Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Deficit (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock Outstanding [Member] Common Class A [Member]	Common Stock Outstanding [Member] Common Class B [Member]	Preferred Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2018	5,313,428	622,004	5,600
Balance at Oct. 31, 2018	$ 58	$ 6	$ 135,299	$ 710,349	$ (1,183,856)	$ (115,360)		$ (453,504)
Stock options, amortization and issuances (in shares)
Stock options, amortization and issuances				107				107
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures (in shares)	2,830	922
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures				485				485
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (in shares)	20	(20)
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock
Net (loss)					(17,452)			(17,452)
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2019	5,316,278	622,906	5,600
Balance at Jan. 31, 2019	$ 58	$ 6	$ 135,299	710,941	(1,201,308)	(115,360)		(470,364)
Balance (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2019	5,503,297	622,694	5,600
Balance at Oct. 31, 2019	$ 60	$ 7	$ 135,299	715,504	(1,225,973)	(115,360)	687	(489,776)
Stock options, amortization and issuances (in shares)
Stock options, amortization and issuances				162				162
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures (in shares)	3,000	1,796
Restricted stock amortization, issuances and forfeitures				(330)				(330)
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock (in shares)	4	(4)
Conversion of Class B to Class A common stock
Changes in noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint ventures							13	13
Net (loss)					(9,148)			(9,148)
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2020	5,506,301	624,486	5,600
Balance at Jan. 31, 2020	$ 60	$ 7	$ 135,299	$ 715,336	$ (1,235,121)	$ (115,360)	$ 700	$ (499,079)