Note 5 - Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - Property, Plant, and Equipment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 124,210	$ 128,650
Less accumulated depreciation	75,686	75,384
Total	48,524	53,266
Land [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment	2,398	2,398
Building [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment	66,843	66,833
Building Improvements [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment	9,475	11,832
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment	6,272	7,239
Equipment [Member]
Property, plant, and equipment	$ 39,222	$ 40,348

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

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Gross amount of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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- Definition

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment.

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