Note 9 - Segment Information - Sales by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2020	Jul. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2020	Jul. 31, 2019
Net sales	$ 9,544	$ 15,511	$ 32,348	$ 39,784
UNITED STATES
Net sales	9,315	15,154	31,471	39,075
CANADA
Net sales	124	156	530	433
MEXICO
Net sales		109	12	109
All Other Foreign Countries [Member]
Net sales	105	92	335	167
Non-US [Member]
Net sales	$ 229	$ 357	$ 877	$ 709