Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 11,052	$ (1,982)	$ 19,935	$ 229
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss	328	380	984	1,080
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 reclassified to retained earnings	(6,138)	0	(6,138)	0
Income tax provision	(76)	(140)	(258)	(420)
Total defined benefit pension plans & other post-retirement benefits, net of tax	(5,886)	240	(5,412)	660
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	(22)	(20)	(151)	28
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 reclassified to retained earnings	(7)	0	(7)	0
Income tax benefit (provision)	4	7	38	(10)
Reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment losses on marketable securities included in net income (loss)	122	435	122	435
Total marketable securities, net of tax	97	422	2	453
Derivatives and Hedging [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swap agreements	171	(218)	1,331	1,217
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 reclassified to retained earnings	(213)	0	(213)	0
Income tax provision	(76)	(42)	(533)	(919)
Reclassification adjustments for settlement of derivatives included in net income	153	329	648	1,115
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	35	69	1,233	1,413
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Abstract]
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	(2,834)	6,815	(2,953)	8,740
Comprehensive income, net	$ 2,464	$ 5,564	$ 12,805	$ 11,495