BUSINESS SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 27, 2013	Jan. 29, 2012	Oct. 28, 2012
Total sales	$ 297,584	$ 243,603
External sales:	297,584	243,603
Total operating income (loss)	398	4,285
Unallocated other expense	(5,850)	(3,270)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(5,452)	1,015
Total assets	706,723		751,484
Metal Coil Coating [Member]
Total sales	49,271	49,083
External sales:	19,221	20,238
Total operating income (loss)	5,542	5,302
Total assets	66,133		60,169
Metal Components [Member]
Total sales	153,904	105,752
External sales:	136,528	87,296
Total operating income (loss)	6,072	5,541
Total assets	372,552		381,028
Engineered Building Systems [Member]
Total sales	147,566	140,298
External sales:	141,835	136,069
Total operating income (loss)	4,041	7,596
Total assets	202,068		214,227
Intersegment Sales [Member]
Total sales	(53,157)	(51,530)
Corporate [Member]
Total operating income (loss)	(15,257)	(14,154)
Total assets	$ 65,970		$ 96,060