Discontinued Operations Income (Loss) Net of Tax (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 15,236		$ 19,040
Operating earnings (loss)	(3,486)		(5,378)
Loss on net assets held for sale	(14,077)	(49,500)	0
Tax expense (benefit)	(824)		(1,513)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(16,739)		(3,865)
Avionics & Controls
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	6,802		6,549
Operating earnings (loss)	(782)		(2,976)
Loss on net assets held for sale	(11,514)		0
Tax expense (benefit)	(256)		(967)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(12,040)		(2,009)
Sensors & Systems
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	5,633		5,315
Operating earnings (loss)	550		(394)
Loss on net assets held for sale	0		0
Tax expense (benefit)	195		(130)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	355		(264)
Advanced Materials
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	2,801		7,176
Operating earnings (loss)	(2,069)		(2,008)
Loss on net assets held for sale	(2,563)		0
Tax expense (benefit)	(352)		(416)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	(4,280)		(1,592)
Other
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net Sales	0		0
Operating earnings (loss)	(1,185)		0
Loss on net assets held for sale	0		0
Tax expense (benefit)	(411)		0
Income (loss) from discontinued operations	$ (774)		$ 0