10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                    to                     

Commission file number 0-7977

NORDSON CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio	34-0590250
(State of incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
28601 Clemens Road Westlake, Ohio	44145
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(440) 892-1580

(Telephone Number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Shares, without par value

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes   x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	x	Accelerated filer	¨
Non-accelerated filer	¨  (Do not check if smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Shares, without par value, as of April 30, 2012: 64,312,607

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)	3
Consolidated Statements of Income	3
Consolidated Balance Sheets	4
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
ITEM  2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	20
Results of Operations	20
Financial Condition	24
Critical Accounting Policies	25
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	26
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	27
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION	27
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	27
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	27
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	28
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	28
SIGNATURES	29
CERTIFICATIONS	30

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Nordson Corporation

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Consolidated Statements of Income

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
(In thousands, except for per share data)	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30,2011
Sales	$	315,193		$	318,924		$	591,029		$	589,886
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		123,497			121,172			229,987			225,963
Cost of sales—restructuring		2,040			—			2,040			—
Selling and administrative expenses		111,063			105,324			223,111			205,971
Severance and restructuring		1,736			—			2,547			—
		238,336			226,496			457,685			431,934
Operating profit		76,857			92,428			133,344			157,952
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(2,161	)		(1,338	)		(4,129	)		(2,733	)
Interest and investment income		147			115			266			240
Other—net		137			1,791			1,129			2,727
		(1,877	)		568			(2,734	)		234
Income before income taxes		74,980			92,996			130,610			158,186
Income taxes		22,869			27,754			40,161			47,047
Net income	$	52,111		$	65,242		$	90,449		$	111,139
Average common shares		64,426			68,110			64,749			68,043
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, nonvested stock,and deferred stock-based compensation		753			892			658			878
Average common shares and common share equivalents		65,179			69,002			65,407			68,921
Basic earnings per share	$	0.81		$	0.96		$	1.40		$	1.63
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.80		$	0.95		$	1.38		$	1.61
Dividends declared per share	$	0.125		$	0.105		$	0.25		$	0.21

See accompanying notes.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)	April 30, 2012			October 31, 2011
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	57,537		$	37,408
Receivables		249,184			254,310
Inventories		154,934			141,912
Deferred income taxes		35,852			35,693
Prepaid expenses		9,025			7,634
Total current assets		506,532			476,957
Property, plant and equipment—net		141,610			130,883
Goodwill		546,780			547,826
Intangible assets—net		115,056			120,699
Other assets		27,239			28,085
	$	1,337,217		$	1,304,450
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	$	4		$	33
Accounts payable		46,487			46,381
Income taxes payable		21,321			15,283
Accrued liabilities		79,572			101,294
Customer advanced payments		16,660			9,375
Current maturities of long-term debt		55,664			5,664
Current obligations under capital leases		4,518			4,131
Total current liabilities		224,226			182,161
Long-term debt		286,480			313,459
Deferred income taxes		21,671			17,415
Pension obligations		123,224			123,058
Postretirement obligations		73,822			71,943
Other liabilities		29,951			25,091
Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares		12,253			12,253
Capital in excess of stated value		277,347			272,928
Retained earnings		1,064,480			990,221
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(82,189	)		(80,012	)
Common shares in treasury, at cost		(694,048	)		(624,067	)
Total shareholders’ equity		577,843			571,323
	$	1,337,217		$	1,304,450

See accompanying notes.

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	90,449		$	111,139
Depreciation and amortization		15,959			14,246
Non-cash stock compensation		4,959			4,701
Deferred income (benefit)/expense		1,231			(217	)
Other non-cash expense		850			1,435
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment		122			83
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options		(979	)		(6,919	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		(13,622	)		(12,406	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		98,969			112,062
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(14,370	)		(10,714	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		444			131
Proceeds from sale of product lines		2,213			—
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired		—			(21,296	)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities		—			7,552
Net cash used in investing activities		(11,713	)		(24,327	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings		—			65
Repayment of short-term borrowings		(29	)		(1,544	)
Proceeds from long-term debt		37,975			49,506
Repayment of long-term debt		(14,954	)		(93,524	)
Repayment of capital lease obligations		(2,423	)		(2,335	)
Issuance of common shares		2,852			9,282
Purchase of treasury shares		(74,352	)		(19,134	)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options		979			6,919
Dividends paid		(16,191	)		(14,291	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(66,143	)		(65,056	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(984	)		1,777
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		20,129			24,456
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year		37,408			42,329
End of quarter	$	57,537		$	66,785

See accompanying notes.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2012

NOTE REGARDING AMOUNTS AND FISCAL YEAR REFERENCES

In this quarterly report, all amounts related to United States dollars and foreign currency and to the number of Nordson Corporation’s common shares, except for per share earnings and dividend amounts, are expressed in thousands.

Unless otherwise noted, all references to years relate to our fiscal year ending October 31.

1. Significant Accounting Policies.

Basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended April 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011.

Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Revenue recognition. Most of our revenues are recognized upon shipment, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

A relative selling price hierarchy exists for determining the selling price of deliverables in multiple deliverable arrangements. Vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) is used, if available. Third-party evidence (TPE) is used if VSOE is not available, and best estimated selling price (BESP) is used if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Our multiple deliverable arrangements include installation, installation supervision, training, and spare parts, which tend to be completed in a short period of time, at an insignificant cost, and utilizing skills not unique to us, therefore, are typically regarded as inconsequential or perfunctory. Revenue for undelivered items is deferred and included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. Revenues deferred in 2012 and 2011 were not material.

Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year, while diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents consist of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options computed using the treasury stock method, as well as nonvested (restricted) stock and deferred stock-based compensation. Options whose exercise price is higher than the average market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended April 30, 2012, and the three and six months ended April 30, 2011, no options for common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, the number of options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 150.

2. Recently issued accounting standards. In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that provides requirements for pro forma revenue and earnings disclosures related to business combinations. This guidance requires disclosure of revenue and earnings of the combined business as if the combination occurred at the start of the prior annual reporting period only. We adopted this standard on November 1, 2011, and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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In May 2011, the FASB clarified the guidance concerning fair value measurements and disclosures. The guidance requires the disclosure of quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used, and a qualitative discussion around the sensitivity of the measurements. We adopted this guidance on February 1, 2012, and there was no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) that amends current comprehensive income guidance. This ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, comprehensive income must be reported in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income which contains two sections, net income and other comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance will be effective for us beginning in 2013 and is not expected to impact our consolidated financial statements, as it only results in a change in the format of presentation.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance amending the way companies test for goodwill impairment. Companies will have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine the existence of events or circumstances that lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, companies determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. This guidance is effective for us beginning in 2013, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that the adoption will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

3. Inventories. At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, inventories consisted of the following:

	April 30, 2012			October 31, 2011
Finished goods	$	103,509		$	98,879
Work-in-process		22,317			13,971
Raw materials and finished parts		53,094			51,891
		178,920			164,741
Obsolescence and other reserves		(17,341	)		(16,050	)
LIFO reserve		(6,645	)		(6,779	)
	$	154,934		$	141,912

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4. Goodwill and intangible assets. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 30, 2012 by operating segment are as follows:

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems			Advanced Technology Systems			Industrial Coating Systems		Total
Balance at October 31, 2011	$	41,962		$	505,864		$	—	$	547,826
Currency effect		(625	)		(421	)		—		(1,046	)
Balance at April 30, 2012	$	41,337		$	505,443		$	—	$	546,780

Accumulated impairment losses were $232,789 at April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011. Of these losses, $229,173 related to the Advanced Technology Systems segment and $3,616 related to the Industrial Coating Systems segment.

Information regarding our intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

	April 30, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	77,881	$	14,272	$	63,609
Patent/technology costs		43,281		13,375		29,906
Trade name		22,248		2,206		20,042
Non-compete agreements		4,959		4,002		957
Other		1,430		888		542
Total	$	149,799	$	34,743	$	115,056

	October 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	78,324	$	11,843	$	66,481
Patent/technology costs		43,235		11,571		31,664
Trade name		22,143		1,530		20,613
Non-compete agreements		5,042		3,727		1,315
Other		1,437		811		626
Total	$	150,181	$	29,482	$	120,699

Amortization expense for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $2,677 and $1,749, respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $5,344 and $4,047, respectively.

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5. Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 is as follows:

	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
Net income	$	52,111	$	65,242
Foreign currency translation adjustments		1,292		21,677
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses		2,173		1,421
Comprehensive income	$	55,576	$	88,340

Comprehensive income for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 is as follows:

	Six Months Ended
	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Net income	$	90,449		$	111,139
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(7,062	)		14,845
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses		4,885			2,971
Comprehensive income	$	88,272		$	128,955

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2012 consisted of pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments of $112,167 offset by $29,978 of net foreign currency translation adjustment credits. Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2011 consisted of pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments of $99,813 offset by $51,323 of net foreign currency translation adjustment credits.

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Beginning balance	$	(80,012	)		$	(66,306	)
Current-period change		(2,177	)			17,816
Ending balance	$	(82,189	)		$	(48,490	)

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6. Stock-based compensation. The amended and restated 2004 long-term performance plan, approved by our shareholders in 2008, provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, nonvested (restricted) stock, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards and other stock or performance-based incentives. The number of common shares available for grant of awards is 2.5% of the number of common shares outstanding as of the first day of each fiscal year.

Stock Options

Nonqualified or incentive stock options may be granted to our employees and directors. Generally, options granted to employees may be exercised beginning one year from the date of grant at a rate not exceeding 25% per year and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Vesting accelerates upon the occurrence of events that involve or may result in a change of control. Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of treasury shares on a first-in first-out basis.

We recognized compensation expense related to stock options of $916 and $712 in the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amounts for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 were $1,871 and $1,431, respectively.

The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the six months ended April 30, 2012:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Term
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,851		$	24.22
Granted		299		$	43.73
Exercised		(146	)	$	19.55
Forfeited or expired		(18	)	$	28.43
Outstanding at April 30, 2012		1,986		$	27.46	$	52,509		6.4 years
Vested or expected to vest at April 30, 2012		1,916		$	27.12	$	51,313		6.3 years
Exercisable at April 30, 2012		1,112		$	21.67	$	35,841		4.9 years

At April 30, 2012, there was $9,754 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

The fair value of each option grant was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

Six months ended	April 30, 2012	April 30, 2011
Expected volatility	45.4%-46.9%	43.1%-45.1%
Expected dividend yield	1.20%	1.28%
Risk-free interest rate	1.03%-1.23%	1.89%-2.25%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1	5.4-6.3

The weighted-average expected volatility used to value the 2012 and 2011 options were 46.2% and 44.3%, respectively.

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Historical information was the primary basis for the selection of the expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the expected lives of the options. The risk-free interest rate was selected based upon yields of U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option being valued.

The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011 was $17.03 and $16.80, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $3,977 and $9,107, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $4,677 and $22,157, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $2,852 and $9,282 for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises was $979 and $6,919 for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Nonvested Common Shares

We may grant nonvested common shares to our employees and directors. These shares may not be transferred for a designated period of time (generally one to three years) defined at the date of grant. For employee recipients, shares are forfeited on a pro-rata basis in the event employment is terminated as a consequence of the employee recipient’s early retirement, disability or death prior to the lapse of any restrictions. Restrictions lapse in the event of a recipient’s retirement at or after normal retirement age. Termination for any other reason prior to the lapse of any restrictions results in forfeiture of the shares. For non-employee directors, all restrictions lapse in the event of disability or death of the non-employee director. Termination of service as a director for any other reason within one year of date of grant results in a pro-rata forfeiture of shares.

As shares are issued, deferred share-based compensation equivalent to the fair market value on the date of grant is charged to shareholders’ equity and subsequently amortized over the restriction period. Tax benefits arising from the lapse of restrictions on the shares are recognized when realized and credited to capital in excess of stated value.

The following table summarizes activity related to nonvested shares during the six months ended April 30, 2012:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at October 31, 2011		81		$	34.95
Granted		47		$	43.94
Vested		(20	)	$	35.55
Forfeited		(3	)	$	43.56
Nonvested shares at April 30, 2012		105		$	38.65

As of April 30, 2012, there was $2,705 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares. The cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

The amount charged to expense related to nonvested stock was $477 and $336 in the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the amounts were $887 and $616, respectively.

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Directors Deferred Compensation

Non-employee directors may defer all or part of their compensation until retirement. Compensation may be deferred as cash or as share equivalent units. Deferred cash amounts are recorded as liabilities. Additional share equivalent units are earned when common share dividends are declared.

The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during the six months ended April 30, 2012:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		243		$	17.51
Deferrals		1		$	50.31
Restricted stock units vested		11		$	28.47
Dividend equivalents		1		$	47.67
Distributions		(29	)	$	15.82
Outstanding at April 30, 2012		227		$	18.59

The amount charged to expense related to this plan was $70 and $59 for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the amounts were $126 and $156, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

Under the long-term incentive compensation plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common share awards based solely on corporate performance measures over three-year performance periods. Awards vary based on the degree to which corporate performance exceeds predetermined threshold, target and maximum performance levels at the end of a performance period. No payout will occur unless certain threshold performance objectives are exceeded.

The amount of compensation expense is based upon current performance projections for each three-year period and the percentage of the requisite service that has been rendered. The calculations are also based upon the grant date fair value determined using the market price of common shares at the grant date, adjusted for dividends not to be paid. This value was $42.12 per share for both the executive officers and the selected other key employees for 2012 and $42.02 per share for both the executive officers and the selected other key employees for 2011. The per share values for 2010 were $26.10 and $29.52 for the executive officers group and $26.10 for the selected other key employees. The amount charged to expense for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011 was $890 and $874, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the amounts were $1,890 and $2,319, respectively. The cumulative amount recorded in shareholders’ equity at April 30, 2012 was $6,363.

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7. Warranty accrual. We offer warranty to our customers depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that we repair or replace defective products within a specified time period (generally one year) from the date of delivery or first use. We record an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the adequacy of our warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The liability for warranty costs is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011:

	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Beginning balance	$	6,723		$	5,242
Accruals for warranties		2,513			2,881
Warranty payments		(3,000	)		(2,648	)
Currency effect		(114	)		172
Ending balance	$	6,122		$	5,647

8. Operating segments. We conduct business across three primary business segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems, and Industrial Coating Systems. Effective November 1, 2011, the Industrial Coating Systems segment includes our fuel cell product line that had previously been reported in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. This reclassification more closely reflects the change in management of this product line and its related growth opportunities. Prior year results have been reclassified to reflect the segment change.

The composition of segments and measure of segment profitability is consistent with that used by our chief operating decision maker. The primary measure used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing performance is operating profit, which equals sales less cost of sales and certain operating expenses. Items below the operating profit line of the Consolidated Statement of Income (interest and investment income, interest expense and other income/expense) are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by our chief operating decision maker and are not presented by operating segment. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies, of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011.

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The following table presents sales and operating profits of our reportable segments:

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems			Advanced Technology Systems		Industrial Coating Systems			Corporate			Total
Three months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	154,698		$	114,998	$	45,497		$	—		$	315,193
Operating profit (loss)		51,518	(a)		28,683		5,362	(b)		(8,706	)		76,857
Three months ended April 30, 2011
Net external sales	$	159,432		$	112,603	$	46,889		$	—		$	318,924
Operating profit (loss)		59,649	(c)		33,563		7,662			(8,446	)		92,428
Six months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	293,870		$	215,105	$	82,054		$	—		$	591,029
Operating profit (loss)		98,745	(a)		44,683		6,500	(b)		(16,584	)		133,344
Six months ended April 30, 2011
Net external sales	$	296,408		$	209,235	$	84,243		$	—		$	589,886
Operating profit (loss)		105,845	(c)		56,839		10,711			(15,443	)		157,952

(a) Includes $3,215 and $4,026 of cost of goods sold – restructuring and severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012, respectively.

(b) Includes $561 of severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012.

(c) Includes $1,322 of impairment charges related to write down of assets to fair value in the three and six months ended April 30, 2011, respectively.

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A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:

Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Total profit for reportable segments	$	76,857		$	92,428
Interest expense		(2,161	)		(1,338	)
Interest and investment income		147			115
Other-net		137			1,791
Income before income taxes	$	74,980		$	92,996

Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Total profit for reportable segments	$	133,344		$	157,952
Interest expense		(4,129	)		(2,733	)
Interest and investment income		266			240
Other-net		1,129			2,727
Income before income taxes	$	130,610		$	158,186

We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:

Three months ended	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
United States	$	85,647	$	79,300
Americas		25,927		26,158
Europe		91,430		98,049
Japan		30,004		30,159
Asia Pacific		82,185		85,258
Total net sales	$	315,193	$	318,924

Six months ended	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
United States	$	160,849	$	149,573
Americas		46,126		46,018
Europe		178,013		188,307
Japan		60,039		55,232
Asia Pacific		146,002		150,756
Total net sales	$	591,029	$	589,886

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9. Pension and other postretirement plans. The components of net periodic pension cost were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	1,742		$	1,376		$	375		$	535
Interest cost		2,924			2,924			762			752
Expected return on plan assets		(3,683	)		(3,855	)		(391	)		(372	)
Amortization of prior service cost		166			165			(24	)		1
Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,624			1,868			142			216
Total benefit cost	$	3,773		$	2,478		$	864		$	1,132

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	3,483		$	3,044		$	755		$	1,055
Interest cost		5,865			5,932			1,517			1,477
Expected return on plan assets		(7,399	)		(7,713	)		(776	)		(731	)
Amortization of prior service cost		333			329			(48	)		2
Amortization of net actuarial loss		5,252			3,669			283			424
Settlement loss		682			—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	8,216		$	5,261		$	1,731		$	2,227

During the six months ended April 30, 2012, net periodic pension cost included a settlement loss of $682 as a result of the termination of a U.S. pension plan.

The components of other postretirement benefit cost were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	364		$	315		$	7		$	8
Interest cost		822			752			10			10
Amortization of prior service cost		(146	)		(286	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		670			428			(3	)		(2	)
Total benefit cost	$	1,710		$	1,209		$	14		$	16

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	728		$	561		$	14		$	16
Interest cost		1,644			1,466			20			20
Amortization of prior service cost		(292	)		(573	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,340			803			(7	)		(4	)
Total benefit cost	$	3,420		$	2,257		$	27		$	32

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10. Severance and restructuring costs. In 2011, we announced a restructuring of the Georgia operations of our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment in order to optimize operations and better serve our customers. The restructuring involves the expansion of our facility in Duluth and construction of a new facility in Swainsboro, where operations from our existing Swainsboro facility, as well as facilities in Norcross and Dawsonville, are being transferred. Severance costs and other termination fees associated with this action will occur through the third quarter of 2012 and are estimated to be approximately $2,540. Of the total expense amount, $257 was recorded in the three months ended April 30, 2012, $687 was recorded in the three months ended January 31, 2012, and $1,557 was recorded in 2011. Payments of $1,682 were made in the six months ended April 30, 2012. In addition, $2,916 of expenses related to production inefficiencies and moving costs were incurred in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012. Of this amount, $2,040 is recorded in cost of sales, and $876 is recorded in severance and restructuring costs.

In order to optimize Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment operations in Germany, a restructuring initiative was launched that will result in severance costs of approximately $200. Of that amount, $42 was recorded in the three months ended April 30, 2012, $124 was recorded in the three months ended January 31, 2012, and $32 was recorded in 2011. Payments of $165 were made in the six months ended April 30, 2012.

In order to optimize Industrial Coating Systems operations in Ohio, a restructuring initiatve was undertaken in 2012 that will result in approximately $640 of severance costs. Of that amount, $561 was recorded in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012. The remainder is expected to be recorded in the three months ended July 31, 2012. Payments of $120 were made in the six months ended April 30, 2012.

11. Fair value measurements. The inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are classified into the following categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The following table presents the classification of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2012:

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	$	13,745	$	—	$	13,745	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,006		—		1,006		—
Total assets at fair value	$	14,751	$	—	$	14,751	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	$	5,721	$	5,721	$	—	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		618		—		618		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	6,339	$	5,721	$	618	$	—

(a) We maintain a rabbi trust that serves as an investment to shadow our deferred compensation plan liability. The investment assets of the trust consist of life insurance policies for which we recognize income or expense based upon changes in cash surrender value.

(b) We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures resulting from receivables, payables, intercompany receivables, intercompany payables and loans denominated in foreign currencies. The maturities of these contracts are usually less than 90 days. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates.

(c) Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100% of their salary and incentive compensation into various non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Deferrals can be allocated to various market performance measurement funds. Changes in the value of compensation deferred under these plans are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying measurement funds.

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12. Financial instruments. We operate internationally and enter into intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Consequently, we are subject to market risk arising from exchange rate movements between the dates foreign currencies are recorded and the dates they are settled. We regularly use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our risks related to most of these transactions. These contracts usually have maturities of 90 days or less and generally require us to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity, at rates stated in the contracts. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments.

Gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts are recorded in “Other – net” on the Consolidated Statement of Income together with the transaction gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position. For the three months ended April 30, 2012, we recognized gains of $988 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $1,291 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the three months ended April 30, 2011, we recognized gains of $6,239 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $5,086 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, we recognized gains of $12 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $139 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the six months ended April 30, 2011, we recognized losses of $4,551 on foreign exchange contracts and gains of $6,340 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

We had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at April 30, 2012:

	Sell				Buy
	Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value		Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value
Euro	$	3,379	$	3,398	$	84,784	$	84,453
British pound		—		—		25,509		26,038
Japanese yen		4,677		4,761		10,715		10,882
Others		4,459		4,464		32,447		32,578
Total	$	12,515	$	12,623	$	153,455	$	153,951

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at April 30, 2012, other than receivables and accounts payable, are shown in the table below. The carrying values of receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents	$	57,537	$	57,537
Notes payable		4		4
Long-term debt, including current maturities		342,144		344,766
Foreign exchange contracts (net)		388		388

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of financial instruments:

• Cash, cash equivalents and notes payable are valued at their carrying amounts due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments.

• Long-term debt is valued by discounting future cash flows at currently available rates for borrowing arrangements with similar terms and conditions, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

• Foreign exchange contracts are estimated using observable marker-based inputs, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

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13. Income taxes. We record our interim provision for income taxes based on our estimated annual effective tax rate, as well as certain items discrete to the current period. The effective tax rates for the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2012 were 30.5% and 30.7%, respectively. During the three months ending January 31, 2012, we recorded tax expense of $325 related to an adjustment of deferred taxes resulting from a tax rate reduction in Japan.

The effective tax rates for the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2011 were 29.8% and 29.7%, respectively. In December 2010, Congress passed and the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which provided retroactive reinstatement of a research credit. As a result, we recorded an additional tax benefit related to 2010 of $200 in the three months ended April 30, 2011, and $1,242 in the three months ended January 31, 2011. Additionally, in the three month period ended April 30, 2011 we recorded a $549 tax benefit related to prior years for deductions associated with the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

14. Contingencies. We are involved in pending or potential litigation regarding environmental, product liability, patent, contract, employee and other matters arising from the normal course of business, including the environmental matter discussed below. After consultation with legal counsel, we do not expect that resolutions of these matters will result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual results of operations or cash flows.

We have voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties to share costs associated with the remediation of the City of New Richmond municipal landfill (the “Site”) and the construction of a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site. At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011 our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $795. The liability for environmental remediation represents management’s best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable undiscounted costs related to known remediation obligations. The accuracy of our estimate of environmental liability is affected by several uncertainties such as additional requirements that may be identified in connection with remedial activities, the complexity and evolution of environmental laws and regulations, and the identification of presently unknown remediation requirements. Consequently, our liability could be greater than our current estimate. However, we do not expect that the costs associated with remediation will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

15. Subsequent events. Effective June 4, 2012 we entered into a $250,000 unsecured credit facility with a U.S. bank. This facility has a 364-day term and contains events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and the maintenance of certain financial ratios that are consistent with our existing revolving credit facility. There was no balance outstanding under this facility as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q.

On May 18, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of EDI Holdings, Inc., a Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin provider of slot coating and flat polymer extrusion dies for plastic processors and web converters. The purchase price is $200,000, subject to adjustment as provided in the purchase agreement. On June 2, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc., a New Castle, Pennsylvania manufacturer of melt delivery components for injection and extrusion machinery in the global plastic processing industry. The purchase price is $200,000, subject to adjustment as provided in the purchase agreement. These acquisitions will be financed with availability under our existing revolving credit facility and the new credit facility described above. Both transactions are expected to close during our third quarter pending customary closing conditions and regulatory reviews.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following is Management's discussion and analysis of certain significant factors affecting our financial condition and results of operations for the periods included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Results of Operations

Sales

Worldwide sales for the three months ended April 30, 2012 were $315,193, a decrease of $3,731, or 1.2%, from sales of $318,924 for the comparable period of 2011. Sales volume increased 0.3%, and unfavorable effects of currency translations decreased sales by 1.5%. The sales volume increase consisted of 3.0% from acquisitions offset by a 2.7% decrease in organic volume. Sales decreases in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems and Industrial Coating Systems segments were partially offset by increases in our Advanced Technology Systems segment. Sales decreases in Europe, Japan, the Americas and Asia Pacific were partially offset by increases in the United States.

Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment for the three months ended April 30, 2012 were $154,698, a decrease of $4,734, or 3.0% from the comparable period of 2011. Sales volume decreased 0.9%, and unfavorable currency translation effects decreased sales by 2.1%. The sales volume decrease consisted of a decline in organic volume of 2.6%, partially offset by 1.7% added growth from an acquisition. Sales volume decreases in Europe and the United States were partially offset by increases in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Japan regions. The decrease in organic sales volume was primarily due to softness in some durable goods end markets and to the timing of customers’ buying patterns associated with some of our larger dollar nonwoven systems, partially offset by increases in consumer non-durable end markets.

Advanced Technology Systems segment sales for the three months ended April 30, 2012 were $114,998 compared to $112,603 in the comparable period of 2011, an increase of $2,395, or 2.1%. Volume increased 2.8%, and currency translation effects decreased sales by 0.7%. The sales volume increase consisted of 6.1% from an acquisition partially offset by a decline in organic volume of 3.3%. Within the segment, volume increases in the United States were partially offset by decreases in our other four regions. Advanced Technology Systems segment sales were impacted by softness in some non-dispense product lines, primarily test and inspection and surface treatment product lines, where demand was impacted by softness in printed circuit board end markets.

Effective November 1, 2011, the Industrial Coating Systems segment includes our fuel cell product line that had previously been reported in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. This reclassification more closely reflects the change in management of this product line and its related growth opportunities. Prior year results have been reclassified to reflect the segment change.

Sales of the Industrial Coating Systems segment for the three months ended April 30, 2012 were $45,497, a decrease of $1,392, or 3.0%, from sales of $46,889 for the three months ended April 30, 2011. Volume decreased 1.8%, and currency translation effects decreased sales by 1.2%. Sales volume increases in Europe were offset by decreases in our other four regions. Sales volume within this segment was negatively impacted by softness in some durable goods end markets and the timing of customer order patterns for some large engineered systems.

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On a geographic basis, sales in the United States increased 8.0% for the three months ended April 30, 2012 from the three months ended April 30, 2011. The change in sales volume consisted of 6.5% from acquisitions and 1.5% organic volume. Sales in the Americas region were down 0.9%, with volume increasing 2.4% and unfavorable currency effect reducing sales by 3.3%. The change in sales volume consisted of 2.1% from acquisitions and 0.3% organic volume. The European sales decrease of 6.8% consisted of a 1.9% volume decline and unfavorable currency effects of 4.9%. The decrease in sales volume consisted of 5.3% from organic volume partially offset by 3.4% from acquisitions. Sales in Japan for the three months ended April 30, 2012 decreased 0.5% from the comparable period of the prior year. The decrease consisted of a 1.8% decline in sales volume partially offset by favorable currency effects of 1.3%. The change in sales volume consisted of 0.2% from acquisitions offset by a decline in organic volume of 2.0%. Asia Pacific sales decreased 3.6%. Sales volume declined 4.1%, partially offset by favorable currency effects which added 0.5%. The change in sales volume consisted of 0.4% from acquisitions and negative 4.5% organic volume.

Worldwide sales for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were $591,029, an increase of $1,143, or 0.2%, from sales of $589,886 for the comparable period of 2011. Of the increase, 1.0% related to volume, which was offset by unfavorable currency effects of 0.8%. The sales volume increase consisted of 3.2% from acquisitions offset by a 2.2% decrease in organic volume. Sales increases in our Advanced Technology segment were partially offset by decreases in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems and Industrial Coating Systems segments. By geography, year-to-date sales increases in the United States, the Americas and Japan were partially offset by decreases in Europe and Asia Pacific.

Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were $293,870, a decrease of $2,538, or 0.9% from the comparable period of 2011. Sales volume increased 0.2%, and unfavorable currency translation effects decreased sales by 1.1%. The sales volume increase was the result of 1.8% from an acquisition partially offset by a 1.6% decline in organic volume. Volume increases in Japan, the Americas and Asia Pacific were offset by decreases in the United States and Europe. Sales volume was negatively impacted by the timing of customers’ buying patterns associated with some of our larger dollar systems.

Advanced Technology Systems segment sales for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were $215,105 compared to $209,235 in the comparable period of 2011, an increase of $5,870, or 2.8%. Volume increased 3.2%, and currency translation effects decreased sales by 0.4%. The sales volume increase consisted of 6.5% from an acquisition partially offset by a decline in organic volume of 3.3%. Within the segment, volume increases in the United States and the Americas were partially offset by decreases in Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific. Advanced Technology Systems segment sales were impacted by softness in some non-dispense product lines.

Sales of the Industrial Coating Systems segment for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were $82,054, a decrease of $2,189, or 2.6%, from the six months ended April 30, 2011. Volume decreased 1.9%, and currency translation effects decreased sales by 0.7%. Sales volume decreases in Europe, Japan and Asia Pacific were partially offset by increases in the United States and the Americas. The sales decrease was driven by lower system orders in consumer durable markets.

On a geographic basis, sales in the United States increased 7.5% for the six months ended April 30, 2012 from the six months ended April 30, 2011. The change in sales volume consisted of 6.7% from acquisitions and 0.8% organic volume. Sales in the Americas region were up 0.2%, with volume increasing 3.6% offset by unfavorable currency effects of 3.4%. The change in sales volume consisted of 2.3% from acquisitions and 1.3% organic volume. The European sales decrease of 5.5% consisted of 2.1% volume and 3.4% from unfavorable currency effects. The decrease in sales volume consisted of 5.7% from organic volume partially offset by 3.6% from acquisitions. Sales in Japan for the six months ended April 30, 2012 increased 8.7% from the comparable period of the prior year. The increase consisted of volume of 4.8% and favorable currency effects of 3.9%. The change in sales volume consisted of 0.2% from acquisitions and 4.6% organic volume. Asia Pacific sales decreased 3.2%, with volume decreasing 3.8% partially offset by favorable currency effects of 0.6%. The change in sales volume consisted of 0.4% from acquisitions and negative 4.2% organic volume.

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Operating Profit

Cost of sales, including those costs classified as restructuring, for the three months ended April 30, 2012 were $125,537, up from $121,172 in 2011. Cost of sales, including those costs classified as restructuring, for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were $232,027, up from $225,963 in 2011. The gross margin percentage was 60.2% for the three months ended April 30, 2012, as compared to 62.0% for the comparable period of 2011 and was 60.7% for the six months ended April 30, 2012, as compared to 61.7% for the comparable period of 2011. Cost of goods sold – restructuring of $2,040 in 2012 were costs associated with the transfer of production and start-up activities related to our United States Adhesive Dispensing Systems plant consolidation initiative that resulted in decreases in the gross margin percentage of 0.6% and 0.3% for the three and six months ended April 30, 2012, respectively. Other decreases in gross margin percentages in 2012 were primarily due to systems/parts mix for certain product lines in the Adhesive Dispensing Systems and Industrial Coating Systems segments. The year-to-date gross margin percentage in 2012 was negatively impacted by increased charges for short-term inventory purchase accounting valuation adjustments.

Selling and administrative expenses, excluding severance and restructuring costs, for the three months ended April 30, 2012 were $111,063, compared to $105,324 for the comparable period of 2011. This represented an increase of $5,739 or 5.4%. Selling and administrative expenses for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were $223,111, compared to $205,971 for the comparable period of 2011. This represented an increase of $17,140, or 8.3%. The increases were largely due to higher compensation expenses and the first year effect of 2011 acquisitions. Selling and administrative expenses for the three and six months ended April 30, 2011 included impairment charges of $1,322 related to the write-down of two of our facilities in Georgia related to a decision to consolidate operations and reduce the number of facilities there.

Selling and administrative expenses, excluding severance and restructuring costs, for the three months ended April 30, 2012 as a percent of sales increased to 35.2% from 33.0% for the comparable period of 2011. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, these expenses as a percent of sales increased to 37.7% from 34.9% for the comparable period of 2011. The increases were primarily the result of selling and administrative expenses increasing at a higher rate than sales.

In connection with the Adhesive Dispensing System initiative described above, and a 2012 Industrial Coating Systems initiative, severance and restructuring costs of $1,736 and $2,547 were recorded in the three and six months, respectively, ended April 30, 2012. Approximately $120 of expenses related to these initiatives is expected to be incurred during the third quarter of 2012.

Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 24.4% for the three months ended April 30, 2012, down from 29.0% for the comparable period of 2011. Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 22.6% for the six months ended April 30, 2012, down from 26.8% for the comparable period of 2011. The decreases were primarily due to selling and administrative expenses increasing at a higher rate than sales and to severance and restructuring costs in the current year.

Operating profit as a percent of sales for the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment decreased to 33.3% for the three months ended April 30, 2012 from 37.4% in 2011 and to 33.6% for the six months ended April 30, 2012 from 35.7% for the comparable period of 2011. Operating profit for the three and six months ended April 30, 2012 included $3,215 and $4,026 of severance and restructuring costs. Operating profit for the three and six months ended April 30, 2011 included impairment losses of $1,322 on two facilities that were written down to fair value.

For the Advanced Technology Systems segment, operating profit as a percent of sales for the three months ended April 30, 2012 was 24.9% compared to 29.8% for the three months ended April 30, 2011. For the six months ended April 30, 2012 operating profit as a percent of sales was 20.8%, down from 27.2% last year. The decreases were due to selling and administrative expenses increasing at a higher rate than sales. Operating margin for the six months ended April 30, 2012 was negatively impacted by higher charges related to short-term purchase accounting valuation adjustments and expenses associated with the termination of a pension plan.

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Operating profit for the Industrial Coating Systems segment was 11.8% of sales for the three months ended April 30, 2012, compared to 16.3% for the three months ended April 30, 2011. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, operating profit was 7.9% of sales, compared 12.7% in the same period of 2011. The decreases were due to selling and administrative expenses increasing at a higher rate than sales.

Interest and Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense for the three months ended April 30, 2012 was $2,161, up 61.5% from $1,338 for the three months ended April 30, 2011. Interest expense for the six months ended April 30, 2012 was $4,129, up 51.1% from $2,733 for the six months ended April 30, 2011. The increases were due to higher borrowing levels resulting primarily from an acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Other income was $137 for the three months ended April 30, 2012, and $1,791 in the comparable period of the prior year. Included in those amounts were foreign exchange losses of $302 in 2012 and foreign exchange gains of $1,153 in 2011. Other income for the six months ended April 30, 2012 was $1,129, compared to $2,727 for the six months ended April 30, 2011. Included in those amounts were foreign exchange losses of $127 in 2012 and foreign exchange gains of $1,789 in 2011.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the three and six-month periods ending April 30, 2012 were 30.5% and 30.7%, compared to 29.8% and 29.7% for the comparable periods ending April 30, 2011.

During the three months ending January 31, 2012, we recorded tax expense of $325 related to an adjustment of deferred taxes resulting from a tax rate reduction in Japan.

In December 2010, Congress passed and the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which provided retroactive reinstatement of a research credit. As a result, we recorded an additional tax benefit related to 2010 of $200 in the three months ended April 30, 2011, and $1,242 in the three months ended January 31, 2011. Additionally, in the three month period end April 30, 2011 we recorded a $549 tax benefit related to prior years for deductions associated with the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Net Income

Net income for the three months ended April 30, 2012 was $52,111, or $0.80 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $65,242, or $0.95 per share on a diluted basis in the same period of 2011. This represents a 20.1% decrease in net income and a 15.8% decrease in earnings per share. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, net income was $90,449, or $1.38 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $111,139, or $1.61 per share for the six months ended April 30, 2011. This represents an 18.6% decrease in net income and a 14.3% decrease in earnings per share. The percentage decrease in earnings per share is less than the percentage decrease in net income due to a lower number of shares outstanding in the current year.

Foreign Currency Effects

In the aggregate, average exchange rates for 2012 used to translate international sales and operating results into U.S. dollars compared unfavorably with average exchange rates existing during 2011. It is not possible to precisely measure the impact on operating results arising from foreign currency exchange rate changes, because of changes in selling prices, sales volume, product mix and cost structure in each country in which we operate. However, if transactions for the three months ended April 30, 2012 were translated at exchange rates in effect during the same period of 2011, sales would have been approximately $4,800 higher while third-party costs and expenses would have been approximately $2,900 higher. If transactions for the six months ended April 30, 2012 were translated at exchange rates in effect during the same period of 2011, sales would have been approximately $4,800 higher and third party costs would have been approximately $2,700 higher.

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Financial Condition

During the six months ended April 30, 2012, cash and cash equivalents increased $20,129. Cash provided by operations during this period was $98,969, compared to $112,062 for the six months ended April 30, 2011. Cash of $113,570 was generated from net income adjusted for non-cash income and expenses as compared to $131,387 last year. The decrease was primarily due to lower net income. Changes in operating assets and liabilities used $14,601 of cash in the current year, compared to $19,325 in 2011.

Cash used in investing activities was $11,713 for the six months ended April 30, 2012, compared to $24,327 in the comparable period of the prior year. Current year capital expenditures were $14,370, up from $10,714 from 2011. Significant expenditures in the current year include the previously announced expansion of our Duluth, Georgia facility and production equipment for our new facility in Swainsboro, Georgia. Cash of $2,213 was received in the six months ended April 30, 2012 related to the sale of UV Curing graphic arts and lamps product lines that occurred in June 2010. In the six months ended April 30, 2011, cash of $21,296 was used for the acquisition of Micromedics, Inc., and cash proceeds of $7,552 were received from the maturity of bank certificates of deposit that had been classified as short-term marketable securities.

Cash used in financing activities was $66,143 for the six months ended April 30, 2012, compared to $65,056 for the six months ended April 30, 2011. In the current year, cash proceeds of $22,992 were generated from net short-term and long-term borrowings. Cash of $2,852 was also provided by the issuance of common stock related to stock option exercises. These amounts were offset by $74,352 used for the repurchase of common shares and $16,191 for dividend payments.

The following is a summary of significant changes in balance sheet captions from the end of 2011 to April 30, 2012. Receivables decreased $5,126 due to lower sales in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Inventories increased $13,022 due to the higher level of business activity expected in the third quarter of 2012. Property, plant and equipment – net increased $10,727 primarily due to our previously announced expansion of our Duluth, Georgia facility and production equipment and a capital lease asset related to a new leased facility in Swainsboro, Georgia. The increase of $6,038 in income taxes payable was primarily due to the timing of required tax payments. The $21,722 decrease in accrued liabilities is primarily due to payments of annual incentive compensation in the first quarter and a donation to the Nordson Corporation Foundation. The increase of $7,285 in customer advanced payments can be traced to a higher level of engineered system orders that require partial payment in advance. Current maturities of long-term debt increased and long-term debt decreased as a result of the reclassification from long-term to current of our $50,000 Prudential Senior note due in February 2013. The long-term debt decrease of $26,979 reflects the reclassification mentioned above, partially offset by increased borrowing to support our share repurchase program. The increase of $4,256 in long-term deferred income taxes was primarily due to amortization of goodwill for tax purposes and Micromedics purchase accounting adjustments. The $4,860 increase in other long-term liabilities is largely due to a capital lease obligation related to our new Swainsboro, Georgia facility.

In September 2011, the board of directors approved a program that allowed for the repurchase of up to $100,000 of common shares. This program was completed in April 2012, and the board of directors approved an additional repurchase program of up to $100,000. Uses for repurchased shares include the funding of benefit programs including stock options, nonvested stock and 401(k) matching. During 2012, we repurchased 1,589 shares within these programs for a total amount of $73,529, using working capital and proceeds from borrowings under our credit facilities.

On December 9, 2011 we entered into a $500,000 unsecured multicurrency credit facility with a group of banks. This facility has a five-year term and includes a $40,000 subfacility for swing-line loans. It may be increased from $500,000 to $750,000 under certain conditions. This facility contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. It replaced our existing revolving loan agreement that was scheduled to expire in 2012. Balances outstanding under the prior facility were transferred to the new facility. At April 30, 2012, $215,275 was outstanding under this facility, compared to $192,200 outstanding at October 31, 2011 under the prior facility. We were in compliance with all debt covenants at April 30, 2012, and the amount we could borrow under the facility would not have been limited by any debt covenants.

Page 24

Nordson Corporation

In 2008, we entered into a $50,000 Senior Note Purchase Agreement with Prudential Investment Management, Inc. The Note bears interest at a rate of 4.98 percent, matures on February 22, 2013 and is unsecured. The Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants at April 30, 2012.

On June 30, 2011, we entered into a $150,000 three-year Private Shelf Note agreement with New York Life Investment Management LLC. Borrowings under the agreement may be up to 12 years, with an average life of up to 10 years and are unsecured. The interest rate on each borrowing can be fixed or floating and is based upon the market rate at the borrowing date. This agreement contains customary events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, $75,000 was outstanding under this facility at a fixed rate of 2.21 percent per annum. We were in compliance with all covenants at April 30, 2012, and the amount we could borrow would not have been limited by any debt covenants.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare financial statements. Estimates are based on historical experience and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ from these estimates used by management.

Certain accounting policies that require significant management estimates and are deemed critical to the results of operations or financial position were discussed in Item 7 of the 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011. There were no material changes in these policies during the three months ended April 30, 2012.

Outlook

Current order rates are encouraging and exceed the levels of 2011 and the first half of 2012. However, global economic uncertainty remains, primarily within Europe. In addition, the availability of credit remains an issue for some of our smaller customers.

We will continue to look for strategic acquisition opportunities. We will also continue to develop new applications and markets for our technologies and move forward with additional lean and other operational initiatives to enhance our financial performance.

For the third quarter of 2012, sales are expected to increase 8% to 12% compared to the same period a year ago, including an estimated 4% unfavorable effect associated with currency translation. Diluted earnings per share are expected in the range of $0.96 to $1.04.

Page 25

Nordson Corporation

Safe Harbor Statements Under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act Of 1995

This Form 10-Q, particularly “Management’s Discussion and Analysis,” contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements relate to, among other things, income, earnings, cash flows, changes in operations, operating improvements, businesses in which we operate and the U.S. and global economies. Statements in this 10-Q that are not historical are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” and may be indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “supports,” “plans,” “projects,” “expects,” “believes,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “hope,” “forecast,” “management is of the opinion,” use of the future tense and similar words or phrases.

In light of these risks and uncertainties, actual events and results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated or implied by such statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expected results are discussed in Item 1A, Risk Factors in our 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Information regarding our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates was disclosed in our 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011. The information disclosed has not changed materially in the interim period since then.

Page 26

Nordson Corporation

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management with the participation of the principal executive officer (President and Chief Executive Officer) and principal financial officer (Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer) has reviewed and evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of April 30, 2012. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the principal executive and financial officers, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 30, 2012 in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended April 30, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in pending or potential litigation regarding environmental, product liability, patent, contract, employee and other matters arising from the normal course of business, including the environmental matter discussed below. After consultation with legal counsel, we do not expect that resolutions of these matters will result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual results of operations or cash flows.

We have voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties to share costs associated with the remediation of the City of New Richmond municipal landfill (the “Site”) and the construction of a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site. At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011 our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $795. The liability for environmental remediation represents management’s best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable undiscounted costs related to known remediation obligations. The accuracy of our estimate of environmental liability is affected by several uncertainties such as additional requirements that may be identified in connection with remedial activities, the complexity and evolution of environmental laws and regulations, and the identification of presently unknown remediation requirements. Consequently, our liability could be greater than our current estimate. However, we do not expect that the costs associated with remediation will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Information regarding our risk factors was disclosed in our 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011. The information disclosed has not changed materially in the interim period since then.

Page 27

Nordson Corporation

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table summarizes common stock repurchased by the Company during the three months ended April 30, 2012:

					Total Number of		Maximum Value
					Shares Purchased		of Shares that
	Total Number		Average		as Part of Publicly		May Yet Be Purchased
	of Shares		Price Paid		Announced Plans		Under the Plans
(In thousands, except for per share data)	Purchased		per Share		or Programs (1)		or Programs
February 1, 2012 to February 29, 2012		194	$	48.70		194		15,258
March 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012		124	$	54.42		124		8,496
April 1, 2012 to April 30, 2012		209	$	53.15		209		97,376
Total		527				527

(1) In September 2011, the board of directors approved a stock repurchase program of up to $100,000. This program was completed in April 2012, and the board of directors approved an additional repurchase program of up to $100,000. Uses for repurchased shares include the funding of benefit programs including stock options, nonvested stock and 401(k) matching. Shares purchased are treated as treasury shares until used for such purposes. The repurchase program is being funded using working capital and proceeds from borrowings under our credit facilities.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Number:

31.1 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Chief Executive Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by the Chief Financial Officer, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 Certification of CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 Certification of CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101 The following financial information from Nordson Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended April 30, 2012, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011, and (iv) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Page 28

Nordson Corporation

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: June 5, 2012	Nordson Corporation
	By:	/s/ GREGORY A. THAXTON
	Gregory A. Thaxton
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

Page 29

EX-31.1

Nordson Corporation

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Michael F. Hilton, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nordson Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 5, 2012	/s/ Michael F. Hilton
	Michael F. Hilton
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Nordson Corporation

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Gregory A. Thaxton, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nordson Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: June 5, 2012	/s/ Gregory A. Thaxton
	Gregory A. Thaxton
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Nordson Corporation

EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Michael F. Hilton, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nordson Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), do hereby certify that:

1. The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2012 of the Company (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. Information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: June 5, 2012	/s/ Michael F. Hilton
	Michael F. Hilton
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

Nordson Corporation

EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code), I, Gregory A. Thaxton, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Nordson Corporation, an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), do hereby certify that:

1. The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2012 of the Company (the “Form 10-Q”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. Information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: June 5, 2012	/s/ Gregory A. Thaxton
	Gregory A. Thaxton
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

XML

Stock-based compensation (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Summarized activity related to nonvested shares
Number of Nonvested Shares, Beginning Balance	81
Number of Nonvested Shares, Granted	47
Number of Nonvested Shares, Vested	(20)
Number of Nonvested Shares, Forfeited	(3)
Number of Nonvested Shares, Ending Balance	105
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Shares, Beginning Balance	$ 34.95
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 43.94
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 35.55
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$ 43.56
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Shares, Ending Balance	$ 38.65

XML

Financial instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012
Summarized values by currency and forward exchange contracts outstanding
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	$ 12,515
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative sale contracts	12,623
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	153,455
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	153,951
Euro [Member]
Summarized values by currency and forward exchange contracts outstanding
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	3,379
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative sale contracts	3,398
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	84,784
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	84,453
British Pound [Member]
Summarized values by currency and forward exchange contracts outstanding
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative sale contracts
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	25,509
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	26,038
Japanese Yen [Member]
Summarized values by currency and forward exchange contracts outstanding
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	4,677
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative sale contracts	4,761
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	10,715
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	10,882
Others [Member]
Summarized values by currency and forward exchange contracts outstanding
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	4,459
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative sale contracts	4,464
Notional amount of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	32,447
Fair market value of Foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	$ 32,578

XML

Pension and other postretirement plans (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
U.S [Member]
Components of net periodic pension costs
Service cost	$ 1,742	$ 1,376	$ 3,483	$ 3,044
Interest cost	2,924	2,924	5,865	5,932
Expected return on plan assets	(3,683)	(3,855)	(7,399)	(7,713)
Amortization of prior service cost	166	165	333	329
Amortization of net actuarial loss	2,624	1,868	5,252	3,669
Settlement loss			682
Total benefit cost	3,773	2,478	8,216	5,261
International [Member]
Components of net periodic pension costs
Service cost	375	535	755	1,055
Interest cost	762	752	1,517	1,477
Expected return on plan assets	(391)	(372)	(776)	(731)
Amortization of prior service cost	(24)	1	(48)	2
Amortization of net actuarial loss	142	216	283	424
Total benefit cost	$ 864	$ 1,132	$ 1,731	$ 2,227

XML

Financial instruments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments, other than receivables and accounts payable
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$ 57,537	$ 37,408	$ 66,785	$ 42,329
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	57,537
Notes payable	4	33
Notes payable, Fair Value	4
Long-term debt, including current maturities	342,144
Long-term debt, including current maturities, Fair Value	344,766
Foreign exchange contracts (net)	388
Foreign exchange contracts (net) fair value	$ 388

XML

Operating Segments (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Net external sales
Net external sales	$ 315,193	$ 318,924	$ 591,029	$ 589,886
United States [Member]
Net external sales
Net external sales	85,647	79,300	160,849	149,573
Americas [Member]
Net external sales
Net external sales	25,927	26,158	46,126	46,018
Europe [Member]
Net external sales
Net external sales	91,430	98,049	178,013	188,307
Japan [Member]
Net external sales
Net external sales	30,004	30,159	60,039	55,232
Asia Pacific [Member]
Net external sales
Net external sales	$ 82,185	$ 85,258	$ 146,002	$ 150,756

XML

Goodwill and intangible assets (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization
Carrying Amount	$ 149,799	$ 150,181
Accumulated Amortization	34,743	29,482
Net Book Value	115,056	120,699
Customer relationships [Member]
Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization
Carrying Amount	77,881	78,324
Accumulated Amortization	14,272	11,843
Net Book Value	63,609	66,481
Patent/technology costs [Member]
Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization
Carrying Amount	43,281	43,235
Accumulated Amortization	13,375	11,571
Net Book Value	29,906	31,664
Trade name [Member]
Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization
Carrying Amount	22,248	22,143
Accumulated Amortization	2,206	1,530
Net Book Value	20,042	20,613
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization
Carrying Amount	4,959	5,042
Accumulated Amortization	4,002	3,727
Net Book Value	957	1,315
Other [Member]
Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization
Carrying Amount	1,430	1,437
Accumulated Amortization	888	811
Net Book Value	$ 542	$ 626

XML

Income taxes (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Jan. 31, 2012 Japan [Member]
Income Taxes (Textual) [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	30.50%	29.80%		30.70%	29.70%
Additional tax benefit related to 2010		$ 200	$ 1,242
Tax benefit related to prior tax year		549
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Deferred income taxes						$ 325

XML

Warranty Accrual (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Warranty accrual [Abstract]

Reconciliation of the product warranty liability

	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Beginning balance	$	6,723		$	5,242
Accruals for warranties		2,513			2,881
Warranty payments		(3,000	)		(2,648	)
Currency effect		(114	)		172
Ending balance	$	6,122		$	5,647

XML

Pension and other postretirement plans (Details Textual) (Components of net periodic pension cost [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Components of net periodic pension cost [Member]
Pension and other postretirement plans (Textual) [Abstract]
Settlement loss	$ 682

XML

Warranty Accrual (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Reconciliation of the product warranty liability
Beginning balance	$ 6,723	$ 5,242
Accruals for warranties	2,513	2,881
Warranty payments	(3,000)	(2,648)
Currency effect	(114)	172
Ending balance	$ 6,122	$ 5,647

XML

Stock-based compensation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012 Y
Summarized activity related to stock options
Number of Options Outstanding, Beginning Balance	1,851
Number of Options, Granted	299
Number of Options, Exercised	(146)
Number of Options, Forfeited or expired	(18)
Number of Options Outstanding, Ending Balance	1,986
Number of Options, Vested or expected to vest	1,916
Number of Options, Exercisable	1,112
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$ 24.22
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted	$ 43.73
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 19.55
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited or expired	$ 28.43
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Ending Balance	$ 27.46
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Vested or expected to vest	$ 27.12
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 21.67
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 52,509
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested or expected to vest	51,313
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 35,841
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Outstanding	6.4
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Vested or expected to vest	6.3
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Exercisable	4.9

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Fair value measurements (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012
Assets:
Forward exchange contracts (b)	$ 388
Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	13,745
Forward exchange contracts (b)	1,006
Total assets at fair value	14,751
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	5,721
Forward exchange contracts (b)	618
Total liabilities at fair value	6,339
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)
Forward exchange contracts (b)
Total assets at fair value
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	5,721
Total liabilities at fair value	5,721
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	13,745
Forward exchange contracts (b)	1,006
Total assets at fair value	14,751
Liabilities:
Forward exchange contracts (b)	618
Total liabilities at fair value	618
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)
Forward exchange contracts (b)
Total assets at fair value
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)
Forward exchange contracts (b)
Total liabilities at fair value

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Operating Segments (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring	$ 1,736		$ 2,547
Operating segments (Textual) [Abstract]
Number of business segments			3
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment charges		1,322		1,322
Cost of sales - restructuring and severance and restructuring costs	3,215		4,026
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring	$ 561		$ 561

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Comprehensive income

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Comprehensive income [Abstract]

Comprehensive income

5. Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 is as follows:

	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
Net income	$	52,111	$	65,242
Foreign currency translation adjustments		1,292		21,677
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses		2,173		1,421
Comprehensive income	$	55,576	$	88,340

Comprehensive income for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 is as follows:

	Six Months Ended
	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Net income	$	90,449		$	111,139
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(7,062	)		14,845
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses		4,885			2,971
Comprehensive income	$	88,272		$	128,955

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2012 consisted of pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments of $112,167 offset by $29,978 of net foreign currency translation adjustment credits. Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2011 consisted of pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments of $99,813 offset by $51,323 of net foreign currency translation adjustment credits.

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Beginning balance	$	(80,012	)		$	(66,306	)
Current-period change		(2,177	)			17,816
Ending balance	$	(82,189	)		$	(48,490	)

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Warranty Accrual (Details Textual)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Warranty accrual (Textual) [Abstract]
Warranty period	One year

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Financial instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Financial instruments [Abstract]

Outstanding foreign currency forward contracts

We had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at April 30, 2012:

	Sell				Buy
	Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value		Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value
Euro	$	3,379	$	3,398	$	84,784	$	84,453
British pound		—		—		25,509		26,038
Japanese yen		4,677		4,761		10,715		10,882
Others		4,459		4,464		32,447		32,578
Total	$	12,515	$	12,623	$	153,455	$	153,951

Carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments, other than receivables and accounts payable

	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents	$	57,537	$	57,537
Notes payable		4		4
Long-term debt, including current maturities		342,144		344,766
Foreign exchange contracts (net)		388		388

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Fair value measurements [Abstract]

Schedule of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	$	13,745	$	—	$	13,745	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,006		—		1,006		—
Total assets at fair value	$	14,751	$	—	$	14,751	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	$	5,721	$	5,721	$	—	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		618		—		618		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	6,339	$	5,721	$	618	$	—

(a) We maintain a rabbi trust that serves as an investment to shadow our deferred compensation plan liability. The investment assets of the trust consist of life insurance policies for which we recognize income or expense based upon changes in cash surrender value.

(b) We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures resulting from receivables, payables, intercompany receivables, intercompany payables and loans denominated in foreign currencies. The maturities of these contracts are usually less than 90 days. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates.

(c) Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100% of their salary and incentive compensation into various non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Deferrals can be allocated to various market performance measurement funds. Changes in the value of compensation deferred under these plans are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying measurement funds.

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Financial instruments (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Financial instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Maturity of foreign currency forward contracts	less than 90 days		less than 90 days
Gains/Losses on foreign exchange contracts	$ 988	$ 6,239	$ 12	$ (4,551)
Gains/Losses in fair value of Balance Sheet positions denominated in foreign currencies	$ (1,291)	$ (5,086)	$ (139)	$ 6,340

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Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Reportable segments
Net external sales	$ 315,193	$ 318,924	$ 591,029	$ 589,886
Operating profit (loss)	76,857	92,428	133,344	157,952
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Reportable segments
Net external sales	154,698	159,432	293,870	296,408
Operating profit (loss)	51,518	59,649	98,745	105,845
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Reportable segments
Net external sales	114,998	112,603	215,105	209,235
Operating profit (loss)	28,683	33,563	44,683	56,839
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Reportable segments
Net external sales	45,497	46,889	82,054	84,243
Operating profit (loss)	5,362	7,662	6,500	10,711
Corporate [Member]
Reportable segments
Operating profit (loss)	$ (8,706)	$ (8,446)	$ (16,584)	$ (15,443)

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Significant Accounting Policies (Details) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies (Textual) [Abstract]
Options for common shares excluded from computation of diluted earning per share	0	0	150	0

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Inventories (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Inventories
Finished goods	$ 103,509	$ 98,879
Work-in-process	22,317	13,971
Raw materials and finished parts	53,094	51,891
Inventories - gross	178,920	164,741
Obsolescence and valuation reserves	(17,341)	(16,050)
LIFO reserve	(6,645)	(6,779)
Inventories - net	$ 154,934	$ 141,912

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Goodwill and intangible assets

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Goodwill and intangible assets [Abstract]

Goodwill and intangible assets

4. Goodwill and intangible assets. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 30, 2012 by operating segment are as follows:

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems			Advanced Technology Systems			Industrial Coating Systems		Total
Balance at October 31, 2011	$	41,962		$	505,864		$	—	$	547,826
Currency effect		(625	)		(421	)		—		(1,046	)
Balance at April 30, 2012	$	41,337		$	505,443		$	—	$	546,780

Accumulated impairment losses were $232,789 at April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011. Of these losses, $229,173 related to the Advanced Technology Systems segment and $3,616 related to the Industrial Coating Systems segment.

Information regarding our intangible assets subject to amortization is as follows:

	April 30, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	77,881	$	14,272	$	63,609
Patent/technology costs		43,281		13,375		29,906
Trade name		22,248		2,206		20,042
Non-compete agreements		4,959		4,002		957
Other		1,430		888		542
Total	$	149,799	$	34,743	$	115,056

	October 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	78,324	$	11,843	$	66,481
Patent/technology costs		43,235		11,571		31,664
Trade name		22,143		1,530		20,613
Non-compete agreements		5,042		3,727		1,315
Other		1,437		811		626
Total	$	150,181	$	29,482	$	120,699

Amortization expense for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $2,677 and $1,749, respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $5,344 and $4,047, respectively.

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Goodwill and intangible assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2011	$ 547,826
Currency effect	(1,046)
Balance at April 30, 2012	546,780
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2011	41,962
Currency effect	(625)
Balance at April 30, 2012	41,337
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2011	505,864
Currency effect	(421)
Balance at April 30, 2012	505,443
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill
Balance at October 31, 2011
Currency effect
Balance at April 30, 2012

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Stock-based compensation (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Summarized activity related to director deferred compensation shares
Number of Shares Outstanding, Beginning Balance	243
Number of Shares, Deferrals	1
Number of Shares, Restricted stock units vested	11
Number of Shares, Dividend equivalents	1
Number of Shares, Distributions	(29)
Number of Shares Outstanding, Ending Balance	227
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning Balance	$ 17.51
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Deferrals	$ 50.31
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Restricted stock units vested	$ 28.47
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Dividend equivalents	$ 47.67
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Distributions	$ 15.82
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Ending Balance	$ 18.59

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Fair value measurements (Details Textual)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Fair value measurements (Textual) [Abstract]
Foreign currency forward contracts maturities	less than 90 days
Senior management and other highly compensated employees salary and incentive compensation deferrals percentage maximum	100.00%

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Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Consolidated Statements of Income [Abstract]
Sales	$ 315,193	$ 318,924	$ 591,029	$ 589,886
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	123,497	121,172	229,987	225,963
Cost of sales - restructuring	2,040		2,040
Selling and administrative expenses	111,063	105,324	223,111	205,971
Severance and restructuring	1,736		2,547
Total operating costs and expenses	238,336	226,496	457,685	431,934
Operating profit	76,857	92,428	133,344	157,952
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(2,161)	(1,338)	(4,129)	(2,733)
Interest and investment income	147	115	266	240
Other - net	137	1,791	1,129	2,727
Total other income (expense)	(1,877)	568	(2,734)	234
Income before income taxes	74,980	92,996	130,610	158,186
Income taxes	22,869	27,754	40,161	47,047
Net income	$ 52,111	$ 65,242	$ 90,449	$ 111,139
Average common shares	64,426	68,110	64,749	68,043
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, nonvested stock, and deferred stock-based compensation	753	892	658	878
Average common shares and common share equivalents	65,179	69,002	65,407	68,921
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.81	$ 0.96	$ 1.40	$ 1.63
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.80	$ 0.95	$ 1.38	$ 1.61
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.125	$ 0.105	$ 0.25	$ 0.21

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Operating Segments (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Total consolidated income before income taxes
Total profit for reportable segments	$ 76,857	$ 92,428	$ 133,344	$ 157,952
Interest expense	(2,161)	(1,338)	(4,129)	(2,733)
Interest and investment income	147	115	266	240
Other - net	137	1,791	1,129	2,727
Income before income taxes	$ 74,980	$ 92,996	$ 130,610	$ 158,186

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Recently issued accounting standards

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Recently issued accounting standards [Abstract]

Recently issued accounting standards

2. Recently issued accounting standards. In December 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that provides requirements for pro forma revenue and earnings disclosures related to business combinations. This guidance requires disclosure of revenue and earnings of the combined business as if the combination occurred at the start of the prior annual reporting period only. We adopted this standard on November 1, 2011, and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB clarified the guidance concerning fair value measurements and disclosures. The guidance requires the disclosure of quantitative information about unobservable inputs used, a description of the valuation processes used, and a qualitative discussion around the sensitivity of the measurements. We adopted this guidance on February 1, 2012, and there was no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) that amends current comprehensive income guidance. This ASU eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders’ equity. Instead, comprehensive income must be reported in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income which contains two sections, net income and other comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. This guidance will be effective for us beginning in 2013 and is not expected to impact our consolidated financial statements, as it only results in a change in the format of presentation.

In September 2011, the FASB issued guidance amending the way companies test for goodwill impairment. Companies will have the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine the existence of events or circumstances that lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, companies determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. This guidance is effective for us beginning in 2013, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect that the adoption will have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Subsequent Events (Textual) [Abstract]
Period of unsecured credit facility	364 days
Revolving credit facility	$ 250,000
EDI Holdings, Inc [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price provided in purchase agreement	200,000
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired	100.00%
Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc [Member] | Acquisition [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Purchase price provided in purchase agreement	$ 200,000
Percentage of outstanding shares acquired	100.00%

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Comprehensive income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Summary of comprehensive income
Net income	$ 52,111	$ 65,242	$ 90,449	$ 111,139
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,292	21,677	(7,062)	14,845
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses	2,173	1,421	4,885	2,971
Comprehensive income	55,576	88,340	88,272	128,955
Components of activity for accumulated other comprehensive loss
Beginning Balance			(80,012)	(66,306)
Current-period change			(2,177)	17,816
Ending Balance	$ (82,189)	$ (48,490)	$ (82,189)	$ (48,490)

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Goodwill and intangible assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Goodwill and intangible assets [Abstract]

Summary of changes in the carrying amount of goodwill

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems			Advanced Technology Systems			Industrial Coating Systems		Total
Balance at October 31, 2011	$	41,962		$	505,864		$	—	$	547,826
Currency effect		(625	)		(421	)		—		(1,046	)
Balance at April 30, 2012	$	41,337		$	505,443		$	—	$	546,780

Summary of intangible assets subject to amortization

	April 30, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	77,881	$	14,272	$	63,609
Patent/technology costs		43,281		13,375		29,906
Trade name		22,248		2,206		20,042
Non-compete agreements		4,959		4,002		957
Other		1,430		888		542
Total	$	149,799	$	34,743	$	115,056

	October 31, 2011
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	78,324	$	11,843	$	66,481
Patent/technology costs		43,235		11,571		31,664
Trade name		22,143		1,530		20,613
Non-compete agreements		5,042		3,727		1,315
Other		1,437		811		626
Total	$	150,181	$	29,482	$	120,699

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Comprehensive income (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Comprehensive income (Textual) [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustment	$ (112,167)	$ (99,813)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net	$ 29,978	$ 51,323

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Stock-based compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Stock-based compensation [Abstract]

Summarized activity related to stock options

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Term
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,851		$	24.22
Granted		299		$	43.73
Exercised		(146	)	$	19.55
Forfeited or expired		(18	)	$	28.43
Outstanding at April 30, 2012		1,986		$	27.46	$	52,509		6.4 years
Vested or expected to vest at April 30, 2012		1,916		$	27.12	$	51,313		6.3 years
Exercisable at April 30, 2012		1,112		$	21.67	$	35,841		4.9 years

Fair value assumptions of stock options

Six months ended	April 30, 2012	April 30, 2011
Expected volatility	45.4%-46.9%	43.1%-45.1%
Expected dividend yield	1.20%	1.28%
Risk-free interest rate	1.03%-1.23%	1.89%-2.25%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1	5.4-6.3

Summarized activity related to nonvested shares

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at October 31, 2011		81		$	34.95
Granted		47		$	43.94
Vested		(20	)	$	35.55
Forfeited		(3	)	$	43.56
Nonvested shares at April 30, 2012		105		$	38.65

Summarized activity related to director deferred compensation shares

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		243		$	17.51
Deferrals		1		$	50.31
Restricted stock units vested		11		$	28.47
Dividend equivalents		1		$	47.67
Distributions		(29	)	$	15.82
Outstanding at April 30, 2012		227		$	18.59

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

3. Inventories. At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011, inventories consisted of the following:

	April 30, 2012			October 31, 2011
Finished goods	$	103,509		$	98,879
Work-in-process		22,317			13,971
Raw materials and finished parts		53,094			51,891
		178,920			164,741
Obsolescence and other reserves		(17,341	)		(16,050	)
LIFO reserve		(6,645	)		(6,779	)
	$	154,934		$	141,912

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 57,537	$ 37,408
Receivables	249,184	254,310
Inventories	154,934	141,912
Deferred income taxes	35,852	35,693
Prepaid expenses	9,025	7,634
Total current assets	506,532	476,957
Property, plant and equipment - net	141,610	130,883
Goodwill	546,780	547,826
Intangible assets - net	115,056	120,699
Other assets	27,239	28,085
Total assets	1,337,217	1,304,450
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	4	33
Accounts payable	46,487	46,381
Income taxes payable	21,321	15,283
Accrued liabilities	79,572	101,294
Customer advanced payments	16,660	9,375
Current maturities of long-term debt	55,664	5,664
Current obligations under capital leases	4,518	4,131
Total current liabilities	224,226	182,161
Long-term debt	286,480	313,459
Deferred income taxes	21,671	17,415
Pension obligations	123,224	123,058
Postretirement obligations	73,822	71,943
Other liabilities	29,951	25,091
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares	12,253	12,253
Capital in excess of stated value	277,347	272,928
Retained earnings	1,064,480	990,221
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(82,189)	(80,012)
Common shares in treasury, at cost	(694,048)	(624,067)
Total shareholders' equity	577,843	571,323
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,337,217	$ 1,304,450

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Income taxes

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Income taxes [Abstract]

Income taxes

13. Income taxes. We record our interim provision for income taxes based on our estimated annual effective tax rate, as well as certain items discrete to the current period. The effective tax rates for the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2012 were 30.5% and 30.7%, respectively. During the three months ending January 31, 2012, we recorded tax expense of $325 related to an adjustment of deferred taxes resulting from a tax rate reduction in Japan.

The effective tax rates for the three and six-month periods ended April 30, 2011 were 29.8% and 29.7%, respectively. In December 2010, Congress passed and the President signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, which provided retroactive reinstatement of a research credit. As a result, we recorded an additional tax benefit related to 2010 of $200 in the three months ended April 30, 2011, and $1,242 in the three months ended January 31, 2011. Additionally, in the three month period ended April 30, 2011 we recorded a $549 tax benefit related to prior years for deductions associated with the Company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NORDSON CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000072331
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2012
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	64,312,607

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Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Contingencies [Abstract]

Contingencies

14. Contingencies. We are involved in pending or potential litigation regarding environmental, product liability, patent, contract, employee and other matters arising from the normal course of business, including the environmental matter discussed below. After consultation with legal counsel, we do not expect that resolutions of these matters will result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual results of operations or cash flows.

We have voluntarily agreed with the City of New Richmond, Wisconsin and other Potentially Responsible Parties to share costs associated with the remediation of the City of New Richmond municipal landfill (the “Site”) and the construction of a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site. At April 30, 2012 and October 31, 2011 our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $795. The liability for environmental remediation represents management’s best estimate of the probable and reasonably estimable undiscounted costs related to known remediation obligations. The accuracy of our estimate of environmental liability is affected by several uncertainties such as additional requirements that may be identified in connection with remedial activities, the complexity and evolution of environmental laws and regulations, and the identification of presently unknown remediation requirements. Consequently, our liability could be greater than our current estimate. However, we do not expect that the costs associated with remediation will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 90,449	$ 111,139
Depreciation and amortization	15,959	14,246
Non-cash stock compensation	4,959	4,701
Deferred income (benefit)/expense	1,231	(217)
Other non-cash expense	850	1,435
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	122	83
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	(979)	(6,919)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(13,622)	(12,406)
Net cash provided by operating activities	98,969	112,062
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(14,370)	(10,714)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	444	131
Proceeds from sale of product lines	2,213
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired		(21,296)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities		7,552
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,713)	(24,327)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings		65
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(29)	(1,544)
Proceeds from long-term debt	37,975	49,506
Repayment of long-term debt	(14,954)	(93,524)
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(2,423)	(2,335)
Issuance of common shares	2,852	9,282
Purchase of treasury shares	(74,352)	(19,134)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	979	6,919
Dividends paid	(16,191)	(14,291)
Net cash used in financing activities	(66,143)	(65,056)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(984)	1,777
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	20,129	24,456
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	37,408	42,329
End of quarter	$ 57,537	$ 66,785

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Operating segments

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Operating segments [Abstract]

Operating segments

8. Operating segments. We conduct business across three primary business segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems, and Industrial Coating Systems. Effective November 1, 2011, the Industrial Coating Systems segment includes our fuel cell product line that had previously been reported in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. This reclassification more closely reflects the change in management of this product line and its related growth opportunities. Prior year results have been reclassified to reflect the segment change.

The composition of segments and measure of segment profitability is consistent with that used by our chief operating decision maker. The primary measure used by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to the segments and assessing performance is operating profit, which equals sales less cost of sales and certain operating expenses. Items below the operating profit line of the Consolidated Statement of Income (interest and investment income, interest expense and other income/expense) are excluded from the measure of segment profitability reviewed by our chief operating decision maker and are not presented by operating segment. The accounting policies of the segments are generally the same as those described in Note 1, Significant Accounting Policies, of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011.

The following table presents sales and operating profits of our reportable segments:

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems			Advanced Technology Systems		Industrial Coating Systems			Corporate			Total
Three months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	154,698		$	114,998	$	45,497		$	—		$	315,193
Operating profit (loss)		51,518	(a)		28,683		5,362	(b)		(8,706	)		76,857
Three months ended April 30, 2011
Net external sales	$	159,432		$	112,603	$	46,889		$	—		$	318,924
Operating profit (loss)		59,649	(c)		33,563		7,662			(8,446	)		92,428
Six months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	293,870		$	215,105	$	82,054		$	—		$	591,029
Operating profit (loss)		98,745	(a)		44,683		6,500	(b)		(16,584	)		133,344
Six months ended April 30, 2011
Net external sales	$	296,408		$	209,235	$	84,243		$	—		$	589,886
Operating profit (loss)		105,845	(c)		56,839		10,711			(15,443	)		157,952

(a) Includes $3,215 and $4,026 of cost of goods sold – restructuring and severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012, respectively.

(b) Includes $561 of severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012.

(c) Includes $1,322 of impairment charges related to write down of assets to fair value in the three and six months ended April 30, 2011, respectively.

A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:

Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Total profit for reportable segments	$	76,857		$	92,428
Interest expense		(2,161	)		(1,338	)
Interest and investment income		147			115
Other-net		137			1,791
Income before income taxes	$	74,980		$	92,996

Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Total profit for reportable segments	$	133,344		$	157,952
Interest expense		(4,129	)		(2,733	)
Interest and investment income		266			240
Other-net		1,129			2,727
Income before income taxes	$	130,610		$	158,186

We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:

Three months ended	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
United States	$	85,647	$	79,300
Americas		25,927		26,158
Europe		91,430		98,049
Japan		30,004		30,159
Asia Pacific		82,185		85,258
Total net sales	$	315,193	$	318,924

Six months ended	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
United States	$	160,849	$	149,573
Americas		46,126		46,018
Europe		178,013		188,307
Japan		60,039		55,232
Asia Pacific		146,002		150,756
Total net sales	$	591,029	$	589,886

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Warranty accrual

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Warranty accrual [Abstract]

Warranty accrual

7. Warranty accrual. We offer warranty to our customers depending on the specific product and terms of the customer purchase agreement. A typical warranty program requires that we repair or replace defective products within a specified time period (generally one year) from the date of delivery or first use. We record an estimate for future warranty-related costs based on actual historical return rates. Based on analysis of return rates and other factors, the adequacy of our warranty provisions are adjusted as necessary. The liability for warranty costs is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011:

	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Beginning balance	$	6,723		$	5,242
Accruals for warranties		2,513			2,881
Warranty payments		(3,000	)		(2,648	)
Currency effect		(114	)		172
Ending balance	$	6,122		$	5,647

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Comprehensive income (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Comprehensive income [Abstract]

Summary of comprehensive income

Comprehensive income. Comprehensive income for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 is as follows:

	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
Net income	$	52,111	$	65,242
Foreign currency translation adjustments		1,292		21,677
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses		2,173		1,421
Comprehensive income	$	55,576	$	88,340

Comprehensive income for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 is as follows:

	Six Months Ended
	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Net income	$	90,449		$	111,139
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(7,062	)		14,845
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses		4,885			2,971
Comprehensive income	$	88,272		$	128,955

Components of activity for accumulated other comprehensive income

	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Beginning balance	$	(80,012	)		$	(66,306	)
Current-period change		(2,177	)			17,816
Ending balance	$	(82,189	)		$	(48,490	)

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Subsequent events

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Subsequent events [Abstract]

Subsequent events

15. Subsequent events. Effective June 4, 2012 we entered into a $250,000 unsecured credit facility with a U.S. bank. This facility has a 364-day term and contains events of default and covenants related to limitations on indebtedness and the maintenance of certain financial ratios that are consistent with our existing revolving credit facility. There was no balance outstanding under this facility as of the filing date of this Form 10-Q.

On May 18, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of EDI Holdings, Inc., a Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin provider of slot coating and flat polymer extrusion dies for plastic processors and web converters. The purchase price is $200,000, subject to adjustment as provided in the purchase agreement. On June 2, 2012, we entered into a definitive agreement to purchase 100% of the outstanding shares of Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc., a New Castle, Pennsylvania manufacturer of melt delivery components for injection and extrusion machinery in the global plastic processing industry. The purchase price is $200,000, subject to adjustment as provided in the purchase agreement. These acquisitions will be financed with availability under our existing revolving credit facility and the new credit facility described above. Both transactions are expected to close during our third quarter pending customary closing conditions and regulatory reviews.

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Fair value measurements

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Fair value measurements [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

11. Fair value measurements. The inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are classified into the following categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

The following table presents the classification of our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2012:

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	$	13,745	$	—	$	13,745	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,006		—		1,006		—
Total assets at fair value	$	14,751	$	—	$	14,751	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	$	5,721	$	5,721	$	—	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		618		—		618		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	6,339	$	5,721	$	618	$	—

(a) We maintain a rabbi trust that serves as an investment to shadow our deferred compensation plan liability. The investment assets of the trust consist of life insurance policies for which we recognize income or expense based upon changes in cash surrender value.

(b) We enter into foreign currency forward contracts to reduce the risk of foreign currency exposures resulting from receivables, payables, intercompany receivables, intercompany payables and loans denominated in foreign currencies. The maturities of these contracts are usually less than 90 days. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates.

(c) Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100% of their salary and incentive compensation into various non-qualified deferred compensation plans. Deferrals can be allocated to various market performance measurement funds. Changes in the value of compensation deferred under these plans are recognized each period based on the fair value of the underlying measurement funds.

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Pension and other postretirement plans

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Pension and other postretirement plans [Abstract]

Pension and other postretirement plans

9. Pension and other postretirement plans. The components of net periodic pension cost were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	1,742		$	1,376		$	375		$	535
Interest cost		2,924			2,924			762			752
Expected return on plan assets		(3,683	)		(3,855	)		(391	)		(372	)
Amortization of prior service cost		166			165			(24	)		1
Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,624			1,868			142			216
Total benefit cost	$	3,773		$	2,478		$	864		$	1,132

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	3,483		$	3,044		$	755		$	1,055
Interest cost		5,865			5,932			1,517			1,477
Expected return on plan assets		(7,399	)		(7,713	)		(776	)		(731	)
Amortization of prior service cost		333			329			(48	)		2
Amortization of net actuarial loss		5,252			3,669			283			424
Settlement loss		682			—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	8,216		$	5,261		$	1,731		$	2,227

During the six months ended April 30, 2012, net periodic pension cost included a settlement loss of $682 as a result of the termination of a U.S. pension plan.

The components of other postretirement benefit cost were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	364		$	315		$	7		$	8
Interest cost		822			752			10			10
Amortization of prior service cost		(146	)		(286	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		670			428			(3	)		(2	)
Total benefit cost	$	1,710		$	1,209		$	14		$	16

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	728		$	561		$	14		$	16
Interest cost		1,644			1,466			20			20
Amortization of prior service cost		(292	)		(573	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,340			803			(7	)		(4	)
Total benefit cost	$	3,420		$	2,257		$	27		$	32

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Severance and restructuring costs

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Severance and restructuring costs [Abstract]

Severance and restructuring costs

10. Severance and restructuring costs. In 2011, we announced a restructuring of the Georgia operations of our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment in order to optimize operations and better serve our customers. The restructuring involves the expansion of our facility in Duluth and construction of a new facility in Swainsboro, where operations from our existing Swainsboro facility, as well as facilities in Norcross and Dawsonville, are being transferred. Severance costs and other termination fees associated with this action will occur through the third quarter of 2012 and are estimated to be approximately $2,540. Of the total expense amount, $257 was recorded in the three months ended April 30, 2012, $687 was recorded in the three months ended January 31, 2012, and $1,557 was recorded in 2011. Payments of $1,682 were made in the six months ended April 30, 2012. In addition, $2,916 of expenses related to production inefficiencies and moving costs were incurred in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012. Of this amount, $2,040 is recorded in cost of sales, and $876 is recorded in severance and restructuring costs.

In order to optimize Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment operations in Germany, a restructuring initiative was launched that will result in severance costs of approximately $200. Of that amount, $42 was recorded in the three months ended April 30, 2012, $124 was recorded in the three months ended January 31, 2012, and $32 was recorded in 2011. Payments of $165 were made in the six months ended April 30, 2012.

In order to optimize Industrial Coating Systems operations in Ohio, a restructuring initiatve was undertaken in 2012 that will result in approximately $640 of severance costs. Of that amount, $561 was recorded in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012. The remainder is expected to be recorded in the three months ended July 31, 2012. Payments of $120 were made in the six months ended April 30, 2012.

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Financial instruments

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Financial instruments [Abstract]

Financial instruments

12. Financial instruments. We operate internationally and enter into intercompany transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Consequently, we are subject to market risk arising from exchange rate movements between the dates foreign currencies are recorded and the dates they are settled. We regularly use foreign currency forward contracts to reduce our risks related to most of these transactions. These contracts usually have maturities of 90 days or less and generally require us to exchange foreign currencies for U.S. dollars at maturity, at rates stated in the contracts. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments.

Gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts are recorded in “Other – net” on the Consolidated Statement of Income together with the transaction gain or loss from the hedged balance sheet position. For the three months ended April 30, 2012, we recognized gains of $988 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $1,291 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the three months ended April 30, 2011, we recognized gains of $6,239 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $5,086 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, we recognized gains of $12 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $139 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. For the six months ended April 30, 2011, we recognized losses of $4,551 on foreign exchange contracts and gains of $6,340 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

We had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at April 30, 2012:

	Sell				Buy
	Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value		Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value
Euro	$	3,379	$	3,398	$	84,784	$	84,453
British pound		—		—		25,509		26,038
Japanese yen		4,677		4,761		10,715		10,882
Others		4,459		4,464		32,447		32,578
Total	$	12,515	$	12,623	$	153,455	$	153,951

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at April 30, 2012, other than receivables and accounts payable, are shown in the table below. The carrying values of receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

	Carrying Amount		Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents	$	57,537	$	57,537
Notes payable		4		4
Long-term debt, including current maturities		342,144		344,766
Foreign exchange contracts (net)		388		388

We used the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of financial instruments:

• Cash, cash equivalents and notes payable are valued at their carrying amounts due to the relatively short period to maturity of the instruments.

• Long-term debt is valued by discounting future cash flows at currently available rates for borrowing arrangements with similar terms and conditions, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

• Foreign exchange contracts are estimated using observable marker-based inputs, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

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Goodwill and intangible assets (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$ 232,789		$ 232,789		$ 232,789
Goodwill and intangible assets (Textual) [Abstract]
Intangible assets, amortization expense	2,677	1,749	5,344	4,047
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	229,173		229,173		229,173
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$ 3,616		$ 3,616		$ 3,616

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Severance and restructuring costs (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Severance and restructuring costs (Textual) [Abstract]
Severance and restructuring	$ 1,736		$ 2,547
Cost of Sales Restructuring	2,040		2,040
Adhesive Dispensing Systems Georgia Operations [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs (Textual) [Abstract]
Severance costs and other termination fees associated with the restructuring			2,540
Severance and restructuring	257	687		1,557
Payments of expense made			1,682
Cost of Sales Restructuring	2,040
Severance and restructuring	876
Expenses related to production inefficiencies and moving costs	2,916		2,916
Adhesive Dispensing System Germany [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs (Textual) [Abstract]
Severance costs and other termination fees associated with the restructuring			200
Severance and restructuring	42	124		32
Payments of expense made			165
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Severance and restructuring costs (Textual) [Abstract]
Severance costs and other termination fees associated with the restructuring			640
Severance and restructuring	561		561
Payments of expense made			$ 120

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Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Inventories [Abstract]

Inventories

	April 30, 2012			October 31, 2011
Finished goods	$	103,509		$	98,879
Work-in-process		22,317			13,971
Raw materials and finished parts		53,094			51,891
		178,920			164,741
Obsolescence and other reserves		(17,341	)		(16,050	)
LIFO reserve		(6,645	)		(6,779	)
	$	154,934		$	141,912

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Operating Segments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Operating segments [Abstract]

Reportable segments

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems			Advanced Technology Systems		Industrial Coating Systems			Corporate			Total
Three months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	154,698		$	114,998	$	45,497		$	—		$	315,193
Operating profit (loss)		51,518	(a)		28,683		5,362	(b)		(8,706	)		76,857
Three months ended April 30, 2011
Net external sales	$	159,432		$	112,603	$	46,889		$	—		$	318,924
Operating profit (loss)		59,649	(c)		33,563		7,662			(8,446	)		92,428
Six months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	293,870		$	215,105	$	82,054		$	—		$	591,029
Operating profit (loss)		98,745	(a)		44,683		6,500	(b)		(16,584	)		133,344
Six months ended April 30, 2011
Net external sales	$	296,408		$	209,235	$	84,243		$	—		$	589,886
Operating profit (loss)		105,845	(c)		56,839		10,711			(15,443	)		157,952

(a) Includes $3,215 and $4,026 of cost of goods sold – restructuring and severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012, respectively.

(b) Includes $561 of severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012.

(c) Includes $1,322 of impairment charges related to write down of assets to fair value in the three and six months ended April 30, 2011, respectively.

Total consolidated income before income taxes

A reconciliation of total segment operating income to total consolidated income before income taxes is as follows:

Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Total profit for reportable segments	$	76,857		$	92,428
Interest expense		(2,161	)		(1,338	)
Interest and investment income		147			115
Other-net		137			1,791
Income before income taxes	$	74,980		$	92,996

Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Total profit for reportable segments	$	133,344		$	157,952
Interest expense		(4,129	)		(2,733	)
Interest and investment income		266			240
Other-net		1,129			2,727
Income before income taxes	$	130,610		$	158,186

Sales information by geographic area

Three months ended	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
United States	$	85,647	$	79,300
Americas		25,927		26,158
Europe		91,430		98,049
Japan		30,004		30,159
Asia Pacific		82,185		85,258
Total net sales	$	315,193	$	318,924

Six months ended	April 30, 2012		April 30, 2011
United States	$	160,849	$	149,573
Americas		46,126		46,018
Europe		178,013		188,307
Japan		60,039		55,232
Asia Pacific		146,002		150,756
Total net sales	$	591,029	$	589,886

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Pension and other postretirement plans (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
U.S [Member]
Components of Other postretirement benefit costs
Service cost	$ 364	$ 315	$ 728	$ 561
Interest cost	822	752	1,644	1,466
Amortization of prior service cost	(146)	(286)	(292)	(573)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	670	428	1,340	803
Total benefit cost	1,710	1,209	3,420	2,257
International [Member]
Components of Other postretirement benefit costs
Service cost	7	8	14	16
Interest cost	10	10	20	20
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(3)	(2)	(7)	(4)
Total benefit cost	$ 14	$ 16	$ 27	$ 32

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Stock-based compensation (Details Textual) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2012 Stock Options [Member] Y	Apr. 30, 2012 Restricted Stock [Member] Y	Apr. 30, 2012 Executive Officer and Selected Other Key Employees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Executive Officer and Selected Other Key Employees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2010 Executive Officer and Selected Other Key Employees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Executive Officer [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Executive Officer [Member]	Apr. 30, 2010 Executive Officer [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Other Employees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Other Employees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2010 Other Employees [Member]
Stock-based Compensation (Textual) [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted			$ 17.03	$ 16.80
Percentage of common shares available for grant from Outstanding common shares	2.50%		2.50%
Compensation expense recognized	$ 916	$ 712	$ 1,871	$ 1,431
Weighted-average expected volatility used			46.20%	44.30%
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	3,977	9,107	4,677	22,157
Cash received from exercise of stock options			2,852	9,282
Tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises of stock options			979	6,919
Expense related to non vested common shares	477	336	887	616
Expense related to director deferred compensation	70	59	126	156
Periods of performance considered for calculating compensation expense			Over three years
Compensation expense charged	890	874	1,890	2,319
Cumulative amount recorded in shareholders' equity			6,363
Beginning period of option exercised			1 year
Option Expiring period			10 years
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Maximum rate of stock option, description					not exceeding 25 percent per year
Maximum rate of stock option					25.00%
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value							$ 42.12	$ 42.02	$ 26.10	$ 42.12	$ 42.02	$ 29.52	$ 42.12	$ 42.02	$ 26.10
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares					$ 9,754	$ 2,705
Weighted average period expected to amortized, non vested shares					2.0	1.9
Restricted stock blocking period, Minimum						1 year
Restricted stock blocking period, Maximum						3 years
Period of Termination						1 year

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Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

1. Significant Accounting Policies.

Basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended April 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011.

Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Revenue recognition. Most of our revenues are recognized upon shipment, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

A relative selling price hierarchy exists for determining the selling price of deliverables in multiple deliverable arrangements. Vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) is used, if available. Third-party evidence (TPE) is used if VSOE is not available, and best estimated selling price (BESP) is used if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Our multiple deliverable arrangements include installation, installation supervision, training, and spare parts, which tend to be completed in a short period of time, at an insignificant cost, and utilizing skills not unique to us, therefore, are typically regarded as inconsequential or perfunctory. Revenue for undelivered items is deferred and included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. Revenues deferred in 2012 and 2011 were not material.

Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year, while diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents consist of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options computed using the treasury stock method, as well as nonvested (restricted) stock and deferred stock-based compensation. Options whose exercise price is higher than the average market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended April 30, 2012, and the three and six months ended April 30, 2011, no options for common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, the number of options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 150.

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Stock-based compensation

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Stock-based compensation [Abstract]

Stock-based compensation

6. Stock-based compensation. The amended and restated 2004 long-term performance plan, approved by our shareholders in 2008, provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, nonvested (restricted) stock, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards and other stock or performance-based incentives. The number of common shares available for grant of awards is 2.5% of the number of common shares outstanding as of the first day of each fiscal year.

Stock Options

Nonqualified or incentive stock options may be granted to our employees and directors. Generally, options granted to employees may be exercised beginning one year from the date of grant at a rate not exceeding 25% per year and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Vesting accelerates upon the occurrence of events that involve or may result in a change of control. Option exercises are satisfied through the issuance of treasury shares on a first-in first-out basis.

We recognized compensation expense related to stock options of $916 and $712 in the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Amounts for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 were $1,871 and $1,431, respectively.

The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the six months ended April 30, 2012:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Term
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		1,851		$	24.22
Granted		299		$	43.73
Exercised		(146	)	$	19.55
Forfeited or expired		(18	)	$	28.43
Outstanding at April 30, 2012		1,986		$	27.46	$	52,509		6.4 years
Vested or expected to vest at April 30, 2012		1,916		$	27.12	$	51,313		6.3 years
Exercisable at April 30, 2012		1,112		$	21.67	$	35,841		4.9 years

At April 30, 2012, there was $9,754 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

The fair value of each option grant was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:

Six months ended	April 30, 2012	April 30, 2011
Expected volatility	45.4%-46.9%	43.1%-45.1%
Expected dividend yield	1.20%	1.28%
Risk-free interest rate	1.03%-1.23%	1.89%-2.25%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1	5.4-6.3

The weighted-average expected volatility used to value the 2012 and 2011 options were 46.2% and 44.3%, respectively.

Historical information was the primary basis for the selection of the expected volatility, expected dividend yield and the expected lives of the options. The risk-free interest rate was selected based upon yields of U.S. Treasury issues with a term equal to the expected life of the option being valued.

The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011 was $17.03 and $16.80, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $3,977 and $9,107, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended April 30, 2012 and April 30, 2011 was $4,677 and $22,157, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options was $2,852 and $9,282 for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises was $979 and $6,919 for the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Nonvested Common Shares

We may grant nonvested common shares to our employees and directors. These shares may not be transferred for a designated period of time (generally one to three years) defined at the date of grant. For employee recipients, shares are forfeited on a pro-rata basis in the event employment is terminated as a consequence of the employee recipient’s early retirement, disability or death prior to the lapse of any restrictions. Restrictions lapse in the event of a recipient’s retirement at or after normal retirement age. Termination for any other reason prior to the lapse of any restrictions results in forfeiture of the shares. For non-employee directors, all restrictions lapse in the event of disability or death of the non-employee director. Termination of service as a director for any other reason within one year of date of grant results in a pro-rata forfeiture of shares.

As shares are issued, deferred share-based compensation equivalent to the fair market value on the date of grant is charged to shareholders’ equity and subsequently amortized over the restriction period. Tax benefits arising from the lapse of restrictions on the shares are recognized when realized and credited to capital in excess of stated value.

The following table summarizes activity related to nonvested shares during the six months ended April 30, 2012:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at October 31, 2011		81		$	34.95
Granted		47		$	43.94
Vested		(20	)	$	35.55
Forfeited		(3	)	$	43.56
Nonvested shares at April 30, 2012		105		$	38.65

As of April 30, 2012, there was $2,705 of unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares. The cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

The amount charged to expense related to nonvested stock was $477 and $336 in the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the amounts were $887 and $616, respectively.

Directors Deferred Compensation

Non-employee directors may defer all or part of their compensation until retirement. Compensation may be deferred as cash or as share equivalent units. Deferred cash amounts are recorded as liabilities. Additional share equivalent units are earned when common share dividends are declared.

The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during the six months ended April 30, 2012:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2011		243		$	17.51
Deferrals		1		$	50.31
Restricted stock units vested		11		$	28.47
Dividend equivalents		1		$	47.67
Distributions		(29	)	$	15.82
Outstanding at April 30, 2012		227		$	18.59

The amount charged to expense related to this plan was $70 and $59 for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the amounts were $126 and $156, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan

Under the long-term incentive compensation plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common share awards based solely on corporate performance measures over three-year performance periods. Awards vary based on the degree to which corporate performance exceeds predetermined threshold, target and maximum performance levels at the end of a performance period. No payout will occur unless certain threshold performance objectives are exceeded.

The amount of compensation expense is based upon current performance projections for each three-year period and the percentage of the requisite service that has been rendered. The calculations are also based upon the grant date fair value determined using the market price of common shares at the grant date, adjusted for dividends not to be paid. This value was $42.12 per share for both the executive officers and the selected other key employees for 2012 and $42.02 per share for both the executive officers and the selected other key employees for 2011. The per share values for 2010 were $26.10 and $29.52 for the executive officers group and $26.10 for the selected other key employees. The amount charged to expense for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011 was $890 and $874, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2012 and 2011, the amounts were $1,890 and $2,319, respectively. The cumulative amount recorded in shareholders’ equity at April 30, 2012 was $6,363.

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Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Contingencies [Abstract]
Accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site	$ 795	$ 795

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Pension and other postretirement plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Components of net periodic pension cost [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	1,742		$	1,376		$	375		$	535
Interest cost		2,924			2,924			762			752
Expected return on plan assets		(3,683	)		(3,855	)		(391	)		(372	)
Amortization of prior service cost		166			165			(24	)		1
Amortization of net actuarial loss		2,624			1,868			142			216
Total benefit cost	$	3,773		$	2,478		$	864		$	1,132

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	3,483		$	3,044		$	755		$	1,055
Interest cost		5,865			5,932			1,517			1,477
Expected return on plan assets		(7,399	)		(7,713	)		(776	)		(731	)
Amortization of prior service cost		333			329			(48	)		2
Amortization of net actuarial loss		5,252			3,669			283			424
Settlement loss		682			—			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	8,216		$	5,261		$	1,731		$	2,227

Components of net postretirement benefit cost [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]

Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	364		$	315		$	7		$	8
Interest cost		822			752			10			10
Amortization of prior service cost		(146	)		(286	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		670			428			(3	)		(2	)
Total benefit cost	$	1,710		$	1,209		$	14		$	16

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2011
Service cost	$	728		$	561		$	14		$	16
Interest cost		1,644			1,466			20			20
Amortization of prior service cost		(292	)		(573	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,340			803			(7	)		(4	)
Total benefit cost	$	3,420		$	2,257		$	27		$	32

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Stock-based compensation (Details 1)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Fair value assumptions of stock options
Expected dividend yield	1.20%	1.28%
Minimum [Member]
Fair value assumptions of stock options
Expected volatility	45.40%	43.10%
Risk-free interest rate	1.03%	1.89%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4	5.4
Maximum [Member]
Fair value assumptions of stock options
Expected volatility	46.90%	45.10%
Risk-free interest rate	1.23%	2.25%
Expected life of the option (in years)	6.1	6.3

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of presentation

Basis of presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended April 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2011.

Basis of consolidation

Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Revenue recognition

Revenue recognition. Most of our revenues are recognized upon shipment, provided that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the sales price is fixed or determinable, collectibility is reasonably assured, and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.

A relative selling price hierarchy exists for determining the selling price of deliverables in multiple deliverable arrangements. Vendor specific objective evidence (VSOE) is used, if available. Third-party evidence (TPE) is used if VSOE is not available, and best estimated selling price (BESP) is used if neither VSOE nor TPE is available. Our multiple deliverable arrangements include installation, installation supervision, training, and spare parts, which tend to be completed in a short period of time, at an insignificant cost, and utilizing skills not unique to us, therefore, are typically regarded as inconsequential or perfunctory. Revenue for undelivered items is deferred and included within accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. Revenues deferred in 2012 and 2011 were not material.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each year, while diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents consist of shares issuable upon exercise of stock options computed using the treasury stock method, as well as nonvested (restricted) stock and deferred stock-based compensation. Options whose exercise price is higher than the average market price are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended April 30, 2012, and the three and six months ended April 30, 2011, no options for common shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the six months ended April 30, 2012, the number of options excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share was 150.