Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 7,745	$ 5,175
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,324 at April 30, 2012 and $4,826 at October 31, 2011	202,882	214,779
Inventories	286,069	253,584
Deferred tax assets	33,226	33,684
Prepaid expense and other current assets	46,361	33,125
Total current assets	576,283	540,347
Property, plant and equipment, at cost	979,085	955,980
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	385,482	346,775
Property, plant and equipment, net	593,603	609,205
Goodwill	1,275,444	1,276,567
Other intangibles, net	118,077	128,341
Deferred tax assets	20,237	21,828
Other assets	44,917	48,230
Total assets	2,628,561	2,624,518
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Short-term debt	44,216	52,979
Accounts payable	54,926	61,755
Employee compensation and benefits	42,380	48,790
Accrued income taxes	2,507	2,828
Other current liabilities	84,096	100,854
Total current liabilities	228,125	267,206
Long-term debt	275,092	327,453
Deferred tax liabilities	19,008	20,127
Accrued pension liability and other	68,380	72,244
Total liabilities	590,605	687,030
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 11)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, 10 cents par value, shares authorized: 1,000; zero shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, 10 cents par value, shares authorized: 70,000; issued 48,915 at April 30, 2012 and 48,015 at October 31, 2011	4,892	4,802
Additional paid-in capital	1,218,238	1,180,250
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(21,068)	(18,110)
Retained earnings	881,259	773,136
Treasury stock at cost: 774 shares at April 30, 2012 and 169 shares at October 31, 2011	(45,365)	(2,590)
Stockholders' equity	2,037,956	1,937,488
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,628,561	$ 2,624,518