Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 25, 2013		Oct. 26, 2012		Oct. 28, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	$ 3,262,112		$ 3,227,117		$ 3,378,586
Capital Expenditures	55,335		49,446		49,507
Depreciation and amortization	112,132		107,792		84,658
Operating Segments | Avionics & Controls
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	1,275,514		1,261,300		1,333,735
Capital Expenditures	14,381	[1]	14,356		22,369
Depreciation and amortization	43,124		40,096		38,391
Operating Segments | Sensors & Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	1,282,219		1,204,073		1,349,776
Capital Expenditures	21,856		18,788		10,469
Depreciation and amortization	41,845		40,333		20,523
Operating Segments | Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	560,681		558,058		563,662
Capital Expenditures	18,917		14,783		16,341
Depreciation and amortization	24,313		24,666		23,439
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Identifiable Assets	143,698	[2]	203,686	[2]	131,413	[2]
Capital Expenditures	181		1,519		328
Depreciation and amortization	$ 2,850		$ 2,697		$ 2,305

[1] Excludes capital expenditures accounted for as a capitalized lease obligation of $11,691 in fiscal 2013.

[2] Primarily cash and deferred tax assets (see Note 9).