Summary of Financial Information Related to RF Neulink (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Summary Financial Information Related to RF Neulink [Line Items]
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 18	$ (110)	$ 19	$ (85)
RF Wireless segment
Summary Financial Information Related to RF Neulink [Line Items]
Royalties	39	0	47	0
Net sales	0	315	0	928
Total revenue	39	315	47	928
Cost of sales	0	208	0	450
Gross profit	39	107	47	478
Operating expenses	7	280	13	609
Operating income (loss)	32	(173)	34	(131)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	14	(63)	15	(46)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 18	$ (110)	$ 19	$ (85)

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Amount, before tax, of loss recognized for the write-down to fair value, less cost to sell, of a disposal group. Includes before tax gain for a subsequent increase in fair value (less cost to sell) up to the cumulative loss previously recognized through write-downs.

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Amount of costs of goods sold attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period.

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Amount of gross profit attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period.

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Amount of operating expenses attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period.

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Amount of operating income or loss attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period.

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Amount of sales or other form of revenues attributable to the disposal group, including a component of the entity (discontinued operation), during the reporting period.

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Amount of revenue recognized from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an earning process. Includes, but is not limited to, investment and interest income before deduction of interest expense when recognized as a component of revenue, and sales and trading gain (loss).

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Revenue earned during the period from the leasing or otherwise lending to a third party the entity's rights or title to certain property. Royalty revenue is derived from a percentage or stated amount of sales proceeds or revenue generated by the third party using the entity's property. Examples of property from which royalties may be derived include patents and oil and mineral rights.

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