Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Cash Received From Subcontractors For Owner Controlled Insurance Program			$ 2,200	$ 1,700
General Liability Insurance, Deductible	$ 20,000	$ 20,000	20,000	20,000
Bodily Injury Insurance, Deductible	250	250	250	250
Bodily Injury Insurance, Limit	5,000	5,000	5,000	5,000
Aggregate Retention for Construction Defects, Warranty and Bodily Injury Claims	21,000	21,000	21,000	21,000
Payments by Insurance Companies for Claims	$ 400	$ 1,000	$ 18,700	$ 5,200