VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

	Year ended October 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
Allowance as of beginning of year		$2,334			$2,667			$2,468
Additions charged to costs and expenses (a)	586			2,356			194
Additions charged to other accounts (b)	303			44			299
Deductions (c)	(127		)	(2,733		)	(294		)
Allowance as of end of year		$3,096			$2,334			$2,667

(a) Additions charged to costs and expenses in fiscal 2012 were higher than in fiscal 2013 and 2011 principally as a result of potential collection difficulties resulting from certain customers filing for bankruptcy or ceasing operations.

(b) Principally additions from acquisitions.

(c) Principally write-offs of uncollectible accounts receivable, net of recoveries.

	Year ended October 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Inventory valuation reserves (in thousands):
Reserves as of beginning of year		$46,861			$41,208			$35,947
Additions charged to costs and expenses	8,032			4,605			4,593
Additions charged to other accounts (a)	3,148			3,581			2,785
Deductions (b)	(3,464		)	(2,533		)	(2,117		)
Reserves as of end of year		$54,577			$46,861			$41,208

(a) Principally additions from acquisitions.

(b) Principally write-offs of slow moving, obsolete or damaged inventory.