Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 1,579	$ 507
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	5,054	5,914
Recovery of impairment	(65)	(9)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	87	197
Deferred income taxes	(14)	33
Stock-based compensation expense	209	158
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	18	(10)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(3,057)	10,468
Inventories	(2,805)	(1,531)
Prepaids and other assets	305	472
Payables and other liabilities	(962)	(6,297)
Accrued income taxes	1,100	(220)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,449	9,682
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(1,983)	(4,883)
Proceeds from sale of assets	137	9
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,846)	(4,874)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of short-term borrowings	0	(89)
Payment of dividends	0	(2,004)
Decrease (increase) in overdraft balances	(1,678)	(1,047)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	4,900	1,700
Repayments of long-term borrowings	(2,600)	(3,700)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(40)	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	17	377
Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities	599	(4,763)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	202	45
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	20	34
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	222	79
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest	289	292
Cash paid for (refund of) income taxes	$ 89	$ 463