Note 6 - Warranty Costs (Tables)
 6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2018
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]
   
Three Months Ended
April 30,
    
Six Months Ended
April 30,
  
(In thousands)
  
2018
    
2017
    
2018
    
2017
  
                                 
Balance, beginning of period
   $
129,314
     $
118,013
     $
127,702
     $
121,144
  
Additions – Selling, general and administrative
    
2,169
      
2,856
      
4,338
      
5,764
  
Additions – Cost of sales
    
4,154
      
3,515
      
9,899
      
7,002
  
Charges incurred during the period
    
(19,862
 )    
(7,177
)
    
(26,164
 )    
(16,703
 )
Changes to pre-existing reserves
    
-
      
-
      
-
      
-
  
Balance, end of period
   $
115,775
     $
117,207
     $
115,775
     $
117,207