OPERATING SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Apr. 28, 2013	Apr. 29, 2012	Apr. 28, 2013	Apr. 29, 2012	Oct. 28, 2012
Total sales	$ 293,399	$ 250,231	$ 590,983	$ 493,834
External sales	293,399	250,231	590,983	493,834
Total operating income (loss)	(1,945)	4,944	(1,547)	9,229
Unallocated other expense	(5,903)	(2,681)	(11,753)	(5,951)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(7,848)	2,263	(13,300)	3,278
Total assets	724,568		724,568		751,484
Metal Coil Coating [Member]
Total sales	49,790	48,839	99,061	97,922
External sales	21,887	19,572	41,108	39,810
Total operating income (loss)	4,755	4,890	10,297	10,192
Total assets	68,137		68,137		60,169
Metal Components [Member]
Total sales	147,163	106,742	301,067	212,494
External sales	129,181	85,324	265,709	172,620
Total operating income (loss)	5,137	9,018	11,209	14,559
Total assets	381,577		381,577		381,028
Engineered Building Systems [Member]
Total sales	148,095	148,715	295,661	289,013
External sales	142,331	145,335	284,166	281,404
Total operating income (loss)	4,196	6,740	8,237	14,336
Total assets	210,067		210,067		214,227
Intersegment Sales [Member]
Total sales	(51,649)	(54,065)	(104,806)	(105,595)
Corporate [Member]
Total operating income (loss)	(16,033)	(15,704)	(31,290)	(29,858)
Total assets	$ 64,787		$ 64,787		$ 96,060