Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (697)	$ 3,669	$ 5,905
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,480	1,251	1,214
Actuarial net gain (loss)	604	(5,081)	743
Asset net gain (loss)	5,729	(3,006)	(3,008)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(3,001)	2,986	(387)
Total defined benefit pension plans & other post retirement benefits, net of tax	4,812	(3,850)	(1,438)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	45	(183)	(689)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(250)	58	248
Reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment losses on marketable securities included in net income (loss)	669	0	0
Total marketable securities, net of tax	464	(125)	(441)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreements	1,543	(1,577)	(2,912)
Income tax benefit (provision)	(1,151)	111	861
Reclassification adjustments for settlement of derivatives included in net income	1,401	1,530	433
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	1,793	64	(1,618)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	7,156	(3,032)	(9,671)
Reclassification adjustments for settlement of foreign currency included in net income	0	530	0
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	7,156	(2,502)	(9,671)
Comprehensive income (loss), net	$ 13,528	$ (2,744)	$ (7,263)