Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013
Quanex Screens [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 22.4
Contingent consideration arrangements, additional consideration outcome	0.5
Contingent consideration at fair value	0.3
Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Reduction Related to Working Capital Clause	0.4
Patents and other technology
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	0.2
Customer relationships
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 8.7