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Operating Segments and Geographic Area Data - Reportable Segments (Parenthetical) (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2014
Oct. 31, 2013
Oct. 31, 2012
Adhesive Dispensing Systems [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Severance and restructuring costs $ 1,731us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ndsn_AdhesiveDispensingSystemsMember
$ 315us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ndsn_AdhesiveDispensingSystemsMember
 
Cost of goods sold - restructuring and severance and restructuring costs     3,862ndsn_CostOfSalesRestructuringAndSeveranceAndRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ndsn_AdhesiveDispensingSystemsMember
Advanced Technology Systems [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Severance and restructuring costs 579us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ndsn_AdvancedTechnologySystemsMember
811us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ndsn_AdvancedTechnologySystemsMember
 
Industrial Coating Systems [Member]      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Severance and restructuring costs $ 241us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ndsn_IndustrialCoatingSystemsMember
  $ 690us-gaap_OtherRestructuringCosts
/ us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis
= ndsn_IndustrialCoatingSystemsMember