Business Segment Information for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Jul. 26, 2013		Jul. 27, 2012		Jul. 26, 2013		Jul. 27, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 478,068		$ 485,949		$ 1,435,592		$ 1,461,662
Segment Earnings	70,316		9,987		198,845		129,059
Corporate expense	(20,793)		(9,127)		(53,224)		(35,182)
Gain on settlement of contingency	0		0		0		11,891
Other income	0		1,263		0		1,263
Interest income	132		109		381		320
Interest expense	(9,050)		(12,159)		(30,976)		(35,171)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0		0		(946)		0
Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	40,605		(9,927)		114,080		72,180
Avionics And Controls
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	179,572		195,059		546,272		569,656
Segment Earnings	20,597	[1]	(25,611)	[2]	60,651	[1]	12,703	[2]
Sensors And Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	175,864		171,603		524,638		527,958
Segment Earnings	21,584		18,305		63,792		49,830
Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	122,632		119,287		364,682		364,048
Segment Earnings	$ 28,135		$ 17,293		$ 74,402		$ 66,526

[1] Includes a $3.5 million estimated impairment charge against Racal Acoustics' goodwill.

[2] Includes a $52.2 million impairment charge against Racal Acoustics' goodwill.