Operating segments - Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2023	Jan. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	$ 610,477	$ 609,166
Operating profit (loss)	144,219	155,860
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	610,477	609,166
Operating profit (loss)	144,219	155,860
Operating Segments | Industrial Precision Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	311,546	323,933
Operating profit (loss)	102,319	102,187
Operating Segments | Advanced Technology Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	144,644	126,449
Operating profit (loss)	16,963	27,234
Operating Segments | Medical and Fluid Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	154,287	158,784
Operating profit (loss)	39,384	49,093
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	0	0
Operating profit (loss)	$ (14,447)	$ (22,654)