Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (2,709)	$ 11,052	$ (6,295)	$ 19,935
Defined benefit pension plans & other post-retirement benefits
Amortization of net actuarial loss	289	328	865	984
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 (1)	0	(6,138)	0	(6,138)
Income tax provision	(66)	(76)	(198)	(258)
Total defined benefit pension plans & other post retirement benefits, net of tax	223	(5,886)	667	(5,412)
Marketable securities
Unrealized loss on marketable securities	0	(22)	0	(151)
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 (1)	0	(7)	0	(7)
Income tax benefit	0	4	0	38
Realized income	0	122	18	122
Total marketable securities, net of tax	0	97	18	2
Derivatives and hedging
Unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swap agreements	(301)	171	(1,030)	1,331
Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2018-02 (1)	0	(213)	0	(213)
Income tax benefit (provision)	58	(76)	195	(533)
Reclassification adjustments for settlement of derivatives included in net income (loss)	51	153	181	648
Change in fair value of derivative instruments, net of tax	(192)	35	(654)	1,233
Foreign currency translation adjustments
Foreign currency translation loss	(1,940)	(2,834)	(3,713)	(2,953)
Unrealized loss on foreign currency translation	(1,940)	(2,834)	(3,713)	(2,953)
Comprehensive income (loss), net	$ (4,618)	$ 2,464	$ (9,977)	$ 12,805