Computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Numerators:
Consolidated net income (loss) (A)	$ (4,089)	$ 994
Denominators:
Weighted average shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share (B)	8,786,510	8,494,111
Add effects of potentially dilutive securities - assumed exercise of stock options	0	368,106
Weighted average shares outstanding for diluted earnings (loss) per share (C)	8,786,510	8,862,217
Basic earnings (loss) per share (A)/(B)	$ (0.47)	$ 0.12
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (A)/(C)	$ (0.47)	$ 0.11