Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details) - Warranty and General Liability Reserve - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Balance	$ 161,307	$ 134,865	$ 178,008	$ 131,028
Charges incurred during the period	(5,796)	(3,683)	(40,893)	(13,025)
Changes to pre-existing reserves		(4,220)		(4,220)
Balance	162,578	135,195	162,578	135,195
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Additions	4,162	4,659	13,742	13,710
Cost of Sales [Member]
Product Warranty Liability [Line Items]
Additions	$ 2,905	$ 3,574	$ 11,721	$ 7,702