg [Member]

Kreyenborg [Member]

Kreyenborg [Member]

Covidien And Nellcor [Member]

Covidien And Nellcor [Member]

Covidien And Nellcor [Member]

2011 Acquisitions [Member]

Customer Lists [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Noncompete Agreements [Member]

Technology Asset [Member]

Other 2011 Acquisitions [Member]

Customer Lists [Member]

Other 2011 Acquisitions [Member]

Customer Lists [Member]

2013 Acquisition [Member]

Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Person

Technology-Based Intangible Assets [Member]

Trade Names [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Customer Relationships [Member]

Technology [Member]

2011 Acquisitions [Member]

2011 Acquisitions [Member]

2011 Acquisitions [Member]

2011 Acquisitions [Member]

Other 2011 Acquisitions [Member]

Other 2011 Acquisitions [Member]

2013 Acquisition [Member]

2013 Acquisition [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition date fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,335

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$5,500

'

'

Fair value of Cash transferred

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,231

'

'

'

'

169,994

'

'

'

'

'

'

Holdback liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

104

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, intangible assets

'

'

'

'

48,350

25,740

'

43,710

'

4,416

'

'

'

'

40,400

15,400

420

18,500

'

4,550

'

2,900

912

65

847

'

'

60,021

15,336

1,851

42,306

'

1,310

'

Amortization period

'

'

'

'

'9 years

'15 years

'16 years

'15 years

'5 years

'2 years

'18 years

'

'

'

'25 years

'20 years

'2 years

'15 years

'

'10 years

'

'11 years

'

'9 years

'9 years

'

'

'

'15 years

'10 years

'15 years

'

'25 years

'10 years

Acquired percent of the outstanding shares

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of employees of acquired entity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

270

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,913

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

391

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill

939,211

812,817

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,312

'

8,461

'

'

'

'

'

'

115,103

'

'

'

2,301

'

'

Property Plant and Equipment acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,149

'

'

Fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,500

'

4,017

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

740

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24,058

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Business combination goodwill related to tax deduction

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,000

15,600

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisition related expenses excluded from results

'

'

2,109

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

375

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonrecurring expense related to the fair value adjustment

'

'

4,589

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,401

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets, amortization expense

'

'

11,713

13,159

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,829

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Adjusted to include acquisition related expenses

'

'

'

2,109

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Nonrecurring expense related to the fair value adjustment to acquisition-date inventory included in proforma results

'

'

'

4,589

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of the consideration transferred, net of cash acquired

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$21,296

'

$13,305

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions_Allocation_of_Pur

Acquisitions - Allocation of Purchase Price (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	2012 Acquisitions [Member]	2011 Acquisitions [Member]
		Value Plastics [Member]
Fair values:	'	'
Current assets	$70,391	'
Assets acquired	'	27,101
Non-current assets	58,275	'
Liabilities assumed	'	-19,288
Intangible assets subject to amortization	122,216	74,720
Goodwill	271,501	178,954
Current liabilities	-31,426	'
Non-current liabilities	-34,059	'
Total fair values	456,898	261,487
Less cash acquired	-8,403	-3,108
Purchase price	$448,495	$258,379

Acquisitions_Business_Acquisit

Acquisitions- Business Acquisition Pro forma of Financial Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
2012 Acquisitions [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Information [Line Items]	'	'
Sales	$1,537,251	$1,429,798
Net income	234,092	225,867
Basic earnings per share	$3.63	$3.34
Diluted earnings per share	$3.60	$3.30
2011 Acquisitions [Member] | Value Plastics [Member]	'	'
Business Acquisitions Pro Forma Information [Line Items]	'	'
Sales	'	1,259,127
Net income	'	$224,934
Basic earnings per share	'	$3.33
Diluted earnings per share	'	$3.29

Details_of_Balance_Sheet_Detai

Details of Balance Sheet - Details of Balance Sheet (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Receivables:	'	'	'
Accounts	$292,469	$308,604	'
Notes	9,467	13,797	'
Other	11,036	5,938	'
Receivables, total	312,972	328,339	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	-4,265	-3,776	'
Receivables-net	308,707	324,563	'
Inventories:	'	'	'
Raw materials and component parts	81,943	71,189	'
Work-in-process	34,756	22,159	'
Finished goods	115,078	103,552	'
Inventories gross	231,777	196,900	'
Obsolescence and other reserves	-26,579	-20,505	'
LIFO reserve	-6,797	-6,810	'
Inventories net	198,401	169,585	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	527,856	471,811	'
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	-326,877	-296,880	'
Property, plant and equipment - net	200,979	174,931	130,883
Accrued liabilities:	'	'	'
Salaries and other compensation	44,561	46,930	'
Pension and retirement	720	1,435	'
Taxes other than income taxes	5,570	6,192	'
Other	59,677	62,819	'
Accrued liabilities total	110,528	117,376	'
Land [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	10,383	8,533	'
Land Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	3,849	3,424	'
Buildings [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	127,178	125,338	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	294,374	257,229	'
Enterprise Management System [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	43,983	43,335	'
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	21,251	10,110	'
Leased Property Under Capitalized Leases [Member]	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment:	'	'	'
Property, plant and equipment gross	$26,838	$23,842	'

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	$812,817
Acquisitions	117,404
Adjustments	4,825
Currency effect	4,165
Ending Balance	939,211
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	284,411
Acquisitions	115,103
Adjustments	4,014
Currency effect	3,741
Ending Balance	407,269
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	505,159
Acquisitions	2,301
Adjustments	'
Currency effect	424
Ending Balance	507,884
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Beginning Balance	23,247
Acquisitions	'
Adjustments	811
Currency effect	'
Ending Balance	$24,058

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$232,789	$232,789
Intangible assets, amortization expense	22,672	14,521
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	229,173	229,173
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]	'	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$3,616	$3,616

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	$336,133	$271,658
Accumulated Amortization	67,060	43,767
Net Book Value	269,073	227,891
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	171,489	126,086
Accumulated Amortization	28,872	18,167
Net Book Value	142,617	107,919
Patent/Technology Costs [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	85,414	68,892
Accumulated Amortization	21,145	15,678
Net Book Value	64,269	53,214
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	67,865	65,911
Accumulated Amortization	7,856	3,716
Net Book Value	60,009	62,195
Noncompete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	9,965	9,337
Accumulated Amortization	8,091	5,234
Net Book Value	1,874	4,103
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	1,400	1,432
Accumulated Amortization	1,096	972
Net Book Value	$304	$460

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Amortization Expense (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Estimated Amortization Expense, 2014	$24,641
Estimated Amortization Expense, 2015	23,242
Estimated Amortization Expense, 2016	22,324
Estimated Amortization Expense, 2017	21,951
Estimated Amortization Expense, 2018	$21,766

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P2

Retirement Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expenses on retirement plan	'	$12,955	$10,827	$8,594
Defined contribution plan vesting period	'	'3 years	'	'
Settlement loss	-682	'	'	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of target rate in return seeking assets	'	45.00%	'	'
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of target rate in return seeking assets	'	55.00%	'	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Settlement loss	'	'	682	'
Percentage of World wide pension assets	'	87.00%	'	'
Investments in common shares	'	0	0	'
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of World wide pension assets	'	13.00%	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employer contribution in next fiscal year	'	21,900	'	'
Components of Net Postretirement Benefit Cost [Member]	'	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Employer contribution in next fiscal year	'	$2,000	'	'

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P3

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Reconciliation of the Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, Accrued Benefit Cost and the Amount Recognized in Financial Statements for Pension Plans (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$71,228	$73,392	'
Service cost	1,145	1,183	1,122
Interest cost	2,598	2,759	2,932
Participant contributions	600	1,393	'
Plan amendments	'	-202	'
Foreign currency exchange rate change	'	'	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-11,619	-4,315	'
Benefits paid	-2,948	-2,982	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	61,004	71,228	73,392
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Beginning fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Company contributions	2,348	1,589	'
Participant contributions	600	1,393	'
Benefits paid	-2,948	-2,982	'
Ending fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Funded status at end of year	-61,004	-71,228	'
Amounts recognized in financial statements:	'	'	'
Accrued benefit liability	-1,974	-2,224	'
Long-term pension and retirement obligations	-59,030	-69,004	'
Total amount recognized in financial statements	-61,004	-71,228	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	17,854	31,585	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-1,461	-1,934	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss	16,393	29,651	35,374
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:	'	'	'
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	1,139	2,214	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-449	-1,758	'
Total	690	456	'
Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	851	678	'
Service cost	35	28	31
Interest cost	38	41	41
Participant contributions	'	'	'
Plan amendments	'	'	'
Foreign currency exchange rate change	-34	1	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-118	107	'
Benefits paid	-4	-4	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	768	851	678
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Beginning fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Company contributions	4	4	'
Participant contributions	'	'	'
Benefits paid	-4	-4	'
Ending fair value of plan assets	'	'	'
Funded status at end of year	-768	-851	'
Amounts recognized in financial statements:	'	'	'
Accrued benefit liability	-4	-4	'
Long-term pension and retirement obligations	-764	-847	'
Total amount recognized in financial statements	-768	-851	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	-243	-138	'
Prior service cost (credit)	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss	-243	-138	-260
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:	'	'	'
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	-14	-4	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	'	'	'
Total	-14	-4	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	326,792	268,949	'
Service cost	8,896	7,488	6,058
Interest cost	12,314	12,137	12,008
Participant contributions	'	'	'
Plan amendments	1,667	-3,199	'
Addition of plans from business combination	'	14,935	'
Foreign currency exchange rate change	'	'	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-40,996	36,852	'
Benefits paid	-8,957	-10,370	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	299,716	326,792	268,949
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Beginning fair value of plan assets	214,128	184,701	'
Actual return on plan assets	20,951	22,088	'
Company contributions	17,384	9,060	'
Participant contributions	'	'	'
Addition of plans from business combination	'	8,649	'
Foreign currency exchange rate change	'	'	'
Benefits paid	-8,957	-10,370	'
Ending fair value of plan assets	243,506	214,128	184,701
Funded status at end of year	-56,210	-112,664	'
Amounts recognized in financial statements:	'	'	'
Noncurrent asset	'	'	'
Accrued benefit liability	-938	-620	'
Long-term pension and retirement obligations	-55,272	-112,044	'
Total amount recognized in financial statements	-56,210	-112,664	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	93,537	154,238	'
Prior service cost (credit)	4	-1,506	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss	93,541	152,732	138,962
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:	'	'	'
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	8,260	13,943	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	237	157	'
Total	8,497	14,100	'
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'	'
Change in benefit obligation:	'	'	'
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	83,433	71,361	'
Service cost	2,098	1,504	2,097
Interest cost	2,872	3,002	2,973
Participant contributions	132	133	'
Plan amendments	'	'	'
Addition of plans from business combination	'	'	'
Foreign currency exchange rate change	-279	-2,000	'
Actuarial (gain) loss	-54	11,934	'
Benefits paid	-2,659	-2,501	'
Benefit obligation at end of year	85,543	83,433	71,361
Change in plan assets:	'	'	'
Beginning fair value of plan assets	34,217	32,167	'
Actual return on plan assets	2,102	1,283	'
Company contributions	3,501	3,492	'
Participant contributions	132	133	'
Addition of plans from business combination	'	'	'
Foreign currency exchange rate change	-215	-357	'
Benefits paid	-2,659	-2,501	'
Ending fair value of plan assets	37,078	34,217	32,167
Funded status at end of year	-48,465	-49,216	'
Amounts recognized in financial statements:	'	'	'
Noncurrent asset	22	144	'
Accrued benefit liability	-5	-5	'
Long-term pension and retirement obligations	-48,482	-49,355	'
Total amount recognized in financial statements	-48,465	-49,216	'
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss:	'	'	'
Net actuarial (gain) loss	24,392	26,310	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-798	-1,080	'
Accumulated other comprehensive (gain) loss	23,594	25,230	13,736
Amounts expected to be recognized during next fiscal year:	'	'	'
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	1,531	1,418	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-82	-96	'
Total	$1,449	$1,322	'

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P4

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Gain) Loss (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$152,732	$138,962
Net (gain) loss arising during the year	-46,707	29,877
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year	1,668	-3,199
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year	-13,995	-11,672
Prior service (cost) credit recognized during the year	-157	-342
Settlement loss	'	-894
Exchange rate effect during the year	'	'
Balance at end of year	93,541	152,732
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	25,230	13,736
Net (gain) loss arising during the year	-642	12,197
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year	'	'
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year	-1,406	-564
Prior service (cost) credit recognized during the year	81	97
Settlement loss	'	'
Exchange rate effect during the year	331	-236
Balance at end of year	23,594	25,230
Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	29,651	35,374
Net (gain) loss arising during the year	-11,619	-4,315
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year	'	-202
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year	-2,112	-1,790
Prior service (cost) credit recognized during the year	473	584
Exchange rate effect during the year	'	'
Balance at end of year	16,393	29,651
Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	-138	-260
Net (gain) loss arising during the year	-117	108
Prior service cost (credit) arising during the year	'	'
Net gain (loss) recognized during the year	4	14
Prior service (cost) credit recognized during the year	'	'
Exchange rate effect during the year	8	'
Balance at end of year	($243)	($138)

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P5

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Accumulated Benefit Obligation (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'
For all plans:	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	$291,310	$316,080
For plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	299,716	326,792
Accumulated benefit obligation	291,310	316,080
Fair value of plan assets	243,506	214,128
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'
For all plans:	'	'
Accumulated benefit obligation	67,647	65,725
For plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets:	'	'
Projected benefit obligation	71,788	70,153
Accumulated benefit obligation	59,589	58,425
Fair value of plan assets	$29,000	$26,757

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P6

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
		Pension Plan, United States [Member]	Pension Plan, United States [Member]	Pension Plan, United States [Member]	Pension Plan, International [Member]	Pension Plan, International [Member]	Pension Plan, International [Member]	Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Service cost	'	$8,896	$7,488	$6,058	$2,098	$1,504	$2,097	$1,145	$1,183	$1,122	$35	$28	$31
Interest cost	'	12,314	12,137	12,008	2,872	3,002	2,973	2,598	2,759	2,932	38	41	41
Expected return on plan assets	'	-15,241	-14,901	-15,575	-1,512	-1,547	-1,466	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	'	157	342	666	-81	-97	5	-473	-584	-1,147	'	'	'
Amortization of net actuarial (gain) loss	'	13,995	11,672	7,438	1,406	564	858	2,112	1,789	1,606	-4	-14	-8
Settlement loss	-682	'	682	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total benefit cost	'	$20,121	$17,420	$10,595	$4,783	$3,426	$4,467	$5,382	$5,147	$4,513	$69	$55	$64

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P7

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Weighted Average Assumptions Representing the Rates Used to Develop the Actuarial Present Value of Projected Benefit Obligation and the Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.75%	3.85%	4.46%
Rate of compensation increase	3.30%	3.30%	3.20%
Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.85%	4.46%	5.21%
Expected return on plan assets	7.24%	7.75%	8.25%
Rate of compensation increase	3.30%	3.20%	3.30%
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.72%	3.52%	4.43%
Rate of compensation increase	3.18%	3.13%	3.16%
Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.52%	4.43%	4.17%
Expected return on plan assets	4.43%	4.85%	4.84%
Rate of compensation increase	3.13%	3.16%	3.21%
Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.80%	3.85%	4.50%
Health care cost trend rate	4.12%	4.90%	9.36%
Rate to which health care cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	3.47%	3.60%	5.00%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2021	'2017	'2016
Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	3.85%	4.50%	5.25%
Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	'	'	'
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.95%	4.40%	5.85%
Health care cost trend rate	6.65%	6.83%	7.00%
Rate to which health care cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	3.50%	3.50%	3.50%
Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	'2031	'2031	'2031
Assumption used to determine net benefit costs for the years ended October 31:	'	'	'
Discount rate	4.40%	5.85%	5.75%

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P8

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - The Effect of a One Percent Change in the Discount Rate, Expected Return on Assets and Compensation Increase (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Discount Rate [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost	$5,207
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on pension obligation	42,756
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost	-4,340
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on pension obligation	-34,718
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Expected Return on Assets [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost	2,019
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on pension obligation	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost	-2,019
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on pension obligation	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Compensation Increase [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost	-2,967
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on pension obligation	-12,619
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost	3,580
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on pension obligation	14,832
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Discount Rate [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost	1,343
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on pension obligation	17,606
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost	-1,052
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on pension obligation	-13,572
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Expected Return on Assets [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost	348
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on pension obligation	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost	-348
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on pension obligation	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Compensation Increase [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on service and interest cost	-726
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point decrease on pension obligation	-5,300
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on service and interest cost	869
Defined benefit plan effect of 1% point increase on pension obligation	$6,039

Retirement_Pension_and_Other_P9

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Allocation of Pension Plan Assets (Detail)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	27.00%	37.00%
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	29.00%	20.00%
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Insurance Contracts [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	'	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Pooled Investment Funds [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	43.00%	42.00%
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	1.00%	1.00%
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	'	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	'	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Insurance Contracts [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	60.00%	56.00%
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Pooled Investment Funds [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	39.00%	43.00%
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Other [Member]	'	'
Allocation of pension plan assets	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	1.00%	1.00%

Recovered_Sheet1

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Fair Values of Pension Plan Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$243,506	$214,128	$184,701
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	78,675	82,427	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	149,873	118,591	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,958	13,110	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,811	1,346	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,811	1,346	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,783	2,114	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	2,783	2,114	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Basic Materials [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	3,834	5,849	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Basic Materials [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	3,834	5,849	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Consumer Goods [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	4,958	7,359	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Consumer Goods [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	4,958	7,359	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Financial [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	7,825	9,190	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Financial [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	7,825	9,190	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Healthcare [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	4,109	4,891	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Healthcare [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	4,109	4,891	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Industrial Goods [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	3,255	3,174	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Industrial Goods [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	3,255	3,174	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Technology [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	4,159	4,581	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Technology [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	4,159	4,581	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Utilities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	988	1,491	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Equity Securities Utilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	988	1,491	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	32,617	39,900	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Mutual Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	32,617	39,900	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	26,892	17,697	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	10,715	1,784	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | US Government Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	16,177	15,913	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	43,367	24,865	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	43,367	24,865	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,356	593	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	1,356	593	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Type of Investments Real Estate Collective Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,958	13,110	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Type of Investments Real Estate Collective Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,958	13,110	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Type of Investments Pooled Investment Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	88,973	77,220	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Type of Investments Pooled Investment Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	88,973	77,220	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Type of Investments Other [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	621	748	'
Pension Plan, United States [Member] | Other Type of Investments Other [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	621	748	'
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	37,078	34,217	32,167
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	321	323	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,664	14,848	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	22,093	19,046	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Cash [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	321	323	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Cash [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	321	323	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Other Type of Investments Insurance Contract [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	22,093	19,046	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Other Type of Investments Insurance Contract [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	22,093	19,046	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Other Type of Investments Pooled Investment Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	14,664	14,848	'
Pension Plan, International [Member] | Other Type of Investments Pooled Investment Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Fair value of plan assets	$14,664	$14,848	'

Recovered_Sheet2

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Changes in Level 3 plan assets (Detail) (Level 3 [Member], Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	$32,156	$18,501
Assets held, end of year	2,995	1,949
Assets sold during the period	13	2
Purchases	4,242	14,311
Sales	-2,228	-2,183
Foreign currency translation	-127	-424
Ending balance	37,051	32,156
Other Type of Investments Real Estate Collective Funds [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	13,110	'
Assets held, end of year	1,970	1,169
Assets sold during the period	13	2
Purchases	'	12,000
Sales	-135	-61
Ending balance	14,958	13,110
Other Type of Investments Insurance Contract [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Beginning balance	19,046	18,501
Assets held, end of year	1,025	780
Purchases	4,242	2,311
Sales	-2,093	-2,122
Foreign currency translation	-127	-424
Ending balance	$22,093	$19,046

Recovered_Sheet3

Retirement, Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Retiree Pension Benefit Payments (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'
2014	$10,905
2015	11,888
2016	12,885
2017	14,131
2018	15,228
2019-2023	93,560
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'
2014	3,659
2015	2,539
2016	2,159
2017	1,998
2018	2,857
2019-2023	18,777
Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'
2014	1,974
2015	2,254
2016	2,490
2017	2,747
2018	2,965
2019-2023	17,767
Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'
2014	4
2015	11
2016	12
2017	13
2018	16
2019-2023	$117

Recovered_Sheet4

Retirement Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Defined Benefit Plan Effect of One Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates and Discount Rate (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'
Effect on total service and interest cost components increase in 2013	($758)
Effect on postretirement obligation increase as of October 31, 2013	-7,945
Effect on total service and interest cost components increase in 2013	630
Effect on postretirement obligation increase as of October 31, 2013	8,907
Effect on total service and interest cost components decrease in 2013	911
Effect on postretirement obligation decrease as of October 31, 2013	9,886
Effect on total service and interest cost components decrease in 2013	-508
Effect on postretirement obligation decrease as of October 31, 2013	-7,286
Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	'
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]	'
Effect on total service and interest cost components increase in 2013	-20
Effect on postretirement obligation increase as of October 31, 2013	-138
Effect on total service and interest cost components increase in 2013	17
Effect on postretirement obligation increase as of October 31, 2013	172
Effect on total service and interest cost components decrease in 2013	11
Effect on postretirement obligation decrease as of October 31, 2013	181
Effect on total service and interest cost components decrease in 2013	-13
Effect on postretirement obligation decrease as of October 31, 2013	($135)

Income_Taxes_Income_Tax_Expens

Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Current:	'	'	'
U.S. federal	$45,004	$51,458	$53,983
State and local	2,351	1,378	2,029
Foreign	36,829	38,760	35,469
Total current	84,184	91,596	91,481
Deferred:	'	'	'
U.S. federal	8,361	7,204	1,851
State and local	-991	782	23
Foreign	-2,248	1,842	-1,158
Total deferred	5,122	9,828	716
Total income tax expense	$89,306	$101,424	$92,197

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Nov. 01, 2010
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings before income taxes of domestic operations	'	$164,702	$177,035	$181,258	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	900	1,070	480	'	'
Additional tax benefit relating to retroactive reinstatement of research credit	1,700	1,700	'	1,580	'
Income tax expense benefit related to the utilization of loss carryforwards	'	'	2,717	682	'
Favorable adjustment related to settlement with tax authorities	'	'	0	2,027	'
Earnings before income taxes of international operations	'	146,421	149,218	133,303	'
Undistributed earnings aggregated	'	510,842	400,487	'	'
Total unrecognized tax benefits	'	5,717	3,140	2,576	4,078
Total unrecognized tax benefits impact the effective tax rate	'	5,178	2,601	'	'
Accrued interest expense related to unrecognized tax benefits	'	1,085	304	'	'
Tax credit carryforwards	'	1,498	'	'	'
Tax credit carryforwards which will expire in 2014 through 2525	'	122	'	'	'
Indefinite tax credit carryforward amount	'	1,376	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	68,658	'	'	'
Indefinite carryforward period	'	10,608	'	'	'
Net change in the valuation allowance	'	617	1,005	'	'
Valuation allowance relates to tax credits and loss carryforwards	'	5,663	'	'	'
Foreign [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	'	900	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	10,980	'	'	'
Federal [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	16,939	'	'	'
State [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Operating loss carryforwards	'	51,347	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	'	0	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Decrease in unrecognized tax benefits	'	$470	'	'	'

Income_Taxes_Income_Taxes_Comp

Income Taxes - Income Taxes Computed at the U.S. Statutory Rate and Income Tax (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Domestic Production Deduction	-1.71%	-1.82%	-1.76%
Foreign tax rate variances, net of foreign tax credits	-3.39%	-2.31%	-2.51%
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	0.28%	0.43%	0.42%
Amounts related to prior years	-1.00%	-0.31%	-1.31%
Other - net	-0.48%	0.10%	-0.53%
Effective tax rate	28.70%	31.09%	29.31%

Income_Taxes_Unrecognized_Tax_

Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of year	$3,140	$3,140	$2,576	$4,078
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	'	703	148	387
Additions for tax positions of prior years	'	3,261	896	138
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	'	-317	'	'
Settlements	'	'	0	-2,027
Lapse of statute of limitations	-900	-1,070	-480	'
Balance at end of year	'	$5,717	$3,140	$2,576

Income_Taxes_Significant_Compo

Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:	'	'
Employee benefits	$66,148	$90,707
Other accruals not currently deductible for taxes	16,984	16,105
Tax credit and loss carryforwards	13,077	17,145
Inventory adjustments	4,998	5,278
Translation of foreign currency accounts	384	929
Total deferred tax assets	101,591	130,164
Valuation allowance	-5,663	-5,046
Total deferred tax assets	95,928	125,118
Deferred tax liabilities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	146,500	121,348
Other - net	51	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	146,551	121,348
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)	($50,623)	$3,770

Notes_Payable_Bank_Lines_of_Cr

Notes Payable - Bank Lines of Credit and Notes (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowings under bank lines of credit	$83,191	$90,260
Outstanding notes payable	3,604	50,001
Weighted-average interest rate on notes payable	2.00%	1.10%
Unused bank lines of credit	79,587	40,259
Domestic Bank Debt [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowings under bank lines of credit	'	50,000
Outstanding notes payable	'	50,000
Foreign Bank Debt [Member]	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Maximum borrowings under bank lines of credit	83,191	40,260
Outstanding notes payable	$3,604	$1

Notes_Payable_Additional_Infor

Notes Payable - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified			Domestic Bank Debt [Member]	Domestic Bank Debt [Member]	Domestic Bank Debt [Member]
					PNC Bank [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Domestic bank agreement days	'	'	'	'	'364 days
Maximum borrowings under bank lines of credit	$83,191	$90,260	'	$50,000	$250,000
Maximum amount borrowed under bank lines of credit	'	'	'	'	250,000
Line of Credit Facility, Decrease, Repayments	'	'	'	'	200,000
Agreement amount with PNC Bank Outstanding	'	'	'	'	$50,000

Longterm_Debt_Longterm_Debt_De

Long-term Debt - Long-term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$648,990	$583,709
Less current maturities	10,832	55,668
Long-term maturities	638,158	528,041
Revolving Credit Agreement, Due 2017 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	254,000	262,450
Senior Notes, Due 2017-2025 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	200,000	200,000
Euro Loan, Due 2016 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	129,058	'
Private Shelf Facility, Due 2012-2020 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	63,889	69,445
Senior Note, Due 2013 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	50,000
Development Loans, Due 2011-2026 [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	1,702	1,814
Other [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Long-term Debt	$341	'

LongTerm_Debt_Additional_infor

Long-Term Debt - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Annual maturity of long term debt, 2014	$10,832
Annual maturity of long term debt, 2015	10,757
Annual maturity of long term debt, 2016	139,822
Annual maturity of long term debt, 2017	292,095
Annual maturity of long term debt, 2018	26,587
Revolving Credit Agreement for 2017 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Revolving credit facility	500,000
Weighted average interest for borrowings	1.06%
Revolving credit facility expiration	'2016-12
Senior Notes, Due 2017-2025 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Weighted average interest for borrowings	2.93%
Weighted average life of notes	'8 years 9 months 11 days
Euro Bank Accounts [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Extension of loan duration	'1 year
Extension of loan with Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ	'extended by one year at the end of the third and fourth anniversaries
Interest rate based on LIBOR rate	0.99%
Private Shelf Facility, Due 2012-2020 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Value of agreement with New York Life Investment Management LLC	150,000
Fixed interest rate	2.21%
Period of agreement	'3 years
Maximum life of borrowings	'12 years
Average life of borrowings	'10 years
Increase in facility amount	$175,000
Senior Note, Due 2013 [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Fixed interest rate	4.98%
Loans Payable with State of Ohio [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Fixed interest rate	3.00%
Duration of repayment	'15 years
Cuyahoga County [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Fixed interest rate	3.50%
Duration of repayment	'15 years

Leases_Additional_Information_

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Rent expense for all operating leases	$14,835	$13,822	$12,292

Leases_Assets_Held_Under_Capit

Leases - Assets Held Under Capitalized Leases and Included in Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'	'
Transportation equipment	$16,261	$15,697
Other	10,577	8,145
Total capitalized leases	26,838	23,842
Accumulated amortization	-10,805	-7,614
Net capitalized leases	$16,033	$16,228

Leases_Future_Minimum_Lease_Pa

Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments Under Noncancelable Capitalized and Operating Leases (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Leases [Abstract]	'	'
2014	$7,298	'
2015	4,819	'
2016	2,446	'
2017	667	'
2018	403	'
Later years	4,806	'
Total minimum lease payments	20,439	'
Less amount representing executory costs	3,114	'
Net minimum lease payments	17,325	'
Less amount representing interest	1,692	'
Present value of net minimum lease payments	15,633	'
Less current portion	5,521	4,948
Long-term obligations at October 31, 2013	10,112	10,945
2014	12,321	'
2015	7,506	'
2016	5,478	'
2017	4,527	'
2018	3,292	'
Later years	10,289	'
Total minimum lease payments	$43,413	'

Severance_and_Restructuring_Co1

Severance and Restructuring Costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Payments of expense made	'	$784	'	'
Cost of sales restructuring	2,040	'	2,040	'
Gain (loss) on sale of facility	'	1,879	638	-362
Advanced Technology Systems Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance costs	'	811	'	'
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance costs	'	315	'	'
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance costs	'	'	690	'
Adhesive Dispensing Systems Georgia Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance costs	'	'	769	1,557
Payments of expense made	'	'	2,326	'
Severance costs and other termination fees associated with the restructuring incurred to date	'	'	2,326	'
Expenses related to production inefficiencies and moving costs	'	'	2,916	'
Cost of sales restructuring	'	'	2,040	'
Recorded severance and restructuring costs	'	'	876	'
Assets held for sale measured on non recurring basis	'	'	'	4,150
Number of facilities	'	'	'	2
Impairment charges	'	'	'	1,322
Gain (loss) on sale of facility	'	'	830	'
Adhesive Dispensing Systems Germany [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance costs	'	'	177	32
Payments of expense made	'	'	206	'
Severance costs and other termination fees associated with the restructuring incurred to date	'	'	209	'
Assets held for sale measured on non recurring basis	'	'	'	932
Impairment charges	'	'	'	489
Gain (loss) on sale of facility	'	'	($117)	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liabilities:	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	$2,313	$671
Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Rabbi trust	13,611	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	3,493	'
Total assets at fair value	17,104	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	7,322	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	1,180	'
Total liabilities at fair value	8,502	'
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Rabbi trust	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Total assets at fair value	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	7,322	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value	7,322	'
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Rabbi trust	13,611	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	3,493	'
Total assets at fair value	17,104	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	1,180	'
Total liabilities at fair value	1,180	'
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Assets:	'	'
Rabbi trust	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Total assets at fair value	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'
Deferred compensation plans	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	'	'
Total liabilities at fair value	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu1

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Executive officers and other highly compensated employees salary and annual cash incentive compensation deferrals percentage, maximum	100.00%
Executive officers long-term incentive compensation deferrals percentage, maximum	90.00%

Financial_Instruments_Addition

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Offsetting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Maturity of foreign currency forward contracts	'90 days	'	'
Gains (loss) on foreign exchange contracts	$1,437	$294	($11,277)
Gains (losses) in fair value of balance sheet positions denominated in foreign currencies	-3,651	-1,310	13,477
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Used in Net Investment Hedge, Net of Tax	$699	$240	'

Financial_Instruments_Outstand

Financial Instruments - Outstanding Foreign Currency Forward Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	$232,609	$14,269
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	232,227	14,230
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	254,160	177,227
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	256,133	177,859
Euro [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	194,531	3,186
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	194,187	3,220
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	131,198	95,370
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	131,825	95,769
Pound Sterling [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	17,854	'
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	17,856	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	29,441	28,771
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	29,950	28,959
Japanese Yen [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	11,426	5,810
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	11,404	5,766
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	8,686	15,643
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	8,672	15,465
Australian Dollar [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	894	515
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	899	519
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	8,653	9,131
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	8,986	9,156
Hong Kong Dollar [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	1,935	'
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	1,935	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	42,140	'
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	42,132	'
Singapore Dollar [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	201	'
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	201	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	9,815	8,626
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	10,065	8,681
Others [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	5,768	4,758
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	5,745	4,725
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	24,227	19,686
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	$24,503	$19,829

Financial_Instruments_Carrying

Financial Instruments - Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments, Other than Receivables and Accounts Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Nov. 01, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$42,375	$41,239	$37,408	$42,329
Marketable securities	'	279	'	'
Notes payable	3,604	50,001	'	'
Long-term debt (including current portion)	648,990	583,709	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts (net)	2,313	671	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	42,375	41,239	'	'
Marketable securities	'	279	'	'
Notes payable	3,604	50,001	'	'
Long-term debt (including current portion)	636,904	584,624	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts (net)	$2,313	$671	'	'

Capital_Shares_Additional_Info

Capital Shares - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Convertible preferred shares, authorized	10,000	10,000	'
Convertible preferred shares, No par value	'	'	'
Common shares, authorized	160,000	160,000	'
Common shares, No par value	'	'	'
Common shares, issued	98,023	98,023	'
Common Shares Outstanding	64,218	64,257	'
Preferred Class A [Member]	'	'	'
Equity [Line Items]	'	'	'
Convertible preferred shares, authorized	10,000	'	'
Convertible preferred shares, No par value	'	'	'
Convertible preference shares outstanding	0	0	0

Capital_Shares_Capital_Shares_

Capital Shares - Capital Shares (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of Shares	459	1,831	3,024
Total Amount	$30,443	$86,022	$134,163
Average per Share	$66.29	$46.98	$44.37

Stockbased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
	Y
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum number of common shares available for grant	2,900	'	'
Normal retirement age	65	'	'
Expense related to director deferred compensation	$183	$265	$265
Periods of performance considered for calculating compensation expense	'3 years	'	'
Number of common shares reserved for future issuance	2,657	'	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum rate of stock option, description	'Not exceeding 25 percent per year	'	'
Maximum rate of stock option	25.00%	'	'
Option Expiring period	'10 years	'	'
Compensation expense recognized	4,906	3,789	2,906
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares	9,631	'	'
Weighted average period expected to be amortized, non vested shares	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'	'
Weighted-average expected volatility used	46.30%	46.20%	44.30%
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted	$24.12	$17.03	$16.80
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	12,892	13,329	23,076
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	6,018	4,934	9,652
Tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises of stock options	5,531	4,792	6,924
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares	1,827	'	'
Weighted average period expected to be amortized, non vested shares	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'	'
Expense related to nonvested common shares	2,464	1,724	1,278
Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Periods of performance considered for calculating compensation expense	'3 years	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	$59.59	$42.12	$42.02
Compensation expense charged	3,588	4,235	4,067
Cumulative amount recorded in shareholders' equity related to Long-Term Incentive Plan	$8,083	$8,707	$6,081

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Stock Options (Detail) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'
Annual Activity of Stock Option Plans [Line Items]	'
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,764
Number of Options, Granted	283
Number of Options, Exercised	-283
Number of Options, Forfeited or expired	-15
Number of Options, Outstanding, Ending balance	1,749
Number of Options, Vested or expected to vest	1,699
Number of Options, Exercisable	942
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Beginning balance	$28.35
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted	$61.61
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$21.72
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited or expired	$48.38
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Ending balance	$34.63
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Vested or expected to vest	$34.22
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$25.07
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$65,492
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested or expected to vest	64,348
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$44,276
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Outstanding	'6 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Vested or expected to vest	'6 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Exercisable	'4 years 8 months 12 days

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Information on Currently Outstanding Options (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Price Range 14 to 20 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number outstanding	452
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, in years	'3 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average exercise price	$16.15
Number exercisable	401
Weighted-average exercise price	$16.37
Price Range 21 to 31 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number outstanding	500
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, in years	'5 years
Weighted-average exercise price	$27.15
Number exercisable	391
Weighted-average exercise price	$26.96
Price Range 32 to 63 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Number outstanding	797
Weighted-average remaining contractual life, in years	'8 years 1 month 6 days
Weighted-average exercise price	$49.82
Number exercisable	150
Weighted-average exercise price	$43.47

Stockbased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions of Stock Options (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected volatility, Minimum	45.30%	45.40%	43.10%
Expected volatility, Maximum	46.90%	46.90%	45.10%
Expected dividend yield	'	1.20%	1.28%
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum	0.75%	1.03%	1.89%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum	0.90%	1.23%	2.25%
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	0.97%	'	'
Expected life of the option (in years)	'5 years 4 months 24 days	'5 years 4 months 24 days	'5 years 4 months 24 days
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expected dividend yield	1.01%	'	'
Expected life of the option (in years)	'6 years 1 month 6 days	'6 years 1 month 6 days	'6 years 3 months 18 days

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Restricted Stock (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of Restricted Shares, Beginning balance	100
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	36
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	-51
Number of Restricted Shares, Forfeited	-3
Number of Restricted Shares, Ending balance	82
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted Shares, Beginning balance	$40.58
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$62.08
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$35.85
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$48.18
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted Shares, Ending balance	$52.67

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar3

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Director Deferred Compensation Shares (Detail) (Directors [Member], Deferred Compensation Share Equivalent Units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Directors [Member] | Deferred Compensation Share Equivalent Units [Member]	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares, Outstanding, Beginning balance	200
Number of Shares, Deferrals	1
Number of Shares, Restricted stock units vested	11
Number of Shares, Dividend equivalents	1
Number of Shares, Distributions	-65
Number of Shares, Outstanding, Ending balance	148
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Beginning balance	$19.44
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Deferrals	$69.39
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Restricted stock units vested	$45.20
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Dividend equivalents	$68.03
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Distributions	$17.03
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Ending balance	$23.22

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp2

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Number of operating segments	3	'	'
Major customers threshold limit	'ten percent or more of sales	'ten percent or more of sales	'ten percent or more of sales

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp3

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data - Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales	$410,818	$402,960	$382,100	$347,043	$438,677	$379,872	$315,193	$275,836	$1,542,921	$1,409,578	$1,233,159
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,766	24,469	20,758
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	323,849	335,480	315,543
Identifiable assets	2,042,289	'	'	'	1,829,515	'	'	'	2,042,289	1,829,515	1,304,450
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,542,921	1,409,578	1,233,159
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,766	24,469	20,758
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	323,849	335,480	315,543
Identifiable assets	2,042,894	'	'	'	1,836,024	'	'	'	2,042,894	1,836,024	1,320,391
Expenditures for long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	47,219	30,959	20,239
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	793,488	684,096	611,911
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,638	9,532	7,087
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	203,757	211,072	210,350
Identifiable assets	750,616	'	'	'	611,357	'	'	'	750,616	611,357	286,974
Expenditures for long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,498	14,612	4,477
Advanced Technology Systems [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	516,266	515,992	437,232
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9,180	8,695	7,851
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	123,403	134,074	114,660
Identifiable assets	721,524	'	'	'	718,354	'	'	'	721,524	718,354	691,479
Expenditures for long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,080	6,871	4,833
Industrial Coating Systems [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	233,167	209,490	184,016
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,370	3,141	2,855
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,786	25,933	27,220
Identifiable assets	113,835	'	'	'	110,982	'	'	'	113,835	110,982	71,438
Expenditures for long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,239	4,602	2,437
Corporate [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Depreciation	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,578	3,101	2,965
Operating profit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-37,097	-35,599	-36,687
Identifiable assets	456,919	'	'	'	395,331	'	'	'	456,919	395,331	270,500
Expenditures for long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$10,402	$4,874	$8,492

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp4

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data - Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reversal of Restructuring and Severance Costs	$1,126	$2,524	$1,589
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reversal of Restructuring and Severance Costs	315	'	1,589
Cost of goods sold - restructuring and severance and restructuring costs	'	3,862	'
Impairment charges	'	'	1,811
Advanced Technology Systems [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reversal of Restructuring and Severance Costs	811	'	'
Industrial Coating Systems [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Reversal of Restructuring and Severance Costs	'	690	'
Corporate [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Withdrawal from multiplier pension fund	'	'	$3,120

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp5

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data - Sales Information by Geographic Regions (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Net external sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net external sales	$410,818	$402,960	$382,100	$347,043	$438,677	$379,872	$315,193	$275,836	$1,542,921	$1,409,578	$1,233,159
Long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total long-lived assets	200,979	'	'	'	174,931	'	'	'	200,979	174,931	130,883
United States [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	465,789	388,904	312,328
Long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total long-lived assets	136,551	'	'	'	127,486	'	'	'	136,551	127,486	90,994
Americas [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	123,654	109,074	102,077
Long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total long-lived assets	4,154	'	'	'	3,180	'	'	'	4,154	3,180	2,933
Europe [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	416,725	381,005	390,319
Long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total long-lived assets	22,576	'	'	'	14,896	'	'	'	22,576	14,896	16,312
Japan [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	127,945	127,509	111,003
Long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total long-lived assets	4,384	'	'	'	3,431	'	'	'	4,384	3,431	3,496
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net external sales:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total net external sales	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	408,808	403,086	317,432
Long-lived assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total long-lived assets	$33,314	'	'	'	$25,938	'	'	'	$33,314	$25,938	$17,148

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp6

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data - Total Consolidated Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'	'
Total profit for reportable segments	$323,849	$335,480	$315,543
Interest expense	-14,841	-11,153	-5,069
Interest and investment income	421	463	569
Other-net	1,694	1,463	3,518
Income before income taxes	$311,123	$326,253	$314,561

Operating_Segments_and_Geograp7

Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data - Summary of Reconciliation of Consolidated Assets (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total consolidated assets	$2,042,289	$1,829,515	$1,304,450
Reportable Segment [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total consolidated assets	2,042,894	1,836,024	1,320,391
Customer Advance Payments [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total consolidated assets	28,341	20,894	9,375
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total consolidated assets	($28,946)	($27,403)	($25,316)

Supplemental_Information_for_t2

Supplemental Information for the Statement of Cash Flows - Supplemental Information for the Statement of Cash Flow (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Cash operating activities:	'	'	'
Interest paid	$16,037	$9,285	$4,972
Income taxes paid	93,074	70,935	96,487
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'	'
Capitalized lease obligations incurred	6,441	12,981	8,154
Capitalized lease obligations terminated	468	894	534
Shares acquired and issued through exercise of stock options	$148	$2,323	$5,228

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Data (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sales	$410,818	$402,960	$382,100	$347,043	$438,677	$379,872	$315,193	$275,836	$1,542,921	$1,409,578	$1,233,159
Gross margin	226,894	225,083	216,938	197,229	241,073	223,214	189,656	169,346	'	'	'
Net income	$59,777	$65,424	$54,605	$42,011	$67,686	$66,694	$52,111	$38,338	$221,817	$224,829	$222,364
Earnings per share:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.93	$1.02	$0.85	$0.65	$1.06	$1.04	$0.81	$0.59	$3.45	$3.49	$3.29
Diluted	$0.92	$1.01	$0.84	$0.65	$1.04	$1.03	$0.80	$0.58	$3.42	$3.45	$3.25

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gain on sale of real estate, before tax	$2,116	'	$832	'	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	'	900	'	'	'	1,070	480	'
Income tax provision including discrete tax benefit	'	1,700	'	'	'	1,700	'	1,580
Pre-tax severance and restructuring costs	'	'	'	3,776	811	'	'	'
Settlement loss	'	'	'	'	-682	'	'	'
Cost of sales - restructuring	'	'	'	$2,040	'	'	$2,040	'

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the site	$668	$750

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	$3,776	$3,311	$3,353
Assumed from Acquisitions	256	648	22
Charged to Expense	885	710	977
Deductions	698	801	1,047
Currency Effects	46	-92	6
Balance at End of Year	4,265	3,776	3,311
Inventory Obsolescence and Other Reserves [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at Beginning of Year	20,505	16,050	16,802
Assumed from Acquisitions	3,969	2,071	8
Charged to Expense	5,075	6,033	3,982
Deductions	2,961	3,237	4,850
Currency Effects	-9	-412	108
Balance at End of Year	$26,579	$20,505	$16,050