Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3,502	$ 3,333
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, accumulated depreciation and amortization	313,481	302,222
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, accumulated amortization	$ 1,192	$ 988
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	970,000	970,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,125,978	11,096,118
Treasury stock, shares	5,605,783	5,605,783
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member]
Preferred stock, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized	30,000	30,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0