10-Q

FORM 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(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, 2013

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, 2013: 64,214,775

Table of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)	3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	3
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS	5
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS	6
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	7
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	20
Overview	20
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates	20
Results of Operations	21
Financial Condition	24
Outlook	26
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

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Nordson Corporation

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
(In thousands, except for per share data)
Sales	$	382,100		$	315,193		$	729,143		$	591,029
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		165,162			123,497			314,976			229,987
Cost of sales—restructuring		—			2,040			—			2,040
Selling and administrative expenses		134,618			111,063			269,697			223,111
Severance and restructuring		118			1,736			704			2,547
		299,898			238,336			585,377			457,685
Operating profit		82,202			76,857			143,766			133,344
Other income (expense):
Interest expense		(3,612	)		(2,161	)		(7,692	)		(4,129	)
Interest and investment income		94			147			192			266
Other—net		(565	)		137			(1,765	)		1,129
		(4,083	)		(1,877	)		(9,265	)		(2,734	)
Income before income taxes		78,119			74,980			134,501			130,610
Income taxes		23,514			22,869			37,885			40,161
Net income	$	54,605		$	52,111		$	96,616		$	90,449
Average common shares		64,320			64,426			64,296			64,749
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, nonvested stock, and deferred stock-based compensation		650			753			663			658
Average common shares and common share equivalents		64,970			65,179			64,959			65,407
Basic earnings per share	$	0.85		$	0.81		$	1.50		$	1.40
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.84		$	0.80		$	1.49		$	1.38
Dividends declared per share	$	0.15		$	0.125		$	0.30		$	0.25

See accompanying notes.

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012		April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
(In thousands)
Net income	$	54,605		$	52,111	$	96,616		$	90,449
Components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(7,954	)		1,292		(4,583	)		(7,062	)
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses		2,791			2,173		5,526			4,885
Total other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,163	)		3,465		943			(2,177	)
Total comprehensive income	$	49,442		$	55,576	$	97,559		$	88,272

See accompanying notes.

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Nordson Corporation

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

	April 30, 2013			October 31, 2012
(In thousands)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	62,792		$	41,239
Marketable securities		—			279
Receivables—net		302,912			324,563
Inventories—net		188,520			169,585
Deferred income taxes		31,368			29,929
Prepaid expenses		22,154			21,028
Total current assets		607,746			586,623
Property, plant and equipment—net		187,174			174,931
Goodwill		818,042			812,817
Intangible assets—net		216,260			227,891
Other assets		28,115			27,253
	$	1,857,337		$	1,829,515
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	$	60,035		$	50,001
Accounts payable		57,616			62,869
Income taxes payable		14,592			27,354
Accrued liabilities		105,852			121,950
Customer advanced payments		24,318			20,894
Current maturities of long-term debt		5,668			55,668
Current obligations under capital leases		5,202			4,948
Total current liabilities		273,283			343,684
Long-term debt		551,560			528,041
Deferred income taxes		35,018			26,159
Pension obligations		156,793			161,399
Postretirement obligations		70,660			69,851
Other long-term liabilities		34,428			30,611
Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares		12,253			12,253
Capital in excess of stated value		295,616			287,581
Retained earnings		1,258,554			1,181,245
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(103,283	)		(104,226	)
Common shares in treasury, at cost		(727,545	)		(707,083	)
Total shareholders’ equity		735,595			669,770
	$	1,857,337		$	1,829,515

See accompanying notes.

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Six Months Ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	96,616		$	90,449
Depreciation and amortization		26,189			15,959
Non-cash stock compensation		6,137			4,959
Deferred income taxes		3,022			1,231
Other non-cash expense		1,145			850
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment		119			122
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options		(2,553	)		(979	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		(28,046	)		(13,622	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		102,629			98,969
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment		(23,714	)		(14,370	)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment		30			444
Proceeds from sale of product lines		—			2,213
Acquisition of business		(1,231	)		—
Investment in equity affiliate		(1,116	)		—
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities		277			—
Net cash used in investing activities		(25,754	)		(11,713	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings		9,948			—
Repayment of short-term borrowings		(1	)		(29	)
Proceeds from long-term debt		86,000			37,975
Repayment of long-term debt		(112,480	)		(14,954	)
Repayment of capital lease obligations		(2,664	)		(2,423	)
Issuance of common shares		4,058			2,852
Purchase of treasury shares		(25,174	)		(74,352	)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options		2,553			979
Dividends paid		(19,308	)		(16,191	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(57,068	)		(66,143	)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		1,746			(984	)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		21,553			20,129
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year		41,239			37,408
End of quarter	$	62,792		$	57,537

See accompanying notes.

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Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

April 30, 2013

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 and six months ended April 30, 2013 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, 2012.

Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates and joint ventures in which our ownership is 50% or less or in which we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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, and, 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 2013 and 2012 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 and six months ended April 30, 2013, and the three months ended April 30, 2012, 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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2. Recently issued accounting standards

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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. Adoption of this guidance could change our annual process for goodwill impairment testing, but will not impact the financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) requiring new disclosures for reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income. Companies are required to present these disclosures either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. This guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2014, with early adoption permitted. It will only be a change in disclosure, so we do not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

3. Acquisitions

2013 acquisition

On November 8, 2012, we purchased certain assets of Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., a Japanese licensed distributor of EDI Holdings, Inc, (EDI), which we acquired in 2012. This operation provides die sales to extrusion processors, web converters, and OEMs in Japan and Taiwan and carries out final manufacturing steps on new equipment to enhance die performance and accommodate local requirements. The acquisition date fair value was $1,335, which consisted of cash transferred of $1,231 and a holdback liability of $104. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, identifiable intangible assets of $912 were recorded. The identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of $847 of customer relationships that are being amortized over 9 years and $65 of technology being amortized over 9 years. This operation is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment. Assuming this acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2012, pro-forma results would not have been materially different.

2012 acquisitions

On June 14, 2012, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of EDI, a provider of slot coating and flat polymer extrusion dies for plastic processors and web converters headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. EDI is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.

On June 21, 2012, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc. (Xaloy), a manufacturer of melt delivery components for injection and extrusion machinery in the global plastic processing industry headquartered in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Xaloy is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.

On August 1, 2012 we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc. (SEE), a manufacturer of precision dispense systems and fluid dispense valves headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. SEE is being reported in our Industrial Coating Systems segment.

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The total purchase price of these acquisitions was allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon management’s estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, such excess was allocated to goodwill. The following table summarizes the combined purchase price allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the transaction dates. Amounts related to our SEE acquisition included in the table below are still preliminary.

Estimated fair market values:
Current assets	$	70,391
Non-current assets		58,275
Intangible assets subject to amortization		122,216
Goodwill		271,567
Current liabilities		(31,492	)
Non-current liabilities		(34,059	)
		456,898
Less cash acquired		(8,403	)
Purchase price	$	448,495

The intangible assets consist of customer lists of $48,350, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 9 years; technology assets of $25,740 which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 15 years; trade names of $43,710 which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 15 years; and non-compete agreements of $4,416, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 2 years. The goodwill of $24,058 associated with the SEE acquisition is tax deductible, while none of the goodwill associated with the EDI and Xaloy acquisitions is tax deductible.

4. Inventories

At April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, inventories consisted of the following:

	April 30, 2013			October 31, 2012
Raw materials and component parts	$	77,765		$	71,189
Work-in-process		30,722			22,159
Finished goods		108,380			103,552
		216,867			196,900
Obsolescence and other reserves		(21,625	)		(20,505	)
LIFO reserve		(6,722	)		(6,810	)
	$	188,520		$	169,585

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5. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 30, 2013 by operating segment are as follows:

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems		Advanced Technology Systems		Industrial Coating Systems		Total
Balance at October 31, 2012	$	284,411	$	505,159	$	23,247	$	812,817
Adjustments		4,079		—		811		4,890
Currency effect		194		141		—		335
Balance at April 30, 2013	$	288,684	$	505,300	$	24,058	$	818,042

The adjustments to goodwill for the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment resulted from changes to the purchase price and finalization of the purchase price allocations of EDI and Xaloy. The adjustments to goodwill for the Industrial Coating Systems segment resulted from changes to the purchase price and preliminary purchase price allocation of SEE.

Accumulated impairment losses, which were recorded in 2009, were $232,789 at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012. 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, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	126,095	$	23,063	$	103,032
Patent/technology costs		68,439		18,104		50,335
Trade name		65,835		5,751		60,084
Non-compete agreements		9,366		6,932		2,434
Other		1,388		1,013		375
Total	$	271,123	$	54,863	$	216,260

	October 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	126,086	$	18,167	$	107,919
Patent/technology costs		68,892		15,678		53,214
Trade name		65,911		3,716		62,195
Non-compete agreements		9,337		5,234		4,103
Other		1,432		972		460
Total	$	271,658	$	43,767	$	227,891

Amortization expense for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $5,683 and $2,677, respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $11,484 and $5,344, respectively.

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6. Pension and other postretirement plans

The components of net periodic pension cost for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012 were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	2,305		$	1,742		$	523		$	375
Interest cost		3,084			2,924			709			762
Expected return on plan assets		(3,836	)		(3,683	)		(372	)		(391	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		40			166			(20	)		(24	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		3,579			2,624			348			142
Total benefit cost	$	5,172		$	3,773		$	1,188		$	864

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	4,622		$	3,483		$	1,070		$	755
Interest cost		6,178			5,865			1,438			1,517
Expected return on plan assets		(7,664	)		(7,399	)		(760	)		(776	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		79			333			(43	)		(48	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		7,065			5,252			702			283
Settlement loss		—			682			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	10,280		$	8,216		$	2,407		$	1,731

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, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	336		$	364		$	9		$	7
Interest cost		678			822			9			10
Amortization of prior service credit		(119	)		(146	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		554			670			(1	)		(3	)
Total benefit cost	$	1,449		$	1,710		$	17		$	14

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	672		$	728		$	18		$	14
Interest cost		1,356			1,644			19			20
Amortization of prior service credit		(237	)		(292	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,107			1,340			(2	)		(7	)
Total benefit cost	$	2,898		$	3,420		$	35		$	27

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7. 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, 2013 were 30.1% and 28.2%, respectively.

During the six months ending April 30, 2013 we recorded a favorable adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits of $900 primarily related to expiration of certain foreign statutes of limitations. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted which retroactively reinstated and extended the Federal Research and Development Tax Credit (Federal R&D Tax Credit) from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 and extended certain other tax provisions. As a result, the Company’s income tax provision for the six months ending April 30, 2013 includes a discrete tax benefit of $1,700 related to 2012.

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.

8. Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012 consisted of:

	April 30, 2013			October 31, 2012
Translation adjustments	$	21,651		$	26,234
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments		(124,934	)		(130,460	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(103,283	)	$	(104,226	)

9. Stock-based compensation

The amended and restated 2004 long-term performance plan, approved by our shareholders in 2008, (the “2008 Plan”) 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 percent of the number of common shares outstanding as of the first day of each year.

At the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 26, 2013, our shareholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive and Award Plan (the “2012 Plan”). The 2012 Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, nonvested (restricted) stock, performance shares, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards and other stock or performance-based incentives. A maximum of 2,900 common shares is available for grant under the Plan, inclusive of shares available to be granted under the 2008 Plan immediately prior to shareholder approval of the 2012 Plan.

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 percent 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 $1,199 and $916 in the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Corresponding amounts for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012 were $2,403 and $1,871, respectively.

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The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the six months ended April 30, 2013:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Term
Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,764		$	28.35
Granted		283		$	61.61
Exercised		(192	)	$	21.06
Forfeited or expired		(11	)	$	46.15
Outstanding at April 30, 2013		1,844		$	34.11	$	65,236		6.5 years
Vested or expected to vest at April 30, 2013		1,797		$	33.72	$	64,263		6.4 years
Exercisable at April 30, 2013		1,033		$	24.90	$	44,431		5.1 years

At April 30, 2013, there was $12,061 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 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, 2013	April 30, 2012
Expected volatility	45.3%-46.9%	45.4%-46.9%
Expected dividend yield	0.97%-1.01%	1.20%
Risk-free interest rate	0.75%-0.90%	1.03%-1.23%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1	5.4-6.1

The weighted-average expected volatility used to value the 2013 and 2012 options was 46.3%, and 46.2%, 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, 2013 and 2012 was $24.12 and $17.03, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1,773 and $3,977, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $8,355 and $4,677, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $4,058 and $2,852, respectively. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2,553 and $979, respectively.

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Nordson Corporation

Nonvested Common Shares

We may grant nonvested (restricted) 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, in the event of termination of employment due to early retirement, nonvested shares granted within 12 months prior to termination are forfeited, and other nonvested shares are forfeited on a pro-rata basis. In the event of termination of employment due to retirement at normal retirement age (age 65) nonvested shares granted within 12 months prior to termination are forfeited, and, for other nonvested shares, the restriction period will terminate and the shares will vest and be transferable. Restrictions lapse in the event of a recipient’s disability or death. 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, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at October 31, 2012		100		$	40.58
Granted		36		$	62.08
Vested		(42	)	$	36.61
Forfeited		(2	)	$	48.18
Nonvested shares at April 30, 2013		92		$	50.60

As of April 30, 2013, there was $3,126 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 $555 and $477 in the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2012, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the amounts were $1,136 and $887, 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, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2012		200		$	19.44
Deferrals		1		$	68.53
Restricted stock units vested		7		$	43.32
Dividend equivalents		1		$	65.46
Distributions		(30	)	$	16.22
Outstanding at April 30, 2013		179		$	21.39

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The amount charged to expense related to director deferred compensation for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $53 and $70, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the corresponding amounts were $109 and $126, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common share awards based 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 award 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 closing market price of common stock at the grant date, reduced by the implied value of dividends not to be paid. This value was $59.59 per share for 2013, $42.12 per share for 2012 and $42.02 per share for 2011. During the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, $654 and $890, respectively, was charged to expense. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the corresponding amounts were $2,267 and $1,890, respectively. The cumulative amount recorded in shareholders’ equity at April 30, 2013 was $6,761.

10. Warranties

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, 2013 and 2012:

	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Beginning balance	$	8,929		$	6,723
Accruals for warranties		3,522			2,513
Warranty payments		(3,656	)		(3,000	)
Currency effect		(46	)		(114	)
Ending balance	$	8,749		$	6,122

11. Severance and restructuring costs

During the three months ended April 30, 2013, we recognized severance costs of $118 in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. Costs for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $258 in the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment and $446 in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. These costs were associated with restructuring initiatives to optimize global operations. Severance costs associated with these initiatives are expected to be approximately $205 for the remainder of the current year.

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 involved 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, were transferred. Severance costs and other termination fees associated with this action during the three and six months ended April 30, 2012 were $257 and $944, respectively. 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 was recorded in cost of sales, and $876 was recorded in severance and restructuring costs.

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Nordson Corporation

In order to optimize Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment operations in Germany, a restructuring initiative was taken in 2011 that resulted in severance costs of $42 and $166 during the three and six months ended April 30, 2012. In addition, in order to optimize Industrial Coating Systems operations in Ohio, a restructuring initiative was undertaken in 2012 that resulted in $561 of severance costs in the three months and six months ended April 30, 2012.

12. Operating segments

We conduct business across three primary business segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems, and Industrial Coating Systems. 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, 2012.

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, 2013
Net external sales	$	196,380		$	130,001		$	55,719		$	—		$	382,100
Operating profit (loss)		51,339			33,112	(a)		8,150			(10,399	)		82,202
Three months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	154,698		$	114,998		$	45,497		$	—		$	315,193
Operating profit (loss)		51,518	(b)		28,683			5,362	(c)		(8,706	)		76,857
Six months ended April 30, 2013
Net external sales	$	379,758		$	238,710		$	110,675		$	—		$	729,143
Operating profit (loss)		95,013	(d)		53,845	(a)		15,311			(20,403	)		143,766
Six months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	293,870		$	215,105		$	82,054		$	—		$	591,029
Operating profit (loss)		98,745	(b)		44,683			6,500	(c)		(16,584	)		133,344

(a) Includes $118 and $446 of severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2013, respectively.

(b) 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.

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

(d) Includes $258 of severance and restructuring costs in the six months ended April 30, 2013.

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Nordson Corporation

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

Three months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Total profit for reportable segments	$	82,202		$	76,857
Interest expense		(3,612	)		(2,161	)
Interest and investment income		94			147
Other-net		(565	)		137
Income before income taxes	$	78,119		$	74,980

Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Total profit for reportable segments	$	143,766		$	133,344
Interest expense		(7,692	)		(4,129	)
Interest and investment income		192			266
Other-net		(1,765	)		1,129
Income before income taxes	$	134,501		$	130,610

We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:

Three months ended	April 30, 2013		April 30, 2012
United States	$	114,813	$	85,647
Americas		36,147		25,927
Europe		99,196		91,430
Japan		31,614		30,004
Asia Pacific		100,330		82,185
Total net external sales	$	382,100	$	315,193

Six months ended	April 30, 2013		April 30, 2012
United States	$	226,117	$	160,849
Americas		63,834		46,126
Europe		193,831		178,013
Japan		67,210		60,039
Asia Pacific		178,151		146,002
Total net external sales	$	729,143	$	591,029

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Nordson Corporation

13. 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 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2013:

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	$	13,481	$	—	$	13,481	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,846		—		1,846		—
Total assets at fair value	$	15,327	$	—	$	15,327	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	$	6,559	$	6,559	$	—	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,750		—		1,750		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	8,309	$	6,559	$	1,750	$	—

(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. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates. Foreign exchange contracts are not designated as hedges.

(c) Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100% of their salary and annual cash incentive compensation and for executive officers, up to 90% of their long-term 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.

14. 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. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

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, 2013, we recognized losses of $4,086 on foreign exchange contracts and gains of $3,054 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. 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 six months ended April 30, 2013, we recognized losses of $574 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $1,973 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.

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Nordson Corporation

We had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at April 30, 2013:

	Sell				Buy
	Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value		Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value
Euro	$	38,270	$	38,076	$	119,656	$	118,748
British pound		16,782		16,256		25,620		26,041
Japanese yen		8,492		8,372		5,560		5,436
Australian dollar		516		519		9,239		9,179
Hong Kong dollar		—		—		33,423		33,387
Singapore dollar		605		609		9,042		9,080
Others		9,463		9,554		23,882		23,920
Total	$	74,128	$	73,386	$	226,422	$	225,791

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at April 30, 2013, 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	$	62,792	$	62,792
Notes payable		60,035		60,035
Long-term debt, including current maturities		557,228		567,459
Foreign exchange contracts (net)		96		96

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

• Cash and 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 valued using observable market based inputs, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

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Nordson Corporation

15. 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, it is our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, that resolutions of these matters are not expected to result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual operating results 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. Our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $668 at April 30, 2013 and $750 at October 31, 2012. 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.

16. Subsequent events

We evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after April 30, 2013 through the date the financial statements were issued, and there were no material recognizable or non-recognizable subsequent events.

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.

Overview

Founded in 1954, Nordson Corporation delivers precision technology solutions to help customers succeed worldwide. The Company engineers, manufactures and markets differentiated products and systems used for dispensing and processing adhesives, coatings, plastics, sealants and biomaterials, and for managing fluids, testing and inspecting for quality, and treating surfaces. These products are supported with extensive application expertise and direct global sales and service. Nordson serves a wide variety of consumer non-durable, consumer durable and technology end markets including packaging, nonwovens, electronics, medical, appliances, energy, transportation, building and construction, and general product assembly and finishing. Nordson has approximately 5,500 employees and direct operations in more than 30 countries.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated unaudited interim financial statements and accompanying notes included in this report are the responsibility of management. The financial statements and footnotes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements and contain certain amounts that were based upon management’s best estimates, judgments and assumptions that were believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 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.

A comprehensive discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and management estimates and significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the financial statements is included in Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended October 31, 2012. There have been no significant changes in critical accounting policies, management estimates or accounting policies followed since the year ended October 31, 2012.

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Results of Operations

Sales

Worldwide sales for the three months ended April 30, 2013 were $382,100, an increase of $66,907, or 21.2%, from sales of $315,193 for the comparable period of 2012. Sales volume increased 23.2%, consisting of organic growth of 7.4% and 15.8% from acquisitions. Unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by 2.0%. Sales increased by double-digit percentages in all three operating segments during the second quarter.

Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment for the three months ended April 30, 2013 were $196,380, an increase of 26.9%, from the comparable period of 2012. Sales volume increased 29.8%, consisting of 0.8% organic volume and 29.0% from the first-year effect of acquisitions. Unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by 2.9%. Sales volume, inclusive of acquisitions, increased in all geographic regions and was most pronounced in the United States.

Sales of the Advanced Technology Systems segment for the three months ended April 30, 2013 were $130,001, a 13.0% increase compared to $114,998 for the three months ended April 30, 2012. Sales volume increased 14.0%, partially offset by currency effects which reduced sales by 1.0%. Within this segment, sales volume increased in all geographic regions and was most pronounced in Japan and the Americas. Demand for our precision dispensing and fluid management solutions in mobile electronic device, medical and other niche markets remained solid during the second quarter.

Sales of the Industrial Coating Systems segment for the three months ended April 30, 2013 were $55,719, an increase of 22.5% over the three months ended April 30, 2012. Sales volume growth of 23.9% consisted of 13.1% organic growth and 10.8% from the first-year effect of an acquisition. Unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by 1.4%. Sales volume, inclusive of acquisitions, increased in the United States, Americas, Japan and Asia Pacific regions and was partially offset by lower demand in Europe. The organic growth included most product lines and continued to be driven by the investments of durable goods manufacturers.

Sales outside the United States accounted for 70.0% of sales in the three months ended April 30, 2013, compared to 72.8% in the comparable period of 2012. On a geographic basis, sales in the United States increased 34.1% for the three months ended April 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. This increase in sales volume consisted of 2.9% organic growth and 31.2% from our prior year acquisitions. Sales in the Americas region were up 39.4%, with volumes increasing 41.1% and unfavorable currency effects reducing sales by 1.7%. This increase in sales volume consisted of 24.6% organic growth and 16.5% from acquisitions. Sales in Europe increased 8.5%, consisting of a volume increase of 9.9% offset by 1.4% of unfavorable currency effects. This increase in sales volume consisted of 2.7% organic growth and 7.2% from acquisitions. Sales in Japan for the three months ended April 30, 2013 increased 5.4% from the comparable period of the prior year, which consisted of volume increases of 20.4%, offset by unfavorable changes in the Japanese Yen that reduced sales by 15.0%. This increase in sales volume consisted of 6.3% organic volume and 14.1% from prior year acquisitions. Sales volume in the Asia Pacific region was up 22.1%, and currency effects were neutral. This increase in sales volume consisted of 12.4% organic volume growth and 9.7% growth from acquisitions.

Worldwide sales for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $729,143, an increase of $138,114, or 23.4%, over sales of $591,029 for the comparable period of 2012. Sales volume increased 24.6%, consisting of organic growth of 7.6% and 17.0% from acquisitions. Unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by 1.2%. Year-to-date sales increased in all three operating segments and all geographic regions.

Sales of the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $379,758, an increase of $85,888, or 29.2%, over the comparable period of 2012. Sales volume increased 31.2%, consisting of 0.3% organic growth and 30.9% from the first-year effect of acquisitions. Unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by 2.0%. Sales volume, inclusive of acquisitions, increased in all geographic regions and was most pronounced in the United States.

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Nordson Corporation

Sales of the Advanced Technology Systems segment for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $238,710 compared to $215,105 in the comparable period of 2012, an increase of $23,605, or 11.0%. Sales volume increased 11.3%, and unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by 0.3%. Within the segment, sales volume increased in all geographic regions and was most pronounced in Japan and the Americas. Demand for our precision dispensing and fluid management solutions in mobile electronic device, medical and other niche markets remained solid.

Sales of the Industrial Coating Systems segment for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $110,675, an increase of $28,621, or 34.9%, over the comparable period of 2012. Sales volume increased 35.9%, consisting of 24.2% organic growth and 11.7% from the first-year effect of an acquisition. Unfavorable currency effects reduced sales by 1.0%. Sales volume, inclusive of acquisitions, increased in the United States, Americas, Japan and Asia Pacific regions, and was most pronounced in the United States and the Americas. Sales volume was partially offset by lower demand in Europe. The organic growth included most product lines and continued to be driven by the investments of durable goods manufacturers.

Sales outside the United States accounted for 69.0% of sales in the six months ended April 30, 2013, compared to 72.8% in the comparable period of 2012. On a geographic basis, sales in the United States increased 40.6% for the six months ended April 30, 2013 compared to the six months ended April 30, 2012. This increase in sales volume consisted of 6.6% organic growth and 34.0% from acquisitions. Sales in the Americas region were up 38.4%, consisting of 39.3% volume offset by unfavorable currency effects of 0.9%. This increase in sales volume consisted of 21.5% organic growth and 17.8% from acquisitions. Sales in Europe increased 8.9%, consisting of a volume increase of 9.5% offset by 0.6% from unfavorable currency effects. This increase in sales volume consisted of 1.5% organic growth and 8.0% from acquisitions. Sales in Japan for the six months ended April 30, 2013 increased 11.9% from the comparable period of the prior year, consisting of volume of 23.3%, offset by unfavorable changes in the Japanese Yen that reduced sales by 11.4%. This increase in sales volume consisted of 10.4% organic volume and 12.9% from acquisitions. Sales in the Asia Pacific region increased 22.0%, consisting of 21.3% volume and 0.7% from currency effects. This increase in sales volume consisted of 10.6% organic volume growth and 10.7% growth from acquisitions.

Operating Profit

Cost of sales for the three months ended April 30, 2013 were $165,162, up from $125,537 in 2012. Cost of sales for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $314,976, up from $232,027 in 2012. The prior year three and six-month amounts included restructuring costs of $2,040 associated with the transfer of production and start-up activities related to our United States Adhesive Dispensing Systems plant consolidation initiative. The gross profit percentage was 56.8% for both the three and six months ended April 30, 2013, as compared to 60.2% for the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 60.7% for the six months ended April 30, 2012. The reductions in gross margin were primarily a result of lower product line margins relating to our 2012 acquisitions.

Selling and administrative expenses, excluding severance and restructuring costs, for the three months ended April 30, 2013 were $134,618, an increase of 21.2% as compared to $111,063 for the comparable period of 2012. Selling and administrative expenses for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $269,697, an increase of 20.9% as compared to $223,111 for the comparable period of 2012. The increases were primarily a result of the first year effect of 2012 acquisitions, as well as higher compensation expenses related to increased employment levels worldwide and spending for initiatives to generate future growth and improve performance.

Selling and administrative expenses, excluding severance and restructuring costs, for the three months ended April 30, 2013 as a percent of sales were 35.2%, the same as the three months ended April 30, 2012. For the six months ended April 30, 2013, these expenses as a percent of sales were reduced to 37.0% from 37.7% for the same period of 2012.

During the three months ended April 30, 2013, we recognized severance costs of $118 in the Advanced Technology Systems segment, and during the six months ended April 30, 2013, we recognized severance costs of $258 in the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment and $446 in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. These costs were associated with implementing restructuring initiatives to optimize global operations. Severance costs associated with these initiatives are expected to be approximately $205 for the remainder of the current year.

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Severance and restructuring costs of $1,736 and $2,547 were recorded in the three and six months ended April 30, 2012, respectively. These costs were associated with the Adhesive Dispensing Systems’ United States plant consolidation initiative and a 2012 Industrial Coating Systems initiative.

Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 21.5% for the three months ended April 30, 2013, down from 24.4% for the comparable period of 2012. Operating profit as a percentage of sales was 19.7% for the six months ended April 30, 2013, down from 22.6% for the comparable period of 2012. These changes were primarily due to the dilutive effect of our 2012 acquisitions.

For the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment, operating profit as a percent of sales decreased to 26.1% for the three months ended April 30, 2013 from 33.3% in 2012 and to 25.0% for the six months ended April 30, 2013 from 33.6% for the comparable period of 2012. The decreases were primarily due to the dilutive effect of our 2012 acquisitions.

For the Advanced Technology Systems segment, operating profit as a percent of sales for the three months ended April 30, 2013 increased to 25.5% from 24.9% for the three months ended April 30, 2012. For the six months ended April 30, 2013, operating profit as a percent of sales was 22.6%, up from 20.8% last year. The increases were primarily due to better absorption of fixed expenses.

For the Industrial Coating Systems segment, operating profit as a percent of sales was 14.6% for the three months ended April 30, 2013, up from 11.8% for the three months ended April 30, 2012. For the six months ended April 30, 2013, operating profit was 13.8% of sales, compared 7.9% in the same period of 2012. The increases were primarily due to better absorption of fixed expenses, as well as the first-year effect of a 2012 acquisition.

Interest and Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense for the three months ended April 30, 2013 was $3,612, up from $2,161 for the three months ended April 30, 2012. Interest expense for the six months ended April 30, 2013 was $7,692, up from $4,129 for the six months ended April 30, 2012. These increases were due to higher borrowing levels resulting primarily from our acquisitions in 2012.

Other expense was $565 for the three months ended April 30, 2013, compared to other income of $137 in the comparable period of the prior year. Included in those amounts were foreign exchange losses of $1,032 in 2013 and $302 in 2012. Other expense for the six months ended April 30, 2013 was $1,765, compared to other income of $1,129 for the six months ended April 30, 2012. Included in those amounts were foreign exchange losses of $2,547 in 2013 and $127 in 2012.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the three and six-month periods ending April 30, 2013 were 30.1% and 28.2%, compared to 30.5% and 30.7% for the comparable periods ending April 30, 2012.

During the six months ending April 30, 2013 we recorded a favorable adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits of $900 primarily related to expiration of certain foreign statutes of limitations. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted which retroactively reinstated and extended the Federal Research and Development Tax Credit (Federal R&D Tax Credit) from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 and extended certain other tax provisions. As a result, the Company’s income tax provision for the six months ending April 30, 2013 includes a discrete tax benefit of $1,700 related to 2012.

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.

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Nordson Corporation

Net Income

Net income for the three months ended April 30, 2013 was $54,605, or $0.84 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $52,111, or $0.80 per share on a diluted basis in the same period of 2012. This represented a 4.8% increase in net income and a 5.0% increase in earnings per share. For the six months ended April 30, 2013, net income was $96,616, or $1.49 per share on a diluted basis, compared to $90,449, or $1.38 per share for the six months ended April 30, 2012. This represented a 6.8% increase in net income and an 8.0% increase in earnings per share. The percentage increase in earnings per share is more than the percentage increase in net income due to a lower number of shares outstanding in the current year as result of share repurchases.

Foreign Currency Effects

In the aggregate, average exchange rates for 2013 used to translate international sales and operating results into U.S. dollars compared unfavorably with average exchange rates existing during 2012. 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, 2013 were translated at exchange rates in effect during the same period of 2012, sales would have been approximately $6,200 higher while third-party costs and expenses would have been approximately $3,200 higher. If transactions for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were translated at exchange rates in effect during the same period of 2012, sales would have been approximately $7,300 higher and third party costs would have been approximately $4,100 higher.

Financial Condition

Liquidity and Capital Resources

During the six months ended April 30, 2013, cash and cash equivalents increased $21,553. Cash provided by operations during this period was $102,629, compared to $98,969 for the six months ended April 30, 2012. Cash of $133,228 for the six months ended April 30, 2013 was generated from net income adjusted for non-cash income and expenses (consisting of depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock compensation, deferred income taxes, other non-cash expense and loss on sale of property, plant and equipment) as compared to $113,570 in the same period of the prior year. Changes in operating assets and liabilities, including the tax benefit from the exercise of stock options, used $30,599 of cash in the first six months of 2013, compared to $14,601 in the first six months of 2012. The primary reason for the increase was due to increased working capital requirements.

Cash used in investing activities was $25,754 for the six months ended April 30, 2013, compared to $11,713 in the comparable period of the prior year. Current year capital expenditures were $23,714, up from $14,370 in 2012. Significant expenditures in the current year included a new technical and laboratory facility in China and investments in global information systems. Cash of $1,231 was used in 2013 for the acquisition of certain assets of Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd a licensed distributor of our EDI business in Japan, and cash of $1,116 was used for an equity investment. 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.

Cash used in financing activities was $57,068 for the six months ended April 30, 2013, compared to $66,143 for the six months ended April 30, 2012. In the current year, cash of $25,174 was used for the repurchase of common shares, and cash of $19,308 was used for dividend payments. In addition, cash of $16,533 was used for net repayments of short-term and long-term borrowings. Cash of $4,058 was received from the issuance of common stock related to stock option exercises.

The following is a summary of significant changes in balance sheet captions from the end of fiscal 2012 to April 30, 2013. Receivables decreased $21,651 due to lower sales in the second quarter of 2013 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, which is consistent with the seasonality of our business. Inventories increased $18,935 due to the higher level of business activity expected in the third quarter of 2013 as compared to the first quarter. Property, plant and equipment – net increased $12,243 primarily due to capital expenditures of $23,714 offset by depreciation of $14,705. The decrease of $11,631 in intangible assets – net was primarily due to amortization, partially offset by adjustments related to our 2013 and 2012 acquisitions.

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Nordson Corporation

The increase of $10,034 in notes payable from the end of fiscal 2012 to April 30, 2013 was due to borrowings in China to fund the purchase of a new technical and laboratory facility. The decrease of $5,253 in accounts payable reflected the lower level of business activity in the second quarter of 2013 compared to the fourth quarter of 2012. The decrease of $12,762 in income taxes payable was primarily due to the timing of required tax payments. The $16,098 decrease in accrued liabilities is primarily due to payments of annual incentive compensation in the first half of the year and a donation to the Nordson Corporation Foundation. Current maturities of long-term debt decreased as a result of the scheduled repayment of our $50,000 Prudential Senior note in February 2013. Long-term debt increased $23,519 primarily to fund both this $50,000 repayment and our share repurchase program. The increase of $8,859 in long-term deferred income taxes was primarily due to amortization of goodwill for tax purposes and the tax effect of pension and postretirement amounts recorded in other comprehensive income. The decrease of $4,606 in long-term pension obligations was primarily due to contributions to our domestic plans.

In March 2012 the board of directors approved a repurchase program of up to $100,000, of which $62,384 is available as of April 30, 2013. 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 cash from operations and proceeds from borrowings under our credit facilities. During the three months ended April 30, 2013, we repurchased 343 shares under this program for a total cost of $22,499, or $65.70 per share.

Contractual Obligations

On March 29, 2013, we entered into a $200,000 Credit Agreement with PNC Bank. The agreement provides for a delayed draw term loan facility that matures 364 days after borrowings begin. No borrowings have been made under this agreement at April 30, 2013. The Agreement will terminate on July 1, 2013 if no borrowings have been made.

In 2012, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with a group of insurance companies under which we sold $200,000 of Senior Notes. The notes mature between July 2017 and July 2025 and bear interest at fixed rates between 2.27% and 3.13%. We were in compliance with all covenants at April 30, 2013.

In 2012, we entered into a $250,000 Credit Agreement with PNC Bank. The agreement provides for a delayed draw term loan facility that matures 364 days after the date of the agreement. We borrowed $250,000 under this agreement for the EDI and Xaloy acquisitions in 2012 and repaid $200,000 using proceeds of the Senior Notes described above, leaving a balance of $50,000 outstanding at April 30, 2013. This facility was repaid on June 3, 2013. We were in compliance with all covenants at April 30, 2013.

In 2011, we entered into a $500,000 five-year, unsecured multicurrency credit facility with a group of banks that 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. At April 30, 2013, $286,025 was outstanding under this facility, compared to $262,450 outstanding at October 31, 2012. We were in compliance with all debt covenants at April 30, 2013, and the amount we could borrow under the facility would not have been limited by any debt covenants.

In 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. At April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, $69,444 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, 2013, and the amount we could borrow would not have been limited by any debt covenants. Effective February 12, 2013, the amount of the facility was increased from $150,000 to $175, 000.

In addition, we have notes payable which our subsidiaries use for short-term financing needs.

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Nordson Corporation

Outlook

We continue to move forward with caution in the balance of 2013, given persistent uncertainties related, for example, to European sovereign debt and other economic issues, US deficit reduction issues, prospects for slowing growth in Asian markets and economists’ expectations for global GDP indicating a low-growth macroeconomic environment. Though the near-term global macroeconomic outlook remains unclear, our growth potential has been demonstrated over time from our capacity to build and enhance our core businesses by entering emerging markets and pursuing market adjacencies. We drive value for our customers through our application expertise, differentiated technology, and direct sales and service support. Our priorities also are focused on operational efficiencies by employing continuous improvement methodologies in our business processes. We expect these efforts will continue to provide more than sufficient cash from operations for meeting our liquidity needs and paying dividends to common shareholders, as well as enabling us to invest in the development of new applications and markets for our technologies. Our available borrowing capacity will enable us to make other strategic investments.

For the third quarter of 2013, sales are expected to be in the range of $404,000 to $419,000, an increase of 6% to 10% as compared to the third quarter a year ago. This growth is inclusive of organic volume growth of 0% to 4%, 7% growth from the first year effect of acquisitions, and a negative 1% currency translation effect based on the current exchange rate environment. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $1.00 to $1.09.

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, 2012.

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, 2012. The information disclosed has not changed materially in the interim period since then.

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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, 2013. 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, 2013 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, 2013 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, it is our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, that resolutions of these matters are not expected to result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual operating results 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 constructing a potable water delivery system serving the impacted area down gradient of the Site. Our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $668 at April 30, 2013 and $750 at October 31, 2012. 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 Form 10-K filed for the year ended October 31, 2012. The information disclosed has not changed materially in 2013.

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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, 2013:

					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, 2013 to February 28, 2013		1	$	69.96		—	$	84,883
March 1, 2013 to March 31, 2013		184	$	65.30		184	$	72,889
April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013		159	$	66.15		159	$	62,384
Total		344				343

(1) In March 2012 the board of directors approved a 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 cash from operations 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, 2013, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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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 4, 2013	Nordson Corporation
	By:	/s/ GREGORY A. THAXTON
	Gregory A. Thaxton
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

Page 29

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Nordson Corporation

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 4, 2013

/s/ Michael F. Hilton

Michael F. Hilton

President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Nordson Corporation

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 4, 2013

/s/ Gregory A. Thaxton

Gregory A. Thaxton

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

Nordson Corporation

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, 2013 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 4, 2013	/s/ Michael F. Hilton
	Michael F. Hilton
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

Nordson Corporation

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, 2013 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 4, 2013	/s/ Gregory A. Thaxton
	Gregory A. Thaxton
	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

XML

Operating segments

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Operating segments

12. Operating segments

We conduct business across three primary business segments: Adhesive Dispensing Systems, Advanced Technology Systems, and Industrial Coating Systems. 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, 2012.

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, 2013
Net external sales	$	196,380		$	130,001		$	55,719		$	—		$	382,100
Operating profit (loss)		51,339			33,112	(a)		8,150			(10,399	)		82,202
Three months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	154,698		$	114,998		$	45,497		$	—		$	315,193
Operating profit (loss)		51,518	(b)		28,683			5,362	(c)		(8,706	)		76,857
Six months ended April 30, 2013
Net external sales	$	379,758		$	238,710		$	110,675		$	—		$	729,143
Operating profit (loss)		95,013	(d)		53,845	(a)		15,311			(20,403	)		143,766
Six months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	293,870		$	215,105		$	82,054		$	—		$	591,029
Operating profit (loss)		98,745	(b)		44,683			6,500	(c)		(16,584	)		133,344

(a) Includes $118 and $446 of severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2013, respectively.

(b) 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.

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

(d) Includes $258 of severance and restructuring costs in the six months ended April 30, 2013.

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

Three months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Total profit for reportable segments	$	82,202		$	76,857
Interest expense		(3,612	)		(2,161	)
Interest and investment income		94			147
Other-net		(565	)		137
Income before income taxes	$	78,119		$	74,980

Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Total profit for reportable segments	$	143,766		$	133,344
Interest expense		(7,692	)		(4,129	)
Interest and investment income		192			266
Other-net		(1,765	)		1,129
Income before income taxes	$	134,501		$	130,610

We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:

Three months ended	April 30, 2013		April 30, 2012
United States	$	114,813	$	85,647
Americas		36,147		25,927
Europe		99,196		91,430
Japan		31,614		30,004
Asia Pacific		100,330		82,185
Total net external sales	$	382,100	$	315,193

Six months ended	April 30, 2013		April 30, 2012
United States	$	226,117	$	160,849
Americas		63,834		46,126
Europe		193,831		178,013
Japan		67,210		60,039
Asia Pacific		178,151		146,002
Total net external sales	$	729,143	$	591,029

XML

Operating segments - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013 Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3

XML

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 62,792	$ 41,239
Marketable securities		279
Receivables - net	302,912	324,563
Inventories - net	188,520	169,585
Deferred income taxes	31,368	29,929
Prepaid expenses	22,154	21,028
Total current assets	607,746	586,623
Property, plant and equipment - net	187,174	174,931
Goodwill	818,042	812,817
Intangible assets - net	216,260	227,891
Other assets	28,115	27,253
Total assets	1,857,337	1,829,515
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	60,035	50,001
Accounts payable	57,616	62,869
Income taxes payable	14,592	27,354
Accrued liabilities	105,852	121,950
Customer advanced payments	24,318	20,894
Current maturities of long-term debt	5,668	55,668
Current obligations under capital leases	5,202	4,948
Total current liabilities	273,283	343,684
Long-term debt	551,560	528,041
Deferred income taxes	35,018	26,159
Pension obligations	156,793	161,399
Postretirement obligations	70,660	69,851
Other long-term liabilities	34,428	30,611
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares	12,253	12,253
Capital in excess of stated value	295,616	287,581
Retained earnings	1,258,554	1,181,245
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(103,283)	(104,226)
Common shares in treasury, at cost	(727,545)	(707,083)
Total shareholders' equity	735,595	669,770
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,857,337	$ 1,829,515

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Goodwill and other intangible assets

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and other intangible assets

5. Goodwill and other intangible assets

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 30, 2013 by operating segment are as follows:

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems		Advanced Technology Systems		Industrial Coating Systems		Total
Balance at October 31, 2012	$	284,411	$	505,159	$	23,247	$	812,817
Adjustments		4,079		—		811		4,890
Currency effect		194		141		—		335
Balance at April 30, 2013	$	288,684	$	505,300	$	24,058	$	818,042

The adjustments to goodwill for the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment resulted from changes to the purchase price and finalization of the purchase price allocations of EDI and Xaloy. The adjustments to goodwill for the Industrial Coating Systems segment resulted from changes to the purchase price and preliminary purchase price allocation of SEE.

Accumulated impairment losses, which were recorded in 2009, were $232,789 at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012. 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, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	126,095	$	23,063	$	103,032
Patent/technology costs		68,439		18,104		50,335
Trade name		65,835		5,751		60,084
Non-compete agreements		9,366		6,932		2,434
Other		1,388		1,013		375
Total	$	271,123	$	54,863	$	216,260

	October 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	126,086	$	18,167	$	107,919
Patent/technology costs		68,892		15,678		53,214
Trade name		65,911		3,716		62,195
Non-compete agreements		9,337		5,234		4,103
Other		1,432		972		460
Total	$	271,658	$	43,767	$	227,891

Amortization expense for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $5,683 and $2,677, respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $11,484 and $5,344, respectively.

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Inventories (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

At April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, inventories consisted of the following:

	April 30, 2013			October 31, 2012
Raw materials and component parts	$	77,765		$	71,189
Work-in-process		30,722			22,159
Finished goods		108,380			103,552
		216,867			196,900
Obsolescence and other reserves		(21,625	)		(20,505	)
LIFO reserve		(6,722	)		(6,810	)
	$	188,520		$	169,585

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Operating segments - Total Consolidated Income Before Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Total profit for reportable segments	$ 82,202	$ 76,857	$ 143,766	$ 133,344
Interest expense	(3,612)	(2,161)	(7,692)	(4,129)
Interest and investment income	94	147	192	266
Other-net	(565)	137	(1,765)	1,129
Income before income taxes	$ 78,119	$ 74,980	$ 134,501	$ 130,610

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Fair value measurements

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair value measurements

13. 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 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2013:

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	$	13,481	$	—	$	13,481	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,846		—		1,846		—
Total assets at fair value	$	15,327	$	—	$	15,327	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	$	6,559	$	6,559	$	—	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,750		—		1,750		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	8,309	$	6,559	$	1,750	$	—

(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. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates. Foreign exchange contracts are not designated as hedges.

(c) Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100% of their salary and annual cash incentive compensation and for executive officers, up to 90% of their long-term 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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Stock-based compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Nonvested Shares (Detail) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Nonvested Shares, Beginning balance	100
Number of Nonvested Shares, Granted	36
Number of Nonvested Shares, Vested	(42)
Number of Nonvested Shares, Forfeited	(2)
Number of Nonvested Shares, Ending balance	92
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Shares, Beginning balance	$ 40.58
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 62.08
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 36.61
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$ 48.18
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Nonvested Shares, Ending balance	$ 50.60

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Operating segments - Sales Information by Geographic Regions (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net external sales	$ 382,100	$ 315,193	$ 729,143	$ 591,029
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net external sales	114,813	85,647	226,117	160,849
Americas [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net external sales	36,147	25,927	63,834	46,126
Europe [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net external sales	99,196	91,430	193,831	178,013
Japan [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net external sales	31,614	30,004	67,210	60,039
Asia Pacific [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Net external sales	$ 100,330	$ 82,185	$ 178,151	$ 146,002

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$ 232,789		$ 232,789		$ 232,789
Intangible assets, amortization expense	5,683	2,677	11,484	5,344
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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Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012 consisted of:

	April 30, 2013			October 31, 2012
Translation adjustments	$	21,651		$	26,234
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments		(124,934	)		(130,460	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(103,283	)	$	(104,226	)

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Pension and other postretirement plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Pension Cost [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of net periodic pension cost for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012 were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	2,305		$	1,742		$	523		$	375
Interest cost		3,084			2,924			709			762
Expected return on plan assets		(3,836	)		(3,683	)		(372	)		(391	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		40			166			(20	)		(24	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		3,579			2,624			348			142
Total benefit cost	$	5,172		$	3,773		$	1,188		$	864

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	4,622		$	3,483		$	1,070		$	755
Interest cost		6,178			5,865			1,438			1,517
Expected return on plan assets		(7,664	)		(7,399	)		(760	)		(776	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		79			333			(43	)		(48	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		7,065			5,252			702			283
Settlement loss		—			682			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	10,280		$	8,216		$	2,407		$	1,731

Postretirement Benefit Costs [Member]

Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost

The components of other postretirement benefit cost were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	336		$	364		$	9		$	7
Interest cost		678			822			9			10
Amortization of prior service credit		(119	)		(146	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		554			670			(1	)		(3	)
Total benefit cost	$	1,449		$	1,710		$	17		$	14

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	672		$	728		$	18		$	14
Interest cost		1,356			1,644			19			20
Amortization of prior service credit		(237	)		(292	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,107			1,340			(2	)		(7	)
Total benefit cost	$	2,898		$	3,420		$	35		$	27

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Stock-based compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Stock Options (Detail) (Stock Options [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]
Annual Activity of Stock Option Plans [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding, Beginning balance	1,764
Number of Options, Granted	283
Number of Options, Exercised	(192)
Number of Options, Forfeited or expired	(11)
Number of Options, Outstanding, Ending balance	1,844
Number of Options, Vested or expected to vest	1,797
Number of Options, Exercisable	1,033
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Beginning balance	$ 28.35
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Granted	$ 61.61
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercised	$ 21.06
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Forfeited or expired	$ 46.15
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Outstanding, Ending balance	$ 34.11
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Vested or expected to vest	$ 33.72
Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share, Exercisable	$ 24.90
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 65,236
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested or expected to vest	64,263
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 44,431
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Outstanding	6 years 6 months
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Vested or expected to vest at	6 years 4 months 24 days
Weighted Average Remaining Term, Exercisable	5 years 1 month 6 days

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Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified		6 Months Ended									6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013 2012 acquisitions [Member] Customer lists [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 2012 acquisitions [Member] Technology assets [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 2012 acquisitions [Member] Trade name [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 2012 acquisitions [Member] Non-compete agreements [Member]	Jun. 14, 2012 EDI Holdings, Inc. [Member] 2012 acquisitions [Member]	Jun. 21, 2012 Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc. [Member] 2012 acquisitions [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc. [Member] 2012 acquisitions [Member]	Aug. 01, 2012 Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc. [Member] 2012 acquisitions [Member]	Nov. 08, 2012 Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member] 2013 acquisition [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member] 2013 acquisition [Member] Customer relationships [Member]	Nov. 08, 2012 Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member] 2013 acquisition [Member] Customer relationships [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member] 2013 acquisition [Member] Technology [Member]	Nov. 08, 2012 Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd [Member] 2013 acquisition [Member] Technology [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquisition date fair value										$ 1,335
Fair value of Cash transferred	448,495									1,231
Holdback liability										104
Fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, intangible assets	122,216	48,350	25,740	43,710	4,416					912		847		65
Customer relationships amortization period		9 years	15 years	15 years	2 years						9 years		9 years
Acquired percent of the outstanding shares						100.00%	100.00%		100.00%
Goodwill	$ 271,567							$ 24,058

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Pension and other postretirement plans - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss				$ 682
U.S. net periodic pension cost [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	2,305	1,742	4,622	3,483
Interest cost	3,084	2,924	6,178	5,865
Expected return on plan assets	(3,836)	(3,683)	(7,664)	(7,399)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	40	166	79	333
Amortization of net actuarial loss	3,579	2,624	7,065	5,252
Settlement loss				682
Total benefit cost	5,172	3,773	10,280	8,216
International net periodic pension cost [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	523	375	1,070	755
Interest cost	709	762	1,438	1,517
Expected return on plan assets	(372)	(391)	(760)	(776)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(20)	(24)	(43)	(48)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	348	142	702	283
Settlement loss
Total benefit cost	$ 1,188	$ 864	$ 2,407	$ 1,731

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Stock-based compensation - Summarized Activity Related to Director Deferred Compensation Shares (Detail) (Directors [Member], Deferred compensation share equivalent units [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Directors [Member] | Deferred compensation share equivalent units [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments [Line Items]
Number of Shares, Outstanding, Beginning balance	200
Number of Shares, Deferrals	1
Number of Shares, Restricted stock units vested	7
Number of Shares, Dividend equivalents	1
Number of Shares, Distributions	(30)
Number of Shares, Outstanding, Ending balance	179
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Beginning balance	$ 19.44
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Deferrals	$ 68.53
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Restricted stock units vested	$ 43.32
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Dividend equivalents	$ 65.46
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Distributions	$ 16.22
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share, Ending balance	$ 21.39

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Fair value measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis

The following table presents the classification of our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2013:

	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Rabbi trust (a)	$	13,481	$	—	$	13,481	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,846		—		1,846		—
Total assets at fair value	$	15,327	$	—	$	15,327	$	—
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans (c)	$	6,559	$	6,559	$	—	$	—
Forward exchange contracts (b)		1,750		—		1,750		—
Total liabilities at fair value	$	8,309	$	6,559	$	1,750	$	—

(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. Foreign exchange contracts are valued using market exchange rates. Foreign exchange contracts are not designated as hedges.

(c) Executive officers and other highly compensated employees may defer up to 100% of their salary and annual cash incentive compensation and for executive officers, up to 90% of their long-term 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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Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract]
Accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site	$ 668	$ 750

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Income taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rates	30.10%	30.50%		28.20%	30.70%
Unrecognized tax benefits				$ 900
Discrete tax benefit included in income tax provision				1,700
Income tax expense			$ 325

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Goodwill and other intangible assets (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended April 30, 2013 by operating segment are as follows:

	Adhesive Dispensing Systems		Advanced Technology Systems		Industrial Coating Systems		Total
Balance at October 31, 2012	$	284,411	$	505,159	$	23,247	$	812,817
Adjustments		4,079		—		811		4,890
Currency effect		194		141		—		335
Balance at April 30, 2013	$	288,684	$	505,300	$	24,058	$	818,042

Summary of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization

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

	April 30, 2013
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	126,095	$	23,063	$	103,032
Patent/technology costs		68,439		18,104		50,335
Trade name		65,835		5,751		60,084
Non-compete agreements		9,366		6,932		2,434
Other		1,388		1,013		375
Total	$	271,123	$	54,863	$	216,260

	October 31, 2012
	Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Net Book Value
Customer relationships	$	126,086	$	18,167	$	107,919
Patent/technology costs		68,892		15,678		53,214
Trade name		65,911		3,716		62,195
Non-compete agreements		9,337		5,234		4,103
Other		1,432		972		460
Total	$	271,658	$	43,767	$	227,891

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Significant accounting policies

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

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 and six months ended April 30, 2013 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, 2012.

Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates and joint ventures in which our ownership is 50% or less or in which we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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, and, 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 2013 and 2012 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 and six months ended April 30, 2013, and the three months ended April 30, 2012, 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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Acquisitions

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

3. Acquisitions

2013 acquisition

On November 8, 2012, we purchased certain assets of Kodama Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., a Japanese licensed distributor of EDI Holdings, Inc, (EDI), which we acquired in 2012. This operation provides die sales to extrusion processors, web converters, and OEMs in Japan and Taiwan and carries out final manufacturing steps on new equipment to enhance die performance and accommodate local requirements. The acquisition date fair value was $1,335, which consisted of cash transferred of $1,231 and a holdback liability of $104. Based on the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed, identifiable intangible assets of $912 were recorded. The identifiable intangible assets consist primarily of $847 of customer relationships that are being amortized over 9 years and $65 of technology being amortized over 9 years. This operation is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment. Assuming this acquisition had taken place at the beginning of 2012, pro-forma results would not have been materially different.

2012 acquisitions

On June 14, 2012, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of EDI, a provider of slot coating and flat polymer extrusion dies for plastic processors and web converters headquartered in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. EDI is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.

On June 21, 2012, we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Xaloy Superior Holdings, Inc. (Xaloy), a manufacturer of melt delivery components for injection and extrusion machinery in the global plastic processing industry headquartered in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Xaloy is being reported in our Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment.

On August 1, 2012 we acquired 100 percent of the outstanding shares of Sealant Equipment & Engineering, Inc. (SEE), a manufacturer of precision dispense systems and fluid dispense valves headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. SEE is being reported in our Industrial Coating Systems segment.

The total purchase price of these acquisitions was allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon management’s estimated fair values at the dates of acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeded the estimated fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired, such excess was allocated to goodwill. The following table summarizes the combined purchase price allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the transaction dates. Amounts related to our SEE acquisition included in the table below are still preliminary.

Estimated fair market values:
Current assets	$	70,391
Non-current assets		58,275
Intangible assets subject to amortization		122,216
Goodwill		271,567
Current liabilities		(31,492	)
Non-current liabilities		(34,059	)
		456,898
Less cash acquired		(8,403	)
Purchase price	$	448,495

The intangible assets consist of customer lists of $48,350, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 9 years; technology assets of $25,740 which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 15 years; trade names of $43,710 which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 15 years; and non-compete agreements of $4,416, which are being amortized over a weighted average life of 2 years. The goodwill of $24,058 associated with the SEE acquisition is tax deductible, while none of the goodwill associated with the EDI and Xaloy acquisitions is tax deductible.

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Pension and other postretirement plans

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Pension and other postretirement plans [Abstract]

Pension and other postretirement plans

6. Pension and other postretirement plans

The components of net periodic pension cost for the three and six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012 were:

	U.S.						International
Three months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	2,305		$	1,742		$	523		$	375
Interest cost		3,084			2,924			709			762
Expected return on plan assets		(3,836	)		(3,683	)		(372	)		(391	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		40			166			(20	)		(24	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		3,579			2,624			348			142
Total benefit cost	$	5,172		$	3,773		$	1,188		$	864

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	4,622		$	3,483		$	1,070		$	755
Interest cost		6,178			5,865			1,438			1,517
Expected return on plan assets		(7,664	)		(7,399	)		(760	)		(776	)
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		79			333			(43	)		(48	)
Amortization of net actuarial loss		7,065			5,252			702			283
Settlement loss		—			682			—			—
Total benefit cost	$	10,280		$	8,216		$	2,407		$	1,731

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, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	336		$	364		$	9		$	7
Interest cost		678			822			9			10
Amortization of prior service credit		(119	)		(146	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		554			670			(1	)		(3	)
Total benefit cost	$	1,449		$	1,710		$	17		$	14

	U.S.						International
Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012			April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Service cost	$	672		$	728		$	18		$	14
Interest cost		1,356			1,644			19			20
Amortization of prior service credit		(237	)		(292	)		—			—
Amortization of net actuarial loss		1,107			1,340			(2	)		(7	)
Total benefit cost	$	2,898		$	3,420		$	35		$	27

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Inventories

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

4. Inventories

At April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, inventories consisted of the following:

	April 30, 2013			October 31, 2012
Raw materials and component parts	$	77,765		$	71,189
Work-in-process		30,722			22,159
Finished goods		108,380			103,552
		216,867			196,900
Obsolescence and other reserves		(21,625	)		(20,505	)
LIFO reserve		(6,722	)		(6,810	)
	$	188,520		$	169,585

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Pension and other postretirement plans - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012
Defined Contribution Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Settlement loss	$ 682

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Stock-based compensation (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Summarized Activity Related to Stock Options

The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the six months ended April 30, 2013:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Term
Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,764		$	28.35
Granted		283		$	61.61
Exercised		(192	)	$	21.06
Forfeited or expired		(11	)	$	46.15
Outstanding at April 30, 2013		1,844		$	34.11	$	65,236		6.5 years
Vested or expected to vest at April 30, 2013		1,797		$	33.72	$	64,263		6.4 years
Exercisable at April 30, 2013		1,033		$	24.90	$	44,431		5.1 years

Fair Value Assumptions of Stock Options

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, 2013	April 30, 2012
Expected volatility	45.3%-46.9%	45.4%-46.9%
Expected dividend yield	0.97%-1.01%	1.20%
Risk-free interest rate	0.75%-0.90%	1.03%-1.23%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1	5.4-6.1

Summarized Activity Related to Nonvested Shares

The following table summarizes activity related to nonvested shares during the six months ended April 30, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at October 31, 2012		100		$	40.58
Granted		36		$	62.08
Vested		(42	)	$	36.61
Forfeited		(2	)	$	48.18
Nonvested shares at April 30, 2013		92		$	50.60

Summarized Activity Related to Director Deferred Compensation Shares

The following table summarizes activity related to director deferred compensation share equivalent units during the six months ended April 30, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2012		200		$	19.44
Deferrals		1		$	68.53
Restricted stock units vested		7		$	43.32
Dividend equivalents		1		$	65.46
Distributions		(30	)	$	16.22
Outstanding at April 30, 2013		179		$	21.39

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Financial instruments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Financial instruments [Abstract]

Outstanding Foreign Currency Forward Contracts

We had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at April 30, 2013:

	Sell				Buy
	Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value		Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value
Euro	$	38,270	$	38,076	$	119,656	$	118,748
British pound		16,782		16,256		25,620		26,041
Japanese yen		8,492		8,372		5,560		5,436
Australian dollar		516		519		9,239		9,179
Hong Kong dollar		—		—		33,423		33,387
Singapore dollar		605		609		9,042		9,080
Others		9,463		9,554		23,882		23,920
Total	$	74,128	$	73,386	$	226,422	$	225,791

Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments, Other than Receivables and Accounts Payable

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at April 30, 2013, 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	$	62,792	$	62,792
Notes payable		60,035		60,035
Long-term debt, including current maturities		557,228		567,459
Foreign exchange contracts (net)		96		96

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 812,817
Adjustments	4,890
Currency effect	335
Ending Balance	818,042
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	284,411
Adjustments	4,079
Currency effect	194
Ending Balance	288,684
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	505,159
Adjustments
Currency effect	141
Ending Balance	505,300
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	23,247
Adjustments	811
Currency effect
Ending Balance	$ 24,058

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Operating segments - Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring costs	$ 118	$ 1,736	$ 704	$ 2,547
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring costs			258
Cost of goods sold - restructuring and severance and restructuring costs		3,215		4,026
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring costs	118		446
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Severance and restructuring costs		$ 561		$ 561

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Warranties - Additional Information (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Warranty period	One year

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Stock-based compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of common shares available for grant from outstanding common shares	2.50%		2.50%
Maximum number of common shares available for grant	2,900		2,900
Normal retirement age			65
Expense related to director deferred compensation	$ 53	$ 70	$ 109	$ 126
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum rate of stock option, description			Not exceeding 25 percent per year
Maximum rate of stock option			25.00%
Option Expiring period			10 years
Compensation expense recognized	1,199	916	2,403	1,871
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares	12,061		12,061
Weighted average period expected to be amortized, non vested shares			1 year 10 months 24 days
Weighted-average expected volatility used			46.30%	46.20%
Weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted			$ 24.12	$ 17.03
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	1,773	3,977	8,355	4,677
Cash received from the exercise of stock options			4,058	2,852
Tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises of stock options			2,553	979
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested common shares	3,126		3,126
Weighted average period expected to be amortized, non vested shares			1 year 10 months 24 days
Expense related to nonvested common shares	555	477	1,136	887
Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Periods of performance considered for calculating compensation expense			3 years
Weighted average grant date fair value			$ 59.59	$ 42.12	$ 42.02
Compensation expense charged	654	890	2,267	1,890
Cumulative amount recorded in shareholders' equity related to Long-Term Incentive Plan	$ 6,761		$ 6,761

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 54,605	$ 52,111	$ 96,616	$ 90,449
Components of other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,954)	1,292	(4,583)	(7,062)
Amortization of prior service cost and net actuarial losses	2,791	2,173	5,526	4,885
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,163)	3,465	943	(2,177)
Total comprehensive income	$ 49,442	$ 55,576	$ 97,559	$ 88,272

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Stock-based compensation

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Stock-based compensation

9. Stock-based compensation

The amended and restated 2004 long-term performance plan, approved by our shareholders in 2008, (the “2008 Plan”) 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 percent of the number of common shares outstanding as of the first day of each year.

At the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on February 26, 2013, our shareholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive and Award Plan (the “2012 Plan”). The 2012 Plan provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, nonvested (restricted) stock, performance shares, stock purchase rights, stock equivalent units, cash awards and other stock or performance-based incentives. A maximum of 2,900 common shares is available for grant under the Plan, inclusive of shares available to be granted under the 2008 Plan immediately prior to shareholder approval of the 2012 Plan.

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 percent 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 $1,199 and $916 in the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Corresponding amounts for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and April 30, 2012 were $2,403 and $1,871, respectively.

The following table summarizes activity related to stock options for the six months ended April 30, 2013:

	Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Weighted Average Remaining Term
Outstanding at October 31, 2012		1,764		$	28.35
Granted		283		$	61.61
Exercised		(192	)	$	21.06
Forfeited or expired		(11	)	$	46.15
Outstanding at April 30, 2013		1,844		$	34.11	$	65,236		6.5 years
Vested or expected to vest at April 30, 2013		1,797		$	33.72	$	64,263		6.4 years
Exercisable at April 30, 2013		1,033		$	24.90	$	44,431		5.1 years

At April 30, 2013, there was $12,061 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options. That cost is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.9 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, 2013	April 30, 2012
Expected volatility	45.3%-46.9%	45.4%-46.9%
Expected dividend yield	0.97%-1.01%	1.20%
Risk-free interest rate	0.75%-0.90%	1.03%-1.23%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5.4-6.1	5.4-6.1

The weighted-average expected volatility used to value the 2013 and 2012 options was 46.3%, and 46.2%, 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, 2013 and 2012 was $24.12 and $17.03, respectively.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1,773 and $3,977, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $8,355 and $4,677, respectively.

Cash received from the exercise of stock options for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $4,058 and $2,852, respectively. The tax benefit realized from tax deductions from exercises for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $2,553 and $979, respectively.

Nonvested Common Shares

We may grant nonvested (restricted) 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, in the event of termination of employment due to early retirement, nonvested shares granted within 12 months prior to termination are forfeited, and other nonvested shares are forfeited on a pro-rata basis. In the event of termination of employment due to retirement at normal retirement age (age 65) nonvested shares granted within 12 months prior to termination are forfeited, and, for other nonvested shares, the restriction period will terminate and the shares will vest and be transferable. Restrictions lapse in the event of a recipient’s disability or death. 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, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested shares at October 31, 2012		100		$	40.58
Granted		36		$	62.08
Vested		(42	)	$	36.61
Forfeited		(2	)	$	48.18
Nonvested shares at April 30, 2013		92		$	50.60

As of April 30, 2013, there was $3,126 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 $555 and $477 in the three months ended April 30, 2012 and 2012, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the amounts were $1,136 and $887, 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, 2013:

	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at October 31, 2012		200		$	19.44
Deferrals		1		$	68.53
Restricted stock units vested		7		$	43.32
Dividend equivalents		1		$	65.46
Distributions		(30	)	$	16.22
Outstanding at April 30, 2013		179		$	21.39

The amount charged to expense related to director deferred compensation for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was $53 and $70, respectively. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the corresponding amounts were $109 and $126, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Under the Long-Term Incentive Plan, executive officers and selected other key employees receive common share awards based 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 award 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 closing market price of common stock at the grant date, reduced by the implied value of dividends not to be paid. This value was $59.59 per share for 2013, $42.12 per share for 2012 and $42.02 per share for 2011. During the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, $654 and $890, respectively, was charged to expense. For the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the corresponding amounts were $2,267 and $1,890, respectively. The cumulative amount recorded in shareholders’ equity at April 30, 2013 was $6,761.

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Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 96,616	$ 90,449
Depreciation and amortization	26,189	15,959
Non-cash stock compensation	6,137	4,959
Deferred income taxes	3,022	1,231
Other non-cash expense	1,145	850
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment	119	122
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	(2,553)	(979)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities	(28,046)	(13,622)
Net cash provided by operating activities	102,629	98,969
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment	(23,714)	(14,370)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	30	444
Proceeds from sale of product lines		2,213
Acquisition of business	(1,231)
Investments in equity affiliate	(1,116)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	277
Net cash used in investing activities	(25,754)	(11,713)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings	9,948
Repayment of short-term borrowings	(1)	(29)
Proceeds from long-term debt	86,000	37,975
Repayment of long-term debt	(112,480)	(14,954)
Repayment of capital lease obligations	(2,664)	(2,423)
Issuance of common shares	4,058	2,852
Purchase of treasury shares	(25,174)	(74,352)
Tax benefit from the exercise of stock options	2,553	979
Dividends paid	(19,308)	(16,191)
Net cash used in financing activities	(57,068)	(66,143)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	1,746	(984)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	21,553	20,129
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	41,239	37,408
End of quarter	$ 62,792	$ 57,537

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Fair value measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013
Assets:
Forward exchange contracts, asset	$ 96
Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust	13,481
Forward exchange contracts, asset	1,846
Total assets at fair value	15,327
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans	6,559
Forward exchange contracts, liability	1,750
Total liabilities at fair value	8,309
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust
Forward exchange contracts, asset
Total assets at fair value
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans	6,559
Forward exchange contracts, liability
Total liabilities at fair value	6,559
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust	13,481
Forward exchange contracts, asset	1,846
Total assets at fair value	15,327
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans
Forward exchange contracts, liability	1,750
Total liabilities at fair value	1,750
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Rabbi trust
Forward exchange contracts, asset
Total assets at fair value
Liabilities:
Deferred compensation plans
Forward exchange contracts, liability
Total liabilities at fair value

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Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Sales	$ 382,100	$ 315,193	$ 729,143	$ 591,029
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	165,162	123,497	314,976	229,987
Cost of sales-restructuring		2,040		2,040
Selling and administrative expenses	134,618	111,063	269,697	223,111
Severance and restructuring	118	1,736	704	2,547
Total operating costs and expenses	299,898	238,336	585,377	457,685
Operating profit	82,202	76,857	143,766	133,344
Other income (expense):
Interest expense	(3,612)	(2,161)	(7,692)	(4,129)
Interest and investment income	94	147	192	266
Other-net	(565)	137	(1,765)	1,129
Total other income (expense)	(4,083)	(1,877)	(9,265)	(2,734)
Income before income taxes	78,119	74,980	134,501	130,610
Income taxes	23,514	22,869	37,885	40,161
Net income	$ 54,605	$ 52,111	$ 96,616	$ 90,449
Average common shares	64,320	64,426	64,296	64,749
Incremental common shares attributable to outstanding stock options, nonvested stock, and deferred stock-based compensation	650	753	663	658
Average common shares and common share equivalents	64,970	65,179	64,959	65,407
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.85	$ 0.81	$ 1.50	$ 1.40
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.84	$ 0.80	$ 1.49	$ 1.38
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.150	$ 0.125	$ 0.300	$ 0.250

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Warranties - Reconciliation of Product Warranty Liability (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 8,929	$ 6,723
Accruals for warranties	3,522	2,513
Warranty payments	(3,656)	(3,000)
Currency effect	(46)	(114)
Ending balance	$ 8,749	$ 6,122

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Warranties (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Product Warranty Liability

Following is a reconciliation of the product warranty liability for the six months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012:

	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Beginning balance	$	8,929		$	6,723
Accruals for warranties		3,522			2,513
Warranty payments		(3,656	)		(3,000	)
Currency effect		(46	)		(114	)
Ending balance	$	8,749		$	6,122

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Acquisitions (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Allocation of Purchase Price

The following table summarizes the combined purchase price allocation of the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the transaction dates. Amounts related to our SEE acquisition included in the table below are still preliminary.

Estimated fair market values:
Current assets	$	70,391
Non-current assets		58,275
Intangible assets subject to amortization		122,216
Goodwill		271,567
Current liabilities		(31,492	)
Non-current liabilities		(34,059	)
		456,898
Less cash acquired		(8,403	)
Purchase price	$	448,495

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Accumulated other comprehensive loss - Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Translation adjustments	$ 21,651	$ 26,234
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments	(124,934)	(130,460)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$ (103,283)	$ (104,226)

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Operating segments - Reportable Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	$ 382,100	$ 315,193	$ 729,143	$ 591,029
Operating profit (loss)	82,202	76,857	143,766	133,344
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	196,380	154,698	379,758	293,870
Operating profit (loss)	51,339	51,518	95,013	98,745
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	130,001	114,998	238,710	215,105
Operating profit (loss)	33,112	28,683	53,845	44,683
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net external sales	55,719	45,497	110,675	82,054
Operating profit (loss)	8,150	5,362	15,311	6,500
Corporate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating profit (loss)	$ (10,399)	$ (8,706)	$ (20,403)	$ (16,584)

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Goodwill and other intangible assets - Summary of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	$ 271,123	$ 271,658
Accumulated Amortization	54,863	43,767
Net Book Value	216,260	227,891
Customer relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	126,095	126,086
Accumulated Amortization	23,063	18,167
Net Book Value	103,032	107,919
Patent/technology costs [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	68,439	68,892
Accumulated Amortization	18,104	15,678
Net Book Value	50,335	53,214
Trade name [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	65,835	65,911
Accumulated Amortization	5,751	3,716
Net Book Value	60,084	62,195
Non-compete agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	9,366	9,337
Accumulated Amortization	6,932	5,234
Net Book Value	2,434	4,103
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying Amount	1,388	1,432
Accumulated Amortization	1,013	972
Net Book Value	$ 375	$ 460

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Acquisitions - Allocation of Purchase Price (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013
Estimated fair market values:
Current assets	$ 70,391
Non-current assets	58,275
Intangible assets subject to amortization	122,216
Goodwill	271,567
Current liabilities	(31,492)
Non-current liabilities	(34,059)
Total fair values	456,898
Less cash acquired	(8,403)
Purchase price	$ 448,495

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Inventories - Inventories (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials and component parts	$ 77,765	$ 71,189
Work-in-process	30,722	22,159
Finished goods	108,380	103,552
Inventories - gross	216,867	196,900
Obsolescence and other reserves	(21,625)	(20,505)
LIFO reserve	(6,722)	(6,810)
Inventories - net	$ 188,520	$ 169,585

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Accumulated other comprehensive loss

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

8. Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012 consisted of:

	April 30, 2013			October 31, 2012
Translation adjustments	$	21,651		$	26,234
Pension and postretirement benefit plan adjustments		(124,934	)		(130,460	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(103,283	)	$	(104,226	)

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Financial instruments - Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Financial Instruments, Other than Receivables and Accounts Payable (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Fair Values Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents, Carrying Amount	$ 62,792	$ 41,239	$ 57,537	$ 37,408
Notes payable, Carrying Amount	60,035	50,001
Long-term debt, including current maturities, Carrying Amount	557,228
Foreign exchange contracts (net), Carrying Amount	96
Cash and cash equivalents, Fair Value	62,792
Notes payable, Fair Value	60,035
Long-term debt, including current maturities, Fair Value	567,459
Foreign exchange contracts (net), Fair Value	$ 96

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Operating segments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Reportable Segments

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, 2013
Net external sales	$	196,380		$	130,001		$	55,719		$	—		$	382,100
Operating profit (loss)		51,339			33,112	(a)		8,150			(10,399	)		82,202
Three months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	154,698		$	114,998		$	45,497		$	—		$	315,193
Operating profit (loss)		51,518	(b)		28,683			5,362	(c)		(8,706	)		76,857
Six months ended April 30, 2013
Net external sales	$	379,758		$	238,710		$	110,675		$	—		$	729,143
Operating profit (loss)		95,013	(d)		53,845	(a)		15,311			(20,403	)		143,766
Six months ended April 30, 2012
Net external sales	$	293,870		$	215,105		$	82,054		$	—		$	591,029
Operating profit (loss)		98,745	(b)		44,683			6,500	(c)		(16,584	)		133,344

(a) Includes $118 and $446 of severance and restructuring costs in the three and six months ended April 30, 2013, respectively.

(b) 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.

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

(d) Includes $258 of severance and restructuring costs in the six months ended April 30, 2013.

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, 2013			April 30, 2012
Total profit for reportable segments	$	82,202		$	76,857
Interest expense		(3,612	)		(2,161	)
Interest and investment income		94			147
Other-net		(565	)		137
Income before income taxes	$	78,119		$	74,980
Six months ended	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Total profit for reportable segments	$	143,766		$	133,344
Interest expense		(7,692	)		(4,129	)
Interest and investment income		192			266
Other-net		(1,765	)		1,129
Income before income taxes	$	134,501		$	130,610

Sales Information by Geographic Regions

We had significant sales in the following geographic regions:

Three months ended	April 30, 2013		April 30, 2012
United States	$	114,813	$	85,647
Americas		36,147		25,927
Europe		99,196		91,430
Japan		31,614		30,004
Asia Pacific		100,330		82,185
Total net external sales	$	382,100	$	315,193
Six months ended	April 30, 2013		April 30, 2012
United States	$	226,117	$	160,849
Americas		63,834		46,126
Europe		193,831		178,013
Japan		67,210		60,039
Asia Pacific		178,151		146,002
Total net external sales	$	729,143	$	591,029

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Pension and other postretirement plans - Other Postretirement Benefit Cost (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
U.S. other postretirement benefit cost [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 336	$ 364	$ 672	$ 728
Interest cost	678	822	1,356	1,644
Amortization of prior service credit	(119)	(146)	(237)	(292)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	554	670	1,107	1,340
Total benefit cost	1,449	1,710	2,898	3,420
International other postretirement benefit cost [Member]
Pension Plans, Postretirement and Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	9	7	18	14
Interest cost	9	10	19	20
Amortization of prior service credit
Amortization of net actuarial loss	(1)	(3)	(2)	(7)
Total benefit cost	$ 17	$ 14	$ 35	$ 27

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Severance and restructuring costs

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

Severance and restructuring costs

11. Severance and restructuring costs

During the three months ended April 30, 2013, we recognized severance costs of $118 in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. Costs for the six months ended April 30, 2013 were $258 in the Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment and $446 in the Advanced Technology Systems segment. These costs were associated with restructuring initiatives to optimize global operations. Severance costs associated with these initiatives are expected to be approximately $205 for the remainder of the current year.

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 involved 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, were transferred. Severance costs and other termination fees associated with this action during the three and six months ended April 30, 2012 were $257 and $944, respectively. 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 was recorded in cost of sales, and $876 was recorded in severance and restructuring costs.

In order to optimize Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment operations in Germany, a restructuring initiative was taken in 2011 that resulted in severance costs of $42 and $166 during the three and six months ended April 30, 2012. In addition, in order to optimize Industrial Coating Systems operations in Ohio, a restructuring initiative was undertaken in 2012 that resulted in $561 of severance costs in the three months and six months ended April 30, 2012.

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Income taxes

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

7. 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, 2013 were 30.1% and 28.2%, respectively.

During the six months ending April 30, 2013 we recorded a favorable adjustment to unrecognized tax benefits of $900 primarily related to expiration of certain foreign statutes of limitations. On January 2, 2013, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was enacted which retroactively reinstated and extended the Federal Research and Development Tax Credit (Federal R&D Tax Credit) from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013 and extended certain other tax provisions. As a result, the Company’s income tax provision for the six months ending April 30, 2013 includes a discrete tax benefit of $1,700 related to 2012.

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.

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Recently issued accounting standards

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Recently issued accounting standards [Abstract]

Recently issued accounting standards

2. Recently issued accounting standards

In September 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (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. Adoption of this guidance could change our annual process for goodwill impairment testing, but will not impact the financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued an Accounting Standards Update (ASU) requiring new disclosures for reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income. Companies are required to present these disclosures either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. This guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2014, with early adoption permitted. It will only be a change in disclosure, so we do not believe the adoption of this ASU will have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

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Severance and restructuring costs - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012 Adhesive Dispensing Systems Georgia operations [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Adhesive Dispensing Systems Georgia operations [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 Advanced Technology Systems segment [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 Advanced Technology Systems segment [Member]	Apr. 30, 2013 Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Adhesive Dispensing Systems Germany [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Adhesive Dispensing Systems Germany [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Industrial Coating Systems [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Industrial Coating Systems [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance costs						$ 118	$ 446	$ 258	$ 42	$ 166	$ 561	$ 561
Expected severance cost associated with the restructuring initiative for the remainder of the year		205
Severance costs and other termination fees associated with the restructuring incurred to date				257	944
Expenses related to production inefficiencies and moving costs				2,916	2,916
Cost of sales restructuring	2,040		2,040	2,040	2,040
Recorded severance and restructuring costs				$ 876	$ 876

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Stock-based compensation - Fair Value Assumptions of Stock Options (Detail) (Stock Options [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility, Minimum	45.30%	45.40%
Expected volatility, Maximum	46.90%	46.90%
Expected dividend yield		1.20%
Risk-free interest rate, Minimum	0.75%	1.03%
Risk-free interest rate, Maximum	0.90%	1.23%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	0.97%
Expected life of the option (in years)	5 years 4 months 24 days	5 years 4 months 24 days
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected dividend yield	1.01%
Expected life of the option (in years)	6 years 1 month 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days

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Significant accounting policies - Additional Information (Detail) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Options for common shares excluded from computation of diluted earning per share	0	0	0	150
Maximum [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in affiliates and joint ventures	50.00%		50.00%

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Fair value measurements - Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Parenthetical) (Detail)	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Executive officers and other highly compensated employees salary and annual cash incentive compensation deferrals percentage, maximum	100.00%
Executive officers long-term incentive compensation deferrals percentage, maximum	90.00%

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Financial instruments

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Financial instruments [Abstract]

Financial instruments

14. 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. We do not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

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, 2013, we recognized losses of $4,086 on foreign exchange contracts and gains of $3,054 from the change in fair value of balance sheet positions. 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 six months ended April 30, 2013, we recognized losses of $574 on foreign exchange contracts and losses of $1,973 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.

We had the following outstanding foreign currency forward contracts at April 30, 2013:

	Sell				Buy
	Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value		Notional Amounts		Fair Market Value
Euro	$	38,270	$	38,076	$	119,656	$	118,748
British pound		16,782		16,256		25,620		26,041
Japanese yen		8,492		8,372		5,560		5,436
Australian dollar		516		519		9,239		9,179
Hong Kong dollar		—		—		33,423		33,387
Singapore dollar		605		609		9,042		9,080
Others		9,463		9,554		23,882		23,920
Total	$	74,128	$	73,386	$	226,422	$	225,791

The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at April 30, 2013, 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	$	62,792	$	62,792
Notes payable		60,035		60,035
Long-term debt, including current maturities		557,228		567,459
Foreign exchange contracts (net)		96		96

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

• Cash and 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 valued using observable market based inputs, which are considered to be Level 2 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.

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Warranties

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]

Warranties

10. Warranties

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, 2013 and 2012:

	April 30, 2013			April 30, 2012
Beginning balance	$	8,929		$	6,723
Accruals for warranties		3,522			2,513
Warranty payments		(3,656	)		(3,000	)
Currency effect		(46	)		(114	)
Ending balance	$	8,749		$	6,122

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Significant accounting policies (Policies)

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

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 and six months ended April 30, 2013 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, 2012.

Basis of consolidation

Basis of consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nordson Corporation and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. Investments in affiliates and joint ventures in which our ownership is 50% or less or in which we do not have control but have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method. 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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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, and, 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 2013 and 2012 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 and six months ended April 30, 2013, and the three months ended April 30, 2012, 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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Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

15. 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, it is our opinion, after consultation with legal counsel, that resolutions of these matters are not expected to result in a material effect on our financial condition, quarterly or annual operating results 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. Our accrual for the ongoing operation, maintenance and monitoring obligation at the Site was $668 at April 30, 2013 and $750 at October 31, 2012. 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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Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Trading Symbol	NDSN
Entity Registrant Name	NORDSON CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000072331
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	64,214,775

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Subsequent events

6 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent events

16. Subsequent events

We evaluated all events or transactions that occurred after April 30, 2013 through the date the financial statements were issued, and there were no material recognizable or non-recognizable subsequent events.

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Financial instruments - Outstanding Foreign Currency Forward Contracts (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	$ 74,128
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	73,386
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	226,422
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	225,791
Euro [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	38,270
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	38,076
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	119,656
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	118,748
British pound [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	16,782
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	16,256
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	25,620
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	26,041
Japanese yen [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	8,492
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	8,372
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	5,560
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	5,436
Australian dollar [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	516
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	519
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	9,239
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	9,179
Hong Kong Dollar [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	33,423
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	33,387
Singapore dollar [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	605
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	609
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	9,042
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	9,080
Others [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	9,463
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative sale contracts	9,554
Notional Amounts of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	23,882
Fair Market Value of foreign currency derivative purchase contracts	$ 23,920

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Financial instruments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Maturity of foreign currency forward contracts			90 days
Gains (loss) on foreign exchange contracts	$ (4,086)	$ 988	$ (574)	$ 12
Gains (losses) in fair value of balance sheet positions denominated in foreign currencies	$ 3,054	$ (1,291)	$ (1,973)	$ (139)