Business Segment Information for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	May 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013	May 02, 2014	Apr. 26, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	$ 529,574	$ 499,562	$ 1,034,554	$ 957,524
Corporate expense	(17,037)	(15,855)	(32,256)	(32,431)
Interest income	137	148	257	249
Interest expense	(8,439)	(11,482)	(17,069)	(21,926)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	(946)	0	(946)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Taxes	46,694	45,160	83,971	73,475
Avionics & Controls
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	195,601	192,130	396,040	366,700
Sensors & Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	210,734	176,964	397,823	348,774
Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	123,239	130,468	240,691	242,050
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	72,033	73,295	133,039	128,529
Operating Segments | Avionics & Controls
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	21,567	21,465	46,331	40,054
Operating Segments | Sensors & Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	23,099	23,207	43,337	42,208
Operating Segments | Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Earnings	$ 27,367	$ 28,623	$ 43,371	$ 46,267