Operating segments - Segments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2024	Jul. 31, 2023	Jul. 31, 2024	Jul. 31, 2023
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	$ 661,604	$ 648,677	$ 1,945,439	$ 1,909,319
Operating profit (loss)	167,058	170,996	495,109	487,722
Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	661,604	648,677	1,945,439	1,909,319
Operating profit (loss)	167,058	170,996	495,109	487,722
Operating Segments | Industrial Precision Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	370,561	338,257	1,092,099	985,610
Operating profit (loss)	118,110	115,346	344,305	329,439
Operating Segments | Advanced Technology Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	124,306	139,549	358,111	432,026
Operating profit (loss)	22,945	27,083	60,767	70,136
Operating Segments | Medical and Fluid Solutions
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	166,737	170,871	495,229	491,683
Operating profit (loss)	48,374	54,019	143,467	141,326
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	0	0	0	0
Operating profit (loss)	$ (22,371)	$ (25,452)	$ (53,430)	$ (53,179)