Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Cash Received from Subcontractors for Owner Controlled Insurance Program			$ 1,900	$ 1,800
General Liability Insurance Deductible	$ 20,000		20,000		$ 20,000
Bodily Injury Insurance Deductible	250		250		250
Bodily Injury Insurance Limit	5,000		5,000		5,000
Aggregate Retention for Construction Defects Warranty and Bodily Injury Claims	20,000		20,000		$ 21,000
Payments by Insurance Companies for Claims	$ 100	$ 200	$ 100	$ 200