Business Segment Information for Continuing Operations (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Aug. 01, 2014		Jul. 26, 2013		Aug. 01, 2014		Jul. 26, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 531,124		$ 478,068		$ 1,565,678		$ 1,435,592
Segment Earnings	74,783		70,316		207,822		198,845
Corporate expense	(16,142)		(20,793)		(48,398)		(53,224)
Interest income	146		132		403		381
Interest expense	(7,870)		(9,050)		(24,939)		(30,976)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(533)		0		(533)		(946)
Earnings from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes	50,384		40,605		134,355		114,080
Avionics & Controls
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	200,109		179,572		596,149		546,272
Segment Earnings	29,055	[1]	20,597	[1]	75,386	[1]	60,651	[1]
Sensors & Systems
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	198,106		175,864		595,929		524,638
Segment Earnings	18,196		21,584		61,533		63,792
Advanced Materials
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	132,909		122,632		373,600		364,682
Segment Earnings	$ 27,532		$ 28,135		$ 70,903		$ 74,402

[1] Includes a $3.5 million impairment charge against Racal Acoustics, Ltd. (Racal Acoustics) goodwill in the three and nine month periods ended July 26, 2013.