View Filing Data

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Jul. 31, 2013	Aug. 29, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	Quanex Building Products CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001423221
Trading Symbol	NX
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		37,064,965

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$ 16,073,000	$ 71,255,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $795 and $1,026	99,051,000	85,644,000
Inventories, net (Note 3)	67,839,000	65,904,000
Deferred income taxes	24,497,000	20,439,000
Prepaid and other current assets	6,592,000	7,628,000
Total current assets	214,052,000	250,870,000
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $346,135 and $333,898	176,033,000	168,877,000
Deferred income taxes	12,381,000	8,911,000
Goodwill (Note 4)	71,302,000	68,331,000
Intangible assets, net (Note 4)	80,757,000	78,380,000
Other assets	17,036,000	14,169,000
Total assets	571,561,000	589,538,000
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	78,479,000	80,985,000
Accrued liabilities	45,357,000	46,459,000
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 5)	375,000	368,000
Total current liabilities	124,211,000	127,812,000
Long-term debt (Note 5)	753,000	1,033,000
Deferred pension and postretirement benefits (Note 6)	5,862,000	6,873,000
Liability for uncertain tax positions (Note 8)	5,416,000	6,736,000
Non-current environmental reserves (Note 9)	9,037,000	9,827,000
Other liabilities	13,008,000	15,430,000
Total liabilities	158,287,000	167,711,000
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, shares authorized 1,000,000; issued and outstanding - none	0	0
Common stock, $0.01 par value, shares authorized 125,000,000; issued 37,653,639 and 37,788,804 respectively	377,000	378,000
Additional paid-in-capital	246,631,000	245,144,000
Retained earnings	180,147,000	193,105,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,370,000)	(5,299,000)
Less treasury stock at cost, 604,088 and 816,302 shares, respectively	(8,511,000)	(11,501,000)
Total stockholders' equity	413,274,000	421,827,000
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 571,561,000	$ 589,538,000

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for accounts receivable	$ 795	$ 1,026
Accumulated depreciation of property, plant and equipment	$ 346,135	$ 333,898
Preferred stock, no par value	$ 0.00	$ 0.00
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	125,000,000	125,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	37,653,639	37,788,804
Treasury stock, shares	604,088	816,302

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 259,174	$ 237,905	$ 677,345	$ 593,928
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales	215,182	200,663	576,835	510,542
Selling, general and administrative	24,683	26,659	83,063	80,936
Depreciation and amortization	12,193	9,131	33,389	28,381
Operating income (loss)	7,116	1,452	(15,942)	(25,931)
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest expense	(182)	(108)	(495)	(348)
Other, net	(46)	21	(128)	199
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,888	1,365	(16,565)	(26,080)
Income tax expense (benefit)	1,919	(166)	(6,068)	(8,578)
Net income (loss)	$ 4,969	$ 1,531	$ (10,497)	$ (17,502)
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.04	$ (0.28)	$ (0.48)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.04	$ (0.28)	$ (0.48)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	36,856	36,637	36,838	36,584
Diluted	37,413	37,163	36,838	36,584
Cash dividends per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.12	$ 0.12

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Statement - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 4,969	$ 1,531	$ (10,497)	$ (17,502)
Other comprehensive income (loss) - foreign currency translation adjustments (pretax)	(168)	(2,526)	(494)	(3,621)
Other comprehensive income (loss) - foreign currency translation adjustments tax benefit	150	242	423	176
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(18)	(2,284)	(71)	(3,445)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 4,951	$ (753)	$ (10,568)	$ (20,947)

- Definition

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Before tax and net of reclassification adjustments of the change in the balance sheet adjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency of the reporting entity. Also includes the following: gain (loss) on foreign currency forward exchange contracts; foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements; and gain (loss) on a derivative instrument or nonderivative financial instrument that may give rise to a foreign currency transaction gain (loss) that has been designated and qualified as a hedging instrument for hedging of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation.

+ References + Details

- Definition

Net of tax amount of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the parent entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569643-111683

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 30
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(3)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7656940&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4K
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591552-111686

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (a),(c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 55
-Paragraph 4J
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733213&loc=SL4591551-111686

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 29
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 38
-Subparagraph c(1)
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph A1, A4, A5
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ (10,497)	$ (17,502)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations:
Depreciation and amortization	33,389	28,381
Stock-based compensation	3,856	3,180
Deferred income taxes	(6,862)	(9,437)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(172)	(413)
Restructuring charges		1,206
Other, net	698	2,133
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	(9,642)	(7,114)
Decrease (increase) in inventory	3,095	(7,515)
Decrease (increase) in other current assets	241	(757)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable	(2,990)	10,242
Increase (decrease) in accrued liabilities	(6,883)	5,789
Increase (decrease) in income taxes	1,622	(771)
Increase (decrease) in deferred pension and postretirement benefits	(1,011)	(1,572)
Increase (decrease) in other long-term liabilities	1,229	488
Other, net	504	(351)
Cash provided by operating activities	6,577	5,987
Investing activities:
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(22,096)
Capital expenditures	(34,517)	(31,710)
Proceeds from disposition of capital assets	335	36
Proceeds from property insurance claim	0	479
Cash used for investing activities	(56,278)	(31,195)
Financing activities:
Borrowings under credit facility	23,500	0
Repayments of credit facility borrowings	(23,500)	0
Repayments of long-term debt	(364)	(339)
Common stock dividends paid	(4,446)	(4,413)
Issuance of common stock	909	2,501
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	172	413
Debt issuance costs	(1,163)	0
Purchase of treasury stock	0	(1,284)
Cash used for financing activities	(4,892)	(3,122)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and equivalents	(589)	1,003
Decrease in cash and equivalents	(55,182)	(27,327)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period	71,255	89,619
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$ 16,073	$ 62,292

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - 9 months ended Jul. 31, 2013 - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock & Other
Balance at Oct. 31, 2012	$ 421,827	$ 378	$ 245,144	$ 193,105	$ (5,299)	$ (11,501)
Net income (loss)	(10,497)			(10,497)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes of $423)	(71)				(71)
Common dividends ($0.12 per share)	(4,446)			(4,446)
Stock-based compensation activity:
Expense related to stock-based compensation	3,856		3,856
Stock options exercised	909		10			899
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	113
Restricted stock awards granted	0		(2,091)			2,091
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit (Note 8)	2,102			2,102
Other	(519)	(1)	(401)	(117)
Balance at Jul. 31, 2013	$ 413,274	$ 377	$ 246,631	$ 180,147	$ (5,370)	$ (8,511)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 150	$ 242	$ 423	$ 176
Common stock, dividends per share	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.12	$ 0.12

Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations	Jul. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations	1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Quanex Building Products Corporation is a technological leader in the production of engineered materials and aluminum sheet products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) through two business segments: (1) Engineered Products and (2) Aluminum Sheet Products. Quanex Building Products Corporation produces energy efficient engineered products that include flexible insulating glass spacers, extruded vinyl profiles, and thin film solar panel sealants, as well as window and door screens and precision-formed metal and wood products. Aluminum sheet products include high quality mill finished and coated aluminum sheet that is tailored toward customers' specifications. Quanex Building Products Corporation serves a primary customer base in North America and also serves customers in international markets through operating plants in the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as through sales and marketing efforts in other countries. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to "Quanex", the "Company", "we", "us" and "our" refer to the consolidated business operations of Quanex Building Products Corporation and its subsidiaries. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Quanex Building Products Corporation. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These financial statements have been prepared by us, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2012 was derived from audited financial information, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012. In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments (which consist of normal recurring adjustments, except as disclosed herein) necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or for any future periods. In preparing financial statements, we make informed judgments and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We review our estimates on an on-going basis, including those related to impairment of long lived assets and goodwill, contingencies and income taxes. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and actual results may differ from these estimates.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for organization, consolidation and basis of presentation of financial statements disclosure.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 275
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2134480

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 852
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2209116

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122150

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2197480

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7880789&loc=SL6228881-111685

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 272
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6373374&loc=d3e70478-108055

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/subtopic&trid=2122524

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7668296&loc=d3e288-107754

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 915
-SubTopic 235
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6472506&loc=d3e38932-110933

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=d3e5614-111684

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6359566&loc=d3e326-107755

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 94-6
-Paragraph 10
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)
-Number 51
-Paragraph 2-6
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 46R
-Paragraph 4, 14, 15
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS140-4/FIN46(R)-8
-Paragraph 8, C1, C7
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

2. Acquisitions

On December 31, 2012, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Alumco, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Alumco), including its aluminum screen business, for $22.4 million in cash. The purchase agreement contains (1) a working capital clause that provides for an adjustment to the purchase price based on the working capital balance as of the acquisition date and (2) an earn-out clause that provides for the payment of an additional $0.5 million to Alumco contingent upon the achievement of certain financial targets. We received $0.4 million from the prior owner of Alumco pursuant to the working capital clause. We recorded contingent consideration of $0.3 million as the fair value of the earn-out included in the purchase price.

The purchase price has been allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as indicated in the table below. This allocation is preliminary and based on estimates and assumptions that are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the acquisition date). During the period from the acquisition date to July 31, 2013, we recorded an adjustment to goodwill of $0.1 million to recognize a derivative liability and $0.2 million for obsolete inventory reserve write-off, that existed as of the opening balance sheet date.



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	3,638
Inventories	5,062
Prepaid and other current assets	140
Property, plant and equipment	4,702
Intangible assets	8,939
Accounts payable	(2,066		)
Accrued liabilities	(993		)
Current maturities of long-term debt	(14		)
Long-term debt	(77		)
Goodwill	2,765
Net assets acquired	$	22,096
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	22,096

We used recognized valuation techniques to determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities, including the income approach for customer relationships, with a discount rate that reflects the risk of the expected future cash flows. The goodwill balance, which is deductible for tax purposes, was allocated entirely to the Engineered Products business segment. We expect that this acquisition will expand our product portfolio and geographic distribution capabilities particularly in the vinyl window segment in the screen market.

Pro forma results of operations were not presented because the Alumco acquisition was not deemed material to our results of operations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1497-128463

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1490-128463

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7008-128479

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1486-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6927-128479

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4845-128472

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1500-128463

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1524-128463

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e7000-128479

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4922-128472

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4934-128472

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6910749&loc=d3e4926-128472

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 30
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7488404&loc=d3e6996-128479

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 805
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7659399&loc=d3e1383-128463

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 88-16
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 17: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph F4
-Subparagraph e
-Appendix F

Reference 18: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141
-Paragraph 51, 52
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 19: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 141R
-Paragraph 67-73
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Inventories

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

3. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	37,350	$	34,392
Finished goods and work in process	42,412		43,915
Supplies and other	2,462		2,567
Total	82,224		80,874
Less inventory reserves	14,385		14,970
Inventories, net	$	67,839	$	65,904

Fixed costs related to excess manufacturing capacity, if any, have been expensed in the period they were incurred and, therefore, are not capitalized into inventory. The values of inventories are based on the following accounting methods:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
LIFO	$	20,962	$	28,224
FIFO	46,877		37,680
Total	$	67,839	$	65,904

During interim periods, we estimate a LIFO reserve based on our expectations of year-end inventory levels and costs. If our calculations indicate that an adjustment at year-end will be required, we record a proportionate share of this amount during the period. At year-end, we calculate the actual LIFO reserve and record an adjustment for the difference between the annual calculation and any estimates recognized during the interim periods. Because the interim projections are subject to many factors beyond our control, the results could differ significantly from the year-end LIFO calculation. We recorded no interim LIFO allocation for the nine-month periods ended July 31, 2013 and 2012.

For inventories valued under the LIFO method, replacement cost exceeded the LIFO value by approximately $10.7 million as of July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012.

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

4. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

All of our goodwill is recorded in the Engineered Products business segment. The change in the carrying amount of goodwill was as follows (in thousands):



	Nine Months Ended		Year Ended
	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012 and 2011, respectively	$	68,331	$	69,432
Alumco acquisition	2,765		—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	206		(1,101		)
Balance as of the end of the period	$	71,302	$	68,331

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):



	July 31, 2013				October 31, 2012
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	52,525	$	14,552	$	43,737	$	11,675
Trademarks and trade names	44,534		16,704		44,519		14,520
Patents and other technology	25,029		10,794		24,773		9,382
Other	1,392		673		1,392		464
Total	$	123,480	$	42,723	$	114,421	$	36,041

Intangible assets as of July 31, 2013 include customer relationships of $8.7 million and technology of $0.2 million related to the Alumco acquisition. These assets have estimated useful lives of 10 and 3 years, respectively. (See Note 2 "Acquisitions").

The aggregate amortization expense for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013 was $2.3 million and $6.6 million, respectively. The aggregate amortization expense for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2012 was $2.0 million and $6.2 million, respectively.

Estimated remaining amortization expense, assuming current intangible balances and no new acquisitions, for each of the fiscal years ending October 31, was as follows (in thousands):



	Estimated Amortization Expense
2013 (remaining three months)	$	2,272
2014	8,986
2015	8,852
2016	8,581
2017	8,475
Thereafter	43,591
Total	$	80,757

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

5. Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility	$	—	$	—
City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds	700		800
Scott County, Iowa Industrial Waste Recycling Revenue Bonds	200		400
Capital lease obligations and other	228		201
Total debt	1,128		1,401
Less current maturities	375		368
Long-term debt	$	753	$	1,033

On January 28, 2013, we entered into a Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (the Credit Facility) that has a five-year term and permits aggregate borrowings at any time of up to $150 million, with a letter of credit sub-facility, a swing line sub-facility and a multi-currency sub-facility. Borrowings denominated in U.S. dollars bear interest at a spread above the London Interbank Borrowing Rate (LIBOR) or a base rate derived from the prime rate. Foreign denominated borrowings bear interest at a spread above the LIBOR applicable to such currencies. Subject to customary conditions, we may request that the aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility be increased by up to $100 million, with total commitments not to exceed $250 million. The Credit Facility replaces our previous senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the Retired Facility) that was scheduled to expire on April 23, 2013.

The Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial covenants, the terms of which are defined therein. Specifically, we must not permit, on a quarterly basis, our ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as defined (Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio), to exceed 3.00 to 1 or our ratio of consolidated funded debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined (Consolidated Leverage Ratio), to exceed 3.25 to 1. The Consolidated Leverage Ratio is the ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, in each case for the previous four consecutive fiscal quarters. EBITDA is defined by the indenture to include proforma EBITDA of acquisitions and to exclude certain items like goodwill and intangible asset impairments and certain other non-cash charges and non-recurring items. Subject to our compliance with the covenant requirements, the amount available under the Credit Facility is a function of: (1) our trailing twelve month EBITDA; (2) the maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio allowed under the Credit Facility; and (3) the aggregate amount of our outstanding debt and letters of credit. As of July 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Credit Facility.

For the nine-month period ended July 31, 2013, we borrowed and repaid $23.5 million under the Credit Facility, and thus had no outstanding borrowings at July 31, 2013. The weighted average interest rate for the nine months ended July 31, 2013 was 1.33%. Our current borrowing rate under the Credit Facility was 3.25% and 1.2% for the swing line sub facility and the revolver, respectively, at July 31, 2013.

As of July 31, 2013, the amount available to us for use under the Credit Facility was limited to $82.5 million and we had outstanding letters of credit of $5.7 million.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References + Details

Retirement Plans

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

6. Retirement Plans

Pension Plan

We have a non-contributory, single employer defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all non-union employees.

The net periodic pension cost for this plan includes the following components:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	955		$	884		$	2,865		$	2,710
Interest cost	197			184			590			592
Expected return on plan assets	(350		)	(250		)	(1,050		)	(831		)
Amortization of net loss	92			45			277			118
Net periodic benefit cost	$	894		$	863		$	2,682		$	2,589

In February 2013, we contributed $3.3 million to fund our plan and currently expect to make a minimal contribution during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for pension and other postretirement benefits.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2235017

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Implementation Guide (Q and A)
-Number FAS88
-Paragraph 63
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph b
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
-Number 03-2
-Paragraph 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph q
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 8
-Subparagraph m
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5, 6, 7, 8
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 158
-Paragraph 7, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)
-Number FAS106-2
-Paragraph 20, 21, 22
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
-Number 30
-Paragraph 26
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Warranty Obligations

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Warranty Obligations

7. Warranty Obligations

We accrue warranty obligations concurrently as revenues are recognized. We make provisions for our warranty obligations based upon historical experience incurred for such obligations adjusted, as necessary, for current conditions and factors. Due to the significant uncertainties and judgments involved in estimating our warranty obligations, including changing product designs, variance in customer installation processes and future claims experience varying from historical claims experience, the ultimate amount incurred for warranty costs could change in the near and long-term from the current estimate.

A reconciliation of the activity related to our accrued warranty, including both the current and long-term portions (reported in accrued liabilities and other liabilities, respectively, on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets) is presented below (in thousands):



	Nine Months Ended			Year Ended
	July 31, 2013			October 31, 2012
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012 and 2011, respectively	$	4,781		$	5,262
Provision for warranty expense	548			652
Change in accrual for preexisting warranties	(337		)	(838		)
Warranty costs paid	(376		)	(295		)
Total accrued warranty as of the end of the period	4,616			4,781
Less current accrued warranty	1,887			2,045
Long-term accrued warranty	$	2,729		$	2,736

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Jul. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes To determine our income tax expense for interim periods, consistent with accounting standards, we apply the estimated annual effective income tax rate to year-to-date results except when this method does not result in a reliable estimate of year-to-date income tax expense. For the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013, we used the discrete or cut-off method, which allows for the use of a year-to-date effective income tax rate that is more applicable to the results. This approach is appropriate where a small change in estimated income could produce a large change in the estimated annual effective tax rate. Our estimated annual effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, were 27.9% and a benefit of 12.2%, respectively, and 36.6% and 32.9%, respectively. We continue to record a valuation allowance for certain state net operating losses in fiscal 2013. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. Prepaid and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets include an income tax receivable of $0.2 million and $1.3 million as of July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively. Our unrecognized tax benefit (UTB) is related to the 2008 spin-off of Quanex from its parent and certain state tax items regarding the interpretation of tax laws and regulations. The total UTB at October 31, 2012 was $15.8 million. Of this amount, $6.7 million was recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions and $8.9 million was recorded as deferred income taxes (non-current assets) on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet. During the nine months ended July 31, 2013, we reduced the liability for uncertain tax positions related to the spin-off by $2.7 million due to the lapse in the statute of limitations, which resulted in a non-cash increase in retained earnings of $2.1 million and a decrease in income tax expense of $0.6 million. At July 31, 2013, $5.4 million is recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions and $7.9 million is recorded in deferred income taxes. The total UTB at July 31, 2013 of $13.3 million includes $12.4 million for which the disallowance of such items would not affect the annual effective tax rate. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or income tax returns. The final outcome of the future tax consequences of legal proceedings, if any, as well as the outcome of competent authority proceedings, changes in regulatory tax laws, or interpretation of those tax laws could impact our financial statements. We are subject to the effect of these matters occuring in various jurisdictions. We believe it is reasonably possible that a decrease of approximately $2.0 million in the UTB may be recognized within the next twelve months as a result of a lapse in the statute of limitations.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 136, 172
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 08
-Paragraph h
-Article 4

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 109
-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Contingencies

9. Contingencies

Environmental

We are subject to extensive laws and regulations concerning the discharge of materials into the environment and the remediation of chemical contamination. To satisfy such requirements, we must make capital and other expenditures on an on-going basis. We accrue for remediation obligations and adjust our accruals as information becomes available and circumstances develop. Those estimates may change substantially depending on various factors, including the nature and extent of contamination, appropriate remediation technologies, and regulatory approvals. When we accrue for environmental remediation liabilities, costs of future expenditures are not discounted to their present value, unless the amount and timing of the expenditures are fixed or reliably determinable. When environmental laws might be deemed to impose joint and several liability for the costs of responding to contamination, information indicates that it is probable we have incurred a loss, and such amount is estimable, we accrue our allocable share of liability taking into account the number of parties participating, the ability of such counter-parties to pay their shares of the costs, the volumes and nature of the wastes involved, the nature of anticipated response actions, and the nature of our alleged connection to the contamination. The cost of environmental matters has not had a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition in the past, and we are not currently aware of any conditions that, we believe, are likely to have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition or cash flows.

The table below indicates the total environmental reserve and corresponding recovery balances as well as where these balances are reported in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Accrued liabilities	$	1,700	$	1,700
Non-current environmental reserves	9,037		9,827
Total environmental reserves	$	10,737	$	11,527

Accounts receivable	$	929	$	821
Other assets (non-current)	9,663		10,374
Total receivable for recovery of remediation costs	$	10,592	$	11,195

Currently, our on-going remediation activities are associated with one of our subsidiaries, Nichols Aluminum-Alabama, LLC (NAA). NAA operates a plant in Decatur, Alabama that is subject to an Alabama Hazardous Wastes Management and Minimization Act Post-Closure Permit. Among other things, the permit requires NAA to remediate, as directed by the state, historical environmental releases of wastes and waste constituents. Consistent with the permit, NAA has undertaken various studies of site conditions and, during the first quarter of 2006, started a phased program to treat in-place free product petroleum that had been released underneath the plant. During the second quarter 2010, NAA submitted to the state the first component of its proposed workplan for implementing a site-wide remedy. The full workplan was submitted to the state during the third quarter 2010, revised during the second quarter 2011 to reflect both additional sampling data and responses to state comments, and revised again in the fourth quarter 2011 in response to another round of state comments. Based on those plans, which remain subject to further comment, revision, and state approval, our remediation reserve at NAA’s Decatur plant is $10.7 million as of July 31, 2013. Approximately $0.3 million of the July 31, 2013 reserve represents administrative costs; the balance of $10.4 million represents estimated costs for investigation, studies, cleanup, and treatment. The reserve has not been discounted. NAA was acquired through a stock purchase in which the sellers agreed to indemnify us and NAA for identified environmental matters related to the business and based on conditions initially created or events initially occurring prior to the acquisition. Environmental conditions are presumed to relate to the period prior to the acquisition unless proved to relate to releases occurring entirely after closing. The limit on indemnification is $21.5 million excluding legal fees. While our current estimates indicate we will not reach this limit, changing circumstances could result in additional costs or expenses that are not foreseen at this time. In accordance with the indemnification, the indemnitors paid the first $1.5 million of response costs and have been paying 90% of on-going costs. Based on our experience to date, the estimated cleanup costs going forward, and costs incurred to date as of July 31, 2013, we expect to recover from the sellers’ shareholders an additional $10.6 million which has not been discounted.

Our final remediation costs and the timing of those expenditures will depend upon such factors as the nature and extent of contamination, the cleanup technologies employed, the effectiveness of the cleanup measures that are employed, and regulatory concurrences. While actual remediation costs, therefore, may be more or less than amounts accrued, we believe that we have established adequate reserves for all probable and reasonably estimable remediation liabilities. It is not possible at this point to reasonably estimate the amount of any obligation for remediation in excess of current accruals because of uncertainties as to the extent of environmental impact, cleanup technologies, and concurrence of governmental authorities. Currently, we expect to pay the accrued remediation reserve through fiscal year 2035, although some of the same factors discussed earlier could accelerate or extend the timing.

Other

From time to time, we, along with our subsidiaries, are involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. Although the ultimate resolution and impact of such litigation is not presently determinable, we believe that the eventual outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our overall financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6398077&loc=d3e12565-110249

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 440
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394976&loc=d3e25287-109308

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)
-Number 14
-Paragraph 3
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 5
-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Derivative Insruments and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

10. Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

Derivative Instruments

Our derivative activities are subject to the management, direction, and control of the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer and other officers and employees they select. Certain transactions in excess of specified levels require further approval from the Board of Directors.

The nature of our business activities requires the management of various financial and market risks, including those related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates and aluminum scrap prices. We use foreign currency forwards and options and aluminum forward and swap contracts to mitigate or eliminate certain of those risks. Specifically, the foreign currency contracts are used to offset fluctuations in the value of accounts receivable and payable balances that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, including the Euro, British Pound and Canadian Dollar. We use aluminum contracts to minimize the price risk related to customer sales contracts. Historically, we have entered into firm price raw material purchase commitments (which are designated as "normal purchases" under ASC topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" (ASC 815)) as well as certain forward purchase and sale contracts and a swap contract with the commodity price based on published amounts from the London Metal Exchange (LME). Our risk management policy, as it relates to these LME contracts, is to enter into contracts as needed so that raw material purchase levels, including both fixed price purchase commitments as well as LME contracts, match our needs to meet the committed sales orders. Currently, we do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes.

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our derivative transactions. We attempt to mitigate this risk by monitoring the creditworthiness of our counterparties and limiting our exposure to individual counterparties. In addition, we have established master netting agreements in certain cases to facilitate the settlement of gains and losses on specific derivative contracts.

We have not designated any of our derivative contracts as hedges for accounting purposes. Therefore, changes in the fair value of these contracts and the realized gains and losses are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:



		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location of Gain or (Loss)	July 31,						July 31,
	Recognized in Earnings	2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Aluminum derivatives	Cost of sales	$	(49	)	$	(734	)	$	(233	)	$	(637	)
Foreign currency derivatives	Other, net	$	(231	)	$	700		$	(613	)	$	1,326

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts were recorded as assets and liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as indicated in the table below:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Asset Derivatives
Prepaid and other current assets:
Aluminum derivatives	$	4	$	10
Foreign currency derivatives	2		6
Other assets:
Aluminum derivatives	8		—

Liability Derivatives
Accrued liabilities:
Aluminum derivatives	259		170
Foreign currency derivatives	111		23
Other liabilities (non-current):
Aluminum derivatives	$	—	$	4

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and fair value of outstanding derivative contracts:



		Notional as indicated		Fair Value in $
		July 31, 2013	October 31, 2012	July 31, 2013			October 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
Aluminum derivatives:
Aluminum forward purchase contracts	LBS	3,638	2,370	$	(28	)	$	(164	)
Aluminum swap contracts	LBS	991	—	(219		)	—

Foreign currency exchange derivatives:
Sell EUR, buy USD	EUR	7,687	7,663	(85		)	(23		)
Buy GBP, sell USD	GBP	2,781	1,934	(24		)	5
Sell CAD, buy USD	CAD	637	608	(2		)	1
Buy EUR, sell GBP	EUR	96	—	2			—
Sell EUR, buy GBP	EUR	—	545	$	—		$	—

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:


•	Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

•

Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates) and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.


•	Level 3 - Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

We hold investments in money market funds, pension plan assets and derivative contracts that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The investments in money market funds and the pension plan assets are measured at fair value based on active market quotations and are therefore classified as Level 1. All of our derivative contracts are valued using quoted market prices from brokers or exchanges and are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

We have classified the investments in money market funds as cash and equivalents and the pension plan assets were classified as deferred pension and postretirement benefits in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis based on the fair value hierarchy:



	July 31, 2013											October 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
Assets
Investments in money market fund	$	8,503	$	—		$	—		$	8,503		$	67,819	$	—		$	—	$	67,819
Pension plan assets	23,171		—			—			23,171			18,562		—			—		18,562
Aluminum derivatives	—		12			—			12			—		10			—		10
Foreign currency exchange derivatives	—		2			—			2			—		6			—		6
Total assets	$	31,674	$	14		$	—		$	31,688		$	86,381	$	16		$	—	$	86,397

Liabilities
Aluminum derivatives	$	—	$	(259	)	$	—		$	(259	)	$	—	$	(174	)	$	—	$	(174	)
Foreign currency exchange derivatives	—		(111		)	—			(111		)	—		(23		)	—		(23		)
Contingent consideration	—		—			(250		)	(250		)	—		—			—		—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	(370	)	$	(250	)	$	(620	)	$	—	$	(197	)	$	—	$	(197	)

Net assets (liabilities)	$	31,674	$	(356	)	$	(250	)	$	31,068		$	86,381	$	(181	)	$	—	$	86,200

In connection with the Alumco asset purchase transaction (See Note 2 "Acquisitions"), we recognized a contingent liability of $0.3 million that is classified as Level 3 and measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair value is based on management's assessment of the probability that the acquired business will achieve the financial targets necessary to receive the earn out payment specified in the purchase agreement. We evaluate this liability each reporting period, and there has been no change in the value of the liability since it was recorded in December 2012.

As of July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, we had approximately $4.7 million and $4.2 million respectively, of property, plant and equipment that is recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis and classified as Level 3. The fair value is based on broker opinions.

Stock-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

11. Stock-Based Compensation

We have established and maintain an Omnibus Incentive Plan (2008 Plan) that provides for the granting of restricted stock awards, stock options, restricted stock units and other stock-based and cash-based awards.

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards are granted to key employees and officers annually, and typically cliff vest over a three-year period with service and continued employment as the only vesting criteria. The recipient of the restricted stock awards is entitled to all of the rights of a shareholder, except that the awards are nontransferable during the vesting period. The fair value of the restricted stock award is established on the grant date and then expensed over the vesting period resulting in an increase in additional paid-in-capital. Shares are generally issued from treasury stock at the time of grant. A summary of non-vested restricted stock awards activity during the nine months ended July 31, 2013 is presented below:



	Restricted Stock Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	212,700		$	16.08
Granted	148,400		18.83
Forfeited	(110,400	)	17.40
Vested	(67,300	)	16.21
Non-vested at July 31, 2013	183,400		$	17.46

The weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the nine-month periods ended July 31, 2013 and 2012 was $18.83 and $15.08, respectively. The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the nine months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively. As of July 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unamortized restricted stock awards totaled $2.1 million. We expect to recognize this expense over the remaining weighted average period of 2.5 years.

Stock Options

Stock options are awarded to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. Director stock options vest immediately while employee and officer stock options typically vest ratably over a three-year period with service and continued employment as the vesting conditions. The fair value of the stock options is determined on the grant date and expensed over the vesting period resulting in an increase in additional paid-in-capital.

We use the Black-Scholes pricing model to estimate the fair value of our stock options. The following table provides a summary of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our stock options issued during the nine-month periods ended July 31, 2013 and 2012.



	Nine Months Ended July 31,
	2013	2012
Weighted-average expected volatility	54.9%	54.0%
Weighted-average expected term (in years)	5.2	5.0
Risk-free interest rate	1.0%	0.9%
Expected dividend yield over expected term	1.0%	1.0%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$8.71	$6.70

The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the nine months ended July 31, 2013:



	Stock Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000s)
Outstanding at October 31, 2012	2,473,250		$	14.57
Granted	611,600		19.75
Exercised	(63,814	)	14.25
Forfeited/Expired	(51,486	)	18.02
Outstanding at July 31, 2013	2,969,550		15.58		6.9	$	6,342
Vested or expected to vest at July 31, 2013	2,886,361		15.49		6.9	6,308
Exercisable at July 31, 2013	1,908,849		$	14.18	5.8	$	5,741

The total intrinsic value of stock options (the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price of the stock option) exercised during the nine months ended July 31, 2013, and 2012 was $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during the nine months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, was $3.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively. As of July 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was $4.1 million. We expect to recognize this expense over the remaining weighted average period of 2.3 years.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units are awarded to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. The director restricted stock units vest immediately and the employee and officer restricted stock units typically cliff vest after a three-year period with service and continued employment as the vesting conditions. Restricted stock units are not considered outstanding shares and do not have voting rights, although the holder does receive a cash payment equivalent to the dividend paid on a one-for-one basis on our outstanding common shares. Once the vesting criteria is met, each restricted stock unit is payable to the holder in cash based on the market value of one share of our common stock. Accordingly, we record a liability for the restricted stock units on our balance sheet and recognize any changes in the market value during each reporting period as compensation expense.

A summary of non-vested restricted stock units activity during the nine months ended July 31, 2013 is presented below:



	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	161,000		$	15.47
Forfeited	(54,000	)	15.08
Vested	(6,000	)	18.35
Non-vested at July 31, 2013	101,000		$	15.47

No restricted stock units were granted during the nine months ended July 31, 2013. During the nine months ended July 31, 2012, the weighted average grant date fair value of restricted stock units granted was $15.33 per unit. Cash used to settle restricted stock units during the nine months ended July 31, 2013, and 2012 was $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 50
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6406099&loc=d3e25284-112666

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 40
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6418621&loc=d3e17540-113929

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 718
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5444-113901

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 14

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 123R
-Paragraph 64, 65, A240
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher AICPA
-Name Statement of Position (SOP)
-Number 93-6
-Paragraph 53
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Other Income (Expense)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Income (Expense)

12. Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) included under the caption "Other, net" on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income, consisted of the following for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$	167		$	(712	)	$	498		$	(1,329	)
Foreign currency exchange derivative gains (losses)	(231		)	700			(613		)	1,326
Interest income	14			42			48			190
Other	4			(9		)	(61		)	12
Other income (expense)	$	(46	)	$	21		$	(128	)	$	199

Segment Information

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Industry Segment Information

13. Segment Information

We have two reportable segments: (1) Engineered Products and (2) Aluminum Sheet Products. The Engineered Products segment produces systems, finished products and components serving the OEM residential window and door industry, while the Aluminum Sheet Products segment produces mill finished and coated aluminum sheet serving the broader building and construction markets. The primary market drivers of our segments are residential remodeling and replacement activity (R&R) and new home construction.

We measure our inventory at the segment level on a FIFO or weighted-average basis; however, at the consolidated level, a portion of the inventory is measured on a LIFO basis. The LIFO reserve is computed on a consolidated basis as a single pool. (See "Inventories", Note 3.) We record LIFO inventory adjustments, corporate office charges and inter-segment eliminations as Corporate & Other. We account for inter-segment sales and transfers as though the sales or transfers were to third parties, at current market prices. Inter-segment sales, related cost of sales, and intercompany profit are eliminated in consolidation. The most significant components of corporate assets include cash and equivalents, property, plant and equipment, and deferred tax assets, among others. We measure segment profit and our chief operating decision makers evaluate segment results based on the U.S. GAAP measure of operating income (loss). We do not allocate interest expense, interest income or income taxes to our operating segments.

Our segment information for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):



	Engineered Products		Aluminum Sheet Products			Corporate & Other			Total
Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
Net sales	$	156,765	$	102,409		$	—		$	259,174
Inter-segment sales	58		2,789			(2,847		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	8,067		1,820			2,306			12,193
Operating income (loss)	18,561		(490		)	(10,955		)	7,116
Capital expenditures	$	3,343	$	4,926		$	1,265		$	9,534



Three Months Ended July 31, 2012
Net sales	$	134,060	$	103,845		$	—		$	237,905
Inter-segment sales	—		3,179			(3,179		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	6,911		1,697			523			9,131
Operating income (loss)	13,063		(3,162		)	(8,449		)	1,452
Capital expenditures	$	3,143	$	2,428		$	4,828		$	10,399



As of July 31, 2013
Goodwill	$	71,302	$	—	$	—	$	71,302
Total assets	$	401,449	$	142,930	$	27,182	$	571,561



	Engineered Products		Aluminum Sheet Products			Corporate & Other			Total
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
Net sales	$	388,024	$	289,321		$	—		$	677,345
Inter-segment sales	75		10,172			(10,247		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	23,637		5,173			4,579			33,389
Operating income (loss)	27,303		(5,187		)	(38,058		)	(15,942		)
Capital expenditures	$	11,718	$	13,324		$	9,475		$	34,517



Nine Months Ended July 31, 2012
Net sales	$	342,223	$	251,705		$	—		$	593,928
Inter-segment sales	—		9,312			(9,312		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	20,961		6,154			1,266			28,381
Operating income (loss)	14,949		(16,213		)	(24,667		)	(25,931		)
Capital expenditures	$	14,507	$	6,107		$	11,096		$	31,710



As of October 31, 2012
Goodwill	$	68,331	$	—	$	—	$	68,331
Total assets	$	380,551	$	139,733	$	69,254	$	589,538

For the change in the carrying amount of goodwill see Note 4 "Goodwill & Intangible Assets".

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 34
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8981-108599

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 41
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9038-108599

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 33
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8971-108599

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8595-108599

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8380-108599

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8933-108599

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 26
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8844-108599

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 35
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8984-108599

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 40
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9031-108599

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 42
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e9054-108599

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8538-108599

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 29
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8864-108599

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 31
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8924-108599

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 30
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6534315&loc=d3e8906-108599

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 131
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Earnings Per Share

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

14. Earnings Per Share

We compute basic earnings per share by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common and potential common share includes the weighted average of additional shares associated with the incremental effect of dilutive employee stock options and non-vested restricted stock as determined using the treasury stock method prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidance on earnings per share.

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share data):



	Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
	Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	4,969	36,856	$	0.13
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		464
Restricted stock	—		93
Diluted earnings per common share	$	4,969	37,413	$	0.13



	Three Months Ended July 31, 2012
	Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	1,531	36,637	$	0.04
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		416
Restricted stock	—		110
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1,531	37,163	$	0.04

The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes outstanding stock options and other common stock equivalents when their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. This is always the case when an entity incurs a net loss, as we did for the nine-month periods ended July 31, 2013 and 2012. During these nine-month periods, 501,721 and 373,770 of common stock equivalents, respectively, and 102,714 and 104,867 shares of restricted stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

For the three- and nine- month periods ended July 31, 2013 and 2012, we had 838,380 and 893,808 securities, respectively, and 794,873 and 953,174 securities, respectively, that were potentially dilutive in future earnings per share calculations. Such dilution will be dependent on the excess of the market price of our stock over the exercise price and other components of the treasury stock method.

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
New Accounting Pronouncements	Jul. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	15. New Accounting Pronouncements In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2013-2, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. The provisions of ASU 2013-2 are effective for us as of November 1, 2013; however, we do not expect its provisions to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities, which requires entities to disclose both gross information and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The scope of this standard, which was subsequently clarified by ASU 2013-1, includes derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements, reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. These disclosures assist users of financial statements in evaluating the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements on an entity's financial position. The provisions of ASU 2011-11 are effective for us as of November 1, 2013; however, we do not expect its provisions to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, Testing Goodwill for Impairment which amends the guidance in ASC 350-20. The amendments in ASU 2011-08 provide entities with the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the first step of the two-step impairment test. If entities determine, on the basis of qualitative factors, it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test would be unnecessary. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the first step of the two-step impairment test by calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, then the entity is required to perform the second step of the goodwill impairment test to measure the amount of the impairment loss, if any. ASU 2011-08 also provides entities with the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed directly to the first step of the two-step impairment test. ASU 2011-08 applies to our annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed after November 1, 2012. The provisions of ASU 2011-08 will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. We adopted ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income, as of November 1, 2012 and have elected to present separate condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012.

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events Subsequent Events	Jul. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	16. Subsequent Events In August 2013, our Board of Directors approved a plan to cease all activities associated with our enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation based on several elements, but the primary element was the opportunity to spend the resources on a number of organic growth opportunities that are available to us today which were not available when the implementation effort began in 2010. These opportunities will require capital but offer significantly higher returns on invested capital than a continued investment in the ERP system. Our near-term objective will be to transition all the locations currently on the ERP system to legacy systems. We expect to expense the costs associated with the current phase of the implementation totaling approximately $1.2 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. In addition, we may incur charges related to one-time termination benefits, contract termination costs or other costs which will be expensed as incurred. We believe that the ERP will be used for a period of three to six months until these functions have been migrated to legacy systems. As such, we expect to record a change in accounting estimate and accelerate depreciation of the first phase of this ERP implementation, with a net book value of $17.5 million at July 31, 2013, over a remaining term of less than or equal to six months.

Acquisitions (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation [Table Text Block]



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	3,638
Inventories	5,062
Prepaid and other current assets	140
Property, plant and equipment	4,702
Intangible assets	8,939
Accounts payable	(2,066		)
Accrued liabilities	(993		)
Current maturities of long-term debt	(14		)
Long-term debt	(77		)
Goodwill	2,765
Net assets acquired	$	22,096
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	22,096

Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	37,350	$	34,392
Finished goods and work in process	42,412		43,915
Supplies and other	2,462		2,567
Total	82,224		80,874
Less inventory reserves	14,385		14,970
Inventories, net	$	67,839	$	65,904

Values of Inventories

The values of inventories are based on the following accounting methods:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
LIFO	$	20,962	$	28,224
FIFO	46,877		37,680
Total	$	67,839	$	65,904

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill was as follows (in thousands):



	Nine Months Ended		Year Ended
	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012 and 2011, respectively	$	68,331	$	69,432
Alumco acquisition	2,765		—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	206		(1,101		)
Balance as of the end of the period	$	71,302	$	68,331

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):



	July 31, 2013				October 31, 2012
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer relationships	$	52,525	$	14,552	$	43,737	$	11,675
Trademarks and trade names	44,534		16,704		44,519		14,520
Patents and other technology	25,029		10,794		24,773		9,382
Other	1,392		673		1,392		464
Total	$	123,480	$	42,723	$	114,421	$	36,041

Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets

Estimated remaining amortization expense, assuming current intangible balances and no new acquisitions, for each of the fiscal years ending October 31, was as follows (in thousands):



	Estimated Amortization Expense
2013 (remaining three months)	$	2,272
2014	8,986
2015	8,852
2016	8,581
2017	8,475
Thereafter	43,591
Total	$	80,757

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total which includes a rollforward schedule.

+ References + Details

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility	$	—	$	—
City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds	700		800
Scott County, Iowa Industrial Waste Recycling Revenue Bonds	200		400
Capital lease obligations and other	228		201
Total debt	1,128		1,401
Less current maturities	375		368
Long-term debt	$	753	$	1,033

Retirement Plans (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Net Periodic Pension Cost

The net periodic pension cost for this plan includes the following components:



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$	955		$	884		$	2,865		$	2,710
Interest cost	197			184			590			592
Expected return on plan assets	(350		)	(250		)	(1,050		)	(831		)
Amortization of net loss	92			45			277			118
Net periodic benefit cost	$	894		$	863		$	2,682		$	2,589

Warranty Obligations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Activity Related to the Company's Accrued Warranty



	Nine Months Ended			Year Ended
	July 31, 2013			October 31, 2012
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2012 and 2011, respectively	$	4,781		$	5,262
Provision for warranty expense	548			652
Change in accrual for preexisting warranties	(337		)	(838		)
Warranty costs paid	(376		)	(295		)
Total accrued warranty as of the end of the period	4,616			4,781
Less current accrued warranty	1,887			2,045
Long-term accrued warranty	$	2,729		$	2,736

Contingencies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Environmental Reserve and Corresponding Recovery



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Accrued liabilities	$	1,700	$	1,700
Non-current environmental reserves	9,037		9,827
Total environmental reserves	$	10,737	$	11,527

Accounts receivable	$	929	$	821
Other assets (non-current)	9,663		10,374
Total receivable for recovery of remediation costs	$	10,592	$	11,195

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of environmental loss contingencies by individual site. Does not include loss contingencies that are not environmental in nature.

+ References + Details

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Derivative Insruments and Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block]

Therefore, changes in the fair value of these contracts and the realized gains and losses are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:



		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location of Gain or (Loss)	July 31,						July 31,
	Recognized in Earnings	2013			2012			2013			2012
		(In thousands)
Aluminum derivatives	Cost of sales	$	(49	)	$	(734	)	$	(233	)	$	(637	)
Foreign currency derivatives	Other, net	$	(231	)	$	700		$	(613	)	$	1,326

Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block]

The fair value of outstanding derivative contracts were recorded as assets and liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as indicated in the table below:



	July 31, 2013		October 31, 2012
	(In thousands)
Asset Derivatives
Prepaid and other current assets:
Aluminum derivatives	$	4	$	10
Foreign currency derivatives	2		6
Other assets:
Aluminum derivatives	8		—

Liability Derivatives
Accrued liabilities:
Aluminum derivatives	259		170
Foreign currency derivatives	111		23
Other liabilities (non-current):
Aluminum derivatives	$	—	$	4

Schedule of Notional Amounts of Oustanding Derivative Positions

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and fair value of outstanding derivative contracts:



		Notional as indicated		Fair Value in $
		July 31, 2013	October 31, 2012	July 31, 2013			October 31, 2012
		(In thousands)
Aluminum derivatives:
Aluminum forward purchase contracts	LBS	3,638	2,370	$	(28	)	$	(164	)
Aluminum swap contracts	LBS	991	—	(219		)	—

Foreign currency exchange derivatives:
Sell EUR, buy USD	EUR	7,687	7,663	(85		)	(23		)
Buy GBP, sell USD	GBP	2,781	1,934	(24		)	5
Sell CAD, buy USD	CAD	637	608	(2		)	1
Buy EUR, sell GBP	EUR	96	—	2			—
Sell EUR, buy GBP	EUR	—	545	$	—		$	—

Summary of Fair Value of Assets Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis based on the fair value hierarchy:



	July 31, 2013											October 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3			Total			Level 1		Level 2			Level 3		Total
	(In thousands)
Assets
Investments in money market fund	$	8,503	$	—		$	—		$	8,503		$	67,819	$	—		$	—	$	67,819
Pension plan assets	23,171		—			—			23,171			18,562		—			—		18,562
Aluminum derivatives	—		12			—			12			—		10			—		10
Foreign currency exchange derivatives	—		2			—			2			—		6			—		6
Total assets	$	31,674	$	14		$	—		$	31,688		$	86,381	$	16		$	—	$	86,397

Liabilities
Aluminum derivatives	$	—	$	(259	)	$	—		$	(259	)	$	—	$	(174	)	$	—	$	(174	)
Foreign currency exchange derivatives	—		(111		)	—			(111		)	—		(23		)	—		(23		)
Contingent consideration	—		—			(250		)	(250		)	—		—			—		—
Total liabilities	$	—	$	(370	)	$	(250	)	$	(620	)	$	—	$	(197	)	$	—	$	(197	)

Net assets (liabilities)	$	31,674	$	(356	)	$	(250	)	$	31,068		$	86,381	$	(181	)	$	—	$	86,200

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of assets, including [financial] instruments measured at fair value that are classified in stockholders' equity, if any, by class that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The disclosures contemplated herein include the fair value measurements at the reporting date by the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements in their entirety fall, segregating fair value measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), significant other observable inputs (Level 2), and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

+ References + Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the location and amount of gains and losses reported in the statement of financial performance, or when applicable, the statement of financial position. For example, (a) gains and losses recognized in the income statement on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments in fair value hedges and related hedged items designated and qualifying in fair value hedges and (b) gains and losses initially recognized in other comprehensive income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

+ References + Details

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Share Activity

A summary of non-vested restricted stock awards activity during the nine months ended July 31, 2013 is presented below:



	Restricted Stock Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	212,700		$	16.08
Granted	148,400		18.83
Forfeited	(110,400	)	17.40
Vested	(67,300	)	16.21
Non-vested at July 31, 2013	183,400		$	17.46

Schedule of Valuation Assumptions for Grants

The following table provides a summary of assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our stock options issued during the nine-month periods ended July 31, 2013 and 2012.



	Nine Months Ended July 31,
	2013	2012
Weighted-average expected volatility	54.9%	54.0%
Weighted-average expected term (in years)	5.2	5.0
Risk-free interest rate	1.0%	0.9%
Expected dividend yield over expected term	1.0%	1.0%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$8.71	$6.70

Schedule of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the nine months ended July 31, 2013:



	Stock Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000s)
Outstanding at October 31, 2012	2,473,250		$	14.57
Granted	611,600		19.75
Exercised	(63,814	)	14.25
Forfeited/Expired	(51,486	)	18.02
Outstanding at July 31, 2013	2,969,550		15.58		6.9	$	6,342
Vested or expected to vest at July 31, 2013	2,886,361		15.49		6.9	6,308
Exercisable at July 31, 2013	1,908,849		$	14.18	5.8	$	5,741

Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity

A summary of non-vested restricted stock units activity during the nine months ended July 31, 2013 is presented below:



	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	161,000		$	15.47
Forfeited	(54,000	)	15.08
Vested	(6,000	)	18.35
Non-vested at July 31, 2013	101,000		$	15.47

Other Income (Expense) Other Income (Expense) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)



	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	July 31,						July 31,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(In thousands)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$	167		$	(712	)	$	498		$	(1,329	)
Foreign currency exchange derivative gains (losses)	(231		)	700			(613		)	1,326
Interest income	14			42			48			190
Other	4			(9		)	(61		)	12
Other income (expense)	$	(46	)	$	21		$	(128	)	$	199

Segment Information (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summary of Net Sales, Operating Income (Loss) and Identifiable Assets by Segment

Our segment information for the three and nine months ended July 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (in thousands):



	Engineered Products		Aluminum Sheet Products			Corporate & Other			Total
Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
Net sales	$	156,765	$	102,409		$	—		$	259,174
Inter-segment sales	58		2,789			(2,847		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	8,067		1,820			2,306			12,193
Operating income (loss)	18,561		(490		)	(10,955		)	7,116
Capital expenditures	$	3,343	$	4,926		$	1,265		$	9,534



Three Months Ended July 31, 2012
Net sales	$	134,060	$	103,845		$	—		$	237,905
Inter-segment sales	—		3,179			(3,179		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	6,911		1,697			523			9,131
Operating income (loss)	13,063		(3,162		)	(8,449		)	1,452
Capital expenditures	$	3,143	$	2,428		$	4,828		$	10,399



As of July 31, 2013
Goodwill	$	71,302	$	—	$	—	$	71,302
Total assets	$	401,449	$	142,930	$	27,182	$	571,561



	Engineered Products		Aluminum Sheet Products			Corporate & Other			Total
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2013
Net sales	$	388,024	$	289,321		$	—		$	677,345
Inter-segment sales	75		10,172			(10,247		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	23,637		5,173			4,579			33,389
Operating income (loss)	27,303		(5,187		)	(38,058		)	(15,942		)
Capital expenditures	$	11,718	$	13,324		$	9,475		$	34,517



Nine Months Ended July 31, 2012
Net sales	$	342,223	$	251,705		$	—		$	593,928
Inter-segment sales	—		9,312			(9,312		)	—
Depreciation and amortization	20,961		6,154			1,266			28,381
Operating income (loss)	14,949		(16,213		)	(24,667		)	(25,931		)
Capital expenditures	$	14,507	$	6,107		$	11,096		$	31,710



As of October 31, 2012
Goodwill	$	68,331	$	—	$	—	$	68,331
Total assets	$	380,551	$	139,733	$	69,254	$	589,538

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References + Details

Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2013

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic & Diluted

Basic and diluted earnings per share were calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share data):



	Three Months Ended July 31, 2013
	Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	4,969	36,856	$	0.13
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		464
Restricted stock	—		93
Diluted earnings per common share	$	4,969	37,413	$	0.13



	Three Months Ended July 31, 2012
	Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	1,531	36,637	$	0.04
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		416
Restricted stock	—		110
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1,531	37,163	$	0.04

Acquisitions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
Acquisitions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Purchase Price [Abstract]
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 22,400
Contingent consideration based on certain financial targets	500
Contingent consideration based on working capital clause	400
Contingent consideration, at fair value	250
Adjustment to goodwill	$ 200	$ 100
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Accounts receivable			$ 3,638
Inventories			5,062
Prepaid and other current assets			140
Property, plant and equipment			4,702
Intangible assets			8,939
Accounts payable			(2,066)
Accrued liabilities			(993)
Current maturities of long-term debt			(14)
Long-term debt			(77)
Goodwill			2,765
Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired			$ 22,096

Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves [Abstract]
Raw materials	$ 37,350	$ 34,392
Finished goods and work in process	42,412	43,915
Supplies and other	2,462	2,567
Inventory, gross	82,224	80,874
Inventory reserves	14,385	14,970
Inventories, net	67,839	65,904
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
LIFO	20,962	28,224
FIFO	46,877	37,680
Inventories, net	67,839	65,904
Excess of replacement cost over LIFO value	$ 10,700	$ 10,700

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization expense	$ 2,300	$ 2,000	$ 6,600	$ 6,200
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance			68,331	$ 69,432	$ 69,432
Alumco acquisition			2,765
Foreign currency translation adjustment			206		(1,101)
Ending balance	71,302		71,302		68,331
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	123,480		123,480		114,421
Accumulated Amortization	42,723		42,723		36,041
Estimated Amortization Expense
2013 (remaining three months)	2,272		2,272
2014	8,986		8,986
2015	8,852		8,852
2016	8,581		8,581
2017	8,475		8,475
Thereafter	43,591		43,591
Intangible assets, net	80,757		80,757		78,380
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	52,525		52,525		43,737
Accumulated Amortization	(14,552)		(14,552)		(11,675)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			$ 8,700
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			10 years
Trademarks and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	44,534		$ 44,534		44,519
Accumulated Amortization	(16,704)		(16,704)		(14,520)
Patents and other technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	25,029		25,029		24,773
Accumulated Amortization	(10,794)		(10,794)		(9,382)
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired			$ 200
Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life			3 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Amount	1,392		$ 1,392		1,392
Accumulated Amortization	$ (673)		$ (673)		$ (464)

Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Debt	$ 1,128		$ 1,401
Less maturities due within one year included in current liabilities	375		368
Long-term debt	753		1,033
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	150,000
Credit Facility, commitments increase limit	100,000
Credit facility, total commitments limit	$ 250,000
Credit facility, initiation date	Jan. 28, 2013
Credit facility, expiration date	Jan. 27, 2018
Credit Facility, amount available	$ 82,500
Letters of credit, outstanding	$ 5,700
Weighted-average interest rate	1.33%
Current borrowing rate - Revolver	3.25%
Current borrowing rate - Swing line sub facility	1.20%
Required consolidated interest coverage ratio	3.00
Required consolidated leverage ratio	3.25
Borrowings under credit facility	$ 23,500	$ 0
Repayments of credit facility borrowings	23,500	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Debt	0		0
Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Debt	700		800
Iowa Industrial Waste Recycling Revenue Bonds
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Debt	200		400
Capital Lease Obligations and Other
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total Debt	$ 228		$ 201

Retirement Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Retirement Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer			$ 3,300
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$ 955	$ 884	2,865	$ 2,710
Interest cost	197	184	590	592
Expected return on plan assets	(350)	(250)	(1,050)	(831)
Amortization of net loss	92	45	277	118
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 894	$ 863	$ 2,682	$ 2,589

- Definition

An amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 30
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512136

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 60
-Glossary Expected Return on Plan Assets
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6512171

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.

+ References + Details

- Definition

The actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Service Cost (Component of Net Periodic Pension Cost)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6525008

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (h)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=21915506&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 87
-Paragraph 264
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 132R
-Paragraph 5
-Subparagraph a, h
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)
-Number 106
-Paragraph 518
-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Warranty Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Warranty Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Beginning balance	$ 4,781	$ 5,262
Provision for warranty expense	548	652
Change in accrual for preexisting warranties	(337)	(838)
Warranty costs paid	(376)	295
Total accrued warranty	4,616	4,781
Current accrued warranty	1,887	2,045
Less long-term portion	$ 2,729	$ 2,736

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable for estimated claims under standard and extended warranty protection rights granted to customers. For classified balance sheets, represents the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References + Details

Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Estimated annual effective tax rate	27.90%	(12.20%)	36.60%	32.90%
Income tax receivable	$ 200		$ 200		$ 1,300
Non-cash increase to Retained Earnings	2,100
A decrease in income tax expense of	600
A decrease in liability for uncertain tax positions	2,700
Unrecognized tax benefits	13,300		13,300		15,800
Liability for uncertain tax positions	5,416		5,416		6,736
Deferred income taxes	12,381		12,381		$ 8,911
Uncertain tax position in deferred taxes	7,900		7,900
Possible change in uncertain tax benefit within the next year	$ 2,000		$ 2,000

Contingencies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
Contingencies (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued liabilities	$ 1,700	$ 1,700
Non-current environmental reserves	9,037	9,827
Total environmental reserves	10,737	11,527
Accounts Receivable	929	821
Other assets (non-current)	9,663	10,374
Receivable for recovery of remediation costs	10,592	$ 11,195
Environmental Remediation [Abstract]
Environmental reserve, administrative costs	300
Remaining environmental reserve (net of admin & legal costs)	10,400
Limit on indemnification	21,500
Payment on indemnification received	$ 1,500
Percentage of ongoing payments received	90.00%

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities (Detail 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012
Derivatives [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, asset	$ 12		$ 12		$ 10
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, asset	2		2		6
Aluminum derivatives, liability	(259)		(259)		(174)
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, liability	(111)		(111)		(23)
Cost of Sales
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives	(49)	$ (734)	(233)	$ (637)
Other Non Operating Income (Loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	(231)	$ 700	(613)	$ 1,326
Aluminum Forward Purchase Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, notional amount	3,638		3,638		2,370
Aluminum derivatives, fair value	(28)		(28)		(164)
Aluminum Swap Contracts
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, notional amount	991		991
Aluminum derivatives, fair value	(219)		(219)
Sell EUR
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, notional amount	7,687		7,687		7,663
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, fair value	(85)		(85)		(23)
Buy GBP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, notional amount	2,781		2,781		1,934
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, fair value	(24)		(24)		5
Sell CAD
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, notional amount	637		637		608
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, fair value	(2)		(2)		1
Buy EUR, sell GBP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, notional amount	96		96
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, fair value	2		2
Sell EUR, buy GBP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, notional amount					545
Prepaid and Other Current Assets
Derivatives [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, asset	4		4		10
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, asset	2		2		6
Other Assets
Derivatives [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, asset	8		8
Accrued Liabilities
Derivatives [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, liability	259		259		170
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, liability	$ 111		$ 111		23
Other Liabilities
Derivatives [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, liability					$ 4

Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities Derivative Instruments and Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities (Detail 2) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in money market fund	$ 8,503	$ 67,819
Pension plan assets	23,171	18,562
Aluminum derivatives, asset	12	10
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, asset	2	6
Total assets	31,688	86,397
Aluminum derivatives, liability	(259)	(174)
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, liability	(111)	(23)
Contingent consideration, at fair value	250
Total liabilities	(620)	(197)
Net assets (liabilities)	31,068	86,200
Property, plant, and equipment at fair value (non-recurring)	4,700	4,200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Investments in money market fund	8,503	67,819
Pension plan assets	23,171	18,562
Total assets	31,674	86,381
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Aluminum derivatives, asset	12	10
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, asset	2	6
Total assets	14	16
Aluminum derivatives, liability	(259)	(174)
Foreign currency exchange derivatives, liability	(111)	(23)
Total liabilities	(370)	(197)
Net assets (liabilities)	(356)	$ (181)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Contingent consideration, at fair value	$ (250)

Stock Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]
Weighted-average expected volatility	54.90%	54.00%
Weighted-average expected term (in years)	5 years 2 months	5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.00%	0.90%
Expected dividend yield over expected term	1.00%	1.00%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$ 8.71	$ 6.70
Stock Options, [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period	2,473,250
Granted	611,600
Exercised	(63,814)
Cancelled/Expired	(51,486)
Outstanding at end of period	2,969,550.00
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	2,886,361
Exercisable at end of period	1,908,849
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 14.57
Granted	19.75
Exercised	14.25
Cancelled/Expired	18.02
Outstanding at end of period	15.58
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	15.49
Exercisable at end of period	$ 14.18
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at end of period	6 years 10 months 24 days
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	6 years 10 months 24 days
Exercisable at end of period	5 years 10 months
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period	$ 6,342,000
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	6,308,000
Exercisable at end of period	$ 5,741,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Vesting period	3 years
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested	$ 1,100,000
Fair value of stock options vested	3,000,000	$ 2,300,000
Unrecognized compensation cost - non vested restricted stock awards	2,100,000
Unrecognized compensation cost - non vested stock options	$ 4,100,000
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 4 months
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 400,000	800,000
Cash used to settle restricted stock units	$ 111,060.0	$ 200,000
Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs)
Number of Shares
Non-vested at beginning of the Period	212,700
Granted	148,400
Cancelled	(110,400)
Vested	(67,300)
Non-vested at end of the Period	183,400
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at beginning of the Period	$ 16.08
Granted	18.83	$ 15.08
Cancelled	17.40
Vested	16.21
Non-vested at end of the Period	$ 17.46
Vesting period	3 years
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested		$ 900,000
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	2 years 6 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Number of Shares
Non-vested at beginning of the Period	161,000
Cancelled	(54,000)
Vested	6,000
Non-vested at end of the Period	101,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Non-vested at beginning of the Period	$ 15.47
Granted		$ 15.33
Cancelled	15.08
Vested	18.35
Non-vested at end of the Period	$ 15.47
Vesting period	3 years

Other Income (Expense) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Other Income (Expense) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$ 167	$ (712)	$ 498	$ (1,329)
Foreign currency exchange derivative gains (losses)	(231)	700	(613)	1,326
Interest income	14	42	48	190
Other	4	(9)	(61)	12
Other income (expense)	$ (46)	$ 21	$ (128)	$ 199

- Definition

The aggregate foreign currency transaction gain (loss) (both realized and unrealized) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity and intercompany foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term nature, when the entities to the transaction are consolidated, combined, or accounted for by the equity method in the reporting enterprise's financial statements. For certain enterprises, primarily banks, that are dealers in foreign exchange, foreign currency transaction gains (losses) may be disclosed as dealer gains (losses).

+ References + Details

Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 259,174	$ 237,905	$ 677,345	$ 593,928
Inter-segment sales	0	0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	12,193	9,131	33,389	28,381
Operating income (loss)	7,116	1,452	(15,942)	(25,931)
Capital expenditures	9,534	10,399	34,517	31,710
Goodwill	71,302		71,302		$ 68,331	$ 69,432
Assets	571,561		571,561		589,538
Engineered Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	156,765	134,060	388,024	342,223
Inter-segment sales	58	0	75	0
Depreciation and amortization	8,067	6,911	23,637	20,961
Operating income (loss)	18,561	13,063	27,303	14,949
Capital expenditures	3,343	3,143	11,718	14,507
Goodwill	71,302		71,302		68,331
Assets	401,449		401,449		380,551
Aluminum Sheet Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	102,409	103,845	289,321	251,705
Inter-segment sales	2,789	3,179	10,172	9,312
Depreciation and amortization	1,820	1,697	5,173	6,154
Operating income (loss)	(490)	(3,162)	(5,187)	(16,213)
Capital expenditures	4,926	2,428	13,324	6,107
Goodwill	0		0		0
Assets	142,930		142,930		139,733
Corporate & Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0	0
Inter-segment sales	(2,847)	(3,179)	(10,247)	(9,312)
Depreciation and amortization	2,306	523	4,579	1,266
Operating income (loss)	(10,955)	(8,449)	(38,058)	(24,667)
Capital expenditures	1,265	$ 4,828	9,475	$ 11,096
Goodwill	0		0		0
Assets	$ 27,182		$ 27,182		$ 69,254

Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 4,969	$ 1,531	$ (10,497)	$ (17,502)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, basic	36,856,000	36,637,000	36,838,000	36,584,000
Basic earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.04	$ (0.28)	$ (0.48)
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding, diluted	37,413,000	37,163,000	36,838,000	36,584,000
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.13	$ 0.04	$ (0.28)	$ (0.48)
Antidilutive securities	838,380	893,808	794,873	953,174
Stock Options
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Dilutive securities	464,000	416,000	501,721	373,770
Restricted Stock Awards (RSAs)
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Dilutive securities	93,000	110,000	102,714	104,867

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) $ in Millions	Jul. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Current phase of implementation cost	$ 1.2
First phase of implementation cost	$ 17.5