Note 3 - Intangible Assets And Goodwill (Details) - Goodwill Activity by Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 107,529
Accumulated impairments			(22,137)
Goodwill	85,435	84,950	85,392
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,714)	(4,397)
Acquisition	2,650	3,000
Other	549	955
Utility [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			48,818
Goodwill	45,435	45,350	48,818
Foreign currency translation adjustment	85	(3,468)
Proprietary Table Games [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			10,253
Goodwill	14,757	14,208	10,253
Acquisition		3,000
Other	549	955
Electronic Table Systems [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			35,328
Accumulated impairments			(22,137)
Goodwill	11,323	12,725	13,191
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,402)	(466)
Electronic Gaming Machines [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill			13,130
Goodwill	13,920	12,667	13,130
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(1,397)	(463)
Acquisition	$ 2,650