Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	$ 232,789		$ 232,789		$ 232,789
Intangible assets, amortization expense	6,976	6,310	13,867	12,640
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