Summary of Net Sales and Operating Income (Loss) by Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue, net	$ 185,713	$ 161,579
Operating income (loss)	(13,685)	(11,304)
Engineered Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue, net	106,119	99,393
Operating income (loss)	2,833	1,803
Aluminum Sheet Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue, net	84,603	65,700
Operating income (loss)	(4,229)	(5,518)
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales revenue, net	(5,009)	(3,514)
Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)	$ (12,289)	$ (7,589)