Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 51,454	$ 42,314
Receivables - net	316,091	365,844
Inventories - net	239,406	210,871
Deferred income taxes	29,297	29,926
Prepaid expenses	25,895	23,728
Total current assets	662,143	672,683
Property, plant and equipment - net	241,667	224,439
Goodwill	1,039,327	1,052,537
Intangible assets - net	270,937	291,310
Deferred income taxes	4,040	6,559
Other assets	32,123	32,602
Total assets	2,250,237	2,280,130
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	57,747	106,181
Accounts payable	65,975	68,500
Income taxes payable	19,326	16,586
Accrued liabilities	104,775	137,001
Customer advanced payments	33,524	25,578
Current maturities of long-term debt	10,744	10,751
Deferred income taxes	4,898	1,163
Current obligations under capital leases	1,285	5,108
Total current liabilities	298,274	370,868
Long-term debt	819,203	682,868
Deferred income taxes	87,669	87,092
Pension obligations	115,314	124,082
Postretirement obligations	69,585	68,300
Other long-term liabilities	41,962	42,123
Shareholders' equity:
Common shares	12,253	12,253
Capital in excess of stated value	339,473	328,605
Retained earnings	1,625,950	1,560,966
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(129,473)	(103,199)
Common shares in treasury, at cost	(1,029,973)	(893,828)
Total shareholders' equity	818,230	904,797
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,250,237	$ 2,280,130