Nordson (NDSN) 10-Q 7 Mar 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'
Document Type	'10-Q
Amendment Flag	'false
Document Period End Date	31-Jan-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1
Trading Symbol	'NDSN
Entity Registrant Name	'NORDSON CORP
Entity Central Index Key	'0000072331
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-31
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	64,351,111

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Sales	$359,420	$347,043
Operating costs and expenses:	'	'
Cost of sales	164,638	149,814
Selling and administrative expenses	140,923	135,079
Severance and restructuring costs	'	586
Total operating costs and expenses	305,561	285,479
Operating profit	53,859	61,564
Other income (expense):	'	'
Interest expense	-3,575	-4,080
Interest and investment income	112	98
Other-net	-209	-1,200
Total other income (expense)	-3,672	-5,182
Income before income taxes	50,187	56,382
Income taxes	15,307	14,371
Net income	$34,880	$42,011
Average common shares	64,221	64,273
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, restricted stock, and deferred stock-based compensation	639	676
Average common shares and common share equivalents	64,860	64,949
Basic earnings per share	$0.54	$0.65
Diluted earnings per share	$0.54	$0.65
Dividends declared per share	$0.18	$0.15

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net income	$34,880	$42,011
Components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'
Translation adjustments	-5,610	3,371
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses	1,813	2,735
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-3,797	6,106
Total comprehensive income	$31,083	$48,117

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$46,858	$42,375
Receivables - net	279,978	308,707
Inventories - net	200,617	198,401
Deferred income taxes	29,101	29,354
Prepaid expenses	26,707	21,733
Total current assets	583,261	600,570
Property, plant and equipment - net	201,892	200,979
Goodwill	938,114	939,211
Intangible assets - net	262,542	269,073
Other assets	32,513	32,456
Total assets	2,018,322	2,042,289
Current liabilities:	'	'
Notes payable	7,945	3,604
Accounts payable	62,101	62,123
Income taxes payable	18,417	14,522
Accrued liabilities	79,574	110,528
Customer advanced payments	29,280	28,341
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,779	10,832
Current obligations under capital leases	5,532	5,521
Total current liabilities	213,628	235,471
Long-term debt	613,401	638,158
Deferred income taxes	80,496	79,977
Pension obligations	100,518	103,754
Postretirement obligations	60,182	59,794
Other long-term liabilities	38,422	37,272
Shareholders' equity:	'	'
Common shares	12,253	12,253
Capital in excess of stated value	310,577	304,549
Retained earnings	1,385,903	1,362,584
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-61,177	-57,380
Common shares in treasury, at cost	-735,881	-734,143
Total shareholders' equity	911,675	887,863
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$2,018,322	$2,042,289

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$34,880	$42,011
Depreciation and amortization	14,488	13,049
Non-cash stock compensation	5,542	3,555
Deferred income taxes	-230	1,232
Other non-cash expense	168	612
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	192	133
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	-1,088	-2,076
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	-6,265	-18,761
Net cash provided by operating activities	47,687	39,755
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Additions to property, plant and equipment	-7,891	-7,524
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	13	26
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	'	-1,231
Net cash used in investing activities	-7,878	-8,729
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	5,258	6
Repayment of short-term borrowings	-963	'
Proceeds from long-term debt	5,000	11,000
Repayment of long-term debt	-28,890	-21,477
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-1,543	-1,332
Issuance of common shares	2,224	3,143
Purchase of treasury shares	-4,564	-2,591
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	1,088	2,076
Dividends paid	-11,561	-9,641
Net cash used in financing activities	-33,951	-18,816
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-1,375	983
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	4,483	13,193
Cash and cash equivalents:	'	'
Beginning of year	42,375	41,239
End of quarter	$46,858	$54,432

Significant_accounting_policie

Significant accounting policies	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant accounting policies	'
	1	Significant accounting policies
	Basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended January 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013.
	Basis of 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% 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
	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, collectibility 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 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, and, 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 2014 and 2013 were not material.
	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 shares 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 were excluded from the 2014 and 2013 calculations of diluted earnings per share.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	2	Recently issued accounting standards
	In February 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) requiring new disclosures about 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. We adopted this standard on November 1, 2013, and required disclosures are included in Note 7. The updated standard did not impact our 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.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	3	Inventories
	At January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, inventories consisted of the following:
		January 31, 2014			October 31, 2013
	Raw materials and component parts	$	86,044		$	81,943
	Work-in-process		35,350			34,756
	Finished goods		113,051			115,078
			234,445			231,777
	Obsolescence and other reserves		(26,399	)		(26,579	)
	LIFO reserve		(7,429	)		(6,797	)
		$	200,617		$	198,401

Goodwill_and_other_intangible_

Goodwill and other intangible assets	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and other intangible assets	'
	4	Goodwill and other intangible assets
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended January 31, 2014 by operating segment are as follows:
		Adhesive			Advanced			Industrial		Total
		Dispensing			Technology			Coating
		Systems			Systems			Systems
	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	407,269		$	507,884		$	24,058	$	939,211
	Currency effect		(1,031	)		(66	)		—		(1,097	)
	Balance at January 31, 2014	$	406,238		$	507,818		$	24,058	$	938,114
	Accumulated impairment losses, which were recorded in 2009, were $232,789 at January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013. Of these losses, $229,173 related to the Advanced Technology Systems segment, and $3,616 related to the Industrial Coating Systems segment.
	Information regarding our intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:
		January 31, 2014
		Carrying			Accumulated			Net Book
		Amount			Amortization			Value
	Customer relationships	$	171,247		$	32,184		$	139,063
	Patent/technology costs		85,645			22,865			62,780
	Trade name		67,907			8,921			58,986
	Non-compete agreements		8,388			6,936			1,452
	Other		1,393			1,132			261
	Total	$	334,580		$	72,038		$	262,542
		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
	Non-compete agreements		9,965			8,091			1,874
	Other		1,400			1,096			304
	Total	$	336,133		$	67,060		$	269,073
	Amortization expense for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $6,330 and $5,801, respectively.

Pension_and_other_postretireme

Pension and other postretirement plans	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Pension and other postretirement plans	'
	5	Pension and other postretirement plans
	The components of net periodic pension cost for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and January 31, 2013 were:
		U.S.						International
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	2,162		$	2,316		$	697		$	547
	Interest cost		3,415			3,094			792			729
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,161	)		(3,828	)		(431	)		(388	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		59			39			(19	)		(23	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,186			3,486			387			355
	Total benefit cost	$	3,661		$	5,107		$	1,426		$	1,220
	The components of other postretirement benefit cost for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and January 31, 2013 were:
		U.S.						International
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	253		$	336		$	7		$	9
	Interest cost		729			678			9			10
	Amortization of prior service credit		(112	)		(118	)		—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		298			553			(3	)		(1	)
	Total benefit cost	$	1,168		$	1,449		$	13		$	18

Income_taxes

Income taxes	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income taxes	'
	6	Income taxes
	We record our interim provision for income taxes based on our estimated annual effective tax rate, as well as certain items discrete to the current period. The effective tax rate for the three months ended January 31, 2014 was 30.5%, compared to 25.5% for the three months ended January 31, 2013.
	The effective tax rate for the three months ending January 31, 2014, was higher than the comparable prior year period due to the expiration of the Federal Research and Development Tax Credit (Federal R&D Tax Credit) on December 31, 2013 and certain discrete tax items recorded in the prior year.
	During the three months ending January 31, 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 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 three months ended January 31, 2013 included a discrete tax benefit of $1,700 related to 2012.

Accumulated_other_comprehensiv

Accumulated other comprehensive loss	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	'
	7	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, including adjustments for items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income are shown below.
		Cumulative			Pension and			Accumulated
		translation			postretirement benefit			other comprehensive
		adjustments			plan adjustments			loss
	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	26,699		$	(84,079	)	$	(57,380	)
	Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $(989)		—			1,813			1,813
	Current period charge		(5,610	)		—			(5,610	)
	Balance at January 31, 2014	$	21,089		$	(82,266	)	$	(61,177	)

Stockbased_compensation

Stock-based compensation	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Stock-based compensation	'
	8	Stock-based compensation
	During 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 shares, 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. For grants made prior to November 2012, vesting would cease upon retirement, death or disability, and unvested shares would be forfeited. For grants made in or after November 2012, in the event of termination of employment due to early retirement or normal retirement at age 65, options granted within 12 months prior to termination are forfeited, and vesting continues post retirement for all other unvested options granted. In the event of disability or death, all unvested stock options fully vest. Termination for any other reason results in forfeiture of unvested options and vested options in certain circumstances. The amortized cost of options is accelerated if the retirement eligibility date occurs before the normal vesting date. Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of treasury shares on a first-in, first-out basis. We recognized compensation expense related to stock options of $3,666 and $1,204 in the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Most of the increase is related to accelerated amortization of the cost of options.
	The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average		Aggregate		Weighted
		Options			Exercise Price Per		Intrinsic Value		Average
					Share				Remaining
									Term
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		1,749		$	34.63
	Granted		276		$	71.75
	Exercised		(81	)	$	27.47
	Forfeited or expired		(6	)	$	46.18
	Outstanding at January 31, 2014		1,938		$	40.19	$	57,130		6.5 years
	Vested or expected to vest at January 31, 2014		1,913		$	39.85	$	56,999		6.4 years
	Exercisable at January 31, 2014		1,187		$	28.8	$	48,102		5.1 years
	At January 31, 2014, there was $13,467 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.5 years.
	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:
	Three months ended	January 31, 2014		January 31, 2013
	Expected volatility	44.2%-44.7%		45.3%-46.9%
	Expected dividend yield	1.03%		1.01%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.51%-1.79%		0.75%-0.90%
	Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1		5.4-6.1
	The weighted-average expected volatility used to value the 2014 and 2013 options was 44.5%, and 46.3%, 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 U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option being valued.
	The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $27.94 and $24.11, respectively.
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $3,654 and $6,583, respectively. Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2,224 and $3,143, respectively. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $1,088 and $2,076, respectively.
	Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units
	We may grant restricted shares and/or restricted share units to our employees and directors. These shares or units 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 vest 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 vesting of shares or units.
	As shares or units are issued, deferred stock-based compensation equivalent to the fair market value on the date of grant is expensed over the vesting period. Tax benefits arising from the lapse of restrictions are recognized when realized and credited to capital in excess of stated value.
	The following table summarizes activity related to restricted shares during the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value
	Restricted shares at October 31, 2013		82		$	52.67
	Granted		22		$	71.75
	Vested		(34	)	$	46.92
	Restricted shares at January 31, 2014		70		$	61.62
	As of January 31, 2014, there was $2,961 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted shares. The cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.1 years. The amount charged to expense related to restricted shares during the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $472 and $581, respectively. These amounts included common share dividends for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 of $13 and $15, respectively.
	The following table summarizes activity related to restricted share units during the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Units			Grant Date Fair
					Value
	Restricted share units at October 31, 2013		12		$	51.79
	Granted		12		$	71.82
	Vested		(6	)	$	43.73
	Restricted share units at January 31, 2014		18		$	68.71
	As of January 31, 2014, there was $660 of remaining expense to be recognized related to outstanding restricted share units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.8 years. The amount charged to expense related to restricted share units during the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $222 and $116, respectively.
	Directors Deferred Compensation
	Non-employee directors may defer all or part of their cash and equity-based compensation until retirement. Cash compensation may be deferred as cash or as share equivalent units. Deferred cash amounts are recorded as liabilities, and share equivalent units are recorded as equity. Additional share equivalent units are earned when common share dividends are declared.
	The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		148		$	23.22
	Restricted share units vested		6		$	43.73
	Dividend equivalents		1		$	72.24
	Distributions		(15	)	$	18.7
	Outstanding at January 31, 2014		140		$	24.79
	The amount charged to expense related to director deferred compensation for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013 was $27 and $56, respectively.
	Long-Term Incentives
Executive officers and selected other key employees participate in a common share- based long-term incentive compensation program. Payouts vary based on the degree to which corporate financial performance exceeds predetermined threshold, target and maximum performance levels over three-year performance periods. No payout 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 our common shares at the grant date, reduced by the implied value of dividends not to be paid. This value was $69.25 per share for 2014, $59.59 per share for 2013 and $42.12 per share for 2012. During the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013, $1,142 and $1,613, respectively, was charged to expense. The cumulative amount recorded in shareholders’ equity at January 31, 2014 was $4,408.
Our executive officers and other highly compensated employees may elect to defer up to 100% of their base pay and annual cash incentive compensation and for executive officers, up to 90% of their share-based long-term incentive compensation plan payout each year. Additional share units are credited for quarterly dividends paid on our common shares. The amount of expense related to dividends paid under this plan for the three months ended January 31, 2014 was $26. There was no expense for the three months ended January 31, 2013.

Warranties

Warranties	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Warranties	'
	9	Warranties
	We offer warranties to our customers depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that we repair or replace defective products within a specified time period (generally one year) from the date of delivery or first use. We record an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the adequacy of our warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The liability for warranty costs is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013:
		January 31, 2014			January 31, 2013
	Beginning balance	$	9,409		$	8,929
	Accruals for warranties		1,624			1,725
	Warranty payments		(1,578	)		(2,062	)
	Currency effect		(20	)		29
	Ending balance	$	9,435		$	8,621

Operating_segments

Operating segments	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Operating segments	'
	10		Operating segments
	We conduct business across three primary business 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. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies, of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013.
	The following table presents information about our reportable segments:
			Adhesive			Advanced			Industrial		Corporate			Total
			Dispensing			Technology			Coating
			Systems			Systems			Systems
	Three months ended January 31, 2014
	Net external sales		$	209,471		$	97,541		$	52,408	$	—		$	359,420
	Operating profit (loss)			47,920			10,378			4,956		(9,395	)		53,859
	Three months ended January 31, 2013
	Net external sales		$	183,378		$	108,709		$	54,956	$	—		$	347,043
	Operating profit (loss)			43,674	(a)		20,733	(b)		7,161		(10,004	)		61,564
	(a)	Includes $258 of severance and restructuring costs in 2013.
	(b)	Includes $328 of severance and restructuring costs in 2013.
	A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:
	Three months ended		January 31, 2014			January 31, 2013
	Total profit for reportable segments		$	53,859		$	61,564
	Interest expense			(3,575	)		(4,080	)
	Interest and investment income			112			98
	Other-net			(209	)		(1,200	)
	Income before income taxes		$	50,187		$	56,382
	We have significant sales in the following geographic regions:
	Three months ended		January 31, 2014			January 31, 2013
	United States		$	115,506		$	111,304
	Americas			27,265			27,687
	Europe			116,475			94,635
	Japan			26,245			35,596
	Asia Pacific			73,929			77,821
	Total net external sales		$	359,420		$	347,043

Fair_value_measurements

Fair value measurements	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value measurements	'
	11		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 January 31, 2014:
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Rabbi trust (a)		$	13,491	$	—	$	13,491	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts (b)			1,581		—		1,581		—
	Total assets at fair value		$	15,072	$	—	$	15,072	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plans (c)		$	7,827	$	7,827	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts (b)			2,674		—		2,674		—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	10,501	$	7,827	$	2,674	$	—
	(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 currency forward contracts are valued using market exchange rates. Foreign currency forward 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

Financial instruments	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Financial instruments	'
	12		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 currencies are recorded 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. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	Gains and losses on foreign currency forward contracts are recorded in “Other – net” on the Consolidated Statement of Income together with the transaction gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position. For the three months ended January 31, 2014, we recognized losses of $3,429 on foreign currency forward contracts and gains of $3,512 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the three months ended January 31, 2013, we recognized gains of $3,512 on foreign currency forward contracts and losses of $5,027 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions.
	The following table summarizes, by currency, the contracts outstanding at January 31, 2014:
			Sell						Buy
			Notional			Fair Market			Notional		Fair Market
			Amounts			Value			Amounts		Value
	Euro		$	190,022		$	188,780		$	139,522	$	138,314
	British pound			16,998			17,351			30,994		31,295
	Japanese yen			9,793			9,745			2,150		2,179
	Australian dollar			934			926			9,031		8,538
	Hong Kong dollar			1,146			1,145			60,383		60,246
	Singapore dollar			—			—			10,013		9,785
	Others			3,868			3,793			25,255		24,903
	Total		$	222,761		$	221,740		$	277,348	$	275,260
	The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at January 31, 2014, 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.
			Carrying			Fair
			Amount			Value
	Cash and cash equivalents		$	46,858		$	46,858
	Notes payable			7,945			7,945
	Long-term debt, including current maturities			624,180			612,313
	Foreign currency forward contracts (net)			(1,093	)		(1,093	)
	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.
		•		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 valued using observable market based inputs, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	13	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.
	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 the construction of a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site. At January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013 our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $668. 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.

Significant_accounting_policie1

Significant accounting policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended January 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2013.
Basis of Consolidation	'
	Basis of 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% 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.
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, collectibility 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 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, and, 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 2014 and 2013 were not material.
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 shares 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 were excluded from the 2014 and 2013 calculations of diluted earnings per share.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	At January 31, 2014 and October 31, 2013, inventories consisted of the following:
		January 31, 2014			October 31, 2013
	Raw materials and component parts	$	86,044		$	81,943
	Work-in-process		35,350			34,756
	Finished goods		113,051			115,078
			234,445			231,777
	Obsolescence and other reserves		(26,399	)		(26,579	)
	LIFO reserve		(7,429	)		(6,797	)
		$	200,617		$	198,401

Goodwill_and_other_intangible_1

Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill	'
	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the three months ended January 31, 2014 by operating segment are as follows:
		Adhesive			Advanced			Industrial		Total
		Dispensing			Technology			Coating
		Systems			Systems			Systems
	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	407,269		$	507,884		$	24,058	$	939,211
	Currency effect		(1,031	)		(66	)		—		(1,097	)
	Balance at January 31, 2014	$	406,238		$	507,818		$	24,058	$	938,114
Summary of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	'
	Information regarding our intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:
		January 31, 2014
		Carrying			Accumulated			Net Book
		Amount			Amortization			Value
	Customer relationships	$	171,247		$	32,184		$	139,063
	Patent/technology costs		85,645			22,865			62,780
	Trade name		67,907			8,921			58,986
	Non-compete agreements		8,388			6,936			1,452
	Other		1,393			1,132			261
	Total	$	334,580		$	72,038		$	262,542
		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
	Non-compete agreements		9,965			8,091			1,874
	Other		1,400			1,096			304
	Total	$	336,133		$	67,060		$	269,073

Pension_and_other_postretireme1

Pension and other postretirement plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Pension Cost [Member]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost	'
	The components of net periodic pension cost for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and January 31, 2013 were:
		U.S.						International
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	2,162		$	2,316		$	697		$	547
	Interest cost		3,415			3,094			792			729
	Expected return on plan assets		(4,161	)		(3,828	)		(431	)		(388	)
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		59			39			(19	)		(23	)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,186			3,486			387			355
	Total benefit cost	$	3,661		$	5,107		$	1,426		$	1,220
Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Cost	'
	The components of other postretirement benefit cost for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and January 31, 2013 were:
		U.S.						International
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service cost	$	253		$	336		$	7		$	9
	Interest cost		729			678			9			10
	Amortization of prior service credit		(112	)		(118	)		—			—
	Amortization of net actuarial loss		298			553			(3	)		(1	)
	Total benefit cost	$	1,168		$	1,449		$	13		$	18

Accumulated_other_comprehensiv1

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss, including adjustments for items that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income are shown below.
		Cumulative			Pension and			Accumulated
		translation			postretirement benefit			other comprehensive
		adjustments			plan adjustments			loss
	Balance at October 31, 2013	$	26,699		$	(84,079	)	$	(57,380	)
	Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $(989)		—			1,813			1,813
	Current period charge		(5,610	)		—			(5,610	)
	Balance at January 31, 2014	$	21,089		$	(82,266	)	$	(61,177	)

Stockbased_compensation_Tables

Stock-based compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]	'
Summarized Activity Related to Stock Options	'
	The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average		Aggregate		Weighted
		Options			Exercise Price Per		Intrinsic Value		Average
					Share				Remaining
									Term
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		1,749		$	34.63
	Granted		276		$	71.75
	Exercised		(81	)	$	27.47
	Forfeited or expired		(6	)	$	46.18
	Outstanding at January 31, 2014		1,938		$	40.19	$	57,130		6.5 years
	Vested or expected to vest at January 31, 2014		1,913		$	39.85	$	56,999		6.4 years
	Exercisable at January 31, 2014		1,187		$	28.8	$	48,102		5.1 years
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:
	Three months ended	January 31, 2014		January 31, 2013
	Expected volatility	44.2%-44.7%		45.3%-46.9%
	Expected dividend yield	1.03%		1.01%
	Risk-free interest rate	1.51%-1.79%		0.75%-0.90%
	Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1		5.4-6.1
Summarized Activity Related to Restricted Stock	'
	The following table summarizes activity related to restricted shares during the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value
	Restricted shares at October 31, 2013		82		$	52.67
	Granted		22		$	71.75
	Vested		(34	)	$	46.92
	Restricted shares at January 31, 2014		70		$	61.62
Summarized Activity Related to Restricted Stock Units	'
	The following table summarizes activity related to restricted share units during the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Units			Grant Date Fair
					Value
	Restricted share units at October 31, 2013		12		$	51.79
	Granted		12		$	71.82
	Vested		(6	)	$	43.73
	Restricted share units at January 31, 2014		18		$	68.71
Summarized Activity Related to Director Deferred Compensation Shares	'
	The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during the three months ended January 31, 2014:
		Number of			Weighted-Average
		Shares			Grant Date Fair
					Value
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		148		$	23.22
	Restricted share units vested		6		$	43.73
	Dividend equivalents		1		$	72.24
	Distributions		(15	)	$	18.7
	Outstanding at January 31, 2014		140		$	24.79

Warranties_Tables

Warranties (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Product Warranty Liability	'
	Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for the three months ended January 31, 2014 and 2013:
		January 31, 2014			January 31, 2013
	Beginning balance	$	9,409		$	8,929
	Accruals for warranties		1,624			1,725
	Warranty payments		(1,578	)		(2,062	)
	Currency effect		(20	)		29
	Ending balance	$	9,435		$	8,621

Operating_segments_Tables

Operating segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
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
	Three months ended January 31, 2014
	Net external sales		$	209,471		$	97,541		$	52,408	$	—		$	359,420
	Operating profit (loss)			47,920			10,378			4,956		(9,395	)		53,859
	Three months ended January 31, 2013
	Net external sales		$	183,378		$	108,709		$	54,956	$	—		$	347,043
	Operating profit (loss)			43,674	(a)		20,733	(b)		7,161		(10,004	)		61,564
	(a)	Includes $258 of severance and restructuring costs in 2013.
	(b)	Includes $328 of severance and restructuring costs in 2013.
Total Consolidated Income Before Income Taxes	'
	A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:
	Three months ended		January 31, 2014			January 31, 2013
	Total profit for reportable segments		$	53,859		$	61,564
	Interest expense			(3,575	)		(4,080	)
	Interest and investment income			112			98
	Other-net			(209	)		(1,200	)
	Income before income taxes		$	50,187		$	56,382
Sales Information by Geographic Regions	'
	We have significant sales in the following geographic regions:
	Three months ended		January 31, 2014			January 31, 2013
	United States		$	115,506		$	111,304
	Americas			27,265			27,687
	Europe			116,475			94,635
	Japan			26,245			35,596
	Asia Pacific			73,929			77,821
	Total net external sales		$	359,420		$	347,043

Fair_value_measurements_Tables

Fair value measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
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 January 31, 2014:
			Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	Assets:
	Rabbi trust (a)		$	13,491	$	—	$	13,491	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts (b)			1,581		—		1,581		—
	Total assets at fair value		$	15,072	$	—	$	15,072	$	—
	Liabilities:
	Deferred compensation plans (c)		$	7,827	$	7,827	$	—	$	—
	Foreign currency forward contracts (b)			2,674		—		2,674		—
	Total liabilities at fair value		$	10,501	$	7,827	$	2,674	$	—
	(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 currency forward contracts are valued using market exchange rates. Foreign currency forward 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)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]	'
Outstanding Currency, Forward Exchange Contracts	'
	The following table summarizes, by currency, the contracts outstanding at January 31, 2014:
		Sell						Buy
		Notional			Fair Market			Notional		Fair Market
		Amounts			Value			Amounts		Value
	Euro	$	190,022		$	188,780		$	139,522	$	138,314
	British pound		16,998			17,351			30,994		31,295
	Japanese yen		9,793			9,745			2,150		2,179
	Australian dollar		934			926			9,031		8,538
	Hong Kong dollar		1,146			1,145			60,383		60,246
	Singapore dollar		—			—			10,013		9,785
	Others		3,868			3,793			25,255		24,903
	Total	$	222,761		$	221,740		$	277,348	$	275,260
Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments, Other than Receivables and Accounts Payable	'
	The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at January 31, 2014, 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.
		Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	46,858		$	46,858
	Notes payable		7,945			7,945
	Long-term debt, including current maturities		624,180			612,313
	Foreign currency forward contracts (net)		(1,093	)		(1,093	)

Recovered_Sheet1

Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Options for common shares excluded from computation of diluted earning per share	0	0
Maximum [Member]	'	'
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]	'	'
Ownership percentage in affiliates and joint ventures	50.00%	'

Inventories_Inventories_Detail

Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials and component parts	$86,044	$81,943
Work-in-process	35,350	34,756
Finished goods	113,051	115,078
Inventories - gross	234,445	231,777
Obsolescence and other reserves	-26,399	-26,579
LIFO reserve	-7,429	-6,797
Inventories - net	$200,617	$198,401

Recovered_Sheet2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at October 31, 2013	$939,211
Currency effect	-1,097
Balance at January 31, 2014	938,114
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at October 31, 2013	407,269
Currency effect	-1,031
Balance at January 31, 2014	406,238
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at October 31, 2013	507,884
Currency effect	-66
Balance at January 31, 2014	507,818
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]	'
Goodwill [Line Items]	'
Balance at October 31, 2013	24,058
Currency effect	'
Balance at January 31, 2014	$24,058

Recovered_Sheet3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$232,789	'	$232,789
Intangible assets, amortization expense	6,330	5,801	'
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_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	$334,580	$336,133
Accumulated Amortization	72,038	67,060
Net Book Value	262,542	269,073
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	171,247	171,489
Accumulated Amortization	32,184	28,872
Net Book Value	139,063	142,617
Patent/Technology Costs [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	85,645	85,414
Accumulated Amortization	22,865	21,145
Net Book Value	62,780	64,269
Trade Names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	67,907	67,865
Accumulated Amortization	8,921	7,856
Net Book Value	58,986	60,009
Non-compete Agreements [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	8,388	9,965
Accumulated Amortization	6,936	8,091
Net Book Value	1,452	1,874
Other [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Amount	1,393	1,400
Accumulated Amortization	1,132	1,096
Net Book Value	$261	$304

Recovered_Sheet4

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Pension Plan, United States [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$2,162	$2,316
Interest cost	3,415	3,094
Expected return on plan assets	-4,161	-3,828
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	59	39
Amortization of net actuarial loss	2,186	3,486
Total benefit cost	3,661	5,107
Pension Plan, International [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	697	547
Interest cost	792	729
Expected return on plan assets	-431	-388
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-19	-23
Amortization of net actuarial loss	387	355
Total benefit cost	$1,426	$1,220

Recovered_Sheet5

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - Other Postretirement Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Postretirement Benefit Plans, United States [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	$253	$336
Interest cost	729	678
Amortization of prior service credit	-112	-118
Amortization of net actuarial loss	298	553
Total benefit cost	1,168	1,449
Postretirement Benefit Plans, International [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Service cost	7	9
Interest cost	9	10
Amortization of prior service credit	'	'
Amortization of net actuarial loss	-3	-1
Total benefit cost	$13	$18

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'
Effective tax rates	30.50%	25.50%
Additional tax benefit relating to retroactive reinstatement of research and development credit	'	$1,700
Foreign [Member]	'	'
Income Tax [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	'	$900

Recovered_Sheet6

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Beginning balance	($57,380)
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $(989)	1,813
Current period charge	-5,610
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Ending balance	-61,177
Cumulative Translation Adjustments [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Beginning balance	26,699
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $(989)	'
Current period charge	-5,610
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Ending balance	21,089
Pension And Postretirement Benefit Plan Adjustments [Member]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Beginning balance	-84,079
Reclassification adjustments, net of tax of $(989)	1,813
Current period charge	'
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, Ending balance	($82,266)

Recovered_Sheet7

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]	'
Reclassification adjustments tax	$989

Stockbased_Compensation_Additi

Stock-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
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 years	'	'
Percentage of base pay and annual incentive compensation deferred	100.00%	'	'
Percentage of long term incentive compensation plan deferred	90.00%	'	'
Directors [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Expense related to director deferred compensation	$27	$56	'
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	3,666	1,204	'
Normal retirement age	'65 years	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares	13,467	'	'
Weighted average period expected to be amortized, non vested shares	'1 year 6 months	'	'
Weighted-average expected volatility used	44.50%	46.30%	'
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted	$27.94	$24.11	'
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	3,654	6,583	'
Cash received from the exercise of stock options	2,224	3,143	'
Tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises of stock options	1,088	2,076	'
Stock Options [Member] | Post November 2012 Option Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Period for options considered to be forfeited for retirees	'12 months	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares	2,961	'	'
Weighted average period expected to be amortized, non vested shares	'2 years 1 month 6 days	'	'
Expense related to nonvested common shares	472	581	'
Common share dividends amount included in compensation cost	13	15	'
Restricted Stock Unit [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Weighted average period expected to be amortized, non vested shares	'9 months 18 days	'	'
Expense related to nonvested common shares	222	116	'
Recognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares	660	'	'
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	$69.25	$59.59	$42.12
Compensation expense charged	1,142	1,613	'
Cumulative amount recorded in shareholders' equity related to Long-Term Incentive Plan	4,408	'	'
2005 Deferred Compensation Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common share dividends amount included in compensation cost	$26	$0	'
Percentage of base pay and annual incentive compensation deferred	100.00%	'	'
Percentage of long term incentive compensation plan deferred	90.00%	'	'

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Stock Options (Detail) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Stock Options [Member]	'
Annual Activity of Stock Option Plans [Line Items]	'
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,749
Number of Options, Granted	276
Number of Options, Exercised	-81
Number of Options, Forfeited or expired	-6
Number of Options, Outstanding, Ending balance	1,938
Number of Options, Vested or expected to vest	1,913
Number of Options, Exercisable	1,187
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Beginning balance	$34.63
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted	$71.75
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$27.47
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited or expired	$46.18
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Ending balance	$40.19
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Vested or expected to vest	$39.85
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$28.80
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$57,130
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested or expected to vest	56,999
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$48,102
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Outstanding	'6 years 6 months
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Vested or expected to vest	'6 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Exercisable	'5 years 1 month 6 days

Stockbased_Compensation_Fair_V

Stock-based Compensation - Fair Value Assumptions of Stock Options (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected volatility, Minimum	44.20%	45.30%
Expected volatility, Maximum	44.70%	46.90%
Expected dividend yield	1.03%	1.01%
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum	1.51%	0.75%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum	1.79%	0.90%
Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Expected life of the option (in years)	'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 life of the option (in years)	'6 years 1 month 6 days	'6 years 1 month 6 days

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Restricted Stock (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of Restricted Shares, Beginning balance	82
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	22
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	-34
Number of Restricted Shares, Ending balance	70
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted Shares, Beginning balance	$52.67
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$71.75
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$46.92
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted Shares, Ending balance	$61.62

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar2

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Restricted Stock Units (Detail) (Restricted Stock Unit [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Restricted Stock Unit [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of Restricted Shares, Beginning balance	12
Number of Restricted Shares, Granted	12
Number of Restricted Shares, Vested	-6
Number of Restricted Shares, Ending balance	18
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted Shares, Beginning balance	$51.79
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$71.82
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$43.73
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted Shares, Ending balance	$68.71

Stockbased_Compensation_Summar3

Stock-based Compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Director Deferred Compensation Shares (Detail) (Directors [Member], Deferred Compensation Share Equivalent Units [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014
Directors [Member] | Deferred Compensation Share Equivalent Units [Member]	'
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]	'
Number of Shares, Outstanding, Beginning balance	148
Number of Shares, Restricted stock units vested	6
Number of Shares, Dividend equivalents	1
Number of Shares, Distributions	-15
Number of Shares, Outstanding, Ending balance	140
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Beginning balance	$23.22
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Restricted stock units vested	$43.73
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Dividend equivalents	$72.24
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Distributions	$18.70
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Ending balance	$24.79

Warranties_Additional_Informat

Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
Guarantees [Abstract]	'
Standard product warranty period	'One year

Warranties_Reconciliation_of_P

Warranties - Reconciliation of Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Guarantees [Abstract]	'	'
Beginning balance	$9,409	$8,929
Accruals for warranties	1,624	1,725
Warranty payments	-1,578	-2,062
Currency effect	-20	29
Ending balance	$9,435	$8,621

Operating_Segments_Additional_

Operating Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
	Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Number of operating segments	3

Operating_Segments_Reportable_

Operating Segments - Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net external sales	$359,420	$347,043
Operating profit (loss)	53,859	61,564
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net external sales	209,471	183,378
Operating profit (loss)	47,920	43,674
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net external sales	97,541	108,709
Operating profit (loss)	10,378	20,733
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net external sales	52,408	54,956
Operating profit (loss)	4,956	7,161
Corporate [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Net external sales	'	'
Operating profit (loss)	($9,395)	($10,004)

Operating_Segments_Reportable_1

Operating Segments - Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Severance and restructuring costs	$586
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Severance and restructuring costs	258
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'
Severance and restructuring costs	$328

Operating_Segments_Total_Conso

Operating Segments - Total Consolidated Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Total profit for reportable segments	$53,859	$61,564
Interest expense	-3,575	-4,080
Interest and investment income	112	98
Other-net	-209	-1,200
Income before income taxes	$50,187	$56,382

Operating_Segments_Sales_Infor

Operating Segments - Sales Information by Geographic Regions (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total net external sales	$359,420	$347,043
United States [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total net external sales	115,506	111,304
Americas [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total net external sales	27,265	27,687
Europe [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total net external sales	116,475	94,635
Japan [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total net external sales	26,245	35,596
Asia Pacific [Member]	'	'
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Total net external sales	$73,929	$77,821

Fair_Value_Measurements_Schedu

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:	'
Rabbi trust	$13,491
Foreign currency forward contracts	1,581
Total assets at fair value	15,072
Liabilities:	'
Deferred compensation plans	7,827
Foreign currency forward contracts	2,674
Total liabilities at fair value	10,501
Level 1 [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Rabbi trust	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	'
Total assets at fair value	'
Liabilities:	'
Deferred compensation plans	7,827
Foreign currency forward contracts	'
Total liabilities at fair value	7,827
Level 2 [Member]	'
Assets:	'
Rabbi trust	13,491
Foreign currency forward contracts	1,581
Total assets at fair value	15,072
Liabilities:	'
Deferred compensation plans	'
Foreign currency forward contracts	2,674
Total liabilities at fair value	2,674
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)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014
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 $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Offsetting [Abstract]	'	'
Maturity of foreign currency forward contracts	'90 days	'
Gains (loss) on foreign currency forward contracts	($3,429)	$3,512
Gains (losses) in fair value of balance sheet positions denominated in foreign currencies	$3,512	($5,027)

Financial_Instruments_Outstand

Financial Instruments - Outstanding Currency, Forward Exchange Contracts (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	$222,761
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	221,740
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	277,348
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	275,260
Euro [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	190,022
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	188,780
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	139,522
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	138,314
British Pound [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	16,998
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	17,351
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	30,994
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	31,295
Japanese Yen [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	9,793
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	9,745
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	2,150
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	2,179
Australian Dollar [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	934
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	926
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	9,031
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	8,538
Hong Kong Dollar [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	1,146
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	1,145
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	60,383
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	60,246
Singapore Dollar [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	'
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	10,013
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	9,785
Others [Member]	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	3,868
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	3,793
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	25,255
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	$24,903

Financial_Instruments_Carrying

Financial Instruments - Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments, Other than Receivables and Accounts Payable (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$46,858	$42,375	$54,432	$41,239
Notes payable, Carrying Amount	7,945	3,604	'	'
Long-term debt, including current maturities, Carrying Amount	624,180	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts (net), Carrying Amount	-1,093	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	46,858	'	'	'
Notes payable, Fair Value	7,945	'	'	'
Long-term debt, including current maturities, Fair Value	612,313	'	'	'
Foreign currency forward contracts (net), Fair Value	($1,093)	'	'	'

Contingencies_Additional_Infor

Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]	'	'
Accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site	$668	$668