Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017
Cash Received from Subcontractors for Owner Controlled Insurance Program	$ 1,300	$ 1,100	$ 3,300	$ 3,000
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	$ 500	$ 100	$ 700