Sales by Geographic Area (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales revenue	$ 5,850	$ 9,896
United States
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales revenue	5,448	9,436
Canada
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales revenue	102	148
Israel
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales revenue	65	97
Mexico
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales revenue	122	191
All other
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales revenue	113	24
Foreign Countries, total
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales revenue	$ 402	$ 460