Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (11,879)	$ (6,014)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation	509	540
Income (loss) from equity investment	(46)	362
Depreciation	1,012	1,449
Amortization of bond premium and interest expense on Series 1 Preferred	511	581
Other non-cash transactions, net	210	(175)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
Accounts receivable	17,020	(1,942)
Inventories	3,236	(6,203)
Other assets	(739)	(880)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	(5,345)	3,919
Accrued liabilities	(1,026)	(3,255)
Deferred revenue	27,434	(6,184)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	30,897	(17,802)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(1,397)	(926)
Cash acquired from acquisition	357	0
Treasury notes matured	0	7,500
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(1,040)	6,574
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(63)	(55)
Payment of preferred dividends and return of capital	(1,113)	(4,288)
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of registration fees	0	1,188
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,176)	(3,155)
Effects on cash from changes in foreign currency rates	76	(2)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	28,757	(14,385)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	57,514	51,415
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	86,271	37,030
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash interest paid	55	63
Noncash financing and investing activity:
Common stock issued in settlement of prior year bonus obligation	0	550
Common stock issued for Employee Stock Purchase Plan in settlement of prior year accrued employee contributions	85	84
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions	$ 3,562	$ 0