Name:	ndsn_SegmentReportingInformationAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	ndsn_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

The net result for the period of deducting operating expenses from operating revenues.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OperatingIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 1

-Article 5

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SalesRevenueNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of depreciation expense for the reportable segment. Information should be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 131

-Paragraph 27

-Subparagraph e

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationDepreciationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Total expenditures for additions to long-lived assets other than financial instruments, long-term customer relationships of a financial institution, mortgage and other servicing rights, deferred policy acquisition costs, and deferred tax assets of the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amount (a) is included in the determination of segment assets reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in the determination of segment assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 131

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph b

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationExpendituresForAdditionsToLongLivedAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of net assets (total assets less total liabilities) attributed to the reportable segment.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 131

-Paragraph 28

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationNetAssets
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Operating segments and geographic area data (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Apr. 30, 2010	Jan. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Reportable segments
Net external sales	$ 331,018	$ 312,255	$ 318,924	$ 270,962	$ 290,182	$ 279,121	$ 251,659	$ 220,589	$ 1,233,159	$ 1,041,551	$ 819,165
Depreciation									20,758	22,625	26,310
Operating profit (loss)									315,543	234,833	(127,807)
Identifiable assets	1,320,391				997,363				1,320,391	997,363	896,962
Expenditure for long-lived assets									20,239	14,317	12,514
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Reportable segments
Net external sales									611,911	525,290	460,746
Depreciation									7,087	8,014	9,087
Operating profit (loss)									210,350	166,255	127,589
Identifiable assets	286,974				251,881				286,974	251,881	226,904
Expenditure for long-lived assets									4,477	1,857	1,922
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Reportable segments
Net external sales									438,634	369,449	242,247
Depreciation									7,869	7,641	7,268
Operating profit (loss)									114,903	84,247	(214,781)
Identifiable assets	692,295				477,563				692,295	477,563	448,196
Expenditure for long-lived assets									4,842	2,792	7,089
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Reportable segments
Net external sales									182,614	146,812	116,172
Depreciation									2,837	2,851	3,326
Operating profit (loss)									26,977	14,588	(6,895)
Identifiable assets	70,622				61,256				70,622	61,256	53,176
Expenditure for long-lived assets									2,428	548	865
Corporate [Member]
Reportable segments
Depreciation									2,965	4,119	6,629
Operating profit (loss)									(36,687)	(30,257)	(33,720)
Identifiable assets	270,500				206,663				270,500	206,663	168,686
Expenditure for long-lived assets									$ 8,492	$ 9,120	$ 2,638