Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Jan. 02, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
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			$ 4,566,887
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,299,528
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2012