Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2020	Feb. 29, 2020
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	NDSN
Entity Registrant Name	NORDSON CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000072331
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		57,858,486
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	0-7977
Entity Tax Identification Number	34-0590250
Entity Address, Address Line One	28601 Clemens Road
Entity Address, City or Town	Westlake
Entity Address, State or Province	OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	44145
City Area Code	440
Local Phone Number	892-1580
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Shares, without par value
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	OH
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false