Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010	Oct. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (45,974)	$ (56,326)	$ (68,674)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Share-based compensation	2,577	2,965	4,815
(Income) loss in equity investments	(58)	730	812
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	525	2,367	2,092
Interest receivable on loan to affiliate	(185)	(155)	(141)
Asset impairment		765
Loss on derivatives	137	95	330
Depreciation	6,431	7,438	8,591
Amortization of bond premium and interest expense	2,490	91	836
Provision (recovery) for doubtful accounts	162	374	(32)
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Accounts receivable	(4,046)	4,480	(6,792)
Inventories	(6,697)	(7,971)	(910)
Other assets	(15,586)	(785)	2,402
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable	3,405	774	(7,050)
Accrued liabilities	10,761	3,762	3,786
Deferred revenue	37,573	6,404	(5,268)
Net cash used in operating activities	(8,485)	(34,992)	(65,203)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,350)	(2,481)	(2,588)
Convertible loan to affiliate	(600)	(600)	(600)
Treasury notes matured	55,000	32,500	41,000
Treasury notes purchased	(33,019)	(59,677)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	18,031	(30,258)	37,812
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(306)	(377)	(237)
Proceeds from debt	4,000		436
Net proceeds from sale of common stock, net of registration fees	32,930	32,104	50,332
Payment of preferred dividends and return of capital	(15,226)	(3,695)	(3,631)
Common stock issued for stock plans and related expenses		(151)	273
Net cash provided by financing activities	21,398	27,881	47,173
Effects on cash from changes in foreign currency rates	4	13	(2)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	30,948	(37,356)	19,780
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of year	20,467	57,823	38,043
Cash and cash equivalents-end of year	$ 51,415	$ 20,467	$ 57,823