Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets
Accrued vacation and sick leave	$ 1,211		$ 1,106
Retirement plans	6,900		8,837
Insurance reserves	633		791
Warranty	383		386
Net operating loss carryforwards	7,627		10,393
Intangibles	0		25
Inventory	1,418		1,582
Other	1,005		1,008
Total deferred tax assets	19,177		24,128
Deferred tax liabilities
Tax in excess of book depreciation	(1,556)		(1,432)
Other	(98)		(87)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(1,654)		(1,519)
Valuation allowance	(515)	$ (17,962)	(21,906)
Net long term deferred tax asset	$ 17,008		$ 703