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Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015	Dec. 11, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Quanex Building Products Corporation
Entity Central Index Key	0001423221
Trading Symbol	NX
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,971,483
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 647,082,082

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 23,125	$ 120,384
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $673 and $698 (Note 3)	64,080	55,193
Inventories, net (Note 4)	63,029	57,358
Deferred income taxes (Note 11)	14,024	21,442
Prepaid and other current assets	7,992	6,052
Total current assets	172,250	260,429
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $217,512 and $200,414 (Note 5)	140,672	109,487
Deferred income taxes (Note 11)	0	1,545
Goodwill (Note 6)	129,770	70,546
Intangible assets, net (Note 6)	120,810	70,150
Other assets	8,529	4,956
Total assets	572,031	517,113
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	47,778	41,488
Accrued liabilities (Note 7)	37,364	32,482
Income taxes payable (Note 11)	747	107
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 8)	2,359	199
Total current liabilities	88,248	74,276
Long-term debt (Note 8)	55,041	586
Deferred pension and postretirement benefits (Note 9)	5,701	4,818
Deferred income taxes (Note 11)	5,241	0
Liability for uncertain tax positions (Note 11)	564	4,626
Other liabilities	21,941	11,887
Total liabilities	176,736	96,193
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 37,609,563 and 37,632,032 respectively; outstanding 33,962,460 and 36,214,332, respectively	376	376
Additional paid-in-capital	250,937	249,600
Retained earnings	222,138	202,319
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(10,049)	(5,708)
Less: Treasury stock at cost, 3,647,103 and 1,417,700 shares, respectively	(68,107)	(25,667)
Total stockholders’ equity	395,295	420,920
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 572,031	$ 517,113

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 673	$ 698
Accumulated Depreciation of property assets	$ 217,512	$ 200,414
Preferred stock, 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	37,609,563	37,632,032
Common stock, shares outstanding	33,962,460	36,214,332
Treasury stock at cost (shares)	3,647,103	1,417,700

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 645,528	$ 595,384	$ 554,867
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales	499,097	464,584	419,733
Selling, general and administrative	86,536	82,150	98,969
Depreciation and amortization	35,220	33,869	53,521
Asset impairment charges	0	505	1,465
Operating income (loss)	24,675	14,276	(18,821)
Non-operating income (expense):
Interest expense	(991)	(562)	(621)
Other, net	(531)	92	170
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	23,153	13,806	(19,272)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(7,539)	(5,468)	6,888
Income (loss) from continuing operations	15,614	8,338	(12,384)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax of $300, $13,115, and $390, respectively	479	20,896	681
Net (loss) income	$ 16,093	$ 29,234	$ (11,703)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.46	$ 0.22	$ (0.34)
Earnings from discontinued operations	0.01	0.57	0.02
Basic earnings (loss) per share	0.47	0.79	(0.32)
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	0.46	0.22	(0.34)
Earnings from discontinued operations	0.01	0.56	0.02
Diluted earnings (loss) per share	$ 0.47	$ 0.78	$ (0.32)
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	33,993	37,128	36,864
Diluted (in shares)	34,502	37,679	36,864
Cash dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16

Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Income tax expense (benefit) of discontinued operations	$ 300	$ 13,115	$ 390

- Definition

Amount of tax expense (benefit) related to a discontinued operation. Includes, but is not limited to, tax expense (benefit) related to income (loss) from operations during the phase-out period, tax expense (benefit) related to gain (loss) on disposal, tax expense (benefit) related to gain (loss) for reversal of write-down (write-down) to fair value, less cost to sell, and tax expense (benefit) related to adjustments of a prior period gain (loss) on disposal.

+ References + Details

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net (loss) income	$ 16,093	$ 29,234	$ (11,703)
Foreign currency translation adjustments (loss) gain (pretax)	(3,595)	(1,840)	1,068
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax benefit (expense)	0	14	27
Change in pension from net unamortized (loss) gain (pretax)	(1,280)	(2,474)	2,997
Change in pension from net unamortized (loss) gain tax benefit (expense)	534	992	(1,193)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(4,341)	(3,308)	2,899
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 11,752	$ 25,926	$ (8,804)

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock Shares	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock Shares	Treasury Stock
Common stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2012		37,788,804
Stockholders' equity, value at Oct. 31, 2012	$ 421,827		$ 378	$ 245,144	$ 193,105	$ (5,299)		$ (11,501)
Treasury stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2012							(816,302)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(11,703)				(11,703)
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)	1,095					1,095
Change in pension from net unamortized gain	1,804					1,804
Common dividends ($0.16 per share)	(5,931)				(5,931)
Stock-based compensation activity:
Expense related to stock-based compensation	4,910			4,910
Stock options exercised	$ 2,583			54	0			2,529
Shares, Issued	(179,517)						(179,517)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	$ 25			25
Restricted stock awards granted	0			(2,091)				2,091
Restricted stock awards granted (in shares)							148,400
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit	2,102				2,102
Other (in shares)		135,165
Other	(518)		(1)	(400)	(117)	0
Common stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2013		37,653,639
Stockholders' equity, value at Oct. 31, 2013	416,194		377	247,642	177,456	(2,400)		(6,881)
Treasury stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2013							(488,385)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	29,234				29,234
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)	(1,826)					(1,826)
Change in pension from net unamortized gain	(1,482)					(1,482)
Common dividends ($0.16 per share)	$ (5,992)				(5,992)
Treasury Stock, shares acquired	(1,316,326)						(1,316,326)
Treasury shares purchased, at cost	$ (24,239)							(24,239)
Stock-based compensation activity:
Expense related to stock-based compensation	3,925			3,925
Stock options exercised	$ 3,249			(1,071)				4,320
Shares, Issued	(306,611)						(306,611)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	$ 400			400
Restricted stock awards granted	0			(1,133)				1,133
Restricted stock awards granted (in shares)		3,000					80,400
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit	1,629				1,629
Other (in shares)		24,607
Other	$ (172)		(1)	(163)	(8)
Common stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2014	37,632,032	37,632,032
Stockholders' equity, value at Oct. 31, 2014	$ 420,920		376	249,600	202,319	(5,708)		(25,667)
Treasury stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2014	(1,417,700)						(1,417,700)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	$ 16,093				16,093
Foreign currency translation adjustment (net of taxes)	(3,595)					(3,595)
Change in pension from net unamortized gain	(746)					(746)
Common dividends ($0.16 per share)	$ (5,515)				(5,515)
Treasury Stock, shares acquired	(2,675,903)						(2,675,903)
Treasury shares purchased, at cost	$ (50,761)							(50,761)
Stock-based compensation activity:
Expense related to stock-based compensation	4,266			4,266
Stock options exercised	$ 5,109			(282)	(719)			6,110
Shares, Issued	(327,700)						(327,700)
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	$ (283)			(283)
Restricted stock awards granted	0			(2,211)				2,211
Restricted stock awards granted (in shares)		0					118,800
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit	10,003				10,003
Other (in shares)		22,469
Other	$ (196)		0	(153)	(43)	0
Common stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2015	37,609,563	37,609,563
Stockholders' equity, value at Oct. 31, 2015	$ 395,295		$ 376	$ 250,937	$ 222,138	$ (10,049)		$ (68,107)
Treasury stock, shares at Oct. 31, 2015	(3,647,103)						(3,647,103)

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax benefit (expense)									$ 0	$ 14	$ 27
Cash dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16
Change in pension from net unamortized (loss) gain tax benefit (expense)									$ 534	$ 992	$ (1,193)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Operating activities:
Net (loss) income	$ 16,093	$ 29,234	$ (11,703)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	35,220	36,910	60,504
Loss on disposition of capital assets	495	586	449
Stock-based compensation	4,266	3,925	4,910
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	5,204	14,246	(8,288)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(60)	(654)	(236)
Asset impairment charges	0	1,007	1,465
Gain on sale of discontinued operations	0	(39,122)	0
Gain on involuntary conversion	(1,263)	(2,408)
Other, net	(19)	2,105	781
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable	2,668	484	(9,204)
Decrease (increase) decrease in inventory	9,805	(25,650)	12,791
(Increase) decrease in other current assets	(1,304)	(1,098)	1,622
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable	(2,862)	12,842	(5,903)
Decrease in accrued liabilities	(576)	(6,871)	(7,473)
Increase in income taxes	369	866	1,708
Decrease in deferred pension and postretirement benefits	(372)	(347)	(164)
(Decrease) increase in other long-term liabilities	(283)	(2,172)	1,574
Other, net	(294)	(3,105)	686
Cash provided by operating activities	67,087	20,778	43,519
Investing activities:
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations	0	107,431	0
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(131,689)	(5,161)	(22,096)
Capital expenditures	(29,982)	(33,779)	(37,931)
Proceeds from disposition of capital assets	264	832	340
Proceeds from property insurance claim	1,263	4,801	0
Cash (used for) provided by investing activities	(160,144)	74,124	(59,687)
Financing activities:
Borrowings under credit facility	117,000	0	23,500
Repayments of credit facility borrowings	(67,000)	0	(23,500)
Repayments of other long-term debt	(1,020)	(175)	(557)
Common stock dividends paid	(5,515)	(5,992)	(5,931)
Issuance of common stock	5,109	3,249	2,583
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	60	654	236
Debt issuance costs	(496)	0	(1,200)
Purchase of treasury stock	(52,719)	(22,281)	0
Other, net	0	86	0
Cash used for financing activities	(4,581)	(24,459)	(4,869)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	379	207	(484)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(97,259)	70,650	(21,521)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	120,384	49,734	71,255
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 23,125	$ 120,384	$ 49,734

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

1. Nature of Operations, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Quanex Building Products Corporation is a component supplier for the window and door (fenestration) industry, which includes: (1) energy efficient window components that include flexible insulating glass spacers, (2) extruded vinyl profiles, (3) window and door screens, and (4) precision-formed metal and wood products for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In addition, we provide certain non-fenestration components and products, which include solar panel sealants, wood flooring, trim moldings, plastic decking, fencing, water retention barriers, hardware and conservatory roof components. 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.

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared by us in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). We consolidate our wholly-owned subsidiaries and eliminate intercompany sales and transactions. We have no cost or equity investments in companies that are not wholly-owned. In our opinion, these audited financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

Use of Estimates

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 ongoing 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.

A summary of our significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows:

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when products are shipped and when title has passed to the customer. Revenue is deemed to be realized or earned when the following criteria are met: (a) persuasive evidence that a contractual sales arrangement exists; (b) delivery has occurred; (c) the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and (d) collection is reasonably assured. Sales allowances and customer incentives are treated as reductions to revenue and are provided for based on historical experience and current estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Such securities with an original maturity which exceeds three months are deemed to be short-term investments. We maintain cash and cash equivalents at several financial institutions, which at times may not be federally insured or may exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risks on such accounts.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Certain of our businesses or product lines are largely dependent on a relatively few large customers. Although we believe we have an extensive customer base, the loss of one of these large customers or if such customers were to incur a prolonged period of decline in business, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. For the year ended October 31, 2015, each of two customers provided more than 10% of our consolidated net sales (11% and 14%). Each of two customers provided more than 10% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2014 (11% and 15%) and each of two customers provided more than 10% of our consolidated net sales for the year ended October 31, 2013 (11% and 18%). Amounts included in accounts receivable at October 31, 2015 and 2014 related to these customers totaled $8.3 million and $5.0 million at October 31, 2015 and $8.8 million and $7.0 million at October 31, 2014.

We have established an allowance for doubtful accounts to estimate the risk of loss associated with our accounts receivable balances. Our policy for determining the allowance is based on factors that affect collectability, including: (a) historical trends of write-offs, recoveries and credit losses; (b) the credit quality of our customers; and (c) projected economic and market conditions. We believe our allowance is adequate to absorb any known or probable losses as of October 31, 2015.

Business Combinations

We apply the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make use of estimates and judgments to allocate the purchase price paid for acquisitions to the fair value of the net assets and liabilities acquired. We use established valuation techniques and engage reputable valuation specialists to assist us with these valuations.

Inventory

We record inventory at the lower of cost or market value. Inventories are valued using the first-in first-out (FIFO) and last-in first-out (LIFO) methods, although LIFO is only used at two of our plant locations currently. We use the dollar-value link chain LIFO method, and the LIFO reserve is calculated on a consolidated basis in a single consolidated pool. The businesses that we acquire and integrate into our operations may value inventories using either the LIFO or FIFO method. Fixed costs related to excess manufacturing capacity have been expensed in the period, and therefore, are not capitalized into inventory. Inventory quantities are regularly reviewed and provisions for excess or obsolete inventory are recorded primarily based on our forecast of future demand and our estimates regarding current and future market conditions. Significant unanticipated variances to our forecasts could require a change in the provision for excess or obsolete inventory, resulting in a charge to net income during the period of the change.

Long-Lived Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets with Defined Lives

We make judgments and estimates related to the carrying value of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets with defined lives, and long-lived assets, which include determining when to capitalize costs, the depreciation and amortization methods to use and the useful lives of these assets. We evaluate these assets for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying values of these assets might not be recoverable. Such indicators of impairment may include changes in technology, significant market fluctuations, historical losses or loss of a significant customer, or other changes in circumstances that could affect the assets’ ability to generate future cash flows. When we evaluate these assets for impairment, we compare the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset to its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows, and there is no alternative use for the asset, we determine that the asset is impaired. To measure the impairment charge, we compare the carrying amount of the long-lived asset to its fair value, as determined by quoted market prices in active markets, if available, or by discounting the projected future cash flows using our incremental borrowing rate.This calculation of fair value requires us to make long-term forecasts of future operating results related to these assets. These forecasts are based on assumptions about demand for our products and future market conditions. Future events and unanticipated changes to these assumptions could require a provision for impairment, resulting in a charge to net income during the period of the change.

We monitor relevant circumstances, including industry trends, general economic conditions, and the potential impact that such circumstances might have on the valuation of our identifiable intangible assets with finite lives. Events and changes in circumstances that may cause a triggering event and necessitate such a review include, but are not limited to: a decrease in sales for certain customers, improvements or changes in technology, and/or a decision to discontinue the use of a trademark or trade name, or allow a patent to lapse. Such events could negatively impact the fair value of our identifiable intangible assets. In such circumstances, we may evaluate the underlying assumptions and estimates made by us in order to assess the appropriate valuation of these identifiable intangible assets and compare to the carrying value of the assets. We may be required to write down these identifiable intangible assets and record a non-cash impairment charge. When we originally value our intangible assets, we use a variety of techniques to establish the carrying value of our intangible assets, including the relief from royalty method, excess current year earnings method and income method.

Software development costs, including costs incurred to purchase third-party software, are capitalized when we have determined that the technology is capable of meeting our performance requirements, and we have authorized funding for the project. We cease capitalization of software costs when the software is substantially complete and is ready for its intended use. The software is then amortized over its estimated useful life. When events or circumstances indicate the carrying value of internal use software might not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability of these assets by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the asset’s use, consistent with the methodology to test other property, plant and equipment for impairment.

Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. We capitalize betterments which extend the useful lives or significantly improve the operational efficiency of assets. We expense repair and maintenance costs as incurred.

The estimated useful lives of our primary asset categories at October 31, 2015 were as follows:



	Useful Life (in Years)
Land improvements	7 to 25
Buildings	25 to 40
Building improvements	5 to 20
Machinery and equipment	2 to 15

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.

Goodwill

We use the acquisition method to account for business combinations and to the extent that the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, we record goodwill. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, we are required to evaluate our goodwill on a qualitative basis to determine if there are indicators of impairment. If there are no indicators, no further analysis is deemed necessary. However, if there are indicators of impairment or if events or circumstances indicate there may be a potential impairment, we perform an annual goodwill impairment test as of August 31, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. This impairment test requires a two-step approach as prescribed in ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other” (ASC 350). The first step of the impairment test requires us to compare the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value including goodwill. To determine fair value of our reporting units, we use multiple valuation techniques including a discounted cash flow analysis, using the applicable weighted average cost of capital, in combination with a market approach. This test requires us to make assumptions about the future growth of our business and the market in general, as well as other variables such as the level of investment in capital expenditure, growth in working capital requirements and the terminal or residual value of our reporting units beyond the periods of estimated annual cash flows. We use a third-party valuation firm to assist us with this analysis. If the fair value of each reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no further testing is required. Otherwise, we perform the second step of the impairment test whereby we compare the implied fair value of goodwill to its carrying value. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by applying the acquisition method of accounting for a business combination to the reporting unit as if it were acquired. Under this method, the fair value of the reporting unit is deemed to be the purchase price. The assets and liabilities are recorded at their fair value and the remaining excess of fair value is the implied value of goodwill. An impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill. Our estimates of future cash flows and the residual values could differ from actual cash flows which may require a provision for impairment in a future period.

Insurance

We manage our exposure to losses for workers’ compensation, group medical, property, casualty and other insurance claims through a combination of self-insurance retentions and insurance coverage with third-party carriers. We record undiscounted liabilities associated with our portion of these exposures, which we estimate by considering various factors such as our historical claims experience, severity factors and estimated claims incurred but not reported, for which we have developed loss development factors, which are estimates as to how claims will develop over time until closed. While we consider a number of factors in preparing the estimates, sensitive assumptions using significant judgment are made in determining the amounts that are accrued in the financial statements. Actual claims could differ significantly from these estimated liabilities, depending on future claims experience. We do not record insurance recoveries until any contingencies relating to the claim have been resolved.

Retirement Plans

We sponsor a defined benefit pension plan and an unfunded postretirement plan that provides health care and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees and dependents. To measure our liabilities associated with these plans, we make assumptions related to future events, including expected return on plan assets, rate of compensation increases, and healthcare cost trend rates. The discount rate reflects the rate at which benefits could be effectively settled on the measurement date. We determine our discount rate based on a pension discount curve, and the rate represents the single rate that, if applied to every year of projected benefit payments, would result in the same discounted value as the array of rates that comprise the pension discount curve. Actual pension plan asset investment performance, as well as other economic experience such as discount rate and demographic experience, will either reduce or increase unamortized pension losses at the end of any fiscal year, which ultimately affects future pension costs.

Warranty Obligations

We accrue warranty obligations when we recognize revenue for certain products. Our provision for warranty obligations is based on historical costs incurred for such obligations and is adjusted, where appropriate, based on current conditions and factors. Our ability to estimate our warranty obligations is subject to significant uncertainties, including changes in product design and our overall product sales mix.

Income Taxes

We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards. We evaluate the carrying value of the net deferred tax assets and determine whether we will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets. We perform this review for recoverability on a jurisdictional basis, whereby we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. The weight given to the positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence can be objectively verified. Cumulative losses in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against deferred tax assets. Thus, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent financial reporting losses. We recorded net income for the year ended October 31, 2015 and we believe we will fully realize our deferred tax assets, net of recorded valuation allowance. We project future taxable income using the same forecasts used to test long-lived assets and intangibles for impairment, scheduling out the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences and reviewing our most recent financial operations. In the event the estimates and assumptions indicate we will not generate sufficient future taxable income to realize our deferred tax assets, we record a valuation allowance against a portion of our deferred tax assets.

We evaluate our on-going tax positions to determine if it is more-likely-than-not we will be successful in defending such positions if challenged by taxing authorities. To the extent that our tax positions do not meet the more-likely-than-not criteria, we record a liability for uncertain tax positions. Historically, we have recorded a liability for uncertain tax positions which stem from an unrecognized tax benefit from our 2008 spin-off from our predecessor parent company, as well as certain state tax items regarding the interpretation of tax laws and regulations. In January 2015, we reversed the liability for uncertain tax positions related to the 2008 spin-off based on the issuance of a no change letter from the Internal Revenue Service (Note 11, "Income Taxes"). We continue to evaluate our positions regarding various state tax interpretations at each reporting date, until the applicable statute of limitations lapse.

Environmental Contingencies

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 incur expenditures and make capital investments on an ongoing basis. We accrue our best estimates of our remediation obligations and adjust these accruals when further information becomes available or circumstances change. Those estimates may change substantially depending on information about the nature and extent of contamination, appropriate remediation technologies, and regulatory approvals. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets, current and non-current portions, when receipt is deemed probable. Unanticipated changes in circumstances and/or legal requirements could extend the length of time over which we pay our remediation costs or could increase actual cash expenditures for remediation in any period.

Derivative Instruments

We have historically used financial and commodity-based derivative contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and aluminum prices. All derivatives are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the methodology and classifications are discussed further in Note 13. We have not designated the derivative instruments we use as cash flow hedges under ASC Topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging” (ASC 815). Therefore, all gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are recognized in the consolidated statements of income (loss) in the period of the change as the underlying assets and liabilities are marked-to-market. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. As such, these instruments are considered economic hedges, and are reflected in the operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flow.

Foreign Currency Translation

Our consolidated financial statements are presented in our reporting currency, the United States dollar. Our German and United Kingdom operations are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. The assets and liabilities of our foreign operations which are denominated in other currencies are translated to United States dollars using the exchange rates as of the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the applicable period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets.

Occasionally, we enter into transactions that are denominated in currencies other than our functional currency. At each balance sheet date, we translate these asset or liability accounts to our functional currency and record unrealized transaction gains or losses. When these assets or liabilities settle, we record realized transaction gains or losses. These realized and unrealized gains or losses are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss) under the caption, “Other, net.”

Stock–Based Compensation

We have issued stock-based compensation in the form of stock options to directors, employees and officers, and non-vested restricted stock awards to certain key employees and officers. We apply the provisions of ASC Topic 718 “Compensation - Stock Compensation” (ASC 718), to determine the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. We recognize the fair value as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award based on awards ultimately expected to vest. Stock options granted to directors vest immediately while the stock options granted to our employees and officers typically vest ratably over a three-year period with service and continued employment as the vesting conditions. For new option grants to retirement-eligible employees, we recognize expense and vest immediately upon grant, consistent with the retirement vesting acceleration provisions of these grants. For employees near retirement age, we amortize such grants over the period from the grant date to the retirement date if such period is shorter than the standard vesting schedule. For grants of non-vested restricted stock, we calculate the compensation expense at the grant date as the number of shares granted multiplied by the closing stock price of our common stock on the date of grant. This expense is recognized ratably over the vesting period. Our non-vested restricted stock grants to officers and employees cliff vest over a three-year period with service and continued employment as the only vesting criteria. Our fair value determination of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior over the expected term, our dividend rate, risk-free rate and expectation with regards to forfeitures. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because our employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, the valuation models may not provide an accurate measure of the fair value of our employee stock options. Accordingly, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

We have granted other awards which are linked to the performance of our common stock, but will settle in cash rather than the issuance of shares of our common stock. The value of these awards fluctuates with changes in our stock price, with the resulting gains or losses reflected in the period of the change.We have recorded current and non-current liabilities related to these awards reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at October 31, 2015 and 2014. See Note 15, “Stock-based Compensation.”

In addition, we have granted performance share units which settle in cash and shares. These awards have vesting criteria based on a market condition (relative total shareholder return) and an internal performance condition (earnings per share growth). We utilize a Monte Carlo simulation model to value the market condition and our stock price on the date of grant to value the internal performance condition. We bifurcate the liability and equity portion of the awards (amounts expected to settle in cash and shares, respectively) and recognize expense ratably over the vesting period of three years.

Treasury Stock

We use the cost method to record treasury stock purchases whereby the entire cost of the acquired shares of our common stock is recorded as treasury stock (at cost). When we subsequently reissue these shares, proceeds in excess of cost upon the issuance of treasury shares are credited to additional paid in capital, while any deficiency is charged to retained earnings.

Earnings per Share Data

We calculate basic earnings per share based on the weighted average number of our common shares outstanding for the applicable period. We calculate diluted earnings per share based on the weighted average number of our common shares outstanding for the period plus all potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method, whereby we assume that all such shares are converted into common shares at the beginning of the period, if deemed to be dilutive. If we incur a loss from continuing operations, the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents (stock options and unvested restricted stock awards) are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive. Performance shares are excluded from contingent shares for purposes of calculating diluted weighted average shares until the performance measure criteria is probable and shares are likely to be issued.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our supplemental cash flow information for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest	$	830		$	361	$	431
Cash paid for income taxes	2,561			3,046		1,273
Cash received for income tax refunds	403			66		1,465
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Share value cancelled to satisfy tax withholdings	153			155		518
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit	10,883			1,977		3,032
Asset retirement obligation	—			—		1,267
Debt assumed in acquisition	7,673			—		91
(Decrease) increase in capitalized expenditures in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	(204	)	$	1,398	$	1,249

Discontinued Operations

In accordance with ASC Topic 205-20 “Presentation of Financial Statements-Discontinued Operations” (ASC 205), we present the results of operations of businesses which have been sold or meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale on a consolidated basis as a separate caption below net income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax. We also aggregate the assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations and present separately as a component of current assets, long-term assets, current liabilities and long-term liabilities, as applicable, in the accompanying balance sheets. If an impairment loss is indicated and the fair value of the net assets exceeds the carrying value at the balance sheet date, we record an impairment loss in the period the net assets are classified as held for sale. We cease depreciation of assets which are classified as held for sale. We use our judgment to ascertain when a business meets the criteria to be accounted for as held for sale. Changes in circumstances or our level of future involvement with a business that has been sold may impact how we account for discontinued operations.

Prior to April 1, 2014, we had two reportable business segments: (1) Engineered Products and (2) Aluminum Sheet Products. On April 1, 2014, we sold our interest in a limited liability company which held the assets of the Nichols Aluminum business (Nichols), the sole operating segment included in our Aluminum Sheet Products reportable segment, to Aleris International, Inc. (Aleris), a privately held Delaware corporation which provides aluminum rolled products and extrusions, aluminum recycling and specification aluminum alloy production. We received net proceeds of $107.4 million, which includes a working capital adjustment of $2.6 million which we paid in June 2014, resulting in a gain on the transaction of $24.1 million, net of related taxes of $15.0 million. We paid $0.4 million to reimburse Aleris for certain severance costs related to Nichols employee terminations in accordance with the purchase agreement, which reduced the pre-tax gain on the sale. We entered into a transition services agreement whereby we provided certain administrative services to Nichols through May 31, 2014, including information technology support, benefit administration and payroll services.

Nichols represented a significant portion of our assets and operations. We accounted for this sale as a discontinued operation. We revised our financial statements and reclassified the assets and liabilities of Nichols as discontinued operations as of October 31, 2013, and removed the results of operations of Nichols from net income (loss) from continuing operations, and presented separately as income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for each of the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss). Unless noted otherwise, the notes to the consolidated financial statements pertain to our continuing operations.

For cash flow statement presentation, the sources and uses of cash for Nichols are presented as operating, investing and financing cash flows, as applicable, combined with such cash flows for continuing operations, as permitted by U.S. GAAP.

We have historically purchased rolled aluminum product from Nichols. We expect to continue to purchase aluminum from Nichols in the normal course of business. We considered whether these aluminum purchases and the services anticipated under the transition services agreement constituted significant continuing involvement with Nichols. Since these purchases are in the normal course of business and the services provided were for a relatively short period and are customary for similar transactions, we determined that this involvement was not deemed significant and does not preclude accounting for the transaction as a discontinued operation. Our purchases of aluminum product from Nichols for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were $9.5 million, $14.9 million and $12.6 million, respectively.

As of October 31, 2015, we recorded a receivable from Aleris of less than $0.1 million, which represented reimbursable costs, primarily associated with workers compensation and health insurance claims. We expect to continue to incur costs associated with these claims which will be reimbursable from Aleris.

In November 2013, Nichols experienced a fire at its Decatur, Alabama facility, which damaged a cold mill used to roll aluminum sheet to a desired thickness. The loss was insured, subject to a $0.5 million deductible. We capitalized $6.5 million to rebuild the asset, which was returned to service as of March 31, 2014. We incurred cost of $2.3 million associated with this loss, including an impairment of $0.5 million related to retirement of the asset, moving costs, outside service costs, clean-up and the deductible. This insurance claim was settled in July 2015. We received insurance proceeds of $6.1 million, of which $1.3 million was received in 2015, resulting in a recognized gain on involuntary conversion of $3.7 million.

The following table summarizes the operating results for Nichols for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)
	2014			2013
Net sales	$	142,797		$	410,381
Operating (loss) income	(5,094		)	1,091
(Loss) income before income taxes, before gain on sale	(5,111		)	1,071
Income tax benefit (expense), before gain on sale	1,947			(390		)
Gain on sale, net of tax of $15,062	24,060			—
Net income	$	20,896		$	681
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.57		$	0.02
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.56		$	0.02

Subsequent Events

We have evaluated events occurring after the balance sheet date for possible disclosure as a subsequent event through the date the financial statements were issued.

Acquisitions

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

2. Acquisitions

HLP

On June 15, 2015, we acquired the outstanding ownership shares of Flamstead Holdings Limited, an extruder of vinyl linear products and manufacturer of other plastic products incorporated and registered in England and Wales, for $131.7 million in cash, net of cash acquired, debt assumed of $7.7 million and contingent consideration of $10.3 million, resulting in goodwill on the transaction of approximately $61.5 million. Following a pre-sale reorganization and purchase, Flamstead Holdings Limited owned 100% of the ownership shares of the following subsidiaries: HL Plastics Limited, Vintage Windows Limited, Wegoma Machinery Sales Limited, and Liniar Limited (collectively referred to as “HLP”) each of which is registered in England and Wales. The agreement contains an earn-out provision which is calculated as a percentage of earnings before interest, tax and depreciation and amortization for a specified period, as defined in the purchase agreement. Pursuant to this earn-out provision, the former owner can select a base year upon which to calculate the earn-out (one of the next three succeeding twelve-month periods ended July 31). For purposes of the preliminary purchase price allocation, the earn-out has been calculated using a probability weighting and has been adjusted for the time-value of money, with greater weight given to the third (and final) twelve-month period (when the earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization is expected to be greatest).

We have assumed operating leases associated with the HLP acquisition for which our lessors are entities that were either wholly-owned subsidiaries or affiliates of Flamstead Holdings Limited prior to the pre-acquisition reorganization, and in which a former owner, who is now our employee, has an ownership interest. These leases include our primary operating facilities, a finished goods warehouse and a mixing plant. The lease for the manufacturing plant has a 20-year term which began in 2007, the lease for the warehouse has a 15-year term which began in 2012, and the lease for the mixing plant has a 13.5-year term which began in 2013. We have recorded rent expense of approximately $0.4 million pursuant to these agreements for the period June 15, 2015 to October 31, 2015. Commitments under these lease arrangements are included in our operating lease commitments disclosed in Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies.

We believe the acquisition of HLP: (1) expands our international presence in the global fenestration business, particularly in the United Kingdom housing market; (2) expands our vinyl extrusion product offerings, including house systems, supplemented with the brand recognition related to Liniar; (3) provides synergies and an opportunity to sell complementary products, while adding new product offerings such as water retention barriers and conservatory roofing products; and (4) aligns well with our strategy to be the preferred supplier of quality products to our customers, while maintaining safe, efficient manufacturing facilities.

For the period from the date of acquisition, June 15, 2015 through October 31, 2015, our consolidated operating results include revenues and net income totaling $42.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively, associated with HLP.

The preliminary purchase price has been allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as indicated in the table below. Although we believe our estimates of the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired are accurate, these estimates are subject to change and may result in an increase or decrease in goodwill, particularly with regard to third-party valuations, during the measurement period. We have not yet finalized the valuations at October 31, 2015. This measurement period may extend up to one year from the acquisition date. Changes in the contingent consideration due to the passage of time and potential differences between projected and actual operating results for HLP for the earn-out period will be recorded as period costs as incurred. We recorded expense of $0.1 million related to the change in contingent consideration for the period from June 15, 2015 to October 31, 2015. In addition, we recorded certain adjustments related to the fair value of fixed assets, inventory and other assets resulting in a decrease in goodwill of $0.4 million during this period.



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	12,104
Inventory	16,015
Prepaid and other assets	722
Property, plant and equipment	27,394
Goodwill	61,524
Intangible assets	61,101
Other non-current assets	2,252
Accounts payable	(9,375		)
Income taxes payable	(948		)
Accrued expenses	(6,616		)
Deferred tax liabilities	(14,492		)
Net assets acquired	$	149,681
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	131,689
Debt assumed in acquisition (capital leases)	7,673
Contingent consideration (earn-out)	10,319
	$	149,681

We are using recognized valuation techniques to determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities, including the income approach for customer relationships and trade names, and the cost approach to value patents, with a discount rate that reflects the risk of the expected future cash flows. The goodwill balance is not deductible for tax purposes.

Greenville

On December 31, 2013, we acquired certain vinyl extrusion assets of Atrium Windows and Doors, Inc. (Atrium) at a facility in Greenville, Texas, for $5.2 million in cash (Greenville). We accounted for this transaction as a business combination resulting in an insignificant gain on the purchase. We entered into a supply agreement with Atrium related to the products manufactured at Greenville. We believe this acquisition expanded our vinyl extrusion capacity and positioned us with a platform from which to better serve our customers in the southern United States.

The purchase price has been allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as indicated in the table below.



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Inventories	$	161
Prepaid and other current assets	145
Property, plant and equipment	4,695
Intangible assets	290
Deferred income tax liability	(50		)
Net assets acquired	$	5,241
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	5,161

Gain recognized on bargain purchase	$	80

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 gain on bargain purchase of approximately $0.1 million is included in "Other, net" on our consolidated statement of income (loss) for the year ended October 31, 2014.

Alumco

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. As of October 31, 2013, we determined that the earn-out provision criteria was not met and decreased expense by $0.3 million.

Pro Forma Results

We calculated the pro forma impact of the acquisition of HLP on our operating results for the twelve months ended October 31, 2015. The following pro forma results give effect to this acquisition, assuming this transaction occurred on November 1 of the respective period.



	Pro Forma Results
	For the Years Ended
	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Net sales	$	704,461	$	691,491
Income from continuing operations	$	21,667	$	18,064
Net income	$	22,146	$	38,960
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$	0.65	$	0.50

We derived the pro forma results of the acquisition of HLP based upon historical financial information obtained from the sellers and certain management assumptions. Our pro forma adjustments relate to incremental amortization associated with intangible assets and interest expense associated with borrowings to effect the transaction, assuming a November 1, 2014 effective date. In addition, we calculated the tax impact of these adjustments at a 20% statutory rate in the United Kingdom, as applicable, and a 35% statutory rate in the United States with regard to interest on pro forma borrowings.

These pro forma results do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained had the acquisition of HLP been completed on November 1 of the respective period, or that may be obtained in the future.

Pro forma results of operations were omitted for the Greenville and Alumco acquisitions because these acquisitions were not deemed to be material to our results of operations for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

- 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

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+ Details

Receivables & Allowance

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

3. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts receivable consisted of the following as of October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Trade receivables	$	64,156	$	55,274
Receivables from employees	9		1
Other	588		616
Total	$	64,753	$	55,891
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	673		698
Accounts receivable, net	$	64,080	$	55,193

The changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	698		$	481		$	977
Bad debt expense (benefit)	25			359			(70		)
Amounts written off	(66		)	(192		)	(533		)
Recoveries	16			50			107
Balance as of October 31,	$	673		$	698		$	481

Inventories

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

4. Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	36,865	$	36,751
Finished goods and work in process	32,206		25,558
Supplies and other	2,064		806
Total	$	71,135	$	63,115
Less: Inventory reserves	8,106		5,757
Inventories, net	$	63,029	$	57,358

The changes in our inventory reserve accounts were are follows for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	5,757		$	5,040		$	5,605
Charged (credited) to cost of sales	2,853			960			(563		)
Write-offs	(504		)	(243		)	(2		)
Balance as of October 31,	$	8,106		$	5,757		$	5,040

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. Our inventories at October 31, 2015 and 2014 were valued using the following costing methods:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
LIFO	$	3,642	$	5,122
FIFO	59,387		52,236
Total	$	63,029	$	57,358

For inventories valued using the LIFO method, replacement cost exceeded the LIFO value by approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We liquidated LIFO layers during the year ended October 31, 2013, which resulted in a reduction of the LIFO reserve and a corresponding decrease to cost of sales of approximately $0.1 million for the year ended October 31, 2013. There were no liquidations of LIFO costing layers during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014.

We record LIFO reserve adjustments as corporate expenses so that our chief operating decision maker can review the operations of our operating segments on a consistent FIFO or weighted-average basis. We calculate our LIFO reserve adjustments on a consolidated basis in a single pool using the dollar-value link chain method.

For our business acquisitions which have inventory balances, we integrate these operations and allow the use of either the LIFO or FIFO costing method. The inventory costing methods selected by these acquired businesses depends upon the facts and circumstances that exist at the time, and may include expected inventory quantities and expected future pricing levels. We perform this evaluation for each business acquired individually.

Property, Plant & Equipment

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure

5. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Land and land improvements	$	2,149	$	2,121
Buildings and building improvements	50,050		47,283
Machinery and equipment	292,188		251,584
Construction in progress	13,797		8,913
Property, plant and equipment, gross	358,184		309,901
Less: Accumulated depreciation	217,512		200,414
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	140,672	$	109,487

Depreciation expense for continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $26.2 million, $24.8 million and $44.6 million, respectively.

Assets recorded under capital leases had a historical cost of $9.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and accumulated depreciation of $0.6 million and $0.1 million, respectively as of October 31, 2015 and 2014. Depreciation expense related to these assets totaled $0.5 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the periods ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Refer to Note 8, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations for additional information on capital leases.

If there are indicators of potential impairment, we evaluate our property, plant and equipment for recoverability over the remaining useful lives of the assets. We recorded asset impairment charges related to specific assets that were held for sale for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Asset impairment charges	—	505	⁽¹⁾	1,465	⁽²⁾


⁽¹⁾	Related to the facility in Barbourville, Kentucky, which was sold in May 2014.

⁽²⁾Related to the write down of land in Arizona and the facility in Barbourville, Kentucky.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Acquired Intangible Assets

6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014 and 2013	$	70,546		$	71,866
Acquisitions	61,524			—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,300		)	(1,320		)
Balance as of October 31,	$	129,770		$	70,546

We evaluated our goodwill balances for indicators of impairment and performed an annual goodwill impairment test to determine the recoverability of these assets. We have four reportable units with goodwill balances. Three of these units are included in our Engineered Products segment and have goodwill balances of $12.6 million, $53.2 million and $2.8 million, and one unit is included in our International Extrusion segment with a goodwill balance of $61.2 million at October 31, 2015. We determined that the fair value of each of these reportable units well exceeded their respective book value (25% or greater), except with regard to the International Extrusion segment. The sole reportable unit in this segment is HLP, which was acquired six weeks before the annual testing date and therefore the carrying value of the net assets approximated fair value. Therefore, we determined that our goodwill was not impaired. We did not incur an impairment charge for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

Identifiable Intangible Assets

Amortizable intangible assets consisted of the following as of October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31, 2015	October 31, 2015				October 31, 2014
	Remaining Weighted Average Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
		(In thousands)
Customer relationships	15 years	$	98,750	$	24,628	$	53,083	$	19,700
Trademarks and trade names	13 years	58,916		23,416		44,722		20,343
Patents and other technology	6 years	25,881		15,158		25,244		13,228
Other	1 year	1,767		1,302		1,392		1,020
Total		$	185,314	$	64,504	$	124,441	$	54,291

We do not estimate a residual value associated with these intangible assets. Included in net intangible assets as of October 31, 2015 were customer relationships of $44.8 million, trade names of $13.8 million, and patents and other of $0.6 million related to the HLP acquisition, with original estimated useful lives of 20 years, 15 years, and approximately 13 years, respectively. These intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis. While we believe the third-party valuations related to the HLP acquisition to be accurate, the purchase price allocation is preliminary, and therefore may be subject to change during the measurement period. See Note 2, "Acquisitions", included herewith.

The aggregate amortization expense associated with identifiable intangible assets for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $10.2 million, $9.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively.

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



	Estimated Amortization Expense
2016	$	12,350
2017	11,883
2018	11,635
2019	10,849
2020	9,788
Thereafter	64,305
Total	$	120,810

We did not incur impairment losses related to our identifiable intangible assets during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.

- 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

Accrued Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities

7. Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Payroll, payroll taxes and employee benefits	$	16,928	$	15,183
Accrued insurance and workers compensation	2,945		2,870
Sales allowances	6,216		4,764
Deferred compensation	331		330
Deferred revenue	987		610
Warranties	309		385
Audit, legal, and other professional fees	1,862		799
Accrued taxes	2,572		439
Accrued rent	196		316
Treasury share purchase accrual	—		1,959
Other	5,018		4,827
Accrued liabilities	$	37,364	$	32,482

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

8. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility	$	50,000	$	—
City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds	500		600
Capital lease obligations	6,900		185
Total debt	$	57,400	$	785
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	2,359		199
Long-term debt	$	55,041	$	586

Revolving Credit Facility

Prior to January 28, 2013, we maintained a $270.0 million senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the Retired Facility) which had been executed on April 23, 2008 and was scheduled to mature on April 23, 2013. The Retired Facility provided for up to $50.0 million of standby letters of credit, limited based on availability, as defined. Amounts borrowed under the facility were to bear interest at a spread above the London Interbank Borrowing Rate (LIBOR) based on a combined leverage and ratings grid. In addition, the Retired Facility contained restrictive debt covenants, as defined in the indenture, and contained certain limits on additional indebtedness, asset or equity sales and acquisitions. For the period from November 1, 2012 through January 28, 2013, we were in compliance with our debt covenants and did not borrow funds pursuant to the Retired Facility.

On January 28, 2013, we entered into a Senior Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility (the Credit Facility) that had a five-year term and permitted 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 United States dollars bore interest at a spread above LIBOR or a base rate derived from the prime rate. Foreign denominated borrowings bore interest at a spread above the LIBOR applicable to such currencies. Subject to customary conditions, we could have requested 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 replaced our previous senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the Retired Facility) that was scheduled to expire on April 23, 2013.

The Credit Facility required us to comply with certain financial covenants, the terms of which were defined therein. Specifically, on a quarterly basis, we were not permitted to allow our ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense as defined (Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio), to fall below 3.00:1 or our ratio of consolidated funded debt to consolidated EBITDA, as defined (Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio), to exceed 3.25:1. The Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio is the ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense, in each case for the previous four consecutive fiscal quarters. EBITDA was defined by the indenture to include proforma EBITDA of acquisitions and to exclude certain items such as 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 was a function of: (1) our trailing twelve month EBITDA; (2) the Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio and Maximum Consolidated Leverage Ratio allowed under the Credit Facility; and (3) the aggregate amount of our outstanding debt and letters of credit. As of October 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in the Credit Facility.

Effective June 15, 2015, in conjunction with the acquisition of HLP, we borrowed $92.0 million, at a weighted average borrowing rate of 1.28%, under the Credit Facility and subsequently repaid $42.0 million prior to October 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2015, we had outstanding revolver borrowings of $50.0 million, outstanding letters of credit of $5.9 million, and the remaining amount available to us for use under the Credit Facility was $86.6 million. Our current borrowing rates under the Credit Facility were 3.50% and 1.45% for the swing-line sub facility and the revolver, respectively, at October 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2014, the amount available to us for use under the Credit Facility was $140.7 million and we had outstanding letters of credit of $6.1 million. Our borrowing rates under the Credit Facility were 3.25% and 1.20% for the swing-line sub facility and the revolver, respectively, at October 31, 2014.

On November 2, 2015, we refinanced and retired the Credit Facility by entering into a $310.0 Million Term Loan Credit Agreement and a $100.0 million ABL Credit Agreement (collectively the “New Credit Facilities”) with Wells Fargo, National Association, as Agent, and Bank of America, N.A. serving as Syndication Agent. The term loan portion of the New Credit Facilities matures on November 2, 2022, and requires quarterly principal payments equal to 0.25% of the aggregate borrowings. Interest is computed, at our election, based on a Base Rate plus applicable margin of 4.25%, or LIBOR plus applicable margin of 5.25% (with the stipulation that LIBOR cannot be less than 1%). In the event of default, outstanding borrowings will accrue interest at the Default Rate, as defined, whereby the obligations will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to 2% above the total per annum rate otherwise applicable. The term loan provides for incremental term loan commitments for a minimum principal amount of $25.0 million, up to an aggregate amount of $50.0 million, to the extent that such borrowings do not cause the Consolidated Senior Secured Leverage Ratio to exceed 3.00 to 1.00. The term loan agreement permits prepayment of the term loan of at least an aggregate amount of $5.0 million or any whole multiple of $1.0 million in excess thereof without penalty, except if such prepayment is made as of November 2, 2016, we will pay a fee equal to 1% of such prepayment. The ABL portion of the New Credit Facilities matures on November 2, 2020 with no stated principal repayment terms prior to maturity. Borrowing capacity and availability is determined based upon the dollar equivalent of certain working capital items including receivables and inventory, subject to eligibility as determined by Wells Fargo, National Association, as Administrative Agent, up to the facility maximum of $100.0 million. Interest is computed, at our election, on a grid as the Base Rate plus an Applicable Margin, as defined in the agreement, or LIBOR plus an Applicable Margin. The Applicable Margin is outlined in the following table:



Level	Average Aggregate Excess Availability	Applicable Margin Relative to Base Rate Loans	Applicable Margin Relative to LIBOR Rate Loans
I	> 66.7% of the Maximum Revolver Amount	0.50 percentage points	1.50 percentage points
II	< 66.7% of the Maximum Revolver Amount and 33.3% of the Maximum Revolver Amount	0.75 percentage points	1.75 percentage points
III	< 33.3% of the Maximum Revolver Amount	1.00 percentage points	2.00 percentage points

With regard to the applicable margin calculation, Level I is applied for the period from November 2, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

In addition, the ABL portion of the New Credit Facilities requires payment of a commitment fee (unused line fee) in accordance with the following table:



Level	Average Revolver Usage	Applicable Unused Line Fee Percentage
I	> 50% of the Maximum Revolver Amount	0.25 percentage points
II	< 50% of the Maximum Revolver Amount	0.375 percentage points

With regard to the unused line fee, Level II is applied for the period from November 2, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

The New Credit Facility contains restrictive debt covenants which include: (1) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter through October 30, 2017, our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement, must not exceed 4.50 to 1.00. For the last day of each fiscal quarter after October 30, 2017, this ratio cannot exceed 4.00 to 1.00; (2) as of the last day of each fiscal month, we must maintain a trailing twelve-month Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, as defined in the agreement, of at least 1.10 to 1.00; (3) if our ABL Revolver Usage, as defined, exceeds the Borrowing Base, we must repay the excess amount on an accelerated basis to bring down the borrowing level; (4) if we receive consideration for the sale of assets other than “permitted assets” or for any insurance or condemnation event related to the ABL collateral, we are required to repay this amount as an ABL prepayment; if such payment is received with regards to assets that are not related to the ABL collateral, then we are required to repay this amount as a term loan prepayment; and (5) for each year we have “Excess Cash Flow,” as defined, we are required to make a mandatory prepayment of the term loan calculated in accordance with the terms outlined in the credit agreement.

Furthermore, the New Credit Facilities requires periodic reporting, as well as monthly borrowing base calculation pursuant to the ABL portion of the facility, and could restrict or limit our ability to engage in certain business activities such as: (1) future business acquisitions or liquidations; (2) incurring new indebtedness, liens or encumbrances; (3) merging or consolidating operations; (4) disposing of significant assets; (5) prepaying subordinated debt; (6) engaging in certain transactions with affiliates; or (7) modifying incentive plans or governance documents, amongst other restrictions (including a limitation on annual dividend payments of $8.0 million).

Other Debt Instruments

The City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds are due in annual installments through October 2020. Interest is payable monthly at a variable rate. Interest rates on these bonds have ranged from 0.2% to 0.3% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015. The average interest rate during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, was 0.2% . We have pledged the land, building and certain equipment used at the facility located in Richmond, Kentucky as collateral. In addition, we have issued a $0.5 million letter of credit under the Credit Facility which serves as a conduit for making the scheduled payments.

We maintain certain capital lease obligations related to equipment purchases. In conjunction with the acquisition of HLP, we assumed additional capital lease obligations of approximately $7.7 million. These capital lease obligations relate to equipment purchases and accrue interest at a weighted average rate of 5.7%, and extend through the year 2020. As of October 31, 2015, our obligations under the HLP capital leases total $6.9 million, of which $2.3 million is classified as the current portion of long-term debt and $4.6 million is classified as long-term debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Our non-HLP capital lease obligations at October 31, 2015 related to equipment purchases were at a weighted average interest rate of 4.6% and extended through 2020.

The table below presents the scheduled maturity dates of our long-term debt outstanding at October 31, 2015 (in thousands):



	Other Long Term Debt		Capital Lease Obligations		Aggregate Maturities
2016	$	100	$	2,258	$	2,358
2017	100		2,030		2,130
2018	50,100		1,365		51,465
2019	100		963		1,063
2020	100		284		384
Thereafter	—		—		—
Total	$	50,500	$	6,900	$	57,400

Retirement Plans

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Retirement Plans

We have a number of retirement plans covering substantially all employees. We provide both defined benefit and defined contribution plans. In general, an employee’s coverage for retirement benefits depends on the location of employment.

Defined Benefit Plan

We have a non-contributory, single employer defined benefit pension plan that covers substantially all our domestic employees. Effective January 1, 2007, we amended this defined benefit pension plan to include a cash balance formula for all new salaried employees hired on or after January 1, 2007 and for any non-union employees who were not participating in a defined benefit plan prior to January 1, 2007. All salaried employees hired after January 1, 2007, are eligible to receive credits equivalent to 4% of their annual eligible wages. Some of the employees at the time of the amendment were “grandfathered” and are eligible to receive credits ranging up to 6.5% based upon a percentage of benefits received under our defined benefit plan prior to this amendment of the pension plan. Additionally, every year the participants will receive an interest related credit on their respective balance equivalent to the prevailing 30-year Treasury rate. For employees who were participating in this plan prior to January 1, 2007, the benefit formula is a more traditional formula for retirement benefits, whereby the plan pays benefits to employees upon retirement, using a formula which considers years of service and pensionable compensation prior to retirement. Of our pension plan participants, 99% have their benefit determined pursuant to the cash balance formula.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the "Act") was signed into law on December 8, 2003. This Act introduces a Medicare prescription-drug benefit beginning in 2006 as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care plans that provide a benefit at least “actuarially equivalent” to the Medicare benefit. We concluded that our plans are at least “actuarially equivalent” to the Medicare benefit. For those who are otherwise eligible for the subsidy, we have not included this subsidy per the Act in our benefit calculations. The impact to net periodic benefit cost and to benefits paid did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Funded Status and Net periodic Benefit Cost

The changes in benefit obligations and plan assets, and our funded status (reported in deferred pension and postretirement benefits on the consolidated balance sheets) were as follows:



	October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	29,070		$	26,239
Service cost	3,288			3,313
Interest cost	1,026			1,063
Actuarial loss	38			2,213
Benefits paid	(1,925		)	(3,188		)
Administrative expenses	(462		)	(570		)
Projected benefit obligation at October 31,	$	31,035		$	29,070
Change in Plan Assets:
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	25,329		$	23,607
Actual return on plan assets	390			1,340
Employer contributions	2,800			4,140
Benefits paid	(1,925		)	(3,188		)
Administrative expenses	(462		)	(570		)
Fair value of plan assets at October 31,	$	26,132		$	25,329
Non current liability - Funded Status	$	(4,903	)	$	(3,741	)

As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, included in our accumulated comprehensive loss was a net actuarial loss of $5.5 million and $4.2 million, respectively. There were no net prior service costs or transition obligations for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014.

As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, the accumulated benefit obligation was $30.3 million and $28.1 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation is the present value of pension benefits (whether vested or unvested) attributed to employee service rendered before the measurement date, and based on employee service and compensation prior to that date. The accumulated benefit obligation differs from the projected benefit obligation in that it includes no assumption about future compensation levels.

The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	3,288		$	3,313		$	3,820
Interest cost	1,026			1,063			786
Expected return on plan assets	(1,791		)	(1,722		)	(1,400		)
Amortization of net loss	—			—			370
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,523		$	2,654		$	3,576

The changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligations which were recognized in our other comprehensive loss for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Net loss (gain) arising during the period	$	1,439	$	2,596	$	(2,749	)
Less: Amortization of net loss	$	159	$	—	$	369
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	$	1,280	$	2,596	$	(3,118	)

Measurement Date and Assumptions

We generally determine our actuarial assumptions on an annual basis, with a measurement date of October 31.

The following table presents our assumptions for pension benefit calculations for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	For the Year Ended October 31,
	2015	2014	2013	2015	2014	2013
Weighted Average Assumptions:	Benefit Obligation			Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Discount rate	3.92%	3.64%	4.18%	3.64%	4.18%	3.29%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	2.50%	3.00%	2.50%	2.50%
Expected return on plan assets	n/a	n/a	n/a	6.75%	7.25%	7.25%

The discount rate was used to calculate the present value of the projected benefit obligation for pension benefits. The rate reflects the amount at which benefits could be effectively settled on the measurement date. For the year ended October 31, 2015, we used a RATE: Link Model whereby target yields are developed from bonds across a range of maturity points, and a curve is fitted to those targets. Spot rates (zero coupon bond yields) are developed from the curve and used to discount benefit payments associated with each future year. This model assumes spot rates will remain level beyond the 30-year point. We determine the present value of plan benefits by applying the discount rates to projected benefit cash flows. For the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, we determined our discount rate based on a pension discount curve. The rate represents the single rate that, if applied to every year of projected benefits payments, would result in the same discounted value as the array of rates that comprise the pension discount curve. The change in discount rate methodology in 2015 is believed to provide a more precise estimate of the rate that should be applied to specific cash flows by period.

The expected return on plan assets was used to determine net periodic pension expense. The rate of return assumptions were based on projected long-term market returns for the various asset classes in which the plans were invested, weighted by the target asset allocations. We review the return assumption at least annually. The rate of compensation increase represents the long-term assumption for expected increases in salaries.

Plan Assets

The following tables provide our target allocation for the year ended October 31, 2015, as well as the actual asset allocation by asset category and fair value measurements as of October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	Target Allocation		Actual Allocation
	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
Equity securities	60.0	%	60.0	%	61.0	%
Fixed income	40.0	%	40.0	%	39.0	%



	Fair Value Measurements at
	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Money market fund	$	142	$	307

Large capitalization	$	8,367	$	8,088
Small capitalization	3,114		3,034
International equity	2,831		2,773
Other	1,290		1,267
Equity securities	$	15,602	$	15,162

High-quality core bond	$	5,186	$	4,933
High-quality government bond	2,590		2,452
High-yield bond	2,612		2,475
Fixed income	$	10,388	$	9,860

Total securities⁽¹⁾	$	26,132	$	25,329


⁽¹⁾	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1).

Inputs and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets vary according to the type of security being valued. All of the equity and debt securities held directly by the plans were actively traded and fair values were determined based on quoted market prices.

Our investment objective for defined benefit plan assets is to meet the plans’ benefit obligations, while minimizing the potential for future required plan contributions. The investment strategies focus on asset class diversification, liquidity to meet benefit payments and an appropriate balance of long-term investment return and risk. Target ranges for asset allocations are determined by matching the actuarial projections of the plans’ future liabilities and benefit payments with expected long-term rates of return on the assets, taking into account investment return volatility and correlations across asset classes. Plan assets are diversified across several investment managers and are generally invested in liquid funds that are selected to track broad market equity and bond indices. Investment risk is carefully controlled with plan assets rebalanced to target allocations on a periodic basis and monitoring of performance of investment managers relative to the investment guidelines established with each investment manager.

Expected Benefit Payments and Funding

Our pension funding policy is to make the minimum annual contributions required pursuant to the plan. We accelerated contributions to target a 100% funding threshold. Additionally, we consider funding annual requirements early in the fiscal year to potentially maximize the return on assets. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we made total pension contributions of $2.8 million, $4.1 million and $3.7 million, respectively.

During fiscal 2016, we expect to contribute approximately $2.3 million to the pension plan to reach targeted funding levels and meet minimum contribution requirements. This expected contribution level will be dependent on many variables, including the market value of the assets compared to the obligation, as well as other market or regulatory conditions. In addition, we consider the cash requirements of our business investment opportunities. Accordingly, actual funding amounts and the timing of such funding may differ from current estimates.

The following table presents the total benefit payments expected to be paid to participants by year, which includes payments funded from our assets, as well as payments paid from the plan for the year ended October 31, (in thousands):



	Pension Benefits
2016	$	2,790
2017	2,454
2018	2,567
2019	2,641
2020	2,747
2021 - 2024	15,227
Total	$	28,426

Defined Contribution Plan

We also sponsor a defined contribution plan into which we and our employees make contributions. We match 50% up to the first 5% of employee annual salary deferrals. We do not offer our common stock as a direct investment option under these plans. For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we contributed approximately $1.7 million, $2.4 million and $2.9 million for these plans, respectively.

Other Plans

Under our postretirement benefit plan, we provide certain healthcare and life insurance benefits for a small number of eligible retired employees who were employed prior to January 1, 1993. Certain employees may become eligible for those benefits if they reach normal retirement age while working for us. We continue to fund benefit costs on a pay-as-you-go basis. The table below indicates the amount of these liabilities included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:



	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Accrued liabilities	$	49	$	49
Deferred pension and postretirement benefits	798		1,077
Total	$	847	$	1,126

We also have supplemental benefit plans covering certain executive officers and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan covering members of the Board of Directors and certain key employees. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, our liability under the supplemental benefit plan was approximately $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and our liability under the deferred compensation plan was approximately $3.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively. During 2014, we settled approximately $1.8 million and $3.5 million related to the supplemental benefit plan and the deferred compensation plan, respectively, as a result of the separation of three of our executive officers in 2013. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, the current portion of these liabilities was recorded under the caption "Accrued Liabilities," and the long-term portion was included under the caption "Other Liabilities" in the accompanying balance sheets.

Warranty Obligations

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Warranty Obligations

10. Warranty Obligations

We accrue warranty obligations as we recognize revenue associated with certain products. We make provisions for our warranty obligations based upon historical experience of costs incurred for such obligations adjusted, as necessary, for current conditions and factors. During January 2014, we reduced our warranty accrual by $2.8 million for certain insulating glass products we no longer produce and for which claim activity for a specific customer had ceased. There are significant uncertainties and judgments involved in estimating our warranty obligations, including changing product designs, differences in customer installation processes and future claims experience which may vary from historical claims experience. Therefore, the ultimate amount we incur as warranty costs in the near and long-term may not be consistent with our 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 consolidated balance sheets) follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014, and 2013, respectively	$	671		$	3,684
Provision for warranty expense	207			782
Change in accrual for preexisting warranties	—			(3,400		)
Warranty costs paid	(343		)	(395		)
Total accrued warranty	$	535		$	671
Less: Current portion of accrued warranty	309			385
Long-term portion at October 31,	$	226		$	286

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

11. Income Taxes

We provide for income taxes on taxable income at the statutory rates applicable. The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense from continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Current
Federal	$	49		$	1,271		$	2,902
State and local	216			532			780
Non-U.S.	2,070			2,535			846
Total current	2,335			4,338			4,528
Deferred
Federal	5,766			2,261			(10,498		)
State and local	439			(258		)	(980		)
Non-U.S.	(1,001		)	(873		)	62
Total deferred	5,204			1,130			(11,416		)
Total income tax provision (benefit)	$	7,539		$	5,468		$	(6,888	)

The following table reconciles our effective income tax rate to the federal statutory rate of 35% for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015		2014		2013
U.S. tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State and local income tax	2.3		2.3		3.0
Non-U.S. income tax	(1.5	)	(0.1	)	0.1
US tax on non US earnings	—		(0.3	)	—
Deferred rate change	0.5		5.1		—
General business credits	(1.0	)	(1.8	)	0.8
Transaction costs	2.5		—		—
Uncertain tax positions	(3.4	)	(1.2	)	1.9
Change in valuation allowance	(0.5	)	(1.0	)	(2.8	)
Other	(1.3	)	1.6		(2.3	)
Effective tax rate	32.6	%	39.6	%	35.7	%

The decrease in the 2015 effective tax rate is attributable to a discrete benefit item resulting from the reassessment of our uncertain tax position related to the 2008 spin-off of Quanex from a predecessor company in January 2015. Excluding this item, the effective tax rate was 36.0%. The 2014 effective rate was impacted by a change in the tax status of our facility in the United Kingdom (UK). On November 1, 2013, the assets of our UK branch were contributed to a newly formed wholly-owned UK subsidiary. This change resulted in a taxable charge that was booked as a discrete item in the first quarter of 2014. Excluding this discrete item, the 2014 effective tax rate was 34.9%.

Significant components of our net deferred tax assets were as follows:



	October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefit obligations	$	13,220		$	15,017
Accrued liabilities and reserves	3,354			1,742
Pension and other benefit obligations	2,956			2,676
Inventory	2,625			1,890
Loss and tax credit carry forwards	12,531			20,107
Other	187			268
Total gross deferred tax assets	34,873			41,700
Less: Valuation allowance	1,064			1,358
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	33,809			40,342
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	8,303			7,472
Goodwill and intangibles	16,723			3,078
Total deferred tax liabilities	25,026			10,550
Net deferred tax assets	$	8,783		$	29,792

Uncertain tax position	—			6,805
	$	8,783		$	22,987

Deferred income tax (liabilities) assets, non-current	$	(5,241	)	$	1,545
Deferred income tax assets, current	14,024			21,442
Net deferred tax assets	$	8,783		$	22,987

At October 31, 2015, operating loss carry forwards for tax purposes, mostly comprised of federal and state, were $56.2 million. The majority of such losses begin to expire in 2025. Tax credits available to offset future tax liabilities totaled $3.7 million and are not expected to be utilized within the next twelve months. We evaluate tax benefits of operating losses and tax credit carry forwards on an ongoing basis, including a review of historical and projected future operating results, the eligible carry forward period and other circumstances. We have recorded a valuation allowance for certain state net operating losses as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, totaling $1.1 million ($0.7 million net of federal taxes) and $1.4 million ($0.9 million net of federal taxes), respectively. 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.

The following table reconciles the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):



	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
Balance at October 31, 2012	$	15,759
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	14
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	497
Lapse in statute of limitations	(3,032		)
Balance at October 31, 2013	$	13,238
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	—
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	170
Lapse in statute of limitations	(1,977		)
Balance at October 31, 2014	$	11,431
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	—
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	16
Reassessment of position	(10,883		)
Balance at October 31, 2015	$	564

As of October 31, 2015, our unrecognized tax benefit (UTB) relates to certain state tax items regarding the interpretation of tax laws and regulations. The total UTB at October 31, 2014 included the UTB associated with the 2008 spin-off and totaled $11.4 million. Of this amount, $4.6 million was recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions and $6.8 million was recorded as deferred income taxes (non-current assets) on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In January 2015, we reassessed our unrecognized tax benefit related to the 2008 spin-off of Quanex from a predecessor company and recognized the full benefit of the tax positions taken. This reduced the liability for uncertain tax positions by $4.0 million and increased deferred income taxes (non-current assets) by $6.8 million and resulted in a non-cash increase in retained earnings of $10.0 million, with an increase in income tax benefit of $0.8 million. At October 31, 2015, $0.6 million is recorded as a liability for uncertain tax positions. The disallowance of the UTB would not materially affect the annual effective tax rate.

We, along with our subsidiaries, file income tax returns in the United States and various state jurisdictions as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany and Canada. In certain jurisdictions the statute of limitations has not yet expired. We generally remain subject to examination of our United States income tax returns for 2012 and subsequent years. We generally remain subject to examination of our various state and foreign income tax returns for a period of four to five years from the date the return was filed. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a period of up to one year after formal notification to the state of the federal change.

Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements or 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 occurring in various jurisdictions. We do not believe any of the UTB at October 31, 2015 will be recognized within the next twelve months.

Included in prepaid and other current assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were income tax receivables of $0.4 million and $0.4 million as of October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

The acquisition of Flamstead Holdings, Ltd in June 2015 established a noncurrent deferred tax liability of $13.2 million reflecting the book to tax basis difference in intangibles, fixed assets and inventory at the current UK tax rate of 20%.

Management has determined that the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are not required as a source of funding for United States operations and we intend to indefinitely reinvest these funds in our foreign jurisdictions. If the investment in our foreign subsidiaries were completely realized, a potential gain of $20.0 million could exist resulting in an estimated residual United States tax liability of $5.6 million.

On September 13, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service issued final Tangible Property Regulations (TPR) under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 162 and IRC Section 263(a), which prescribe the capitalization treatment of certain repair costs, asset betterments and other costs which could affect temporary deferred taxes. The regulations became effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. Pursuant to U.S. GAAP, as of the date of the issuance, the release of the regulations is treated as a change in tax law. The impact of this change in tax law was not material to our financial position or results of operations.

Our federal income tax returns for the tax years ended October 31, 2011 and 2012 were examined by the Internal Revenue Service and no adjustments were made.

Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

12. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases and Purchase Obligations

We have operating leases for certain real estate and equipment used in our business. Rental expense for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $8.4 million, $6.9 million and $7.1 million, respectively. We sublease certain of our facilities as of October 31, 2015, pursuant to which we expect to receive future minimum non-cancelable rentals of $1.0 million.

We are a party to non-cancelable purchase obligations primarily for door hardware, primary and secondary steel and primary and secondary aluminum used in our manufacturing processes. We paid $8.1 million and $5.6 million pursuant to these arrangements for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These obligations total $3.7 million and $1.7 million at October 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and extend through fiscal 2016. Future amounts paid pursuant to these arrangements will depend, to some extent, on our usage.

The following table presents future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year at October 31, 2015 (in thousands):



	Operating Leases
2016	$	9,619
2017	8,718
2018	7,472
2019	7,051
2020	5,947
Thereafter	17,783
Total	$	56,590

Asset Retirement Obligation

We maintain an asset retirement obligation associated with a leased facility in Kent, Washington. During July 2013, we revised our estimate of future cash flows associated with this asset retirement obligation and recorded an incremental asset and corresponding liability at fair value totaling $1.2 million. We expect to depreciate the asset and accrete the liability over a seven year term, resulting in a cumulative asset retirement obligation of $2.2 million at such time.

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 invest capital and make 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. 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.

We are currently not subject to any remediation activities. Prior to April 1, 2014, we had remediation activities associated with one of our subsidiaries, Nichols Aluminum-Alabama, LLC, a component business unit of Nichols. As discussed in Note 1, "Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation - Discontinued Operations", on April 1, 2014, we sold Nichols and the liabilities associated with this on-going remediation effort were assumed by Aleris International, Inc.

Spacer Migration

We were notified by certain customers through our German operation that the vapor barrier employed on certain spacer products manufactured prior to March 2014 may fail and permit spacer migration in certain extreme circumstances. This product does not have a specific customer warranty, but we have received claims from customers related to this issue, which we continue to investigate. We incurred expenses of $1.8 million during 2014 associated with this issue, including an accrual of $1.2 million at October 31, 2014 for any asserted claim that we deemed to be reasonably possible and estimable. The balance of the accrual at October 31, 2015 was $1.1 million, reflecting payments of claims of $1.0 million, additional claims received of approximately $1.0 million and a translation adjustment of approximately $0.1 million. We recorded an insurance recovery related to this spacer migration issue which reduced the expense recognized during the year ended October 31, 2015 to approximately $0.6 million. We cannot estimate any future liability with regard to unasserted claims. However, we have received new claims during 2015 which we continue to investigate. We evaluate this reserve at each interim and year-end reporting date. We will investigate any future claims, but we are not obligated to honor any future claims.

Affordable Care Act

We are subject to the employer-shared responsibility requirements (more commonly referred to as the employer mandate) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The employer mandate requires us to offer health care insurance that meets minimum value and affordability requirements to our full-time employees and certain potential common law employees within a specified coverage threshold. Effective January 1, 2015, and for the calendar year ended December 31, 2015, we may be subject to a penalty in the form of an excise tax under the ACA if we do not meet these requirements. Furthermore, we must comply with the annual disclosure and reporting requirements. We are monitoring these requirements and have implemented mechanisms to achieve compliance.

Litigation

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.

Derivative Instruments

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Derivative Instruments

13. Derivative Instruments

Our derivative activities are subject to the management, direction, and control of the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer. 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 have historically used foreign currency forwards and options to mitigate or eliminate certain of those risks at our subsidiaries. We use foreign currency contracts to offset fluctuations in the value of accounts receivable and payable balances that are denominated in currencies other than the United States dollar, including the Euro, British Pound and Canadian Dollar. 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 in accordance with the provisions under the Accounting Standards Codification topic 815 "Derivatives and Hedging" (ASC 815). Therefore, changes in the fair value of these contracts and the realized gains and losses are recorded in the consolidated statements of income (loss) for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):



		Year Ended October 31,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location of Gain or (Loss):	2015		2014		2013
Foreign currency derivatives	Other, net	$	654	$	568	$	(570	)

We have chosen not to offset any of our derivative instruments in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815. Therefore, the assets and liabilities are presented on a gross basis on our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The fair values of our outstanding derivative contracts as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):



	October 31,
	2015		2014
Prepaid and other current assets:
Foreign currency derivatives	$	44	$	69

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and fair value of outstanding derivative contracts at October 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):



		Notional as indicated		Fair Value in $
		October 31, 2015	October 31, 2014	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
Foreign currency derivatives:
Sell EUR, Buy USD	EUR	8,076	4,907	$	37	$	68
Sell CAD, Buy USD	CAD	280	331	1		1
Sell GBP, Buy USD	GBP	226	—	3		—
Buy EUR, Sell USD	EUR	807	—	3		—
Buy EUR, Sell GBP	EUR	2	—	—		—

For the classification in the fair value hierarchy, see Note 14, "Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities", included herewith.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for derivative instruments and hedging activities including, but not limited to, risk management strategies, non-hedging derivative instruments, assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and methodologies and assumptions used in determining the amounts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Topic 815
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

14. Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities

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 Level 1 and the lowest priority to 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.

The following table summarizes the assets measured on a recurring basis based on the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):



	October 31, 2015								October 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Short-term investments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	69,975	$	—	$	—	$	69,975
Foreign currency derivatives	—		44		—		44		—		69		—		69
Total assets	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	44	$	69,975	$	69	$	—	$	70,044
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	—	$	—	$	10,414	$	10,414	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	10,414	$	10,414	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

We held short-term investments (with an original maturity of three months or less) in commercial paper at October 31, 2014. We have included these investments as cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These investments 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 liquidated our short-term investments as of June 2015 and used the proceeds, along with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, to acquire HLP. Contingent consideration of $10.4 million associated with the HLP acquisition is included above as a Level 3 measurement (see Note 2, "Acquisitions").

As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, we had approximately $2.4 million of certain property, plant and equipment that was recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis and classified as Level 3. The fair value was based on broker opinions.

Carrying amounts reported on the balance sheet for cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. Our outstanding debt was variable rate debt that re-prices frequently, thereby limiting our exposure to significant change in interest rate risk. As a result, the fair value of our debt instruments approximates carrying value at October 31, 2015 and 2014 (Level 3 measurement).

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

15. 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, performance share awards and other stock-based and cash-based awards. The 2008 Plan is administered by the Compensation and Management Development Committee of the Board of Directors.

The aggregate number of shares of common stock originally authorized for grant under the 2008 Plan was 2,900,000. In February 2011 and February 2014, shareholders approved increases of the aggregate number of shares available for grant by 2,400,000 shares and 2,350,000 shares, respectively. Any officer, key employee and/or non-employee director or any of our affiliates is eligible for awards under the 2008 Plan. Our initial grant of awards under the 2008 Plan was on April 23, 2008. Historically, our practice has been to grant stock options and restricted stock units to non-employee directors on the last business day of each fiscal year, with an additional grant of options to each director on the date of his or her first anniversary of service. In May 2015, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee of our Board of Directors changed the structure of the annual grant to our directors to a grant of restricted stock units on the first day of the new fiscal year, November 1 and eliminated the stock option grant to the non -employee directors. Annually, pending approval by the Compensation & Management Development Committee of our Board of Directors in December, we grant stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and/or performance shares to employees. Occasionally, we may make additional grants to key employees at other times during the year.

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 years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, follows:



	Restricted Stock Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	212,700		$	16.08
Granted	148,400		18.83
Vested	(67,300	)	16.21
Forfeited	(110,400	)	17.40
Non-vested at October 31, 2013	183,400		17.46
Granted	83,400		17.67
Vested	(30,700	)	17.45
Forfeited	(15,300	)	19.25
Non-vested at October 31, 2014	220,800		17.42
Granted	118,800		20.17
Vested	(34,000	)	15.12
Forfeited	(12,600	)	19.57
Non-vested at October 31, 2015	293,000		$	18.70

The total weighted average grant-date fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.5 million, $0.5 million and $1.1 million, respectively. As of October 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost related to unamortized restricted stock awards totaled $2.3 million. We expect to recognize this expense over the remaining weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Stock Options

Historically, stock options have been awarded to key employees, officers and non-employee directors. Effective May 2015, the director compensation structure was revised to eliminate the grant of stock options to non-employee directors. Officer stock options typically vest ratably over a three-year period with service and continued employment as the vesting conditions. Our stock options may be exercised up to a maximum of ten years from the date of grant. 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. A description of the methodology for the valuation assumption follows:

•

Expected Volatility – For stock options granted prior to July 1, 2013, we used an estimate of the historical volatility of a selected peer group. Effective July 1, 2013, we determined that we had sufficient historical data to calculate the volatility of our common stock since our spin-off in April 2008. We believe there has been uncertainty in the United States equities market over the past several years and that uncertainty has contributed to volatility in equities in general. We expect this volatility to continue over the foreseeable future. Therefore, we believe that our historical volatility is a proxy for expected volatility. We have not excluded any of our historical data from the volatility calculation (over this 6 year term), and we are not aware of any specific significant factors which might impact our future volatility.

•

Expected Term – For stock options granted prior to July 1, 2013, we determined the expected term using historical information of our former parent company prior to the spin-off in 2008, with regards to option vesting, exercise behavior and contractual expiration, as we believed that this employee group was the most similar to our employee group. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior were considered separately. Effective July 1, 2013, we determined that we had sufficient historical data to estimate our expected term using our own data with regards to the exercise behavior, cancellations, retention patterns and remaining contractual terms. When analyzing these patterns and variables, we considered the stratification of the awards (large grants to relatively few employees versus smaller grants to many others), the age of certain employees with larger grants, the historical exercise behavior of the employee group, and fluctuations/volatility of our underlying common stock, as to whether the stock options are expected to be out-of-the-money. For our directors, stock options vested immediately, and, as such, the expected term approximated the contractual term, after adjusting for historical forfeitures. We believe our estimates are reasonable given these factors.


•	Risk-Free Rate – We base the risk-free rate on the yield at the date of grant of a zero-coupon United States Treasury bond whose maturity period equals the option’s expected term.


•	Expected Dividend Yield – We base the expected dividend yield on our historical dividend payment of approximately $0.16 per share.

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our stock options granted during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average expected volatility	47.7%	55.3%	54.9%
Weighted-average expected term (in years)	5.6	6.1	5.3
Risk-free interest rate	1.6%	1.9%	1.0%
Expected dividend yield over expected term	1.0%	1.0%	1.0%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$8.40	$8.78	$8.75

The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 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		$	12,908
Granted	636,645		19.67
Exercised	(179,517	)	14.39
Forfeited/Expired	(55,102	)	18.01
Outstanding at October 31, 2013	2,875,276		15.64			$	7,748
Granted	189,200		17.99
Exercised	(306,611	)	19.27
Forfeited/Expired	(169,476	)	18.71
Outstanding at October 31, 2014	2,588,389		16.21		6.2	$	10,238
Granted	123,900		20.28
Exercised	(327,700	)	15.59
Forfeited/Expired	(32,401	)	20.21
Outstanding at October 31, 2015	2,352,188		16.46		5.4	$	6,672
Vested or expected to vest at October 31, 2015	2,330,304		16.42		5.4	$	6,664
Exercisable at October 31, 2015	1,970,550		$	15.91	4.9	$	6,424

Intrinsic value is the amount by which the market price of the common stock on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price of the stock option. For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the total intrinsic value of our stock options that were exercised totaled $1.3 million, $2.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The total fair value of stock options vested during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was $2.8 million, $3.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively. As of October 31, 2015, total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options was $1.4 million. We expect to recognize this expense over the remaining weighted average vesting period of 1 year.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units may be awarded to key employees and officers from time to time, and annually to non-employee directors. The director restricted stock units vest immediately but are payable only upon the director's cessation of service, whereas restricted stock units awarded to employees and officers 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.

The following table summarizes non-vested restricted stock unit activity during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	161,000		$	15.47
Granted	6,875		17.78
Vested	(12,875	)	18.05
Forfeited	(54,000	)	15.08
Non-vested at October 31, 2013	101,000		15.62
Granted	12,135		18.58
Vested	(29,635	)	18.35
Forfeited	—		—
Non-vested at October 31, 2014	83,500		15.08
Granted	—		—
Vested	(83,500	)	15.08
Forfeited	—		—
Non-vested at October 31, 2015	—		—

During the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we paid $1.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively, to settle restricted stock units. All outstanding restricted stock units awarded to officers and employees have vested as of October 31, 2015. The directors received a grant of restricted stock units on November 1, 2015, which vested immediately and will be paid upon each directors cessation of service as a director.

Performance Share Awards

Historically, we have granted performance units to key employees and officers annually. These awards cliff vest after a three-year period with service and performance measures such as relative total shareholder return and earnings per share growth as vesting conditions. These awards were treated as a liability and marked to market based upon our assessment of the achievement of the performance measures, with the assistance of third-party compensation consultants.

For the annual grants which occurred in December 2014 and 2013, we granted performance shares rather than performance units. These performance share awards have the same performance measures (relative total shareholder return and earnings per share growth). However, the number of shares earned is variable depending on the metrics achieved, and the settlement method is 50% in cash and 50% in our common stock.

To account for this award, we have bifurcated the portion subject to a market condition (relative total shareholder return) and the portion subject to an internal performance measure (earnings per share growth). We have further bifurcated these awards based on the settlement method, as the portion expected to settle in stock (equity component) and the portion expected to settle in cash (liability component).

To value the shares subject to the market condition, we utilized a Monte Carlo simulation model to arrive at a grant-date fair value. This amount will be expensed over the three-year term of the award with a credit to additional paid-in-capital. To value the shares subject to the internal performance measure, we used the value of our common stock on the date of grant as the grant-date fair value per share. This amount will be expensed over the three-year term of the award, with a credit to additional paid-in-capital, and could fluctuate depending on the number of shares ultimately expected to vest based on our assessment of the probability that the performance conditions will be achieved. For both performance conditions, the portion of the award expected to settle in cash will be recorded as a liability and will be marked to market over the three-year term of the award, and could fluctuate depending on the number of shares ultimately expected to vest.

In conjunction with the annual grants in December 2014 and 2013, we awarded 137,400 and 155,800 performance shares, respectively, of which 0% to 200% of these shares may ultimately vest, depending on the achievement of the performance conditions. During 2015, 9,200 of the performance shares issued in December 2013 were forfeited and 8,200 of the performance shares issued in December 2014 were forfeited. During 2014, 7,000 of the performance shares issued in December 2013 were forfeited. For the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014, we have recorded $1.5 million and $1.0 million of compensation expense related to these performance share awards.

Performance share awards are not considered outstanding shares and do not have voting rights, although dividends are accrued over the performance period and will be payable in cash based upon the number of performance shares ultimately earned.

Performance shares are excluded from the diluted weighted-average shares used to calculate earnings per share until the performance criteria is probable to result in the issuance of contingent shares. We evaluate the probability of the performance share vesting within one year of the vesting date. No contingent shares related to performance shares are included in diluted weighted average shares for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014, or 2013.

The following table summarizes amounts expensed as selling, general and administrative expense related to restricted stock awards, stock options, restricted stock units and performance share awards for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014		2013
Restricted stock awards	$	1,670		$	1,220	$	165
Stock options	1,713			2,301		4,745
Restricted stock units	(57		)	781		313
Performance share awards	1,504			981		—
Total compensation expense	4,830			5,283		5,223
Income tax effect	1,575			2,092		1,864
Net compensation expense	$	3,255		$	3,191	$	3,359

Stockholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Stockholders' Equity

16. Stockholders' Equity

As of October 31, 2015, our authorized capital stock consists of 125,000,000 shares of common stock, at par value of $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, with no par value. As of October 31, 2015 and 2014, we had 37,609,563 and 37,632,032 shares of common stock issued, respectively, and 33,962,460 and 36,214,332 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively. There were no shares of preferred stock issued or outstanding at October 31, 2015 and 2014.

Stock Repurchase Program and Treasury Stock

On September 5, 2014, our Board cancelled our existing stock repurchase program and approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing us to use up to $75.0 million to repurchase shares of our common stock. For the period from September 5, 2014 through October 31, 2014, we purchased 1,316,326 shares at a cost of $24.2 million under the new program. During the year ended October 31, 2015, we purchased an additional 2,675,903 shares at a cost of $50.8 million. From inception of the program, we purchased 3,992,229 at a cost of $75.0 million.

We record treasury stock purchases under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock. Shares are generally issued from treasury stock at the time of grant of restricted stock awards, upon the exercise of stock options and upon the vesting of performance shares. On the subsequent issuance of treasury shares, we record proceeds in excess of cost as an increase in additional paid in capital. A deficiency of such proceeds relative to costs would be applied to reduce paid-in-capital associated with prior issuances to the extent available, with the remainder recorded as a charge to retained earnings. We recorded a charge to retained earnings of $0.7 million in the year ended October 31, 2015.

The following table summarizes the treasury stock activity during the year ended October 31, 2015:



	October 31, 2015
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014	1,417,700
Restricted stock awards granted	(118,800	)
Stock options exercised	(327,700	)
Shares purchased	2,675,903
Balance at end of period	3,647,103

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section E

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 4
-Section C

+ Details

Other Income (Expense)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Income (Expense)

17. Other Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) included under the caption "Other, net" on the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss), consisted of the following (in thousands):



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains	$	(1,433	)	$	(695	)	$	474
Foreign currency exchange derivative gains (losses)	654			568			(570		)
Interest income	64			119			63
Other	184			100			203
Other income	$	(531	)	$	92		$	170

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Information

18. Segment Information

In 2014, we did not disclose segment information as we aggregated four operating segments into a common reportable segment. As a result of an acquisition in 2015, we determined that we have two reportable business segments, in accordance with ASC Topic 280-10-50, “Segment Reporting” (ASC 280): (1) Engineered Products, comprised of four operating segments, focused primarily on North American fenestration, and (2) International Extrusion, comprised solely of HLP that was acquired on June 15, 2015. In addition, we recorded LIFO inventory adjustments, corporate office charges and inter-segment eliminations as Corporate & Other. There were no inter-segment sales for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013. The accounting policies of our operating segments are the same as those used to prepare our accompanying consolidated financial statements.

ASC Topic 280-10-50, “Segment Reporting” (ASC 280) permits aggregation of operating segments based on factors including, but not limited to: (1) similar nature of products serving the building products industry, primarily the fenestration business; (2) similar production processes, although there are some differences in the amount of automation amongst operating plants; (3) similar types or classes of customers, namely the primary original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the window and door industry; (4) similar distribution methods for product delivery, although the extent of the use of third-party distributors will vary amongst the businesses; (5) similar regulatory environment; and (6) converging long-term economic similarities.

Segment information for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):



	Engineered Products		International Extrusion		Corporate & Other			Total
Year Ended October 31, 2015
Net sales	$	603,296	$	42,232	$	—		$	645,528
Depreciation and amortization	30,587		3,344		1,289			35,220
Operating income (loss)	52,850		1,404		(29,579		)	24,675
Capital expenditures	28,013		1,882		87			29,982
Goodwill	68,536		61,234		—			129,770
Total assets	$	382,736	$	184,377	$	4,918		$	572,031
Year Ended October 31, 2014
Net sales	$	595,384	$	—	$	—		$	595,384
Depreciation and amortization	30,785		—		3,084			33,869
Operating income (loss)	42,271		—		(27,995		)	14,276
Capital expenditures	23,435		—		294			23,729
Goodwill	70,546		—		—			70,546
Total assets	$	396,188	$	—	$	120,925		$	517,113
Year Ended October 31, 2013
Net sales	$	554,867	$	—	$	—		$	554,867
Depreciation and amortization	31,368		—		22,153			53,521
Operating income (loss)	45,324		—		(64,145		)	(18,821		)
Capital expenditures	$	17,674	$	—	$	7,534		$	25,208

Capital expenditures per the accompanying cash flow statements include $10.1 million and $12.7 million for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to Nichols business which was discontinued in 2014. For the change in the carrying amount of goodwill, see Note 6 "Goodwill & Intangible Assets".

The following table reconciles our segment presentation as previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, to the current presentation.



Year Ended October 31, 2014	As Previously Reported		Reclassification			Current Presentation
Engineered Products
Net sales	$	595,384	$	—		$	595,384
Depreciation and amortization	33,869		(3,084		)	30,785
Operating income (loss)	14,276		27,995			42,271
Capital expenditures	$	23,729	$	(294	)	$	23,435
Corporate & Other
Net sales	$	—	$	—		$	—
Depreciation and amortization	—		3,084			3,084
Operating income (loss)	—		(27,995		)	(27,995		)
Capital expenditures	$	—	$	294		$	294



Year Ended October 31, 2013	As Previously Reported			Reclassification			Current Presentation
Engineered Products
Net sales	$	554,867		$	—		$	554,867
Depreciation and amortization	53,521			(22,153		)	31,368
Operating income (loss)	(18,821		)	64,145			45,324
Capital expenditures	$	25,208		$	(7,534	)	$	17,674
Corporate & Other
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	—
Depreciation and amortization	—			22,153			22,153
Operating income (loss)	—			(64,145		)	(64,145		)
Capital expenditures	$	—		$	7,534		$	7,534

Geographic Information

Our manufacturing facilities and all long-lived assets are located in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. We attribute our net sales to a geographic region based on the location of the customer. The following tables provide information concerning our net sales for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and our long-lived assets as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):



	Year Ended October 31,
Net Sales:	2015		2014		2013
United States	$	500,171	$	484,601	$	454,365
Europe	94,564		57,098		52,051
Canada	22,973		26,605		23,108
Asia	19,268		18,867		17,390
Other foreign countries	8,552		8,213		7,953
Total net sales	$	645,528	$	595,384	$	554,867



	Year Ended October 31,
Long-lived assets, net	2015		2014
United States	$	214,479	$	219,568
Germany	20,117		21,708
United Kingdom	156,656		8,907
Total long-lived assets, net	$	391,252	$	250,183

Long-lived assets, net includes: property, plant and equipment, net; goodwill; and intangible assets, net.

Product Sales

We produce a wide variety of products that are used in the fenestration industry, including: window and door systems design, engineering and fabrication; accessory trim profiles with real wood veneers and wood grain laminate finishes; window spacer systems; extruded vinyl products; metal fabrication; and astragals, thresholds and screens. In addition, we produce certain non-fenestration products, including: flooring and trim moldings, solar edge tape, plastic decking, fencing, water retention barriers, conservatory roof components, and other products. Historically, we have presented product sales information at the reportable segment level, and we attribute our net sales based on the location of the customer. We have five operating segments that are aggregated into two reportable segments. The Engineered Products segment includes this breadth of product offerings across the fenestration and non-fenestration spectrum, aggregated due to common economic and other characteristics. The sole operating segment in the International Extrusion segment was acquired on June 15, 2015 (see Note 2, "Acquisitions"). This operating segment is domiciled in the United Kingdom and predominantly services a customer base of smaller window producers in the United Kingdom.

The following table summarizes our product sales for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 into general groupings to provide additional information to our shareholders.



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015		2014
Product Group:
United States - fenestration	$	458,028	$	451,018
International - fenestration	121,934		97,237
United States - non-fenestration	42,143		33,583
International - non-fenestration	23,423		13,546
Net sales	$	645,528	$	595,384

We determined that it was impractical to obtain comparative fenestration/non-fenestration information for fiscal 2013.

- 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
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+ Details

Earnings Per Share

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

19. 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 shares include the weighted average of additional shares associated with the incremental effect of dilutive employee stock options, non-vested restricted stock as determined using the treasury stock method prescribed by U.S. GAAP and contingent shares associated with performance share awards, if dilutive.

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):



	Year Ended October 31, 2015
	Net Income from Continuing Operations		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	15,614	33,993	$	0.46
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		378
Restricted stock	—		131
Diluted earnings per common share	$	15,614	34,502	$	0.46



	Year Ended October 31, 2014
	Net Income from Continuing Operations		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	8,338	37,128	$	0.22
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		467
Restricted stock	—		84
Diluted earnings per common share	$	8,338	37,679	$	0.22

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 year ended October 31, 2013. During this twelve-month period, 492,288 of common stock equivalents related to stock options and 84,222 shares of restricted stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.

For the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we had 860,272, 954,372 and 816,617 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.

Unaudited Quarterly Data

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Unaudited Quarterly Data

20. Unaudited Quarterly Data

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):



For the Quarter Ended	January 31, 2015			April 30, 2015		July 31, 2015		October 31, 2015
Net sales	$	127,893		$	141,970	$	180,206	$	195,459
Cost of sales	105,804			110,812		136,853		145,628
Depreciation and amortization	8,208			7,831		8,502		10,679
Operating (loss) income	(5,615		)	3,689		9,828		16,773
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(3,094		)	2,294		6,471		9,943
Net (loss) income	$	(3,071	)	$	2,294	$	6,927	$	9,943
Basic (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	$	(0.09	)	$	0.07	$	0.20	$	0.30
Diluted (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	(0.09		)	0.07		0.19		0.29
Basic (loss) earnings per share	(0.09		)	0.07		0.21		0.30
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	(0.09		)	0.07		0.20		0.29
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04



For the Quarter Ended	January 31, 2014			April 30, 2014			July 31, 2014		October 31, 2014
Net sales	$	126,379		$	135,208		$	169,981	$	163,816
Cost of sales	96,189			108,649			130,706		129,040
Depreciation and amortization	8,544			8,494			8,512		8,319
Operating (loss) income	(862		)	(2,828		)	12,666		5,300
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(1,212		)	(2,030		)	8,567		3,013
Net (loss) income	$	(3,901	)	$	20,131		$	8,047	$	4,957
Basic (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.05	)	$	0.23	$	0.08
Diluted (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	(0.03		)	(0.05		)	0.23		0.08
Basic (loss) earnings per share	(0.11		)	0.54			0.22		0.13
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	(0.11		)	0.53			0.21		0.13
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.04		$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04

Quarterly earnings (loss) per share results may not sum to the consolidated earnings per share results on the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss) due to rounding and changes in weighted average shares during the respective periods.

New Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
New Accounting Pronouncements	Oct. 31, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements	21. New Accounting Guidance Adopted In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists, which provides guidance related to the presentation of current and deferred income taxes on the balance sheet. In general, an entity must present an unrecognized tax benefit related to a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, as a reduction of a deferred tax asset, except in prescribed circumstances through which liability presentation would be appropriate. This guidance became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2013. We adopted this guidance on November 1, 2014 with no material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

22. Subsequent Events

On November 2, 2015, we completed a merger of QWMS, Inc., a Delaware corporation which was a newly-formed and wholly-owned Quanex subsidiary, and WII Holding, Inc. (WII), a Delaware corporation. Upon satisfaction or waiver of conditions set forth in the merger agreement, QWMS, Inc. merged with and into WII, and WII became our wholly-owned subsidiary, and, as a result, we acquired all the subsidiaries of WII (referred to collectively as Woodcraft). Woodcraft is a manufacturer of cabinet doors and other components to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the kitchen and bathroom cabinet industry. Woodcraft operates 13 plants within the United States and Mexico. This acquisition represents our entry into a new market within the building product industry which we believe will reduce the impact of seasonality on our business due to weather. We paid $245.9 million in cash, net of cash acquired, subject to a working capital true-up and including certain holdbacks with regard to potential indemnity claims.

We are still determining the purchase price allocation for Woodcraft. A preliminary purchase price allocation of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is included in the table below. These estimates are subject to change and will likely result in an increase or decrease in goodwill, particularly with regard to third-party valuations, during the measurement period which may extend up to one year from the acquisition date.



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	23,978
Inventory	29,650
Prepaid and other assets	4,502
Property, plant and equipment	64,824
Goodwill	89,574
Intangible assets	104,000
Accounts payable	(4,620		)
Accruals and other current liabilities	(11,444		)
Other non-current liabilities	(344		)
Deferred tax liabilities	(54,174		)
Net assets acquired	$	245,946
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	245,946

We used recognized valuation techniques to determine the fair value of the assets and liabilities, including the income approach for customer relationships and trade names, and the cost approach to value patents, with a discount rate that reflects the risk of the expected future cash flows. The goodwill balance is not deductible for tax purposes.

In order to fund the Woodcraft acquisition, we entered into New Credit Facilities on November 2, 2015, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Agent, and Bank of America, N.A., serving as Syndication Agent. The New Credit Facilities provide us with a senior secured credit facility of $410.0 million consisting of an asset-based revolving credit facility of $100.0 million (for which the borrowing base would be determined monthly) and a term loan facility of $310.0 million, as more fully described at Note 8, Debt and Capital Lease Obligations.

On November 2, 2015, we borrowed $310.0 million under the term loan facility and $10.5 million under the ABL facility to fund the Woodcraft acquisition, to refinance and retire outstanding debt of $50.0 million under our then-existing credit facility and to pay fees associated with the new credit facility. We may borrow funds under this facility in the future to pay transaction related costs and to fund other general working capital needs. We recorded an expense charge of $0.5 million in November 2015 to write off the unamortized deferred financing fees associated with our prior credit facility.

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Basis of Accounting, Policy

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

Use of Estimates, Policy

Use of Estimates

A summary of our significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows:

Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue

Revenue Recognition

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Concentration Credit Risk and Allowance Policy

Concentration of Credit Risk and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Business Combinations Policy

Business Combinations

Inventory, Policy

Inventory

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy

Long-Lived Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets with Defined Lives

The estimated useful lives of our primary asset categories at October 31, 2015 were as follows:



	Useful Life (in Years)
Land improvements	7 to 25
Buildings	25 to 40
Building improvements	5 to 20
Machinery and equipment	2 to 15

Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the lease.

Goodwill

Liability Reserve Estimate, Policy

Insurance

Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy

Retirement Plans

Standard Product Warranty, Policy

Warranty Obligations

Income Tax, Policy

Income Taxes

Environmental Costs, Policy

Environmental Contingencies

Derivatives, Policy

Derivative Instruments

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy

Foreign Currency Translation

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy

Stock–Based Compensation

Stockholders' Equity, Policy

Treasury Stock

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Earnings per Share Data

Discontinued Operations, Policy

Discontinued Operations

The following table summarizes the operating results for Nichols for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)
	2014			2013
Net sales	$	142,797		$	410,381
Operating (loss) income	(5,094		)	1,091
(Loss) income before income taxes, before gain on sale	(5,111		)	1,071
Income tax benefit (expense), before gain on sale	1,947			(390		)
Gain on sale, net of tax of $15,062	24,060			—
Net income	$	20,896		$	681
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.57		$	0.02
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.56		$	0.02

Subsequent Events, Policy

Subsequent Events

We have evaluated events occurring after the balance sheet date for possible disclosure as a subsequent event through the date the financial statements were issued.

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Property Assets Useful Life

The estimated useful lives of our primary asset categories at October 31, 2015 were as follows:



	Useful Life (in Years)
Land improvements	7 to 25
Buildings	25 to 40
Building improvements	5 to 20
Machinery and equipment	2 to 15

Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The following table summarizes our supplemental cash flow information for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for interest	$	830		$	361	$	431
Cash paid for income taxes	2,561			3,046		1,273
Cash received for income tax refunds	403			66		1,465
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Share value cancelled to satisfy tax withholdings	153			155		518
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit	10,883			1,977		3,032
Asset retirement obligation	—			—		1,267
Debt assumed in acquisition	7,673			—		91
(Decrease) increase in capitalized expenditures in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	(204	)	$	1,398	$	1,249

Financial Information of Discontinued Operations

The following table summarizes the operating results for Nichols for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	(in thousands)
	2014			2013
Net sales	$	142,797		$	410,381
Operating (loss) income	(5,094		)	1,091
(Loss) income before income taxes, before gain on sale	(5,111		)	1,071
Income tax benefit (expense), before gain on sale	1,947			(390		)
Gain on sale, net of tax of $15,062	24,060			—
Net income	$	20,896		$	681
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.57		$	0.02
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.56		$	0.02

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of information related to a disposal group. Includes, but is not limited to, a discontinued operation, disposal classified as held-for-sale or disposed of by means other than sale or disposal of an individually significant component.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
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-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51716988&loc=SL51721533-107759

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51719941&loc=SL51724579-110230

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51719941&loc=d3e2941-110230

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51717284&loc=SL51721673-107760

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 205
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Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Acquisitions (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

HLP

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	12,104
Inventory	16,015
Prepaid and other assets	722
Property, plant and equipment	27,394
Goodwill	61,524
Intangible assets	61,101
Other non-current assets	2,252
Accounts payable	(9,375		)
Income taxes payable	(948		)
Accrued expenses	(6,616		)
Deferred tax liabilities	(14,492		)
Net assets acquired	$	149,681
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	131,689
Debt assumed in acquisition (capital leases)	7,673
Contingent consideration (earn-out)	10,319
	$	149,681

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information



	Pro Forma Results
	For the Years Ended
	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Net sales	$	704,461	$	691,491
Income from continuing operations	$	21,667	$	18,064
Net income	$	22,146	$	38,960
Basic and diluted earnings per share	$	0.65	$	0.50

Greenville

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation

The purchase price has been allocated to the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as indicated in the table below.



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Inventories	$	161
Prepaid and other current assets	145
Property, plant and equipment	4,695
Intangible assets	290
Deferred income tax liability	(50		)
Net assets acquired	$	5,241
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	5,161

Gain recognized on bargain purchase	$	80

Receivables & Allowance (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Receivables [Abstract]

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consisted of the following as of October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Trade receivables	$	64,156	$	55,274
Receivables from employees	9		1
Other	588		616
Total	$	64,753	$	55,891
Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts	673		698
Accounts receivable, net	$	64,080	$	55,193

Change in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The changes in our allowance for doubtful accounts were as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	698		$	481		$	977
Bad debt expense (benefit)	25			359			(70		)
Amounts written off	(66		)	(192		)	(533		)
Recoveries	16			50			107
Balance as of October 31,	$	673		$	698		$	481

Inventories (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Raw materials	$	36,865	$	36,751
Finished goods and work in process	32,206		25,558
Supplies and other	2,064		806
Total	$	71,135	$	63,115
Less: Inventory reserves	8,106		5,757
Inventories, net	$	63,029	$	57,358

Inventory Reserve Rollforward

The changes in our inventory reserve accounts were are follows for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	$	5,757		$	5,040		$	5,605
Charged (credited) to cost of sales	2,853			960			(563		)
Write-offs	(504		)	(243		)	(2		)
Balance as of October 31,	$	8,106		$	5,757		$	5,040

Values of Inventories

Our inventories at October 31, 2015 and 2014 were valued using the following costing methods:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
LIFO	$	3,642	$	5,122
FIFO	59,387		52,236
Total	$	63,029	$	57,358

Property, Plant & and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Land and land improvements	$	2,149	$	2,121
Buildings and building improvements	50,050		47,283
Machinery and equipment	292,188		251,584
Construction in progress	13,797		8,913
Property, plant and equipment, gross	358,184		309,901
Less: Accumulated depreciation	217,512		200,414
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	140,672	$	109,487

Impairment Charges on Assets Held for Sale

We recorded asset impairment charges related to specific assets that were held for sale for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015	2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Asset impairment charges	—	505	⁽¹⁾	1,465	⁽²⁾

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014 and 2013	$	70,546		$	71,866
Acquisitions	61,524			—
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,300		)	(1,320		)
Balance as of October 31,	$	129,770		$	70,546

Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class

Amortizable intangible assets consisted of the following as of October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31, 2015	October 31, 2015				October 31, 2014
	Remaining Weighted Average Useful Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
		(In thousands)
Customer relationships	15 years	$	98,750	$	24,628	$	53,083	$	19,700
Trademarks and trade names	13 years	58,916		23,416		44,722		20,343
Patents and other technology	6 years	25,881		15,158		25,244		13,228
Other	1 year	1,767		1,302		1,392		1,020
Total		$	185,314	$	64,504	$	124,441	$	54,291

Estimated Amortization Expense Related to Intangible Assets

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



	Estimated Amortization Expense
2016	$	12,350
2017	11,883
2018	11,635
2019	10,849
2020	9,788
Thereafter	64,305
Total	$	120,810

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Payroll, payroll taxes and employee benefits	$	16,928	$	15,183
Accrued insurance and workers compensation	2,945		2,870
Sales allowances	6,216		4,764
Deferred compensation	331		330
Deferred revenue	987		610
Warranties	309		385
Audit, legal, and other professional fees	1,862		799
Accrued taxes	2,572		439
Accrued rent	196		316
Treasury share purchase accrual	—		1,959
Other	5,018		4,827
Accrued liabilities	$	37,364	$	32,482

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt & Capital Lease Obligations

Long-term debt consisted of the following at October 31, 2015 and 2014:



	October 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Revolving Credit Facility	$	50,000	$	—
City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds	500		600
Capital lease obligations	6,900		185
Total debt	$	57,400	$	785
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt	2,359		199
Long-term debt	$	55,041	$	586

Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt

The table below presents the scheduled maturity dates of our long-term debt outstanding at October 31, 2015 (in thousands):



	Other Long Term Debt		Capital Lease Obligations		Aggregate Maturities
2016	$	100	$	2,258	$	2,358
2017	100		2,030		2,130
2018	50,100		1,365		51,465
2019	100		963		1,063
2020	100		284		384
Thereafter	—		—		—
Total	$	50,500	$	6,900	$	57,400

Retirement Plans (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Funded Status and Net periodic Benefit Cost

The changes in benefit obligations and plan assets, and our funded status (reported in deferred pension and postretirement benefits on the consolidated balance sheets) were as follows:



	October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	29,070		$	26,239
Service cost	3,288			3,313
Interest cost	1,026			1,063
Actuarial loss	38			2,213
Benefits paid	(1,925		)	(3,188		)
Administrative expenses	(462		)	(570		)
Projected benefit obligation at October 31,	$	31,035		$	29,070
Change in Plan Assets:
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	25,329		$	23,607
Actual return on plan assets	390			1,340
Employer contributions	2,800			4,140
Benefits paid	(1,925		)	(3,188		)
Administrative expenses	(462		)	(570		)
Fair value of plan assets at October 31,	$	26,132		$	25,329
Non current liability - Funded Status	$	(4,903	)	$	(3,741	)

Net Periodic Pension Cost

The net periodic benefit cost for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, was as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Service cost	$	3,288		$	3,313		$	3,820
Interest cost	1,026			1,063			786
Expected return on plan assets	(1,791		)	(1,722		)	(1,400		)
Amortization of net loss	—			—			370
Net periodic benefit cost	$	2,523		$	2,654		$	3,576

Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in plan assets and projected benefit obligations which were recognized in our other comprehensive loss for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015		2014		2013
	(In thousands)
Net loss (gain) arising during the period	$	1,439	$	2,596	$	(2,749	)
Less: Amortization of net loss	$	159	$	—	$	369
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	$	1,280	$	2,596	$	(3,118	)

Assumptions Used in Benefit Calculations

The following table presents our assumptions for pension benefit calculations for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	For the Year Ended October 31,
	2015	2014	2013	2015	2014	2013
Weighted Average Assumptions:	Benefit Obligation			Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Discount rate	3.92%	3.64%	4.18%	3.64%	4.18%	3.29%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	2.50%	3.00%	2.50%	2.50%
Expected return on plan assets	n/a	n/a	n/a	6.75%	7.25%	7.25%

Allocation and Fair Value of Pension Assets



	Target Allocation		Actual Allocation
	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
Equity securities	60.0	%	60.0	%	61.0	%
Fixed income	40.0	%	40.0	%	39.0	%



	Fair Value Measurements at
	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Money market fund	$	142	$	307

Large capitalization	$	8,367	$	8,088
Small capitalization	3,114		3,034
International equity	2,831		2,773
Other	1,290		1,267
Equity securities	$	15,602	$	15,162

High-quality core bond	$	5,186	$	4,933
High-quality government bond	2,590		2,452
High-yield bond	2,612		2,475
Fixed income	$	10,388	$	9,860

Total securities⁽¹⁾	$	26,132	$	25,329

Expected Benefit Payments



	Pension Benefits
2016	$	2,790
2017	2,454
2018	2,567
2019	2,641
2020	2,747
2021 - 2024	15,227
Total	$	28,426

Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet

The table below indicates the amount of these liabilities included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:



	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Accrued liabilities	$	49	$	49
Deferred pension and postretirement benefits	798		1,077
Total	$	847	$	1,126

Warranty Obligations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of Activity Related to Accrued Warranty



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014, and 2013, respectively	$	671		$	3,684
Provision for warranty expense	207			782
Change in accrual for preexisting warranties	—			(3,400		)
Warranty costs paid	(343		)	(395		)
Total accrued warranty	$	535		$	671
Less: Current portion of accrued warranty	309			385
Long-term portion at October 31,	$	226		$	286

Income Tax (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

The following table summarizes the components of income tax expense from continuing operations for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
	(In thousands)
Current
Federal	$	49		$	1,271		$	2,902
State and local	216			532			780
Non-U.S.	2,070			2,535			846
Total current	2,335			4,338			4,528
Deferred
Federal	5,766			2,261			(10,498		)
State and local	439			(258		)	(980		)
Non-U.S.	(1,001		)	(873		)	62
Total deferred	5,204			1,130			(11,416		)
Total income tax provision (benefit)	$	7,539		$	5,468		$	(6,888	)

Effective Income Tax Rate

The following table reconciles our effective income tax rate to the federal statutory rate of 35% for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015		2014		2013
U.S. tax at statutory rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State and local income tax	2.3		2.3		3.0
Non-U.S. income tax	(1.5	)	(0.1	)	0.1
US tax on non US earnings	—		(0.3	)	—
Deferred rate change	0.5		5.1		—
General business credits	(1.0	)	(1.8	)	0.8
Transaction costs	2.5		—		—
Uncertain tax positions	(3.4	)	(1.2	)	1.9
Change in valuation allowance	(0.5	)	(1.0	)	(2.8	)
Other	(1.3	)	1.6		(2.3	)
Effective tax rate	32.6	%	39.6	%	35.7	%

Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Significant components of our net deferred tax assets were as follows:



	October 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefit obligations	$	13,220		$	15,017
Accrued liabilities and reserves	3,354			1,742
Pension and other benefit obligations	2,956			2,676
Inventory	2,625			1,890
Loss and tax credit carry forwards	12,531			20,107
Other	187			268
Total gross deferred tax assets	34,873			41,700
Less: Valuation allowance	1,064			1,358
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	33,809			40,342
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment	8,303			7,472
Goodwill and intangibles	16,723			3,078
Total deferred tax liabilities	25,026			10,550
Net deferred tax assets	$	8,783		$	29,792

Uncertain tax position	—			6,805
	$	8,783		$	22,987

Deferred income tax (liabilities) assets, non-current	$	(5,241	)	$	1,545
Deferred income tax assets, current	14,024			21,442
Net deferred tax assets	$	8,783		$	22,987

Unrecognized Tax Benefits

The following table reconciles the change in the unrecognized income tax benefit for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands):



	Unrecognized Income Tax Benefits
Balance at October 31, 2012	$	15,759
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	14
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	497
Lapse in statute of limitations	(3,032		)
Balance at October 31, 2013	$	13,238
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	—
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	170
Lapse in statute of limitations	(1,977		)
Balance at October 31, 2014	$	11,431
Additions for tax positions related to the current year	—
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year	16
Reassessment of position	(10,883		)
Balance at October 31, 2015	$	564

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure

The following table presents future minimum rental payments under operating leases with remaining terms in excess of one year at October 31, 2015 (in thousands):



	Operating Leases
2016	$	9,619
2017	8,718
2018	7,472
2019	7,051
2020	5,947
Thereafter	17,783
Total	$	56,590

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a lessee's leasing arrangements including: (1) the basis on which contingent rental payments are determined, (2) the existence and terms of renewal or purchase options and escalation clauses, (3) restrictions imposed by lease arrangements, such as those concerning dividends, additional debt, and further leasing, (4) rent holidays, rent concessions, or leasehold improvement incentives and unusual provisions or conditions. Disclosure may also include the specific period used to amortize material leasehold improvements made at the inception of the lease or during the lease term. Additionally, for operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year: (a) future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) the total of minimum rentals to be received in the future under noncancelable subleases as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, and (c) for all operating leases, rental expense for each period for which an income statement is presented, with separate amounts for minimum rentals, contingent rentals, and sublease rentals. Rental payments under leases with terms of a month or less that were not renewed need not be included.

+ References + Details

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Location in Financial Performance and Financial Position



		Year Ended October 31,
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Location of Gain or (Loss):	2015		2014		2013
Foreign currency derivatives	Other, net	$	654	$	568	$	(570	)

The fair values of our outstanding derivative contracts as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows (in thousands):



	October 31,
	2015		2014
Prepaid and other current assets:
Foreign currency derivatives	$	44	$	69

Schedule of Notional Amounts of Oustanding Derivative Positions

The following table summarizes the notional amounts and fair value of outstanding derivative contracts at October 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):



		Notional as indicated		Fair Value in $
		October 31, 2015	October 31, 2014	October 31, 2015		October 31, 2014
Foreign currency derivatives:
Sell EUR, Buy USD	EUR	8,076	4,907	$	37	$	68
Sell CAD, Buy USD	CAD	280	331	1		1
Sell GBP, Buy USD	GBP	226	—	3		—
Buy EUR, Sell USD	EUR	807	—	3		—
Buy EUR, Sell GBP	EUR	2	—	—		—

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the assets measured on a recurring basis based on the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):



	October 31, 2015								October 31, 2014
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets
Short-term investments	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	69,975	$	—	$	—	$	69,975
Foreign currency derivatives	—		44		—		44		—		69		—		69
Total assets	$	—	$	44	$	—	$	44	$	69,975	$	69	$	—	$	70,044
Liabilities
Contingent consideration	$	—	$	—	$	10,414	$	10,414	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Total Liabilities	$	—	$	—	$	10,414	$	10,414	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Share Activity

A summary of non-vested restricted stock awards activity during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, follows:



	Restricted Stock Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	212,700		$	16.08
Granted	148,400		18.83
Vested	(67,300	)	16.21
Forfeited	(110,400	)	17.40
Non-vested at October 31, 2013	183,400		17.46
Granted	83,400		17.67
Vested	(30,700	)	17.45
Forfeited	(15,300	)	19.25
Non-vested at October 31, 2014	220,800		17.42
Granted	118,800		20.17
Vested	(34,000	)	15.12
Forfeited	(12,600	)	19.57
Non-vested at October 31, 2015	293,000		$	18.70

Schedule of Valuation Assumptions for Stock Options

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our stock options granted during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015	2014	2013
Weighted-average expected volatility	47.7%	55.3%	54.9%
Weighted-average expected term (in years)	5.6	6.1	5.3
Risk-free interest rate	1.6%	1.9%	1.0%
Expected dividend yield over expected term	1.0%	1.0%	1.0%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$8.40	$8.78	$8.75

Schedule of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 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		$	12,908
Granted	636,645		19.67
Exercised	(179,517	)	14.39
Forfeited/Expired	(55,102	)	18.01
Outstanding at October 31, 2013	2,875,276		15.64			$	7,748
Granted	189,200		17.99
Exercised	(306,611	)	19.27
Forfeited/Expired	(169,476	)	18.71
Outstanding at October 31, 2014	2,588,389		16.21		6.2	$	10,238
Granted	123,900		20.28
Exercised	(327,700	)	15.59
Forfeited/Expired	(32,401	)	20.21
Outstanding at October 31, 2015	2,352,188		16.46		5.4	$	6,672
Vested or expected to vest at October 31, 2015	2,330,304		16.42		5.4	$	6,664
Exercisable at October 31, 2015	1,970,550		$	15.91	4.9	$	6,424

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity

The following table summarizes non-vested restricted stock unit activity during the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:



	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at October 31, 2012	161,000		$	15.47
Granted	6,875		17.78
Vested	(12,875	)	18.05
Forfeited	(54,000	)	15.08
Non-vested at October 31, 2013	101,000		15.62
Granted	12,135		18.58
Vested	(29,635	)	18.35
Forfeited	—		—
Non-vested at October 31, 2014	83,500		15.08
Granted	—		—
Vested	(83,500	)	15.08
Forfeited	—		—
Non-vested at October 31, 2015	—		—

Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014		2013
Restricted stock awards	$	1,670		$	1,220	$	165
Stock options	1,713			2,301		4,745
Restricted stock units	(57		)	781		313
Performance share awards	1,504			981		—
Total compensation expense	4,830			5,283		5,223
Income tax effect	1,575			2,092		1,864
Net compensation expense	$	3,255		$	3,191	$	3,359

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]

Schedule of Treasury Stock

The following table summarizes the treasury stock activity during the year ended October 31, 2015:



	October 31, 2015
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014	1,417,700
Restricted stock awards granted	(118,800	)
Stock options exercised	(327,700	)
Shares purchased	2,675,903
Balance at end of period	3,647,103

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 480
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011957&loc=d3e177068-122764

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21553-112644

Reference 5: 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.(d),(e))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6403732&loc=d3e21300-112643

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.28,29)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21484-112644

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 505
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21488-112644

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Section 02
-Paragraph 30
-Article 5

+ Details

Other Income (Expense) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Non-operating Income (Expense)

Other income (expense) included under the caption "Other, net" on the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss), consisted of the following (in thousands):



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Foreign currency transaction (losses) gains	$	(1,433	)	$	(695	)	$	474
Foreign currency exchange derivative gains (losses)	654			568			(570		)
Interest income	64			119			63
Other	184			100			203
Other income	$	(531	)	$	92		$	170

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of Product Sales

The following table summarizes our product sales for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 into general groupings to provide additional information to our shareholders.



	Year Ended October 31,
	2015		2014
Product Group:
United States - fenestration	$	458,028	$	451,018
International - fenestration	121,934		97,237
United States - non-fenestration	42,143		33,583
International - non-fenestration	23,423		13,546
Net sales	$	645,528	$	595,384

Segment Information



	Engineered Products		International Extrusion		Corporate & Other			Total
Year Ended October 31, 2015
Net sales	$	603,296	$	42,232	$	—		$	645,528
Depreciation and amortization	30,587		3,344		1,289			35,220
Operating income (loss)	52,850		1,404		(29,579		)	24,675
Capital expenditures	28,013		1,882		87			29,982
Goodwill	68,536		61,234		—			129,770
Total assets	$	382,736	$	184,377	$	4,918		$	572,031
Year Ended October 31, 2014
Net sales	$	595,384	$	—	$	—		$	595,384
Depreciation and amortization	30,785		—		3,084			33,869
Operating income (loss)	42,271		—		(27,995		)	14,276
Capital expenditures	23,435		—		294			23,729
Goodwill	70,546		—		—			70,546
Total assets	$	396,188	$	—	$	120,925		$	517,113
Year Ended October 31, 2013
Net sales	$	554,867	$	—	$	—		$	554,867
Depreciation and amortization	31,368		—		22,153			53,521
Operating income (loss)	45,324		—		(64,145		)	(18,821		)
Capital expenditures	$	17,674	$	—	$	7,534		$	25,208

The following table reconciles our segment presentation as previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, to the current presentation.



Year Ended October 31, 2014	As Previously Reported		Reclassification			Current Presentation
Engineered Products
Net sales	$	595,384	$	—		$	595,384
Depreciation and amortization	33,869		(3,084		)	30,785
Operating income (loss)	14,276		27,995			42,271
Capital expenditures	$	23,729	$	(294	)	$	23,435
Corporate & Other
Net sales	$	—	$	—		$	—
Depreciation and amortization	—		3,084			3,084
Operating income (loss)	—		(27,995		)	(27,995		)
Capital expenditures	$	—	$	294		$	294



Year Ended October 31, 2013	As Previously Reported			Reclassification			Current Presentation
Engineered Products
Net sales	$	554,867		$	—		$	554,867
Depreciation and amortization	53,521			(22,153		)	31,368
Operating income (loss)	(18,821		)	64,145			45,324
Capital expenditures	$	25,208		$	(7,534	)	$	17,674
Corporate & Other
Net sales	$	—		$	—		$	—
Depreciation and amortization	—			22,153			22,153
Operating income (loss)	—			(64,145		)	(64,145		)
Capital expenditures	$	—		$	7,534		$	7,534

Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas

The following tables provide information concerning our net sales for the years ended October 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, and our long-lived assets as of October 31, 2015 and 2014 (in thousands):



	Year Ended October 31,
Net Sales:	2015		2014		2013
United States	$	500,171	$	484,601	$	454,365
Europe	94,564		57,098		52,051
Canada	22,973		26,605		23,108
Asia	19,268		18,867		17,390
Other foreign countries	8,552		8,213		7,953
Total net sales	$	645,528	$	595,384	$	554,867



	Year Ended October 31,
Long-lived assets, net	2015		2014
United States	$	214,479	$	219,568
Germany	20,117		21,708
United Kingdom	156,656		8,907
Total long-lived assets, net	$	391,252	$	250,183

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (in thousands, except per share data):



	Year Ended October 31, 2015
	Net Income from Continuing Operations		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	15,614	33,993	$	0.46
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		378
Restricted stock	—		131
Diluted earnings per common share	$	15,614	34,502	$	0.46



	Year Ended October 31, 2014
	Net Income from Continuing Operations		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$	8,338	37,128	$	0.22
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—		467
Restricted stock	—		84
Diluted earnings per common share	$	8,338	37,679	$	0.22

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information

Selected quarterly financial data for the years ended October 31, 2015 and 2014 was as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):



For the Quarter Ended	January 31, 2015			April 30, 2015		July 31, 2015		October 31, 2015
Net sales	$	127,893		$	141,970	$	180,206	$	195,459
Cost of sales	105,804			110,812		136,853		145,628
Depreciation and amortization	8,208			7,831		8,502		10,679
Operating (loss) income	(5,615		)	3,689		9,828		16,773
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(3,094		)	2,294		6,471		9,943
Net (loss) income	$	(3,071	)	$	2,294	$	6,927	$	9,943
Basic (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	$	(0.09	)	$	0.07	$	0.20	$	0.30
Diluted (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	(0.09		)	0.07		0.19		0.29
Basic (loss) earnings per share	(0.09		)	0.07		0.21		0.30
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	(0.09		)	0.07		0.20		0.29
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04	$	0.04



For the Quarter Ended	January 31, 2014			April 30, 2014			July 31, 2014		October 31, 2014
Net sales	$	126,379		$	135,208		$	169,981	$	163,816
Cost of sales	96,189			108,649			130,706		129,040
Depreciation and amortization	8,544			8,494			8,512		8,319
Operating (loss) income	(862		)	(2,828		)	12,666		5,300
(Loss) income from continuing operations	(1,212		)	(2,030		)	8,567		3,013
Net (loss) income	$	(3,901	)	$	20,131		$	8,047	$	4,957
Basic (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.05	)	$	0.23	$	0.08
Diluted (loss) earnings per share, continuing operations	(0.03		)	(0.05		)	0.23		0.08
Basic (loss) earnings per share	(0.11		)	0.54			0.22		0.13
Diluted (loss) earnings per share	(0.11		)	0.53			0.21		0.13
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.04		$	0.04		$	0.04	$	0.04

Subsequent Events (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2015

Woodcraft

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Schedule of Purchase Price Allocation

These estimates are subject to change and will likely result in an increase or decrease in goodwill, particularly with regard to third-party valuations, during the measurement period which may extend up to one year from the acquisition date.



	As of Date of Opening Balance Sheet
	(In thousands)
Net assets acquired:
Accounts receivable	$	23,978
Inventory	29,650
Prepaid and other assets	4,502
Property, plant and equipment	64,824
Goodwill	89,574
Intangible assets	104,000
Accounts payable	(4,620		)
Accruals and other current liabilities	(11,444		)
Other non-current liabilities	(344		)
Deferred tax liabilities	(54,174		)
Net assets acquired	$	245,946
Consideration:
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$	245,946

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation, Concentration (Details) - Sales $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) customer	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($) customer	Oct. 31, 2013 customer
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Number of major customers \| customer	2	2	2
Number of major customers whose business, if lost, could adversely affect business \| customer	1
Customer One
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of revenue	11.00%	11.00%	11.00%
Accounts receivable \| $	$ 8.3	$ 8.8
Customer Two
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percent of revenue	14.00%	15.00%	18.00%
Accounts receivable \| $	$ 5.0	$ 7.0

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation, Inventory (Details)	Oct. 31, 2015 plant
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Plant Locations using LIFO Valuation Method	2

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation, Long Lived Assets (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015
Land Improvements \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Land Improvements \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Building \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	25 years
Building \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Building Improvements \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Building Improvements \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	2 years
Machinery and Equipment \| Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation, Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	3 years
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	1 year
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	1 year 9 months 18 days
Employees and Officers \| Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation, Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Cash paid for interest	$ 830	$ 361	$ 431
Cash paid for income taxes	2,561	3,046	1,273
Cash received for income tax refunds	403	66	1,465
Share value cancelled to satisfy tax withholdings	153	155	518
Lapse in statute of limitations	10,883	1,977	3,032
Asset retirement obligation	0	0	1,267
Debt assumed in acquisition	7,673	0	91
Change in capitalized expenditures in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$ (204)	$ 1,398	$ 1,249

Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation, Disposal (Details)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			23 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2013 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) segment $ / shares	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($) segment $ / shares	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of segments \| segment			2		2
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Income Statement Disclosures [Abstract]
Net sales				$ 142,797,000	$ 410,381,000
Operating (loss) income				(5,094,000)	1,091,000
(Loss) income before income taxes, before gain on sale				(5,111,000)	1,071,000
Income tax benefit (expense), before gain on sale				1,947,000	(390,000)
Gain on sale, net of tax of $15,062	$ 24,100,000			24,060,000	0
Net income (loss)			$ 479,000	$ 20,896,000	$ 681,000
Basic earnings (loss) per share, discontinued operations (USD per share) \| $ / shares			$ 0.01	$ 0.57	$ 0.02
Diluted earnings (loss) per share, discontinued operations (usd per share) \| $ / shares			$ 0.01	$ 0.56	$ 0.02
Tax effect on gain on sale	15,000,000			$ 15,062
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Proceeds from sale of Nichols	107,431,000		$ 0	107,431,000	$ 0
Gain on sale, net of tax	24,100,000			24,060,000	0
Working capital adjustment	2,600,000
Tax effect on gain on sale	15,000,000			15,062
Severance cost paid to Aleris	$ 400,000
Purchases of aluminum product from Nichols			9,500,000	14,900,000	12,600,000
Receivable due from Acquiree, Aleris			100,000			$ 100,000
Insurance deductible related to fire at Nichols		$ 500,000
Capitalized amount to rebuild the asset, related to fire at Nichols		6,500,000
Costs incurred related to fire loss at Nichols		2,300,000
Impairment charge recognized related to fire loss at Nichols		$ 500,000
Insurance proceeds received for Nichols			1,263,000	$ 4,801,000	$ 0	$ 6,100,000
Gain on involuntary conversion related to fire at Nichols			$ 3,700,000

Acquisitions (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands				5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 15, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash, net of cash acquired					$ 131,689	$ 5,161	$ 22,096
Goodwill				$ 129,770	$ 129,770	$ 70,546	$ 71,866
Tax at statutory rate					35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
HLP Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash, net of cash acquired	$ 131,689
Acquisitions, debt assumed	7,673
Acquisitions, contingent consideration	10,319
Goodwill	$ 61,524
Ownership percentage	100.00%
Related party rent expense				400
Net sales for HLP				42,200
Net (loss) income for HLP				1,500
Earn-out period compensation expense				100
Decrease in goodwill				$ 400
Accounts receivable for HLP	$ 12,104
Inventories for HLP	16,015
Prepaid and other current assets for HLP	722
Property, plant and equipment for HLP	27,394
Intangible assets for HLP	61,101
Other non-current assets for HLP	2,252
Accounts payable for HLP	(9,375)
Income taxes payable for HLP	(948)
Accrued expenses for HLP	(6,616)
Deferred tax liability for HLP	(14,492)
Net assets acquired	149,681
Debt assumed in acquisition	7,673
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	$ 149,681
Proforma net Sales					$ 704,461	$ 691,491
Proforma income from continuing operations					21,667	18,064
Proforma net income					$ 22,146	$ 38,960
Proforma basic and diluted earnings per share					$ 0.65	$ 0.50
Greenville
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventories for HLP						$ 161
Prepaid and other current assets for HLP						145
Property, plant and equipment for HLP						4,695
Intangible assets for HLP						290
Net assets acquired						5,241
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired		$ 5,200				5,161
Deferred income tax liability						(50)
Gain recognized on bargain purchase		$ 100				$ 80
Alumco
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired			$ 22,400
Contingent consideration based on certain financial targets			500
Contingent consideration received based on working capital clause			400
Contingent consideration, at fair value			$ 300
Manufacturing Facility \| HLP Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Lease term				20 years
Warehouse \| HLP Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Lease term				15 years
Mixing Plant \| HLP Acquisition
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Lease term				13 years 6 months
Foreign Tax Authority
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tax at statutory rate					20.00%
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Tax at statutory rate					35.00%

Receivables & Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Receivables & Allowance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade receivables				$ 64,156	$ 55,274
Receivables from employees				9	1
Other				588	616
Accounts receivable, gross				64,753	55,891
Allowance for accounts receivable	$ 698	$ 481	$ 977	673	698
Accounts receivable, net				$ 64,080	$ 55,193
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Allowance for accounts receivable	698	481	977
Bad debt expense (benefit)	25	359	(70)
Amounts written off	(66)	(192)	(533)
Recoveries	16	50	107
Allowance for accounts receivable	$ 673	$ 698	$ 481

Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Inventories (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Raw materials				$ 36,865	$ 36,751
Finished goods and work in process				32,206	25,558
Supplies and other				2,064	806
Total				71,135	63,115
Inventory reserves	$ 5,757	$ 5,040	$ 5,605	8,106	5,757
Inventories, net				63,029	57,358
Inventory Adjustments [Abstract]
Inventory reserves, beginning balance	5,757	5,040	5,605
Charged (credited) to costs & expenses	2,853	960	(563)
Write-offs	(504)	(243)	(2)
Inventory reserves, ending balance	$ 8,106	$ 5,757	5,040
LIFO Method Related Items [Abstract]
LIFO				3,642	5,122
FIFO				59,387	52,236
Inventories, net				63,029	57,358
Excess of replacement cost over LIFO value				$ 1,300	$ 1,400
Effect of LIFO Inventory Liquidation on Income			$ 100

Property, Plant & and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Land and land improvements	$ 2,149	$ 2,121
Buildings and building improvements	50,050	47,283
Machinery and equipment	292,188	251,584
Construction in progress	13,797	8,913
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	358,184	309,901
Less: Accumulated depreciation	217,512	200,414
Depreciation	26,200	24,800	$ 44,600
Property, plant and equipment, net	140,672	109,487
Asset impairment charges	0	505	1,465
Capital Lease Obligations
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	9,400	200
Less: Accumulated depreciation	600	100
Depreciation	$ 500	$ 100	$ 100

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) unit	Jun. 15, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 70,546	$ 71,866
Acquisitions	61,524	0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,300)	(1,320)
Ending balance	129,770	70,546	$ 71,866
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reportable units with goodwill balances \| unit				4
Goodwill	70,546	71,866	71,866	$ 129,770		$ 70,546
Gross carrying amount				185,314		124,441
Accumulated amortization				(64,504)		(54,291)
Intangible assets amortization expense	$ 10,200	$ 9,100	$ 8,900
Estimated Amortization Expense
2016				12,350
2017				11,883
2018				11,635
2019				10,849
2020				9,788
Thereafter				64,305
Intangible assets, net				120,810		70,150
Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount				98,750		53,083
Accumulated amortization				(24,628)		(19,700)
Weighted Average Useful Life	15 years
Trademarks and trade names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount				58,916		44,722
Accumulated amortization				(23,416)		(20,343)
Weighted Average Useful Life	13 years
Patents and other technology
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount				25,881		25,244
Accumulated amortization				(15,158)		(13,228)
Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years
Other
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount				1,767		1,392
Accumulated amortization				(1,302)		$ (1,020)
Weighted Average Useful Life	1 year
HLP Acquisition
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 61,524
HLP Acquisition \| Customer relationships
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer relationships related to acquired Greenville facility				44,800
Useful life of customer relationships related to acquired Greenville facility	20 years
HLP Acquisition \| Trade Names
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer relationships related to acquired Greenville facility				13,800
Useful life of customer relationships related to acquired Greenville facility	15 years
HLP Acquisition \| Patents
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer relationships related to acquired Greenville facility				$ 600
Useful life of customer relationships related to acquired Greenville facility	13 years
Engineered Products
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reportable units with goodwill balances \| unit				3
Engineered Products Unit One
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending balance	$ 12,600
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	12,600			$ 12,600
Engineered Products Unit Two
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending balance	53,200
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	53,200			53,200
Engineered Products Unit Three
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending balance	2,800
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	2,800			$ 2,800
International Extrusion
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending balance	61,200
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of reportable units with goodwill balances \| unit				1
Goodwill	$ 61,200			$ 61,200

Accrued Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Payroll, payroll taxes and employee benefits	$ 16,928	$ 15,183
Accrued insurance and workers compensation	2,945	2,870
Sales allowances	6,216	4,764
Deferred compensation	331	330
Deferred revenue	987	610
Warranties	309	385
Audit, legal, and other professional fees	1,862	799
accrued other business taxes	2,572	439
Accrued Rent	196	316
Treasury share purchase accrual	0	1,959
Other	5,018	4,827
Accrued liabilities	$ 37,364	$ 32,482

Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Detail)			12 Months Ended
Debt and Capital Lease Obligations (Detail)	Nov. 02, 2015 USD ($)	Jun. 15, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Jan. 28, 2013 USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2013 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 57,400,000	$ 785,000
Less: Current maturities of long-term debt			2,359,000	199,000
Long-term debt			55,041,000	586,000
Proceeds from lines of credit		$ 92,000,000	117,000,000	0	$ 23,500,000
Repayments of lines of credit		$ 42,000,000	67,000,000	0	$ 23,500,000
Outstanding revolver borrowings			50,000,000
Capital lease obligations			6,900,000
Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
2016			100,000
2017			100,000
2018			50,100,000
2019			100,000
2020			100,000
Thereafter			0
Other long-term debt total			50,500,000
2016			2,258,000
2017			2,030,000
2018			1,365,000
2019			963,000
2020			284,000
Thereafter			0
2016			2,358,000
2017			2,130,000
2018			51,465,000
2019			1,063,000
2020			384,000
Thereafter			0
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 50,000,000	0
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity						$ 150,000,000
Credit facility, commitments increase limit						100,000,000
Credit facility, total commitments limit						$ 250,000,000
Required consolidated interest coverage ratio						3.00
Required consolidated leverage ratio						3.25
Weighted average interest rate			1.28%
Letters of credit, outstanding			$ 5,900,000	6,100,000
Credit Facility, amount available			$ 86,600,000	$ 140,700,000
Current borrowing rate - Revolver			3.50%	3.25%
Current borrowing rate - Swing line sub facility			1.45%	1.20%
City of Richmond, Kentucky Industrial Building Revenue Bonds
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 500,000	$ 600,000
Letters of credit, outstanding			$ 500,000
Interest rate, effective percentage rate range, minimum			0.20%
Interest rate, effective percentage rate range, maximum			0.30%
Interest rate during period			0.20%	0.20%
Capital Lease Obligations And Other
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Total debt			$ 6,900,000	$ 185,000
Retired Credit Facility
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity							$ 270,000,000
Maximum letters of credit under retired facility							$ 50,000,000
Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Maximum letters of credit under retired facility	$ 50,000,000
Woodcraft \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, committed amount	410,000,000.00
Woodcraft \| Term Loan Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, committed amount	$ 310,000,000
Quarterly principal payments	0.0025
LIBOR stipulation (less than)	2.00%
Secured leverage ratio	3.00
Minimum prepayment amount	$ 5,000,000
Incremental prepayment amounts	$ 1,000,000
Prepayment fee	1.00%
Woodcraft \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, committed amount	$ 100,000,000
Total leverage ratio	4.50
Subsequent total leverage ratio	4.00
Fixed charge coverage ratio	1.10
Limitation of annual dividend, maximum	$ 8,000,000
Woodcraft \| Base Rate \| Term Loan Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	4.25%
Woodcraft \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Term Loan Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	5.25%
Margin on LIBOR	1.00%
Woodcraft \| Minimum \| Term Loan Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
incremental borrowing capacity	$ 25,000,000
Woodcraft \| Maximum \| Term Loan Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
incremental borrowing capacity	$ 50,000,000
HLP \| Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Acquisitions, debt assumed			$ 7,700,000
Weighted average interest rate			5.70%
Capital lease obligations			$ 6,900,000
Capital lease obligations, current			2,300,000
Capital lease obligations, noncurrent			$ 4,600,000
Non-HLP \| Capital Lease Obligations
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate			4.60%
Greater Than 66.7% Percent Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| Base Rate \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	0.50%
Greater Than 66.7% Percent Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	1.50%
Between 33.3% and 66.7% Percentage Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| Base Rate \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	0.75%
Between 33.3% and 66.7% Percentage Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	1.75%
Less Than 33.3% Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| Base Rate \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	1.00%
Less Than 33.3% Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Margin on base rate	2.00%
Greater Than 50% Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.25%
Less Than 50% Outstanding \| Woodcraft \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Revolving Credit Facility \| Subsequent Event \| Line of Credit
Debt Disclosure [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	0.38%

Retirement Plans (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Retirement Plans (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($) officer
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer contribution percentage match of compensation	4.00%
Benefit pension plan credits - grandfathered employees up to	6.50%
Benefit pension plan - % of participants under cash balance formula	99.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Projected benefit obligation	$ 29,070	$ 26,239
Service cost	3,288	3,313	$ 3,820
Interest cost	1,026	1,063	786
Actuarial loss	38	2,213
Benefits paid	(1,925)	(3,188)
Administrative expenses	(462)	(570)
Projected benefit obligation	31,035	29,070	26,239
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	26,132	25,329	23,607
Actual return on plan assets	390	1,340
Employer contributions	2,800	4,140	3,700
Benefits paid	(1,925)	(3,188)
Administrative expenses	(462)	(570)
Non current liability - Funded Status	(4,903)	(3,741)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net gains (losses), before tax	5,500	4,200
Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation	30,300	28,100
Net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	3,288	3,313	3,820
Interest cost	1,026	1,063	786
Expected return on plan assets	(1,791)	(1,722)	(1,400)
Amortization of net loss	0	0	370
Net periodic benefit cost	2,523	2,654	3,576
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax, [Abstract]
Net loss (gain) arising during the period	1,439	2,596	(2,749)
Less: Amortization of net loss	159	0	369
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	$ 1,280	$ 2,596	$ (3,118)
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Benefit Obligation, Discount rate	3.92%	3.64%	4.18%
Benefit Obligation, Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.00%	2.50%
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount rate	3.64%	4.18%	3.29%
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	2.50%	2.50%
Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected long-term return on assets	6.75%	7.25%	7.25%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 26,132	$ 25,329	$ 23,607
Contributions target funded status	100.00%
Employer contributions	$ 2,800	4,140	3,700
Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year	2,300
Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2016	2,790
2017	2,454
2018	2,567
2019	2,641
2020	2,747
2021-2024	15,227
Total	$ 28,426
Employer matching contribution, percent of employees' gross pay	50.00%
Defined contribution employer match of employee amount	5.00%
Employer discretionary contribution amount	$ 1,700	2,400	$ 2,900
Accrued liabilities	49	49
Deferred pension and postretirement benefits	798	1,077
Total	847	1,126
Supplemental benefit plan liability	1,700	1,900
Deferred compensation liability	3,300	3,400
Supplemental benefits paid in current fiscal year		1,800
Deferred compensation vested balance payment		3,500
Number of executives \| officer			3
Money market fund
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	142	307
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	142	307
Equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,602	$ 15,162
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Target Allocation	60.00%
Actual Allocation	60.00%	61.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 15,602	$ 15,162
Large capitalization
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	8,367	8,088
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	8,367	8,088
Small capitalization
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	3,114	3,034
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	3,114	3,034
International equity
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	2,831	2,773
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	2,831	2,773
Other
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	1,290	1,267
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	1,290	1,267
Fixed income
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 10,388	$ 9,860
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Target Allocation	40.00%
Actual Allocation	40.00%	39.00%
Fair value of plan assets	$ 10,388	$ 9,860
High-quality core bond
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	5,186	4,933
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	5,186	4,933
High-quality government bond
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	2,590	2,452
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	2,590	2,452
High-yield bond
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets	2,612	2,475
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,612	$ 2,475

Warranty Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Warranty Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Reduction in warranty accrual related to Insulating Glass business		$ 2,800
Movement in Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance as of November 1, 2014, and 2013, respectively	$ 671	3,684
Provision for warranty expense	207	782
Change in accrual for preexisting warranties	0	(3,400)
Warranty costs paid	(343)	(395)
Total accrued warranty	535	671
Less: Current portion of accrued warranty	309	385
Long-term portion at October 31,	$ 226	$ 286

Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Current
Federal				$ 49	$ 1,271	$ 2,902
State and local				216	532	780
Non-U.S.				2,070	2,535	846
Total current				2,335	4,338	4,528
Deferred
Federal				5,766	2,261	(10,498)
State and local				439	(258)	(980)
Non-U.S.				(1,001)	(873)	62
Total deferred				5,204	1,130	(11,416)
Total income tax provision (benefit)				$ 7,539	$ 5,468	$ (6,888)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Tax at statutory rate				35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State and local income tax				2.30%	2.30%	3.00%
Non-U.S. income tax				(1.50%)	(0.10%)	0.10%
US tax on non US earnings				0.00%	(0.30%)	0.00%
Deferred rate change				0.50%	5.10%	0.00%
General business credits				(1.00%)	(1.80%)	0.80%
Employee related items				2.50%	0.00%	0.00%
Uncertain tax positions				(3.40%)	(1.20%)	1.90%
Change in valuation allowance				(0.50%)	(1.00%)	(2.80%)
Other				(1.30%)	1.60%	(2.30%)
Effective tax rate				32.60%	39.60%	35.70%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Excluding Discrete Items, Percent		36.00%	34.90%
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefit obligations				$ 13,220	$ 15,017
Accrued liabilities and reserves				3,354	1,742
Pension and other benefit obligations				2,956	2,676
Inventory				2,625	1,890
Loss and tax credit carry forwards				12,531	20,107
Other				187	268
Total gross deferred tax assets				34,873	41,700
Less: Valuation allowance				1,064	1,358
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance				33,809	40,342
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment				8,303	7,472
Goodwill and intangibles				16,723	3,078
Total deferred tax liabilities				25,026	10,550
Net deferred tax assets				8,783	29,792
Uncertain tax position				0	6,805
Deferred income tax (liabilities) assets, non-current				(5,241)	1,545
Deferred income tax assets, current				14,024	21,442
Net deferred tax assets				8,783	22,987
Operating loss carryforwards				56,200
Tax credit carryforward, amount				3,700
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits		$ 11,431	$ 13,238	11,431	13,238	$ 15,759
Additions for tax positions related to the current year					0	14
Additions for tax positions related to the prior year				16	170	497
Lapse in statute of limitations				10,883	1,977	3,032
Unrecognized Tax Benefits				564	11,431	13,238
Liability for uncertain tax positions				564	4,626
Additions for tax positions				4,000
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Income Taxes				6,800
Recognition of unrecognized tax benefit				10,003	1,629	2,102
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes				800
Income tax receivable				400	400
Deferred income taxes				5,241	0
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries				20,000
Potential Tax liabilities on undistributed foreign earnings				5,600
Tax benefit from share-based compensation				$ (283)	400	$ 25
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Tax at statutory rate				35.00%
State
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance				$ 1,100	1,400
Federal
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating loss carryforwards, valuation allowance				700	$ 900
HLP Acquisition
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward]
Deferred income taxes				$ 13,200
HLP \| Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract]
Tax at statutory rate	20.00%

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Jul. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) subsidiary	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($)
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Rent expense		$ 8,400	$ 6,900	$ 7,100
Total minimum sublease rental to be received		1,000
Amount purchased under purchase obligations		8,100	5,600
Purchased obligation amount due within the next fiscal year		3,700	1,700
Asset retirement obligation		1,200
Cumulative asset retirement obligation		$ 2,200
Number of subsidiaries with remediation activities \| subsidiary		1
Spacer specific product warrant expense	$ 1,800
Spacer specific product warranty accrual			1,200
Warranty costs paid		$ 343	$ 395
Reduction of product warranty expense		600
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2016		9,619
2017		8,718
2018		7,472
2019		7,051
2020		5,947
Thereafter		17,783
Total		56,590
Spacer Migration
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Spacer specific product warranty accrual		1,100
Warranty costs paid		1,000
Additional claims		1,000
Translation adjustment		$ 100

Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Derivative Instruments (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	$ 654	$ 568	$ (570)
Derivatives [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	44	69
Other Non Operating Income (Loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	654	568	$ (570)
Sell EUR, Buy USD
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	8,076	4,907
Foreign currency derivatives, fair value	37	68
Sell CAD, Buy USD
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	280	331
Foreign currency derivatives, fair value	1	1
Sell GBP, Buy USD
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	226	0
Foreign currency derivatives, fair value	3	0
Buy EUR, Sell USD
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	807	0
Foreign currency derivatives, fair value	3	0
Buy EUR, Sell GBP
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	2	0
Foreign currency derivatives, fair value	0	0
Prepaid and other current assets:
Derivatives [Line Items]
Foreign currency derivatives	$ 44	$ 69

Fair Value Measurement of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Short-term investments	$ 0	$ 69,975
Foreign currency derivatives	44	69
Total assets	44	70,044
Property, plant and equipment at fair value (non-recurring)	2,400	2,400
Contingent Consideration, Fair Value Disclosure	10,414
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	10,414
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Short-term investments	0	69,975
Total assets	0	69,975
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Foreign currency derivatives	44	69
Total assets	44	$ 69
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3
Derivative Asset [Abstract]
Contingent Consideration, Fair Value Disclosure	10,414
Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment	$ 10,414

Stock Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Stock Based Compensation (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Fair Value Assumptions [Abstract]
Weighted-average expected volatility	47.70%	55.30%	54.90%
Weighted-average expected term (in years)	5 years 7 months 6 days	6 years 1 month 6 days	5 years 3 months 18 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.60%	1.90%	1.00%
Expected dividend yield over expected term	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$ 8.40	$ 8.78	$ 8.75
Stock Options, [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at beginning of period	2,588,389	2,875,276	2,473,250
Granted	123,900	189,200	636,645
Exercised	(327,700)	(306,611)	(179,517)
Forfeited/Expired	(32,401)	(169,476)	(55,102)
Outstanding at end of period	2,352,188	2,588,389	2,875,276
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	2,330,304
Exercisable at end of period	1,970,550
Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 16.21	$ 15.64	$ 14.57
Granted	20.28	17.99	19.67
Exercised	15.59	19.27	14.39
Forfeited/Expired	20.21	18.71	18.01
Outstanding at end of period	16.46	$ 16.21	$ 15.64
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	16.42
Exercisable at end of period	$ 15.91
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Outstanding at end of period	5 years 4 months 24 days	6 years 2 months 12 days
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	5 years 4 months 24 days
Exercisable at end of period	4 years 10 months 24 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at end of period	$ 6,672,000	$ 10,238,000	$ 7,748,000	$ 12,908,000
Vested or expected to vest at end of period	6,664,000
Exercisable at end of period	$ 6,424,000
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Number of shares authorized, originally	2,900,000
Number of additional shares authorized	2,400,000
Additional amendment to number of shares authorized	2,350,000
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	3 years
Fair value assumptions, expected dividend payments	$ 0.16
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	1,300,000	2,700,000	800,000
Cash used to settle restricted stock units	$ 1,700,000	$ 500,000	$ 100,000
Performance shares settled in cash	50.00%
Performance shares settled in stock	50.00%
Performance shares granted		137,400	155,800
Performance shares forfeited	9,200
Total compensation expense	$ 4,830,000	$ 5,283,000	$ 5,223,000
Income tax effect	1,575,000	2,092,000	1,864,000
Net compensation expense	$ 3,255,000	$ 3,191,000	$ 3,359,000
Restricted stock
Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 18.70	$ 17.42	$ 17.46	$ 16.08
Number of Shares
Non-vested at beginning of the period	220,800	183,400	212,700
Granted	118,800	83,400	148,400
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 20.17	$ 17.67	$ 18.83
Vested	(34,000)	(30,700)	(67,300)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 15.12	$ 17.45	$ 16.21
Forfeited	(12,600)	(15,300)	(110,400)
Non-vested at end of the period	293,000	220,800	183,400
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting period	3 years
Fair value of restricted stock awards vested	$ 500,000	$ 500,000	$ 1,100,000
Unrecognized compensation cost - non vested restricted stock awards	$ 2,300,000
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	1 year 9 months 18 days
Total compensation expense	$ 1,670,000	$ 1,220,000	$ 165,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 19.57	$ 19.25	$ 17.40
Stock options
Stock Options, [Roll Forward]
Exercised	(327,700)
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting period	3 years
Expiration period	10 years
Weighted-average period over which unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized	1 year
Fair value of stock options vested	$ 2,800,000	$ 3,800,000	$ 3,200,000
Unrecognized compensation cost - non vested stock options	1,400,000
Total compensation expense	$ 1,713,000	$ 2,301,000	$ 4,745,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Additional Disclosures [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0.00	$ 15.08	$ 15.62	$ 15.47
Number of Shares
Non-vested at beginning of the period	83,500	101,000	161,000
Granted	0	12,135	6,875
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0.00	$ 18.58	$ 17.78
Vested	(83,500)	(29,635)	(12,875)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 15.08	$ 18.35	$ 18.05
Forfeited		0	(54,000)
Non-vested at end of the period	0	83,500	101,000
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting period	3 years
Total compensation expense	$ (57,000)	$ 781,000	$ 313,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		$ 0.00	$ 15.08
Performance Shares
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Vesting period	3 years
Total compensation expense	$ 1,504,000	$ 981,000	$ 0
Minimum
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Performance shares vesting percentage	0.00%
Maximum
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Performance shares vesting percentage	200.00%
December 2014 [Member] \| Performance Shares
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Performance shares forfeited		8,200
December 2013 [Member] \| Performance Shares
Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Performance shares forfeited		7,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 05, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Treasury stock, shares		1,417,700
Shares, Issued		(327,700)	(306,611)	(179,517)
Treasury Stock, shares acquired	3,992,229	2,675,903	1,316,326
Treasury stock, shares		3,647,103	1,417,700
Common stock, shares authorized		125,000,000	125,000,000
Common stock, par value (usd per share)		$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized		1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued		37,609,563	37,632,032
Common Stock, shares outstanding		33,962,460	36,214,332
stock repurchase program, authorized amount					$ 75,000,000
Treasury shares purchased, at cost	$ 75,000,000	$ 50,761,000	$ 24,239,000
Deficiency of stock option proceeds recorded to retained earnings		$ 700,000
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period		(118,800)	(83,400)	(148,400)
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Shares, Issued		(327,700)
Treasury Stock, shares acquired		2,675,903

Other Income (Expense) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
Other Income (Expense) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	$ (1,433)	$ (695)	$ 474
Foreign currency exchange derivative gains (losses)	654	568	(570)
Interest income	64	119	63
Other	184	100	203
Other income (expense)	$ (531)	$ 92	$ 170

Segment Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Segment Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2014 USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($) segment	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($) segment	Jun. 15, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of historical segments \| segment									4
Number of segments \| segment									2		2
Number of historical reportable segments \| segment									1
Number of segments \| segment									5
Net sales									$ 645,528	$ 595,384	$ 554,867
Depreciation and amortization									35,220	33,869	53,521
Operating income (loss)	$ 16,773	$ 9,828	$ 3,689	$ (5,615)	$ 5,300	$ 12,666	$ (2,828)	$ (862)	24,675	14,276	(18,821)
Capital expenditures									29,982	33,779	37,931
Long-lived assets, net	391,252				250,183				391,252	250,183
Translation adjustments of intangible assets									1,000
Goodwill	129,770				70,546				129,770	70,546	71,866
Assets	572,031				517,113				572,031	517,113
Net sales	195,459	$ 180,206	$ 141,970	$ 127,893	163,816	$ 169,981	$ 135,208	$ 126,379	645,528	595,384	554,867
Current Presentation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									645,528	595,384	554,867
Depreciation and amortization									35,220	33,869	53,521
Operating income (loss)									24,675	14,276	(18,821)
Capital expenditures									29,982	23,729	25,208
Goodwill	129,770				70,546				129,770	70,546
Assets	572,031				517,113				$ 572,031	517,113
Engineered Products
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of segments \| segment									4
Engineered Products \| As Previously Reported
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales										595,384	554,867
Depreciation and amortization										33,869	53,521
Operating income (loss)										14,276	(18,821)
Capital expenditures										23,729	25,208
Engineered Products \| Reclassification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization										(3,084)	(22,153)
Operating income (loss)										27,995	64,145
Capital expenditures										(294)	(7,534)
Engineered Products \| Current Presentation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 603,296	595,384	554,867
Depreciation and amortization									30,587	30,785	31,368
Operating income (loss)									52,850	42,271	45,324
Capital expenditures									28,013	23,435	17,674
Goodwill	68,536				70,546				68,536	70,546
Assets	382,736				396,188				382,736	396,188
International Extrusion
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill	61,200								61,200
International Extrusion \| Current Presentation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									42,232
Depreciation and amortization									3,344
Operating income (loss)									1,404
Capital expenditures									1,882
Goodwill	61,234								61,234
Assets	184,377								184,377
Corporate & Other \| As Previously Reported
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization										0	0
Operating income (loss)										0	0
Capital expenditures										0	0
Corporate & Other \| Reclassification
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization										3,084	22,153
Operating income (loss)										(27,995)	(64,145)
Capital expenditures										294	7,534
Corporate & Other \| Current Presentation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Depreciation and amortization									1,289	3,084	22,153
Operating income (loss)									(29,579)	(27,995)	(64,145)
Capital expenditures									87	294	7,534
Goodwill	0				0				0	0
Assets	4,918				120,925				4,918	120,925
Nichols \| Current Presentation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Capital expenditures										10,100	12,700
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									500,171	484,601	454,365
Long-lived assets, net	214,479				219,568				214,479	219,568
Transfers of intangible assets									15,700
Europe
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									94,564	57,098	52,051
Canada
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									22,973	26,605	23,108
Asia
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									19,268	18,867	17,390
Other foreign countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									8,552	8,213	$ 7,953
Germany
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, net	20,117				21,708				20,117	21,708
Transfers of intangible assets									11,700
UNITED KINGDOM
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets, net	$ 156,656				$ 8,907				156,656	8,907
Transfers of intangible assets									4,000
HLP Acquisition
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Goodwill												$ 61,524
Non-fenestration \| United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									42,143	33,583
Non-fenestration \| International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									23,423	13,546
Fenestration \| United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									458,028	451,018
Fenestration \| International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 121,934	$ 97,237

Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Earnings Per Share (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Income (loss) from continuing operations									$ 15,614,000	$ 8,338,000	$ (12,384,000)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic									33,993,000	37,128,000	36,864,000
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted									34,502,000	37,679,000	36,864,000
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.20	$ 0.07	$ (0.09)	$ 0.08	$ 0.23	$ (0.05)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.46	$ 0.22	$ (0.34)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$ 0.29	$ 0.19	$ 0.07	$ (0.09)	$ 0.08	$ 0.23	$ (0.05)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.46	$ 0.22	$ (0.34)
Antidilutive securities									860,272	954,372	816,617
Stock options
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted Average Dilutive Securities									378,000	467,000
Dilutive Securities											$ 492,288
Restricted stock
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Weighted Average Dilutive Securities									131,000	84,000
Dilutive Securities											$ 84,222

Unaudited Quarterly Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 195,459	$ 180,206	$ 141,970	$ 127,893	$ 163,816	$ 169,981	$ 135,208	$ 126,379	$ 645,528	$ 595,384	$ 554,867
Cost of sales	145,628	136,853	110,812	105,804	129,040	130,706	108,649	96,189	499,097	464,584	419,733
Depreciation and amortization	10,679	8,502	7,831	8,208	8,319	8,512	8,494	8,544
Operating (loss) income	16,773	9,828	3,689	(5,615)	5,300	12,666	(2,828)	(862)	24,675	14,276	(18,821)
(Loss) income from continuing operations	9,943	6,471	2,294	(3,094)	3,013	8,567	(2,030)	(1,212)
Net (loss) income	$ 9,943	$ 6,927	$ 2,294	$ (3,071)	$ 4,957	$ 8,047	$ 20,131	$ (3,901)	$ 16,093	$ 29,234	$ (11,703)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	$ 0.30	$ 0.20	$ 0.07	$ (0.09)	$ 0.08	$ 0.23	$ (0.05)	$ (0.03)	$ 0.46	$ 0.22	$ (0.34)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	0.29	0.19	0.07	(0.09)	0.08	0.23	(0.05)	(0.03)	0.46	0.22	(0.34)
Basic earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	0.30	0.21	0.07	(0.09)	0.13	0.22	0.54	(0.11)	0.47	0.79	(0.32)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (usd per share)	0.29	0.20	0.07	(0.09)	0.13	0.21	0.53	(0.11)	0.47	0.78	(0.32)
Cash dividends paid per common share (usd per share)	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.04	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16

Subsequent Event (Details)		12 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Details)	Nov. 02, 2015 USD ($) plant	Oct. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014 USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2013 USD ($)	Nov. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Jan. 27, 2013 USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 129,770,000	$ 70,546,000	$ 71,866,000
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired		$ 131,689,000	$ 5,161,000	$ 22,096,000
Woodcraft \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of plants \| plant	13
Accounts receivable	$ 23,978,000
Inventory	29,650,000
Prepaid and other assets	4,502,000
Property, plant and equipment	64,824,000
Goodwill	89,574,000
Intangible assets	104,000,000
Accounts payable	(4,620,000)
Accruals and other current liabilities	(11,444,000)
Acquisitions, contingent consideration	(344,000)
Deferred tax liabilities	(54,174,000)
Net assets acquired	245,946,000
Cash, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired	245,946,000
Expected Business Acquisition \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Expected payment to acquire businesses	245,900,000
ABL Line of Credit \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum letters of credit under retired facility	50,000,000
ABL Line of Credit \| Woodcraft \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, committed amount	410,000,000.00
Retired Credit Facility
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Maximum letters of credit under retired facility						$ 50,000,000
Retired Credit Facility \| Woodcraft \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Deferred financing costs, expected to be recognized if proposed funding is utilized					$ 500,000
Revolving Credit Facility \| ABL Line of Credit \| Woodcraft \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, committed amount	100,000,000
Line of credit	10,500,000
Term Loan Facility \| ABL Line of Credit \| Woodcraft \| Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, committed amount	310,000,000
Line of credit	$ 310,000,000