Goodwill and intangible assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2011
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2010	$ 347,326
Acquisitions/Adjustment	201,000
Currency effect	(500)
Balance at October 31, 2011	547,826
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2010	33,783
Acquisitions/Adjustment	8,638
Currency effect	(459)
Balance at October 31, 2011	41,962
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2010	313,543
Acquisitions/Adjustment	192,362
Currency effect	(41)
Balance at October 31, 2011	505,864
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2010	0
Acquisitions/Adjustment	0
Currency effect	0
Balance at October 31, 2011	$ 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

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- 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

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- Details

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- 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

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