Goodwill and intangible assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2011
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	$ 347,326
Acquisition	21,773
Currency effect	508
Ending Balance	369,607
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	33,783
Acquisition	8,461
Currency effect	183
Ending Balance	42,427
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	313,543
Acquisition	13,312
Currency effect	325
Ending Balance	327,180
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Beginning Balance	0
Acquisition	0
Currency effect	0
Ending Balance	$ 0

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 43

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_Goodwill
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142
-Paragraph 45
-Subparagraph e(1)

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Reflects net changes to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments and purchase accounting adjustments needed to revise the carrying amount of goodwill to fair value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 142

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GoodwillTranslationAndPurchaseAccountingAdjustments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration