Severance and restructuring costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012 Adhesive Dispensing Systems Georgia operations [Member]	Jan. 31, 2012 Adhesive Dispensing Systems Germany [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]	Jan. 31, 2013 Advanced Technology Systems segment [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance costs				$ 258	$ 328
Expected severance cost associated with the restructuring initiative for the remainder of the year	370
Severance costs and other termination fees associated with the restructuring incurred to date		$ 687	$ 124