Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 53,223	$ 42,375
Receivables - net	358,189	308,707
Inventories - net	210,352	198,401
Deferred income taxes	29,830	29,354
Prepaid expenses	28,197	21,733
Total current assets	679,791	600,570
Property, plant and equipment - net	209,285	200,979
Goodwill	937,139	939,211
Intangible assets - net	250,083	269,073
Other assets	33,147	32,456
Total assets	2,109,445	2,042,289
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	9,405	3,604
Accounts payable	66,266	62,123
Income taxes payable	29,961	14,522
Accrued liabilities	112,205	110,528
Customer advanced payments	25,992	28,341
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,755	10,832
Current obligations under capital leases	5,473	5,521
Total current liabilities	260,057	235,471
Long-term debt	612,358	638,158
Deferred income taxes	82,344	79,977
Pension obligations	93,111	103,754
Postretirement obligations	61,494	59,794
Other long-term liabilities	41,306	37,272
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares	12,253	12,253
Capital in excess of stated value	322,451	304,549
Retained earnings	1,502,752	1,362,584
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(55,717)	(57,380)
Common shares in treasury, at cost	(822,964)	(734,143)
Total shareholders' equity	958,775	887,863
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,109,445	$ 2,042,289