Optical Cable (OCC) 10-K 20 Dec 17 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Dec. 12, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	OPTICAL CABLE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	1,000,230
Trading Symbol	occ
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		7,305,988
Entity Public Float			$ 13,802,066
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash	$ 891,169	$ 1,879,064
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $87,446 in 2017 and $74,266 in 2016	8,940,540	8,916,245
Other receivables	72,098	70,828
Inventories	16,781,449	15,023,966
Prepaid expenses	418,122	431,780
Total current assets	27,103,378	26,321,883
Property and equipment, net	12,210,692	13,399,158
Intangible assets, net	624,264	575,010
Other assets, net	200,846	369,737
Total assets	40,139,180	40,665,788
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	250,726	294,214
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,590,252	2,636,420
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	1,340,749	1,179,872
Income taxes payable	15,150	15,603
Total current liabilities	4,196,877	4,126,109
Note payable to bank	5,700,000	5,000,000
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	6,419,607	6,651,780
Other noncurrent liabilities	133,174	122,910
Total liabilities	16,449,658	15,900,799
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, no par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 7,315,605 shares in 2017 and 7,081,159 shares in 2016	11,762,021	11,080,595
Retained earnings	11,927,501	13,684,394
Total shareholders’ equity	23,689,522	24,764,989
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 40,139,180	$ 40,665,788

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ / shares in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 87,446	$ 74,266
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock, no par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	7,315,605	7,081,159
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	7,315,605	7,081,159

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Net sales	$ 64,092,848	$ 64,616,001	$ 73,568,738
Cost of goods sold	43,294,921	44,890,865	51,772,851
Gross profit	20,797,927	19,725,136	21,795,887
Selling, general and administrative expenses	21,968,757	20,760,735	24,042,554
Royalty expense, net	120,478	164,463	124,271
Amortization of intangible assets	25,704	16,903	10,860
Loss from operations	(1,317,012)	(1,216,965)	(2,381,798)
Other expense, net:
Interest expense	(523,035)	(620,810)	(439,921)
Other, net	95,838	42,680	6,656
Other expense, net	(427,197)	(578,130)	(433,265)
Loss before income taxes	(1,744,209)	(1,795,095)	(2,815,063)
Income tax expense (benefit)	(5,438)	5,899	1,482,382
Net loss	(1,738,771)	(1,800,994)	(4,297,445)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		(22,172)	(41,780)
Net loss attributable to Optical Cable Corporation	$ (1,738,771)	$ (1,778,822)	$ (4,255,665)
Net loss attributable to Optical Cable Corporation per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.69)
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.08

Consolidated Statement of Share

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity - USD ($)	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balances (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2014	6,839,778
Balances at Oct. 31, 2014	$ 9,543,686	$ 21,462,881	$ 31,006,567	$ (700,277)	$ 30,306,290
Share-based compensation, net (in shares)	(300,406)
Share-based compensation, net	$ 818,807		818,807		818,807
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (at cost) (in shares)	(80,636)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (at cost)		(379,675)	(379,675)		(379,675)
Common stock dividends declared, $0.08 per share		(559,946)	(559,946)		(559,946)
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation	$ 519		519		519
Net loss		(4,255,665)	(4,255,665)	(41,780)	(4,297,445)
Share-based compensation, net (in shares)	300,406
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	80,636
Balances (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2015	7,059,548
Balances at Oct. 31, 2015	$ 10,363,012	16,267,595	26,630,607	(742,057)	25,888,550
Share-based compensation, net (in shares)	(35,836)
Share-based compensation, net	$ 717,583		717,583		717,583
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (at cost) (in shares)	14,225
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (at cost)		(40,150)	(40,150)		(40,150)
Net loss		(1,778,822)	(1,778,822)	(22,172)	(1,800,994)
Share-based compensation, net (in shares)	35,836
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	(14,225)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest in consolidated subsidiary		(764,229)	(764,229)	764,229
Balances (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2016	7,081,159
Balances at Oct. 31, 2016	$ 11,080,595	13,684,394	24,764,989		24,764,989
Share-based compensation, net (in shares)	(240,147)
Share-based compensation, net	$ 681,426		681,426		$ 681,426
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (at cost) (in shares)	5,701				(5,701)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock (at cost)		(18,122)	(18,122)		$ (18,122)
Net loss		(1,738,771)	(1,738,771)		$ (1,738,771)
Share-based compensation, net (in shares)	240,147
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares	(5,701)				5,701
Balances (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2017	7,315,605
Balances at Oct. 31, 2017	$ 11,762,021	$ 11,927,501	$ 23,689,522		$ 23,689,522

Consolidated Statement of Shar6

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015$ / shares
Common Stock [Member]
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08
Dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.08

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (1,738,771)	$ (1,800,994)	$ (4,297,445)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion	1,675,519	2,054,977	2,076,486
Bad debt expense (recovery)	21,569	11,254	(16,889)
Deferred income tax expense			2,228,124
Share-based compensation expense	787,100	800,520	1,078,563
Impact of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation			(519)
(Gain) loss on sale of property and equipment	103,145	(15,171)	12,059
(Increase) decrease in:
Trade accounts receivable	(45,864)	261,999	4,903,740
Other receivables	(1,270)	63,600	45,707
Income taxes refundable		360,324	(360,324)
Inventories	(1,757,483)	2,792,114	(297,961)
Prepaid expenses	13,658	132,244	14,819
Other assets, net			16,341
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(78,129)	(997,163)	(1,698,165)
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes	160,877	(42,856)	(1,672,372)
Income taxes payable	(453)	(6,895)	(675,034)
Other noncurrent liabilities	173,031	(458,473)	(154,782)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(687,071)	3,155,480	1,202,348
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of and deposits for the purchase of property and equipment	(508,909)	(635,153)	(3,148,964)
Investment in intangible assets	(74,958)	(68,248)	(95,829)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		27,118	500
Net cash used in investing activities	(583,867)	(676,283)	(3,244,293)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payroll taxes remitted on share-based payments	(105,674)	(82,937)	(259,756)
Proceeds from note payable to bank	1,550,000	6,000,000	4,000,000
Principal payments on long-term debt and note payable to bank	(1,125,661)	(7,281,013)	(770,012)
Payments for financing costs	(17,500)	(137,794)
Repurchase of common stock	(18,122)	(40,150)	(379,675)
Impact of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation			519
Common stock dividends paid		(141,311)	(555,566)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	283,043	(1,683,205)	2,035,510
Net increase (decrease) in cash	(987,895)	795,992	(6,435)
Cash at beginning of year	1,879,064	1,083,072	1,089,507
Cash at end of year	891,169	1,879,064	1,083,072
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash payments for interest	452,918	568,631	427,024
Income taxes paid (refunded), net	15,613	(352,564)	434,206
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Capital expenditures accrued in accounts payable at year end	45,901	42,785	384,818
Common stock dividends declared and included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at year end			$ 141,311

Note 1 - Description of Busines

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	( 1 Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Description of Business Optical Cable Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “OCC ® Founded in 1983, The Company ’s cabling and connectivity products are used for high bandwidth transmission of data, video and audio communications. The Company’s product offering includes products well-suited for use in various other short- to moderate-distance applications as well. The Company’s products are sold worldwide. Also see note 10. (b) Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Optical Cable Corporation and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. (c) Cash and Cash Equivalents All of the Company ’s bank accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As of October 31, 2017 2016, $458,000 $1.1 For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three October 31, 201 7 2016, no (d) Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not ’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company reviews outstanding trade accounts receivable at the end of each quarter and records allowances for doubtful accounts as deemed appropriate for (i) certain individual customers and (ii) for all other trade accounts receivable in total. In determining the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts to be recorded for individual customers, the Company considers the age of the receivable, the financial stability of the customer, discussions that may no not (e) Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, or net realizable value. The determination of cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. The cost of optical fibers, included in raw materials, is determined using specific identification for optical fibers. The cost of other raw materials and production supplies is generally determined using the first first may 3. (f) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using both straight-line and declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are thirty thirty-nine three seven 4. (g) Patents and Trademarks The Company records legal fees associated with patent and trademark applications as intangible assets. Such intangible assets are not not ’s decision is made. (h) Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when products are shipped or delivered to the customer and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss (based on shipping terms), collection of the relevant receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and sales price is fixed or determinable. Customers generally do not The Company recognizes royalty income (if any), net of related expenses, on an accrual basis and estimates royalty income earned based on historical experience. (i) Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs include the costs incurred to physically move finished goods from the Company ’s warehouse to the customers’ designated location. All amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling are classified as sales revenue. Shipping and handling costs of approximately $1.9 $1.8 $2.0 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015, (j) Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled approximately $1.3 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015, (k) Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs totaled approximately $313,000, $237,000 $451,000 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015, (l) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not 50% 12. (m) Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not no (n) Stock Incentive Plans and Other Share-Based Compensation The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards. Also see note 9. (o) Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic net income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In the case of basic net income per share, the calculation includes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements. In the case of basic net loss per share, the calculation excludes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements, as these shares are considered dilutive. Diluted net income (loss) per share also is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the net income (loss) of the Company. The diluted net income (loss) per share calculation includes all common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements in the calculation of diluted net income, but not 14. (p) Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from product warranties and defects, claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. (q) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 2 - Allowance for Doubtful

Note 2 - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable Disclosure [Text Block]	( 2 Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable A summary of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade accounts receivable for the years ended October 31, 2017, 2016 2015 Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of year $ 74,266 $ 63,011 $ 92,988 Bad debt expense (recovery) 21,569 11,255 (16,889 ) Losses charged to allowance (8,389 ) — (13,088 ) Balance at end of year $ 87,446 $ 74,266 $ 63,011

Note 3 - Inventories

Note 3 - Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	( 3 Inventories Inventories as of October 31, 2017 2016 October 31, 2017 2016 Finished goods $ 5,869,269 $ 4,657,779 Work in process 2,507,434 2,591,885 Raw materials 8,108,433 7,515,717 Production supplies 296,313 258,585 Total $ 16,781,449 $ 15,023,966

Note 4 - Property and Equipment

Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	( 4 Property and Equipment, Net Property and equip ment, net as of October 31, 2017 2016 October 31, 2017 2016 Land and land improvements $ 3,148,834 $ 3,144,068 Building and improvements 8,165,637 8,140,933 Machinery and equipment 25,817,318 25,769,804 Furniture and fixtures 894,237 903,067 Construction in progress 1,727,591 1,588,815 Total property and equipment, at cost 39,753,617 39,546,687 Less accumulated amortization and depreciation (27,542,925 ) (26,147,529 ) Property and equipment, net $ 12,210,692 $ 13,399,158

Note 5 - Intangible Assets

Note 5 - Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	( 5 Intangible Assets Aggregate amortization expense for amortizing intangible assets was $25,704, $16,903 $10,860 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015, $26,000 five subject to amortization as of October 31, 2017 $487,289 $62,027,

Note 6 - Product Warranties

Note 6 - Product Warranties	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Product Warranty Disclosure [Text Block]	( 6 Product Warranties The Company generally warrants its products against certain manufacturing and other defects in material and workmanship. These product warranties are provided for specific periods of time and are applicable assuming the product has not October 31, 201 7 2016, $180,000 $70,000, not October 31, 2017, 2016 2015 $281,523, $70,691 $234,784, The following table summarizes the changes in the Company ’s accrual for product warranties during the fiscal years ended October 31, 2017 2016: Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 70,000 $ 130,000 Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the year 238,093 124,018 Warranty claims paid during the period (171,523 ) (130,691 ) Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the year 43,430 (53,327 ) Balance at end of year $ 180,000 $ 70,000

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and Not

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	( 7 Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank The Company has credit facilities consisting of a real estate term loan, as amended and restated (the “Virginia Real Estate Loan”), a supplemental real estate term loan, as amended and restated (the “North Carolina Real Estate Loan”) and a revolving credit note. On December 21, 2016, Pinnacle Financial Partners, as successor to Bank of North Carolina, (“Pinnacle”) to modify the Credit Agreement dated April 26, 2016 April 26, 2016 April 26, 2016 The Agreement with Pinnacle lowered the interest rate of the Virginia Real Estate Loan and the North Carolina Real Estate Loan to a fixed rate of 3.75% January 1, 2017 On April 27, 2017, Pinnacle to modify the Credit Agreement dated April 26, 2016 April 26, 2016. The Third Loan Modification Agreement revised the interest rates of the term loans and the applicable repayment installments and extended the maturity date. The fixed interest rate of each of the two 3.95% 3.75%, May 1, 2024. The real estate loans continue to be secured by a first first Long-term debt as of October 31, 201 7 2016 October 31, 2017 2016 Virginia Real Estate Loan ($6.5 million original principal) payable in monthly installments of $31,812, including interest (at 3.95%), with final payment of $3,644,211 due May 1, 2024 $ 4,960,738 $ 5,165,785 North Carolina Real Estate Loan ($2.24 million original principal) payable in monthly installments of $10,963, including interest (at 3.95%), with final payment of $1,255,850 due May 1, 2024 1,709,595 1,780,209 Total long-term debt 6,670,333 6,945,994 Less current installments 250,726 294,214 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 6,419,607 $ 6,651,780 The Revolving Credit Note (“Revolver”) with Pinnacle provides the Company with a $7.0 one $7.0 may The Agreement with Pinnacle resulted in the lowering of the applicable margin in the Revolving Credit Note and established a floor on the interest rate for the Revolving Credit Note such that the rate will never be less than 2.50% 2.50% 3.73% October 31, 2017). On February 28, 2017, March 31, 2019, February 28, 2017 2018. $7.0 may March 31, 2019. The Revolving Loan continues to be secured by a perfected first not As of October 31, 201 7, $5.7 $1.3 October 31, 2016 $5.0 $2.0 The aggregate maturities of long-term debt for each of the five October 31, 2017 $250,726 2018, $5,960,953 2019, $271,598 2020, $282,678 2021 $294,208 2022.

Note 8 - Leases

Note 8 - Leases	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]	( 8 Leases The Company has an operating lease agreement for approximately 34,000 lease term runs through November 30, 2019. Centric Solutions entered into an operating lease agreement in August 2008 23,000 seven November 30, 2015 ’ operating lease expired and was not The Company entered into an operating lease agreement in April 2015 36,000 twelve April 30, 2016, first and second four 4 one two 2 one The Company ’s future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one October 31, 2017 Fiscal year Operating Lease 2018 318,629 2019 327,106 2020 72,041 Total $ 717,776 Total rent expense associated with the operating leases for the fiscal years ended October 31, 201 7, 2016 2015 $403,178, $391,116 $479,937,

Note 9 - Employee Benefits

Note 9 - Employee Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]	( 9 Employee Benefits Health Insurance Coverage The Company contracts for health insurance coverage for employees and their dependents through third October 31, 2017, 2016 2015, $3,360,633, $3,042,441 $3,665,320, 401 The Company maintains a 401 $52,524, $29,396 $145,181 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015, Stock Incentives for Key Employees and Non-Employee Directors Optical Cable Corporation uses stock incentives to increase the personal financial interest that key employees and non-employee Directors have in the future success of the Company, thereby aligning their interests with those of other shareholders and strengthening their desire to remain with the Company. In March 201 7, 2017 “2017 2017 500,000 2017 2011 “2011 October 31, 2017, 584,000 2017 Share-based compensation expense for employees, a consultant and non-employee members of the Company ’s Board of Directors recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended October 31, 2017, 2016 2015 $787,100, $800,520 $1,078,563, Restricted and Other Stock Awards The Company has granted, and anticipates granting, from time to time, restricted stock awards to employees, subject to approval by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The restricted stock awards granted under the 2017 The Company recognizes expense on service-based shares each quarter based on the actual number of shares vested during the quarter multiplied by the closing price of the Company ’s shares of common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes expense on operational performance-based shares each quarter using an estimate of the shares expected to vest multiplied by the closing price of the Company’s shares of common stock on the date of grant. The Company recorded compensation expense related to its restricted stock awards granted to employees and a consultant totaling $734,016, $599,450 $948,190 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015, A summary of the status of the Company ’s nonvested shares granted to employees under the 2017 October 31, 2017, October 31, 2017, Nonvested shares Shares Weighted- average grant date fair value Balance at October 31, 2016 667,048 $ 3.89 Granted 391,211 3.41 Vested (108,467 ) 3.85 Forfeited (112,834 ) 3.63 Balance at October 31, 2017 836,958 $ 3.66 As of October 31, 201 7, 2.9 $2.3 During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017, 2017 31,380 October 31, 2016 2015, 2011 86,296 33,515 2017 one 2011 not six $53,084, $201,070 $130,373 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015,

Note 10 - Business and Credit C

Note 10 - Business and Credit Concentrations, Major Customers and Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	( 10 Business and Credit Concentrations, Major Customers and Geographic Information The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to various commercial enterprises, governmental entities and not -for-profit organizations. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the Company’s large number of customers. The Company also manages exposure to credit risk through credit approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. Management believes that credit risks as of October 31, 2017 2016 For the year ended October 31, 2017, 16.4%, $10.5 one No 10% October 31, 2017. October 31, 2017, 8.9% ’ equity. No 5% For the year ended October 31, 2016, 15.1%, $9.7 one No 10% October 31, 2016. October 31, 2016, 8.6% ’ equity. No 5% For the year ended October 31, 2015, 13.6% 10.8%, $10.0 $8.0 two No 10% October 31, 2015. October 31, 2015, no 5% ’ equity. For the years ended October 31, 201 7, 2016 2015, 80%, 80% 78%, 20%, 20% 22%, Net sales attributable to the United States and all other countries in total for the years ended October 31, 201 7, 2016 2015 Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 United States $ 51,558,474 $ 51,379,528 $ 57,402,020 Outside the United States 12,534,374 13,236,473 16,166,718 Total net sales $ 64,092,848 $ 64,616,001 $ 73,568,738 No 10% 201 7, 2016 2015. The Company has a single reportable segment for purposes of segment reporting.

Note 11 - Non-controlling Inter

Note 11 - Non-controlling Interest	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]	( 11 Non-controlling Interest On August 1, 2008, 70% ’ interests in the net assets and operations of Centric Solutions to the extent of the non-controlling members’ investment. Effective February 1, 2016, one February 1, 2016, no

Note 12 - Income Taxes

Note 12 - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	( 12 Income Taxes Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended October 31, 2017, 2016 2015 Fiscal year ended October 31, 2017 Current Deferred Total U.S. Federal $ — $ — $ — State (5,438 ) — (5,438 ) Totals $ (5,438 ) $ — $ (5,438 ) Fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 Current Deferred Total U.S. Federal $ 35,118 $ — $ 35,118 State (29,219 ) — (29,219 ) Totals $ 5,899 $ — $ 5,899 Fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 Current Deferred Total U.S. Federal $ (624,825 ) $ 2,098,615 $ 1,473,790 State (120,917 ) 129,509 8,592 Totals $ (745,742 ) $ 2,228,124 $ 1,482,382 Reported income tax expense for the years ended October 31, 2017, 2016 2015 34% Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 “Expected” tax benefit $ (593,031 ) $ (610,332 ) $ (957,121 ) Increase (reduction) in income tax benefit resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit (29,422 ) (79,386 ) (78,880 ) Loss of permanent deductions due to NOL carryback — — 35,636 Other differences, net 54,686 50,627 67,491 Change in valulation allowance 562,329 644,990 2,415,256 Reported income tax expense (benefit) $ (5,438 ) $ 5,899 $ 1,482,382 The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company ’s deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of October 31, 2017 2016 October 31, 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Accounts receivable, due to allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns $ 71,085 $ 87,472 Inventories, due to allowance for damaged and slow-moving inventories and additional costs inventoried for tax purposes pursuant to the Tax Reform Act of 1986 1,088,631 999,468 Liabilities recorded for accrued expenses, deductible for tax purposes when paid 114,713 67,758 Share-based compensation expense 265,027 134,653 Investment in Centric Solutions — 6,984 Net operating loss carryforwards 2,099,195 1,958,734 Other 118,119 110,773 Total gross deferred tax assets 3,756,770 3,365,842 Valuation allowance (3,622,575 ) (3,060,246 ) Net deferred tax assets 134,195 305,596 Deferred tax liabilities: Plant and equipment, due to differences in depreciation and capital gain recognition (130,626 ) (301,590 ) Other receivables, due to accrual for financial reporting purposes (3,569 ) (4,006 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (134,195 ) (305,596 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ — As a result of the acquisition of AOS, the Company recorded certain deferred tax assets totaling $1,517,605 $4,455,525, 382 October 31, 201 7, $1,680,000 may October 31, 2028. Additionally, the Company has federal and state gross NOL carryforwards of $4,203,483 $1,462,204, 2015, not 2030. For the years ended October 31, 201 7 2016, not” not 740, Income Taxes $3,622,575 $3,060,246, October 31, 2017 2016. The Company estimates a liability for uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The liability for uncertain tax positions is included in other noncurrent liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. A reconciliation of the unrecognized ta x 2017 2016 October 31, 2017 2016 Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year $ 78,322 $ 79,322 Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years (12,773 ) (1,000 ) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year $ 65,549 $ 78,322 During fiscal year 201 7, $4,633 $3,194, 2016, $6,284 $250, October 31, 2017 2016, $36,761 $44,587, $36,336 $43,191 October 31, 2017 2016, not 12 The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state jurisdictions. The statute of limitations remains open for U.S. and certain state income tax examinations for years ended October 31, 201 4 October 31, 2016.

Note 13 - Fair Value Measuremen

Note 13 - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	( 13 Fair Value Measurements The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, trade accounts receivable, other receivables, and accounts payable and accrued expenses, including accrued compensation and payroll taxes approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The carrying values of the Company ’s note payable to bank and long-term debt approximate fair value based on similar long-term debt issues available to the Company as of October 31, 2017 2016. The Company uses a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs for valuation methods used to measure fair value. The three ● Level 1 ● Level 2 1 ● Level 3 The Company utilizes the best available information in measuring fair value.

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	( 14 Net Loss Per Share The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the net loss per share computations for the periods presented: Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net loss attributable to OCC (numerator) $ (1,738,771 ) $ (1,778,822 ) $ (4,255,665 ) Shares (denominator) 6,546,862 6,443,162 6,201,478 Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.27 ) $ (0.28 ) $ (0.69 ) Nonvested shares as of October 31, 201 7 October 31, 2016 743,865 646,887, not October 31, 2017 October 31, 2016 (

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	( 15 Shareholders’ Equity Share Repurchases The Company, through plans approved by its Board of Directors and other programs, has repurchased and retired certain of its outstanding common stock. The following is a summary of the Company ’s repurchase of shares and the costs associated with the repurchases, including brokerage and legal fees, for the periods presented. Fiscal years ended October 31, Shares repurchased Cost 2017 5,701 $ 18,122 2016 14,225 40,150 2015 80,636 379,675 After the Company ’s purchase and retirement of the shares of its common stock as set forth in the table above, the Company had 7,315,605 October 31, 2017. The Company has a plan (the “Repurchase Plan”), approved by its Board of Directors on July 14, 2015, 400,000 ’s common stock, or approximately 6.0% 24 36 no October 31, 2017, 398,400 The Company has repurchased outstanding common stock outside of the Repurchase Plan directly from certain shareholders and through an odd lot repurchase offer. During fiscal year 201 7, 5,701 $18,122, Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement On October 28, 2011, one no November 2, 2011, 15% ’s then current exercise price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value of twice such price. In addition, if the Company is acquired in a merger or other business transaction after a person or group who is deemed an Acquiring Person has acquired such percentage of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value of twice such price. Upon the occurrence of certain events, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase from the Company one one -thousandth of a Series A Participating Preferred Share (“Preferred Share”), no $25, 1,000 1,000 November 2, 2021, $0.0001 no The Company has reserved 100,000 Dividends The Company initiated a quarterly cash dividend of $0.01 October 2010. January 2012, $0.015 December 2012, $0.02 January 2016,

Note 16 - Contingencies

Note 16 - Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	( 16 Contingencies On May 31, 2016, AOS”) for Cause as defined both in his employment agreement dated October 31, 2009 ( October 31, 2009 ( OCC acquired AOS from Hazelton and Roehrs pursuant to the terms of the SPA. In addition to its claims under the Employment Agreement, OCC also has asserted claims of indemnification against Hazelton under the SPA related to alleged unlawful actions by Hazelton and Roehrs. As a result, OCC ha d not not $470,665 January 31, 2017 October 2009. As a result of this dispute, OCC and AOS filed suit against Hazelton on September 9, 2016 Hazelton filed suit against OCC and AOS on September 7, 2016 In May 2017, ’s obligations being less than the amount previously accrued for the minimum earn out amount under the SPA. As a result, the lawsuits filed in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the state of Texas in fiscal year 2016 Additionally, OCC, AOS, and Centric Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of OCC (“Centric Solutions”) filed suit against Roehrs, William DiBella (“DiBella”) (a former employee of Centric Solutions), and Rosenberger CDS, LLC and Rosenberger North America (together, “Rosenberger”) on September 20, 2016 On February 10, 2017, In May 2017, no ’s claims against DiBella were dismissed with prejudice in the lawsuit filed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Company ’s claims against Roehrs are still pending. From time to time, the Company is involved in other various claims, legal actions and regulatory reviews arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not ’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Note 17 - New Accounting Standa

Note 17 - New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block]	( 17 New Accounting Standards Not In May 2014, 2014 09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers 2014 09” 2014 09 August 2015, 2015 14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606 2015 14” one 2015 14, 2019. 2016 08, 2016 10, 2016 11, 2016 12, 2016 20 2014 09. not no In July 2015, 2015 11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory 2015 11” 2015 11 first first 2015 11 December 15, 2016, 2015 11 not In February 2016, 2016 02, Leases 2016 02” 2016 02 2016 02 December 15, 2018, 12 October 31, 2017 $717,776. 2016 02, not In March 2016, 2016 09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718 2016 09” 2016 09 2016 09 December 15, 2016, 2016 09 not In August 2016, 2016 15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230 2016 15” 2016 15 eight 2016 15 December 15, 2017, 2016 15 not In October 2016, 2016 16, Income Taxes (Topic 740 2016 16” 2016 16 third 2016 16 December 15, 2017, not 2016 16 not There are no not ’s financial position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.

Note 18 - Quarterly Results of

Note 18 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes to Financial Statements
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	( 18 Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended October 31, 2017 2016: Quarter ended Fiscal year ended October 31, 2017 January 31 April 30 July 31 October 31 Net sales $ 14,606,252 $ 15,847,473 $ 16,432,243 $ 17,206,880 Gross profit 4,810,399 5,663,039 5,305,787 5,018,702 Selling, general & administrative expenses 5,192,648 5,898,502 5,426,018 5,451,589 Loss before income taxes (636,367 ) (231,270 ) (281,065 ) (595,507 ) Net loss attributable to Optical Cable Corporation (615,767 ) (239,082 ) (295,160 ) (588,762 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Optical Cable Corporation $ (0.09 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.09 ) Quarter ended Fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 January 31 April 30 July 31 October 31 Net sales $ 14,047,890 $ 16,340,153 $ 16,915,135 $ 17,312,823 Gross profit 3,502,431 4,551,295 5,461,691 6,209,719 Selling, general & administrative expenses 5,087,481 5,351,577 5,074,839 5,246,838 Loss before income taxes (1,743,321 ) (992,653 ) 181,003 759,876 Net loss attributable to Optical Cable Corporation (1,745,021 ) (983,122 ) 188,163 761,158 Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Optical Cable Corporation $ (0.28 ) $ (0.15 ) $ 0.03 $ 0.11

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(b) Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Optical Cable Corporation and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents All of the Company ’s bank accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As of October 31, 2017 2016, $458,000 $1.1 For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three October 31, 201 7 2016, no
Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(d) Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not ’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company’s existing accounts receivable. The Company reviews outstanding trade accounts receivable at the end of each quarter and records allowances for doubtful accounts as deemed appropriate for (i) certain individual customers and (ii) for all other trade accounts receivable in total. In determining the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts to be recorded for individual customers, the Company considers the age of the receivable, the financial stability of the customer, discussions that may no not
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(e) Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, or net realizable value. The determination of cost includes raw materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. The cost of optical fibers, included in raw materials, is determined using specific identification for optical fibers. The cost of other raw materials and production supplies is generally determined using the first first may 3.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(f) Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided for using both straight-line and declining balance methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated useful lives are thirty thirty-nine three seven 4.
Patents and Trademarks [Policy Text Block]	(g) Patents and Trademarks The Company records legal fees associated with patent and trademark applications as intangible assets. Such intangible assets are not not ’s decision is made.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(h) Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue when products are shipped or delivered to the customer and the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss (based on shipping terms), collection of the relevant receivable is probable, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and sales price is fixed or determinable. Customers generally do not The Company recognizes royalty income (if any), net of related expenses, on an accrual basis and estimates royalty income earned based on historical experience.
Shipping and Handling Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(i) Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs include the costs incurred to physically move finished goods from the Company ’s warehouse to the customers’ designated location. All amounts billed to a customer in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling are classified as sales revenue. Shipping and handling costs of approximately $1.9 $1.8 $2.0 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015,
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(j) Research and Development Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs totaled approximately $1.3 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015,
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(k) Advertising Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs totaled approximately $313,000, $237,000 $451,000 October 31, 2017, 2016 2015,
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(l) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not 50% 12.
Long-Lived and Intangible Assets [Policy Text Block]	(m) Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not no
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	(n) Stock Incentive Plans and Other Share-Based Compensation The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based upon the grant-date fair value of those awards. Also see note 9.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(o) Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic net income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In the case of basic net income per share, the calculation includes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements. In the case of basic net loss per share, the calculation excludes common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements, as these shares are considered dilutive. Diluted net income (loss) per share also is calculated by dividing net income (loss) available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period, and reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the net income (loss) of the Company. The diluted net income (loss) per share calculation includes all common shares outstanding issued as share-based compensation and still subject to vesting requirements in the calculation of diluted net income, but not 14.
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(p) Commitments and Contingencies Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from product warranties and defects, claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(q) Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Note 2 - Allowance for Doubtf27

Note 2 - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Summary of Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable [Table Text Block]	Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 Balance at beginning of year $ 74,266 $ 63,011 $ 92,988 Bad debt expense (recovery) 21,569 11,255 (16,889 ) Losses charged to allowance (8,389 ) — (13,088 ) Balance at end of year $ 87,446 $ 74,266 $ 63,011

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)

Note 3 - Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	October 31, 2017 2016 Finished goods $ 5,869,269 $ 4,657,779 Work in process 2,507,434 2,591,885 Raw materials 8,108,433 7,515,717 Production supplies 296,313 258,585 Total $ 16,781,449 $ 15,023,966

Note 4 - Property and Equipme29

Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	October 31, 2017 2016 Land and land improvements $ 3,148,834 $ 3,144,068 Building and improvements 8,165,637 8,140,933 Machinery and equipment 25,817,318 25,769,804 Furniture and fixtures 894,237 903,067 Construction in progress 1,727,591 1,588,815 Total property and equipment, at cost 39,753,617 39,546,687 Less accumulated amortization and depreciation (27,542,925 ) (26,147,529 ) Property and equipment, net $ 12,210,692 $ 13,399,158

Note 6 - Product Warranties (Ta

Note 6 - Product Warranties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 70,000 $ 130,000 Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the year 238,093 124,018 Warranty claims paid during the period (171,523 ) (130,691 ) Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the year 43,430 (53,327 ) Balance at end of year $ 180,000 $ 70,000

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and N31

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	October 31, 2017 2016 Virginia Real Estate Loan ($6.5 million original principal) payable in monthly installments of $31,812, including interest (at 3.95%), with final payment of $3,644,211 due May 1, 2024 $ 4,960,738 $ 5,165,785 North Carolina Real Estate Loan ($2.24 million original principal) payable in monthly installments of $10,963, including interest (at 3.95%), with final payment of $1,255,850 due May 1, 2024 1,709,595 1,780,209 Total long-term debt 6,670,333 6,945,994 Less current installments 250,726 294,214 Long-term debt, excluding current installments $ 6,419,607 $ 6,651,780

Note 8 - Leases (Tables)

Note 8 - Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Fiscal year Operating Lease 2018 318,629 2019 327,106 2020 72,041 Total $ 717,776

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Tab

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Nonvested shares Shares Weighted- average grant date fair value Balance at October 31, 2016 667,048 $ 3.89 Granted 391,211 3.41 Vested (108,467 ) 3.85 Forfeited (112,834 ) 3.63 Balance at October 31, 2017 836,958 $ 3.66

Note 10 - Business and Credit34

Note 10 - Business and Credit Concentrations, Major Customers and Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]	Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 United States $ 51,558,474 $ 51,379,528 $ 57,402,020 Outside the United States 12,534,374 13,236,473 16,166,718 Total net sales $ 64,092,848 $ 64,616,001 $ 73,568,738

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Fiscal year ended October 31, 2017 Current Deferred Total U.S. Federal $ — $ — $ — State (5,438 ) — (5,438 ) Totals $ (5,438 ) $ — $ (5,438 ) Fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 Current Deferred Total U.S. Federal $ 35,118 $ — $ 35,118 State (29,219 ) — (29,219 ) Totals $ 5,899 $ — $ 5,899 Fiscal year ended October 31, 2015 Current Deferred Total U.S. Federal $ (624,825 ) $ 2,098,615 $ 1,473,790 State (120,917 ) 129,509 8,592 Totals $ (745,742 ) $ 2,228,124 $ 1,482,382
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 “Expected” tax benefit $ (593,031 ) $ (610,332 ) $ (957,121 ) Increase (reduction) in income tax benefit resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit (29,422 ) (79,386 ) (78,880 ) Loss of permanent deductions due to NOL carryback — — 35,636 Other differences, net 54,686 50,627 67,491 Change in valulation allowance 562,329 644,990 2,415,256 Reported income tax expense (benefit) $ (5,438 ) $ 5,899 $ 1,482,382
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	October 31, 2017 2016 Deferred tax assets: Accounts receivable, due to allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns $ 71,085 $ 87,472 Inventories, due to allowance for damaged and slow-moving inventories and additional costs inventoried for tax purposes pursuant to the Tax Reform Act of 1986 1,088,631 999,468 Liabilities recorded for accrued expenses, deductible for tax purposes when paid 114,713 67,758 Share-based compensation expense 265,027 134,653 Investment in Centric Solutions — 6,984 Net operating loss carryforwards 2,099,195 1,958,734 Other 118,119 110,773 Total gross deferred tax assets 3,756,770 3,365,842 Valuation allowance (3,622,575 ) (3,060,246 ) Net deferred tax assets 134,195 305,596 Deferred tax liabilities: Plant and equipment, due to differences in depreciation and capital gain recognition (130,626 ) (301,590 ) Other receivables, due to accrual for financial reporting purposes (3,569 ) (4,006 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (134,195 ) (305,596 ) Net deferred tax asset $ — $ —
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	October 31, 2017 2016 Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year $ 78,322 $ 79,322 Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years (12,773 ) (1,000 ) Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year $ 65,549 $ 78,322

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share (T

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	Years ended October 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net loss attributable to OCC (numerator) $ (1,738,771 ) $ (1,778,822 ) $ (4,255,665 ) Shares (denominator) 6,546,862 6,443,162 6,201,478 Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.27 ) $ (0.28 ) $ (0.69 )

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Schedule of Share Repurchases [Table Text Block]	Fiscal years ended October 31, Shares repurchased Cost 2017 5,701 $ 18,122 2016 14,225 40,150 2015 80,636 379,675

Note 18 - Quarterly Results o38

Note 18 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017
Notes Tables
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	Quarter ended Fiscal year ended October 31, 2017 January 31 April 30 July 31 October 31 Net sales $ 14,606,252 $ 15,847,473 $ 16,432,243 $ 17,206,880 Gross profit 4,810,399 5,663,039 5,305,787 5,018,702 Selling, general & administrative expenses 5,192,648 5,898,502 5,426,018 5,451,589 Loss before income taxes (636,367 ) (231,270 ) (281,065 ) (595,507 ) Net loss attributable to Optical Cable Corporation (615,767 ) (239,082 ) (295,160 ) (588,762 ) Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Optical Cable Corporation $ (0.09 ) $ (0.04 ) $ (0.05 ) $ (0.09 ) Quarter ended Fiscal year ended October 31, 2016 January 31 April 30 July 31 October 31 Net sales $ 14,047,890 $ 16,340,153 $ 16,915,135 $ 17,312,823 Gross profit 3,502,431 4,551,295 5,461,691 6,209,719 Selling, general & administrative expenses 5,087,481 5,351,577 5,074,839 5,246,838 Loss before income taxes (1,743,321 ) (992,653 ) 181,003 759,876 Net loss attributable to Optical Cable Corporation (1,745,021 ) (983,122 ) 188,163 761,158 Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Optical Cable Corporation $ (0.28 ) $ (0.15 ) $ 0.03 $ 0.11

Note 1 - Description of Busin39

Note 1 - Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Cash, Uninsured Amount	$ 458,000	$ 1,100,000
Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value	0	0
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Shipping, Handling and Transportation Costs	1,900,000	1,800,000	$ 2,000,000
Research and Development Expense	1,300,000	1,300,000	1,300,000
Advertising Expense	$ 313,000	$ 237,000	$ 451,000
Building [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	30 years
Building [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	39 years
Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years

Note 2 - Allowance for Doubtf40

Note 2 - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable - Summary of Changes in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Balance at beginning of year	$ 74,266	$ 63,011	$ 92,988
Bad debt expense (recovery)	21,569	11,254	(16,889)
Losses charged to allowance	(8,389)		(13,088)
Balance at end of year	$ 87,446	$ 74,266	$ 63,011

Note 3 - Inventories - Componen

Note 3 - Inventories - Components of Inventories (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Finished goods	$ 5,869,269	$ 4,657,779
Work in process	2,507,434	2,591,885
Raw materials	8,108,433	7,515,717
Production supplies	296,313	258,585
Total	$ 16,781,449	$ 15,023,966

Note 4 - Property and Equipme42

Note 4 - Property and Equipment, Net - Schedule of Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Property and equipment, gross	$ 39,753,617	$ 39,546,687
Less accumulated amortization and depreciation	(27,542,925)	(26,147,529)
Property and equipment, net	12,210,692	13,399,158
Land [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	3,148,834	3,144,068
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	8,165,637	8,140,933
Machinery and Equipment [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	25,817,318	25,769,804
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	894,237	903,067
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,727,591	$ 1,588,815

Note 5 - Intangible Assets (Det

Note 5 - Intangible Assets (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 25,704	$ 16,903	$ 10,860
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months	26,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	487,289
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	62,027
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two	26,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three	26,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four	26,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five	$ 26,000

Note 6 - Product Warranties (De

Note 6 - Product Warranties (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual	$ 180,000	$ 70,000	$ 130,000
Product Warranty Expense	281,523	70,691	$ 234,784
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Standard and Extended Product Warranty Accrual	$ 180,000	$ 70,000

Note 6 - Product Warranties - C

Note 6 - Product Warranties - Changes in Accrual for Product Warranties (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Balance at beginning of year	$ 70,000	$ 130,000
Liabilities accrued for warranties issued during the year	238,093	124,018
Warranty claims paid during the period	(171,523)	(130,691)
Changes in liability for pre-existing warranties during the year	43,430	(53,327)
Balance at end of year	$ 180,000	$ 70,000

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and N46

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Apr. 27, 2017	Apr. 26, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Apr. 26, 2016
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$ 250,726
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	5,960,953
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	271,598
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	282,678
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	294,208
Pinnacle Financial Partners [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity						$ 7,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit	5,700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 1,300,000
Pinnacle Financial Partners [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.50%
Pinnacle Financial Partners [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.73%
Pinnacle Financial Partners [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	2.50%
Virginia Real Estate Loan and North Carolina Real Estate Loan [Member] | Pinnacle Financial Partners [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				3.75%
Virginia Real Estate Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.95%				3.95%
Virginia Real Estate Loan [Member] | Pinnacle Financial Partners [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage		3.95%	3.75%
The Commercial Loan [Member] | Pinnacle Financial Partners [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Line of Credit					$ 5,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity					$ 2,000,000

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and N47

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank - Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Long-term Loan	$ 6,670,333	$ 6,945,994
Less current installments	250,726	294,214
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	6,419,607	6,651,780
Virginia Real Estate Loan [Member]
Long-term Loan	4,960,738	5,165,785
North Carolina Real Estate Loan [Member]
Long-term Loan	$ 1,709,595	$ 1,780,209

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and N48

Note 7 - Long-term Debt and Note Payable to Bank - Long-term Debt (Details) (Parentheticals) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Virginia Real Estate Loan [Member]
Original principal	$ 6,500,000	$ 6,500,000
Monthly installments	$ 31,812	$ 31,812
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.95%	3.95%
Final payment	$ 3,644,211	$ 3,644,211
Maturity date	May 1, 2024	May 1, 2024
North Carolina Real Estate Loan [Member]
Original principal	$ 2,240,000	$ 2,240,000
Monthly installments	$ 10,963	$ 10,963
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.95%	3.95%
Final payment	$ 1,255,850	$ 1,255,850
Maturity date	May 1, 2024	May 1, 2024

Note 8 - Leases (Details Textua

Note 8 - Leases (Details Textual)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015ft²	Aug. 31, 2008ft²	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)ft²	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net | $			$ 403,178	$ 391,116	$ 479,937
Operating Lease for Office, Manufacturing and Warehouse Space in Plano, Texas [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property			34,000
Operating Lease for Office and Manufacturing Space in Coppell, Texas [Member] | Centric Solutions LLC [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property		23,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract		7 years
Operating Lease for Warehouse Space in Roanoke, Virginia [Member]
Area of Real Estate Property	36,000
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract	1 year
Lease Term, Extension, Term			1 year
Lease Term, Extension, Remaining Number			2

Note 8 - Leases - Future Minimu

Note 8 - Leases - Future Minimum Lease Payments For Operating Leases (Details)	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)
2,018	$ 318,629
2,019	327,106
2,020	72,041
Total	$ 717,776

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Det

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Details Textual) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Health Insurance Coverage Expense		$ 3,360,633	$ 3,042,441	$ 3,665,320
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount		52,524	29,396	145,181
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		787,100	800,520	1,078,563
Restricted Stock [Member]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 734,016	599,450	948,190
Services and Performance Based Shares [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition		2 years 328 days
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized		$ 2,300,000
The 2017 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized	500,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant		584,000
The 2017 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 53,084
The 2017 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross		31,380
2015 Restated Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense			$ 201,070	$ 130,373
2015 Restated Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-employee Directors [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross			86,296	33,515

Note 9 - Employee Benefits - Re

Note 9 - Employee Benefits - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - The 2017 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] - Restricted Stock [Member]	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Balance (in shares) | shares	667,048
Balance, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.89
Granted (in shares) | shares	391,211
Granted, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.41
Vested (in shares) | shares	(108,467)
Vested, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.85
Forfeited (in shares) | shares	(112,834)
Forfeited, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.63
Balance (in shares) | shares	836,958
Balance, weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 3.66

Note 10 - Business and Credit53

Note 10 - Business and Credit Concentrations, Major Customers and Geographic Information (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2017USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2016USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)
Revenue, Net	$ 17,206,880	$ 16,432,243	$ 15,847,473	$ 14,606,252	$ 17,312,823	$ 16,915,135	$ 16,340,153	$ 14,047,890	$ 64,092,848	$ 64,616,001	$ 73,568,738
Number of Reportable Segments									1
UNITED STATES
Revenue, Net									$ 51,558,474	51,379,528	57,402,020
Non-US [Member]
Revenue, Net									12,534,374	13,236,473	16,166,718
Customer One [Member]
Revenue, Net									$ 10,500,000	$ 9,700,000	10,000,000
Customer Two [Member]
Revenue, Net											$ 8,000,000
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk, Number of Customers									1	1	2
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer One [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									16.40%	15.10%	13.60%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Two [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage											10.80%
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Stockholders' Equity, Total [Member] | Customer One [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									8.90%	8.60%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | UNITED STATES
Concentration Risk, Percentage									80.00%	80.00%	78.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Non-US [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage									20.00%	20.00%	22.00%

Note 10 - Business and Credit54

Note 10 - Business and Credit Concentrations, Major Customers and Geographic Information - Revenue Attributed to United States and All Other Countries (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Net sales	$ 17,206,880	$ 16,432,243	$ 15,847,473	$ 14,606,252	$ 17,312,823	$ 16,915,135	$ 16,340,153	$ 14,047,890	$ 64,092,848	$ 64,616,001	$ 73,568,738
UNITED STATES
Net sales									51,558,474	51,379,528	57,402,020
Non-US [Member]
Net sales									$ 12,534,374	$ 13,236,473	$ 16,166,718

Note 11 - Non-controlling Int55

Note 11 - Non-controlling Interest (Details Textual)	Aug. 01, 2008
Centric Solutions LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired	70.00%

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details

Note 12 - Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2009
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	34.00%	34.00%	34.00%
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	$ 3,756,770	$ 3,365,842
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,099,195	1,958,734
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic	4,203,483
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local	1,462,204
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	3,622,575	3,060,246
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued	4,633	6,284
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued	3,194	250
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	36,761	44,587
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	36,336	$ 43,191
AOS Acquisition [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross				$ 1,517,605
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	$ 1,680,000			$ 4,455,525

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Income

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Income Tax Expense (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
U.S. Federal, Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ 35,118	$ (624,825)
U.S. Federal, Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			2,098,615
U.S. Federal, Net Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		35,118	1,473,790
State, Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(5,438)	(29,219)	(120,917)
State, Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			129,509
State, Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(5,438)	(29,219)	8,592
Total Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(5,438)	5,899	(745,742)
Total Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)			2,228,124
Total Net Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ (5,438)	$ 5,899	$ 1,482,382

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Effect

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Effective Income Tax (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
“Expected” tax benefit	$ (593,031)	$ (610,332)	$ (957,121)
Increase (reduction) in income tax benefit resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	(29,422)	(79,386)	(78,880)
Loss of permanent deductions due to NOL carryback			35,636
Other differences, net	54,686	50,627	67,491
Change in valulation allowance	562,329	644,990	2,415,256
Reported income tax expense (benefit)	$ (5,438)	$ 5,899	$ 1,482,382

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Deferr

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable, due to allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns	$ 71,085	$ 87,472
Inventories, due to allowance for damaged and slow-moving inventories and additional costs inventoried for tax purposes pursuant to the Tax Reform Act of 1986	1,088,631	999,468
Liabilities recorded for accrued expenses, deductible for tax purposes when paid	114,713	67,758
Share-based compensation expense	265,027	134,653
Investment in Centric Solutions		6,984
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,099,195	1,958,734
Other	118,119	110,773
Total gross deferred tax assets	3,756,770	3,365,842
Valuation allowance	(3,622,575)	(3,060,246)
Net deferred tax assets	134,195	305,596
Deferred tax liabilities:
Plant and equipment, due to differences in depreciation and capital gain recognition	(130,626)	(301,590)
Other receivables, due to accrual for financial reporting purposes	(3,569)	(4,006)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(134,195)	(305,596)
Net deferred tax asset

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Unreco

Note 12 - Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at beginning of year	$ 78,322	$ 79,322
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years	(12,773)	(1,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at end of year	$ 65,549	$ 78,322

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share (D

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share (Details Textual) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	743,865	646,887

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share -

Note 14 - Net Loss Per Share - Components of Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Net Loss Per Share (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Net loss attributable to OCC (numerator)	$ (588,762)	$ (295,160)	$ (239,082)	$ (615,767)	$ 761,158	$ 188,163	$ (983,122)	$ (1,745,021)	$ (1,738,771)	$ (1,778,822)	$ (4,255,665)
Shares (denominator) (in shares)									6,546,862	6,443,162	6,201,478
Basic and diluted net loss per share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.11	$ 0.03	$ (0.15)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.69)

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equit63

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity (Details Textual)	Oct. 28, 2011$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2012$ / shares	Jan. 31, 2012$ / shares	Oct. 31, 2010$ / shares	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / shares	Jul. 14, 2015shares
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding					7,315,605	7,081,159
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased								400,000
Purchase And Retire Percentage Of Shares In Common Stock Outstanding								6.00%
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased					398,400
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares					5,701
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value | $					$ 18,122	$ 40,150	$ 379,675
Common Stock Dividends, Rights Per Share	1
Minimum Percentage of Stock Owner in Stockholder Protection Rights Agreement	15.00%
Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share | $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Preferred Stock Dividends, Rights Per Share, No Par Value | $ / shares	0
Preferred Stock, Exercise Price | $ / shares	$ 25
Preferred Stock, Number of Votes	1,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	1000.00%
Preferred Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance					100,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared | $ / shares		$ 0.02	$ 0.015	$ 0.01	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.08
Common Stock, Shares, Issued					7,315,605	7,081,159
Minimum [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force					2 years
Maximum [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force					3 years

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equit64

Note 15 - Shareholders' Equity - Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Shares repurchased (in shares)	5,701	14,225	80,636
Cost	$ 18,122	$ 40,150	$ 379,675

Note 16 - Contingencies (Detail

Note 16 - Contingencies (Details Textual)	Jan. 31, 2017USD ($)
Unlawful Actions by Hazelton and Roehrs Under the SPA [Member]
Minimum Earn-out Amount	$ 470,665

Note 17 - New Accounting Stan66

Note 17 - New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted (Details Textual)	Oct. 31, 2017USD ($)
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 717,776

Note 18 - Quarterly Results o67

Note 18 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Jul. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2017	Oct. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Net sales	$ 17,206,880	$ 16,432,243	$ 15,847,473	$ 14,606,252	$ 17,312,823	$ 16,915,135	$ 16,340,153	$ 14,047,890	$ 64,092,848	$ 64,616,001	$ 73,568,738
Gross profit	5,018,702	5,305,787	5,663,039	4,810,399	6,209,719	5,461,691	4,551,295	3,502,431	20,797,927	19,725,136	21,795,887
Selling, general and administrative expenses	5,451,589	5,426,018	5,898,502	5,192,648	5,246,838	5,074,839	5,351,577	5,087,481	21,968,757	20,760,735	24,042,554
Loss before income taxes	(595,507)	(281,065)	(231,270)	(636,367)	759,876	181,003	(992,653)	(1,743,321)	(1,744,209)	(1,795,095)	(2,815,063)
Net loss attributable to	$ (588,762)	$ (295,160)	$ (239,082)	$ (615,767)	$ 761,158	$ 188,163	$ (983,122)	$ (1,745,021)	$ (1,738,771)	$ (1,778,822)	$ (4,255,665)
Net loss attributable to Optical Cable Corporation per share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ (0.09)	$ (0.05)	$ (0.04)	$ (0.09)	$ 0.11	$ 0.03	$ (0.15)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.27)	$ (0.28)	$ (0.69)