Operating segments - Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2023	Jul. 31, 2022	Jul. 31, 2023	Jul. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	$ 648,677	$ 662,128	$ 1,909,319	$ 1,906,697
Operating profit (loss)	170,996	184,918	487,722	524,751
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	648,677	662,128	1,909,319	1,906,697
Operating profit (loss)	170,996	184,918	487,722	524,751
Operating Segments | Industrial Precision Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	338,257	341,215	985,610	981,582
Operating profit (loss)	115,346	119,706	329,439	324,089
Operating Segments | Advanced Technology Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	139,549	143,073	432,026	416,279
Operating profit (loss)	27,083	28,155	70,136	95,533
Operating Segments | Medical and Fluid Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	170,871	177,840	491,683	508,836
Operating profit (loss)	54,019	58,103	141,326	165,510
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	0	0	0	0
Operating profit (loss)	$ (25,452)	$ (21,046)	$ (53,179)	$ (60,381)