Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (19,508)	$ (14,377)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation	1,022	843
Income (loss) from equity investment	(46)	512
Depreciation	2,061	2,853
Interest expense on Series 1 Preferred	1,002	1,065
Other non-cash transactions, net	70	(4)
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
Accounts receivable	7,724	4,926
Inventories	413	(12,585)
Other assets	(710)	1,066
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	6,804	(1,547)
Accrued liabilities	(2,441)	(2,671)
Deferred revenue	19,715	(10,172)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	16,106	(30,091)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(2,553)	(1,681)
Cash acquired from acquisition	357	0
Treasury notes matured	0	12,000
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(2,196)	10,319
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(166)	(107)
Proceeds from debt	2,625	0
Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(5,004)	(2,865)
Payment of preferred dividends and return of capital	(2,226)	(5,275)
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of registration fees	0	34,003
Net cash provided by financing activities	(4,771)	25,756
Effects on cash from changes in foreign currency rates	21	(2)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	9,160	5,982
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	46,879	42,983
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	56,039	48,965
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash interest paid	137	156
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
Accrued Sale of Common Stock Cash Received in Subsequent Period	$ 0	$ 30,000