Summary Financial Information Related to RF Neulink (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Summary Financial Information Related to RF Neulink [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 9,585	$ 7,316	$ 29,146	$ 19,229
Cost of sales	5,609	3,982	16,163	10,521
Gross profit (loss)	3,976	3,334	12,983	8,708
Operating expenses	2,420	2,173	7,549	6,427
Operating loss	1,556	1,161	5,434	2,281
Provision for income taxes	407	397	1,517	810
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	238	40	354	52
RF Neulink
Summary Financial Information Related to RF Neulink [Line Items]
Net sales	75	157	184	474
Cost of sales	398	137	518	304
Gross profit (loss)	(323)	20	(334)	170
Operating expenses	71	87	246	256
Operating loss	(394)	(67)	(580)	(86)
Provision for income taxes	(156)	(27)	(226)	(34)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (238)	$ (40)	$ (354)	$ (52)

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Total costs related to goods produced and sold during the reporting period.

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This element represents the overall income (loss) from a disposal group that is classified as a component of the entity, net of income tax, reported as a separate component of income before extraordinary items, which is apportioned to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This item includes the following (net of tax): income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, gain (loss) on disposal, provision (or any reversals of earlier provisions) for loss on disposal, and adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

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Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations.

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Generally recurring costs associated with normal operations except for the portion of these expenses which can be clearly related to production and included in cost of sales or services. Includes selling, general and administrative expense.

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Total revenue from sale of goods and services rendered during the reporting period, in the normal course of business, reduced by sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts.

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