Note 9 - Segment Information - Sales by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2021	Apr. 30, 2020
Net sales	$ 11,057	$ 10,390	$ 21,059	$ 22,804
UNITED STATES
Net sales	10,338	9,982	19,717	22,155
CANADA
Net sales	566	290	1,091	407
MEXICO
Net sales	26	7	26	12
All Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Net sales	127	111	225	230
Non-US [Member]
Net sales	$ 719	$ 408	$ 1,342	$ 649