VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2014

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

	Year ended October 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Allowance for doubtful accounts (in thousands):
Allowance as of beginning of year		$3,096			$2,334			$2,667
Additions (deductions) charged (credited) to costs and expenses (a)	(232		)	586			2,356
Additions (deductions) charged to other accounts (b)	(31		)	303			44
Deductions (c)	(690		)	(127		)	(2,733		)
Allowance as of end of year		$2,143			$3,096			$2,334

(a) Additions charged to costs and expenses in fiscal 2012 were higher than in fiscal 2014 and 2013 principally as a result of potential collection difficulties resulting from certain customers filing for bankruptcy or ceasing operations.

(b) Principally additions from acquisitions and foreign currency translation adjustments.

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

	Year ended October 31,
	2014			2013			2012
Inventory valuation reserves (in thousands):
Reserves as of beginning of year		$54,577			$46,861			$41,208
Additions charged to costs and expenses	9,398			8,032			4,605
Additions (deductions) charged to other accounts (a)	(322		)	3,148			3,581
Deductions (b)	(3,045		)	(3,464		)	(2,533		)
Reserves as of end of year		$60,608			$54,577			$46,861

(a) Principally additions from acquisitions and foreign currency translation adjustments.

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