Changes in Goodwill by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 26, 2013	Jul. 27, 2012	Oct. 25, 2013	Oct. 26, 2012	Oct. 28, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			$ 1,098,962	$ 1,163,725
Goodwill from acquisitions			21,640
Sale of product line				(523)
Goodwill adjustments			2,904	24,046
Goodwill impairment	(3,500)	(52,200)	(3,454)	(52,169)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment			8,925	(36,117)
Goodwill, Ending Balance			1,128,977	1,098,962	1,163,725
Avionics & Controls
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			456,092	513,508
Goodwill from acquisitions			21,640
Sale of product line				(523)
Goodwill adjustments			0	(234)
Goodwill impairment			(3,454)	(52,169)
Foreign currency translation adjustment			(9,575)	(4,490)
Goodwill, Ending Balance			464,703	456,092
Sensors & Systems
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			428,420	435,645
Goodwill from acquisitions			0
Sale of product line				0
Goodwill adjustments			2,904	24,280
Goodwill impairment			0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment			18,159	(31,505)
Goodwill, Ending Balance			449,483	428,420
Advanced Materials
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			214,450	214,572
Goodwill from acquisitions			0
Sale of product line				0
Goodwill adjustments			0	0
Goodwill impairment			0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment			341	(122)
Goodwill, Ending Balance			$ 214,791	$ 214,450