Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - short term	$ 5,053		$ 5,053		$ 5,335
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - long-term	$ 4,950		$ 4,950		$ 5,300
significant customer revenue percentage	89.00%	81.00%	90.00%	79.00%
Dominion Bridgeport FuelCell Park [Member]
significant customer revenue percentage	51.00%	0.00%	32.00%	0.00%
POSCO Energy [Member]
Common stock ownership percentage	16.00%		16.00%
significant customer revenue percentage	34.00%	72.00%	53.00%	72.00%
U.S. Government [Member]
significant customer revenue percentage	4.00%	9.00%	5.00%	7.00%

- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against short-term borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. For a classified balance sheet represents the current portion only (the noncurrent portion has a separate concept); there is a separate and distinct element for unclassified presentations.

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