Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Trade accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 4,324	$ 4,826
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, shares authorized	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	48,915,000	48,015,000
Treasury stock, shares	774,000	169,000