Net sales, income (loss) before provision for income taxes and other related segment information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 13,626	$ 20,515	$ 24,273	$ 28,482
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	1,376	3,964	2,184	4,324
Depreciation and amortization	141	127	278	254
Total assets	34,405	35,743	34,405	35,743	$ 32,502
RF Connector and Cable Assembly
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	3,341	2,734	6,599	5,364
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	257	(482)	537	(639)
Depreciation and amortization	45	43	90	87
Total assets	6,972	6,368	6,972	6,368
Custom Cabling Manufacturing and Assembly
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	10,285	17,781	17,674	23,118
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	1,105	4,443	1,611	4,957
Depreciation and amortization	96	84	188	167
Total assets	12,773	15,077	12,773	15,077
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	14	3	36	6
Depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Total assets	$ 14,660	$ 14,298	$ 14,660	$ 14,298

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

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