Document And Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	CHAMPION INDUSTRIES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000019149
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Public Float		$ 7,500,965
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	11,299,528
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jan. 31, 2012