Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (1,982)	$ (678)	$ 229	$ (1,596)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	380	310	1,080	930
Income tax provision	(140)	(112)	(420)	(336)
Total defined benefit pension plans & other post retirement benefits, net of tax	240	198	660	594
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	(20)	(58)	28	(233)
Income tax benefit (provision)	7	20	(10)	75
Reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment losses on marketable securities included in net income (loss)	435	0	435	0
Total marketable securities, net of tax	422	(38)	453	(158)
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreements	(218)	(797)	1,217	(2,201)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(42)	131	(919)	399
Reclassification adjustments for settlement of derivatives included in net income (loss)	329	436	1,115	1,102
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	69	(230)	1,413	(700)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	6,815	(2,655)	8,740	(768)
Reclassification adjustments for settlement of foreign currency included in net income	0	(218)	0	(367)
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	6,815	(2,437)	8,740	(401)
Comprehensive income (loss), net	$ 5,564	$ (3,185)	$ 11,495	$ (2,261)