SELECTED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Finished products	$ 106,886	$ 103,234
Work in process	27,662	26,810
Materials, parts, assemblies and supplies	81,767	79,863
Contracts in process	8,241	9,941
Less: Billings to date	(447)	(955)
Inventories, net of valuation reserves	$ 224,109	$ 218,893

Carrying amount as of balance sheet date of inventory billed and customer advances for contracts in process.

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Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods held by the company that are readily available for sale.

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- Definition

Amount before valuation and LIFO reserves, and progress payments, of inventory associated with long-term contracts, expected to be sold, or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer.

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Amount after valuation and LIFO reserves of inventory expected to be sold, or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer.

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Carrying amount, net of valuation reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of items purchased for use as components of a finished product or pieces of machinery and equipment plus any items in their natural and unrefined state. This element may be used when the reporting entity combines raw materials and purchased parts into an aggregate amount.

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Carrying amount, net of reserves and adjustments, as of the balance sheet date of merchandise or goods which are partially completed. This inventory is generally comprised of raw materials, labor and factory overhead costs, which require further materials, labor and overhead to be converted into finished goods, and which generally require the use of estimates to determine percentage complete and pricing.

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