Subsequent events - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014 Acquisition [Member] Avalon Laboratories Holding Corp [Member]	Aug. 08, 2014 Acquisition [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Avalon Laboratories Holding Corp [Member]	Aug. 06, 2014 PNC Bank [Member] Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Entered into a unsecured credit facility with PNC Bank, National Association			$ 100,000
Facility has a 364-day term			364 days
Completed the acquisition of 100% of Avalon Laboratories Holding Corp ("Avalon")		100.00%
Compliments our existing lines		Avalon, a leading designer and manufacturer of highly specialized catheters and medical tubing products for cardiology, pulminology and related applications, compliments our existing lines of highly engineered, single-use plastic components for fluid management in medical applications.
Acquired Avalon on a cash-free and debt-free basis for an aggregate purchase price		$ 180,000
Date of acquisition	Aug. 08, 2014