Inventories (Tables)
 6 Months Ended
Apr. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories
Inventories consist of the following:
 
April 30,
2013
 
October 31,
2012
 
(In thousands)
Raw materials
$
37,383

 
$
30,400

Finished goods and work in process
37,469

 
32,937

Supplies and other
2,356

 
2,567

Total
$
77,208

 
$
65,904
Values of Inventories
The values of inventories are based on the following accounting methods:
 
 
April 30,
2013
 
October 31,
2012
 
(In thousands)
LIFO
$
31,967

 
$
28,224

FIFO
45,241

 
37,680

Total
$
77,208

 
$
65,904