Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	75.00%		75.00%
Proceeds from noncontrolling interests	$ 1,000		$ 954	$ 0
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners	25.00%		25.00%
Common stock ownership percentage	17.00%		17.00%
significant customer revenue percentage	82.00%	74.00%	81.00%	78.00%
UTS Bioenergy [Member]
significant customer revenue percentage	0.00%	15.00%	2.00%	6.00%
U.S. Government [Member]
significant customer revenue percentage	9.00%	6.00%	7.00%	7.00%
POSCO Energy [Member]
significant customer revenue percentage	72.00%	34.00%	72.00%	49.00%
BioFuels Fuel Cells [Member]
significant customer revenue percentage	1.00%	19.00%	0.00%	16.00%