Accounts Receivable
 6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]  
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012 consisted of the following:
 
 
April 30, 2013
 
October 31, 2012
U.S. Government:
 
 
 
Amount billed
$
372

 
$
20

Unbilled recoverable costs
1,275

 
890

 
1,647

 
910

Commercial Customers:
 
 
 
Amount billed
14,607

 
18,786

Unbilled recoverable costs
13,139

 
6,288

 
27,746

 
25,074

 
$
29,393

 
$
25,984



We bill customers for power plant and module kit sales based on certain milestones being reached. We bill SA's based on the contract price and billing terms of the contracts. The majority of advanced technology contracts are with the U.S. Government. We bill the U.S. Government based on actual recoverable costs incurred, typically in the month subsequent to incurring costs. The remainder of advanced technology contracts are billed based on milestones or costs incurred. Included in Commercial Customers accounts receivable are amounts due from POSCO of $10.9 million and $18.1 million at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively. Unbilled recoverable costs relate to revenue recognized on customer contracts that have not been billed. Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.6 million at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012.