Note 2 - Selected Balance Sheet Data (Details) - Inventories (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]
Raw materials and component parts	$ 16,073	$ 11,309
Work-in-process	4,916	3,478
Finished goods	10,346	7,119
Total	$ 31,335	$ 21,906

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Amount before valuation and LIFO reserves of completed merchandise or goods expected to be sold within one year or operating cycle, if longer.

+ References

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-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

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-Section 02

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

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-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a)(1))

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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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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

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-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a))

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-Topic 330

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Gross amount of unprocessed materials to be used in manufacturing or production process and supplies that will be consumed.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

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Amount before valuation and LIFO reserves of merchandise or goods in the production process expected to be completed within one year or operating cycle, if longer.

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Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 6

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

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