Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2018	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 11,479	$ (697)	$ 3,669
Defined benefit pension plans & other post-retirement benefits
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,318	1,480	1,251
Actuarial net gain (loss)	7,861	604	(5,081)
Asset net gain (loss)	(2,889)	5,729	(3,006)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 reclassified to retained earnings	(6,138)	0	0
Income tax benefit (provision)	(1,442)	(3,001)	2,986
Total defined benefit pension plans & other post retirement benefits, net of tax	(1,290)	4,812	(3,850)
Marketable securities
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities	(173)	45	(183)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 reclassified to retained earnings	(7)	0	0
Income tax benefit (provision)	10	(250)	58
Reclassification of other-than-temporary impairment losses on marketable securities included in net income (loss)	154	669	0
Total marketable securities, net of tax	(16)	464	(125)
Derivatives and hedging
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreements	1,452	1,543	(1,577)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 reclassified to retained earnings	(213)	0	0
Income tax benefit (provision)	(588)	(1,151)	111
Reclassification adjustments for settlement of derivatives included in net income	772	1,401	1,530
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	1,423	1,793	64
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(7,879)	7,156	(3,032)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax	(931)	0	0
Reclassification for settlement of foreign currency included in net income (loss)	0	0	530
Unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency translation	(8,810)	7,156	(2,502)
Comprehensive income (loss), net	$ 2,786	$ 13,528	$ (2,744)