Related Party Receivables (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Mar. 11, 2014 Velocys [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 MTD Holdings Inc. [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Document Period End Date			Apr. 30, 2014
Related-party accounts receivable	$ 3,032		$ 3,032		$ 673		$ 673
Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities						2,000
Marketable Securities						1,527
Premium Paid, Investments						473
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax	$ 67	$ 0	$ 67	$ 0