Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (38,845)	$ (43,810)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation	2,049	2,168
Loss from equity investment	149	576
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	525	1,763
Interest receivable on loan to affiliate	(135)	(111)
Loss on derivatives	96	6
Depreciation	4,813	5,581
Amortization of bond premium and interest expense	1,784	74
Provision for doubtful accounts	153	52
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
Accounts receivable	1,221	8,971
Inventories	(5,328)	(5,141)
Other assets	(10,209)	1,150
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	5,080	(934)
Accrued liabilities	9,320	2,680
Deferred revenue	11,316	3,875
Net cash used in operating activities	(18,011)	(23,100)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(1,175)	(2,012)
Convertible loan to affiliate	(600)	(600)
Treasury notes matured	49,000	10,500
Treasury notes purchased	(33,019)	(55,680)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	14,206	(47,792)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(232)	(299)
Proceeds from revolving line of credit, net	2,600
Payment of preferred dividends and return of capital	(9,994)	(2,897)
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of registration fees	22,440	32,131
Common stock issued for stock plans and related expenses		(151)
Net cash provided by financing activities	14,814	28,784
Effects on cash from changes in foreign currency rates	4	13
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,013	(42,095)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	20,467	57,823
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	31,480	15,728
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash interest paid	115	118
Noncash financing and investing activity:
Common stock issued in settlement of prior year bonus obligation	707	673
Common stock issued for Employee Stock Purchase Plan in settlement of prior year accrued employee contributions	125	109
Adjustment for modification of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	$ 8,987