Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 7,484	$ 3,955
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,802	11,690
Recovery of impairment	(623)	(142)
Amortization of deferred financing costs	163	353
Deferred income taxes	(11)	(3)
Stock-based compensation expense	413	373
Loss (gain) on sale of assets	(98)	(17)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(18,412)	(6,615)
Inventories	(7,969)	(13,099)
Prepaids and other assets	648	641
Payables and other liabilities	11,531	11,111
Accrued income taxes	2,907	973
Net cash provided by operating activities	5,835	9,220
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(5,749)	(10,571)
Proceeds from sale of assets	847	149
Net cash used in investing activities	(4,902)	(10,422)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of short-term borrowings	0	(179)
Payment of dividends	(8,422)	(2,004)
Decrease (increase) in overdraft balances	(1,889)	(1,661)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	17,900	9,100
Repayments of long-term borrowings	(8,700)	(3,700)
Payment of deferred financing costs	(40)	(775)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	268	509
Net cash provided by (used) in financing activities	(883)	1,290
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	50	88
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	20	34
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	70	122
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid for interest	605	665
Cash paid for (refund of) income taxes	$ 1,616	$ 1,088