Note 9 - Segment Information - Sales by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Net sales	$ 10,390	$ 13,626	$ 22,804	$ 24,273
UNITED STATES
Net sales	9,982	13,451	22,155	23,921
CANADA
Net sales	290	113	407	278
MEXICO
Net sales	7		12
All Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Net sales	111	62	230	74
Non-US [Member]
Net sales	$ 408	$ 175	$ 649	$ 352