Investment (Summarized Information as to Assets, Liabilities and Results of Operations) (Details) - ModusLink Global Solutions, Inc. - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2016
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Current assets	$ 317,014		$ 317,014			$ 319,891
Non-current assets	28,169		28,169			28,041
Current liabilities	200,966		200,966			194,766
Non-current liabilities	67,483		67,483			67,226
Stockholders' equity	76,734		76,734			$ 85,940
Net revenue	121,327	$ 141,089	439,261	$ 515,318	$ 719,429
Gross profit	9,333	12,452	21,639	48,099	71,568
Loss from continuing operations	(8,543)	(14,773)	(55,051)	(33,424)	(16,678)
Net loss	$ (8,543)	$ (14,773)	$ (55,051)	$ (33,424)	$ (16,677)