Goodwill and other intangible assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$ 232,789		$ 232,789
Intangible assets, amortization expense	5,801	2,667
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	229,173		229,173
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$ 3,616		$ 3,616