Capital Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012 Item	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Dec. 06, 2012	Nov. 11, 2011	Jul. 14, 2008
Capital Transactions
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,666,667	1,666,667
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Number of votes per share for holders of common stock	1
Number of shares of common stock authorized to be repurchased				714,550	1,000,000	1,000,000
Number of shares of common stock repurchased	274,018		39,400
Cost of shares of common stock repurchased	$ 5,193		$ 452
Number of shares of common stock issued for employment or consulting services	11,432	11,432	16,432