FuelCell Energy (FCEL) 10-K6 Jan 142013 Q4 Annual reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'FUELCELL ENERGY INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000886128	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-13	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q4	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--10-31	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	205,379,875	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$164,856,867
Share Price	'	'	$1.05

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Current assets:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$67,696	$46,879
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - short-term	5,053	5,335
License fee receivable	0	10,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	49,116	25,984
Inventories	56,185	47,701
Other current assets	11,279	4,727
Total current assets	189,329	140,626
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - long-term	4,950	5,300
Property, plant and equipment, net	24,225	23,258
Goodwill	4,075	0
Intangible assets	9,592	0
Investment in and loans to affiliate	0	6,115
Other assets, net	5,465	16,186
Total assets	237,636	191,485
Current liabilities:	'	'
Current portion of long-term debt	6,931	5,161
Accounts payable	24,535	12,254
Accounts payable due to affiliate	0	203
Accrued liabilities	21,912	20,265
Deferred revenue	51,857	45,939
Preferred stock obligation of subsidiary	1,028	1,075
Total current liabilities	106,263	84,897
Long-term deferred revenue	18,763	15,533
Long-term preferred stock obligation of subsidiary	13,270	13,095
Long-term debt and other liabilities	52,675	3,975
Total liabilities	190,971	117,500
Redeemable preferred stock (liquidation preference of $64,020 at October 31, 2013 and 2012)	59,857	59,857
Shareholders' (deficit) equity	'	'
Common stock ($.0001 par value; 275,000,000 shares authorized; 196,310,402 and 185,856,123 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively)	20	18
Additional paid-in capital	758,656	751,256
Accumulated deficit	-771,189	-736,831
Accumulated other comprehensive income	101	66
Treasury stock, Common, at cost (5,679 shares at October 31, 2013 and 2012)	53	53
Deferred compensation	-53	-53
Total shareholders' (deficit) equity	-12,412	14,509
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-780	-381
Total (deficit) equity	-13,192	14,128
Total liabilities and (deficit) equity	$237,636	$191,485

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$14,000	$600,000
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value	$64,020,000	$64,020,000
Common stock, par value	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	275,000,000	275,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	196,310,402	185,856,123
Common stock, shares outstanding	196,310,402	185,856,123
Treasury stock, shares	5,679	5,679

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011
Revenues (1):	'		'		'
Product sales	$145,071		$94,950		$103,007
Service agreements and license revenues	28,141		18,183		12,097
Advanced technologies contract revenues	14,446		7,470		7,466
Total revenues	187,658	[1]	120,603	[1]	122,570	[1]
Costs of revenues:	'		'		'
Cost of product sales	136,989		93,876		96,525
Cost of Services	29,683		19,045		30,825
Cost of advanced technologies contract revenues	13,864		7,237		7,830
Total costs of revenues	180,536		120,158		135,180
Gross profit (loss)	7,122		445		-12,610
Operating expenses:	'		'		'
Administrative and selling expenses	21,218		18,220		16,299
Research and development expenses	15,717		14,354		16,768
Total operating expenses	36,935		32,574		33,067
Loss from operations	-29,813		-32,129		-45,677
Interest expense	-3,973		-2,304		-2,578
Income (loss) from equity investment	46		-645		58
Impairment of equity Investment	0		-3,602		0
License fee and royalty income	0		1,599		1,718
Other income (expense), net	-1,208		1,244		1,047
Loss before redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	-34,948		-35,837		-45,432
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	0		0		-525
Loss before provision for income taxes	-34,948		-35,837		-45,957
Provision for income taxes	-371		-69		-17
Net loss	-35,319		-35,906		-45,974
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	961		411		261
Net loss attributable to FuelCell Energy, Inc.	-34,358		-35,495		-45,713
Adjustment for Modification of Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiary	0		0		-8,987
Preferred stock dividends	-3,200		-3,201		-3,200
Net loss to common shareholders	($37,558)		($38,696)		($57,900)
Net loss to common shareholders per share	'		'		'
Basic	($0.20)		($0.23)		($0.47)
Diluted	($0.20)	[2]	($0.23)	[2]	($0.47)	[2]
Weighted average shares outstanding	'		'		'
Basic	186,525,001		165,471,261		124,498,073
Diluted	186,525,001		165,471,261		124,498,073

[1]	Includes revenue from a related party. Refer to Concentrations in note 1 to the financial statements.
[2]	Due to the net loss to common shareholders in each of the years presented above, diluted earnings per share was computed without consideration to potentially dilutive instruments as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Potentially dilutive instruments include stock options, warrants, convertible preferred stock and convertible notes. At OctoberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were options to purchase 3.2 million, 3.1 million and 3.3 million shares of common stock, respectively. On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a co-marketing agreement with NRG for the marketing and sales of the Company's power plants which include the issuance of warrants to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. On JanuaryB 13, 2011 we issued 10.2 million warrants in connection with a registered direct offering. Each warrant was exercisable for 1 share of common stock. The warrants had an exercise price of $2.29 per share and were exercisable beginning six months and one day after the initial closing date and expired in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) Statement (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Net loss	($35,319)	($35,906)	($45,974)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	35	51	4
Comprehensive loss	($35,284)	($35,855)	($45,970)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in (Deficit) Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Deferred Compensation [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries [Member]
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Deferred Compensation [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest In Subsidiaries [Member]
Balance at at Oct. 31, 2010	$7,687	$11	$663,951	($655,623)	$11	($53)	$53	($663)
Balance at (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010	'	112,965,725	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock (in shares)	'	24,064,924	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock	32,864	2	32,862	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for acquisition	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation	2,577	'	2,577	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under benefit plans (in shares)	'	1,369,848	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under benefit plans	654	'	654	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	-3,200	'	-3,200	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-261	'	'	'	'	'	'	-261
Effect of foreign currency translation	4	'	'	'	4	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to FuelCell Energy, Inc.	-45,713	'	'	-45,713	'	'	'	'
Adjustment for Modification of Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiary	-8,987	'	-8,987	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at at Oct. 31, 2011	-14,375	13	687,857	-701,336	15	-53	53	-924
Balance at (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011	'	138,400,497	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock (in shares)	2,012,506	45,012,306	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock	64,003	5	63,998	'	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation	2,054	'	2,054	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under benefit plans (in shares)	'	2,443,320	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under benefit plans	548	'	548	'	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock dividends	-3,201	'	-3,201	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-411	'	'	'	'	'	'	-411
Sale of noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	954	'	'	'	'	'	'	954
Effect of foreign currency translation	51	'	'	'	51	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to FuelCell Energy, Inc.	-35,495	'	'	-35,495	'	'	'	'
Adjustment for Modification of Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiary	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at at Oct. 31, 2012	14,128	18	751,256	-736,831	66	-53	53	-381
Balance at (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2012	185,856,123	185,856,123	'	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock (in shares)	4,295,800	4,295,800	'	'	'	'	'	'
Sale of common stock	5,548	1	5,547	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for acquisition (in shares)	3,526,764	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock issued for acquisition	3,563	1	3,562	'	'	'	'	'
Share based compensation	2,226	'	2,226	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under benefit plans (in shares)	'	2,631,715	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock issued under benefit plans	-173	'	-173	'	'	'	'	'
Reclass of noncontrolling interest due to liquidation of subsidiaries	0	'	-562	'	'	'	'	562
Preferred stock dividends	-3,200	'	-3,200	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	-961	'	'	'	'	'	'	-961
Effect of foreign currency translation	35	'	'	'	35	'	'	'
Net loss attributable to FuelCell Energy, Inc.	-34,358	'	'	-34,358	'	'	'	'
Adjustment for Modification of Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiary	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Balance at at Oct. 31, 2013	($13,192)	$20	$758,656	($771,189)	$101	($53)	$53	($780)
Balance at (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2013	196,310,402	196,310,402	'	'	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'	'
Net loss	($35,319)	($35,906)	($45,974)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	2,226	2,054	2,577
(Income) loss from equity investment	-46	645	-58
Impairment of equity investment	0	3,602	0
Accretion of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	0	0	525
Change in fair value of embedded derivatives	1,359	180	137
Depreciation	4,097	5,192	6,431
Amortization of convertible note discount and interest expense	2,480	2,018	2,490
Other non-cash transactions	-382	-297	-23
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:	'	'	'
Accounts and license fee receivables	-12,000	-14,066	-4,046
Inventories	-5,901	-7,600	-6,697
Other assets	6,076	3,032	-15,586
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable	11,776	-1,790	3,405
Accrued liabilities	-172	-6,081	10,761
Deferred revenue	9,148	-9,642	37,573
Net cash used in operating activities	-16,658	-58,659	-8,485
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'	'
Capital expenditures	-6,551	-4,453	-3,350
Cash acquired from acquisition	357	0	0
Convertible loan to affiliate	0	0	-600
Treasury notes matured	0	12,000	55,000
Treasury notes purchased	0	0	-33,019
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-6,194	7,547	18,031
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'	'
Repayment of debt	-374	-173	-306
Proceeds from debt	45,250	0	4,000
Financing costs for convertible debt securities	-2,472	0	0
Proceeds received from noncontrolling interest in subsidiary	0	954	0
Decrease (increase) in restricted cash and cash equivalents	632	-2,203	618
Proceeds from sale of common stock, net of registration fees	5,040	64,003	32,930
Payment of preferred dividends and return of capital	-4,442	-7,624	-15,226
Net cash provided by financing activities	43,634	54,957	22,016
Effects on cash from changes in foreign currency rates	35	51	4
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	20,817	3,896	31,566
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period	46,879	42,983	11,417
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period	$67,696	$46,879	$42,983

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Note 1. Nature of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
	Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
	FuelCell Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”, “FuelCell Energy”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is a leading integrated fuel cell company with a growing global presence. We design, manufacture, install, operate and service ultra-clean, efficient and reliable stationary fuel cell power plants. Our Direct FuelCell power plants continuously produce base load electricity and usable high quality heat around the clock for commercial, industrial, government and utility customers. We have commercialized our stationary carbonate fuel cells and are also pursuing the complementary development of planar solid oxide fuel cell and other fuel cell technologies. We continue to invest in new product and market development and, as such, we are not currently generating net income from our operations. Our operations are funded primarily through cash generated from product sales, service and advanced technologies contracts, license fee income and sales of equity and debt securities. In order to continually produce positive cash flow from operations, we need to be successful at increasing annual order volume, production and in our cost reduction efforts.
	The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including FuelCell Energy, Ltd. (“FCE Ltd.”), our Canadian subsidiary; Bridgeport Fuel Cell Park, LLC (“BFCP”), Waterbury Renewable Energy (“WRE”), DFC-ERG Milford, LLC and DFC-ERG Connecticut, LLC, which were formed for the purpose of developing projects within Connecticut; and FCE Korea Ltd., which was formed to facilitate our business operations in South Korea. FuelCell Energy Solutions GmbH (“FCES GmbH”) which is a joint venture with Fraunhofer IKTS (Fraunhofer), was formed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2011 to facilitate business development in Europe. We have a 75 percent interest in FCES GmbH and accordingly, the financial results are consolidated with our financial results. Alliance Star Energy, LLC (“Alliance Star”) is a joint venture with Alliance Power, Inc. (“Alliance”) established to construct fuel cell power plants and sell power under power purchase agreements (“PPA”). We have an 80 percent interest in the entity and accordingly, the financial results of Alliance Star are consolidated with our financial results. Versa Power Systems, Inc. ("Versa"), which includes its subsidiary Versa Power Systems, Ltd., was previously one of our sub-contractors under the Department of Energy ("DOE") large-scale hybrid project to develop a coal-based, multi-megawatt solid oxide fuel cell ("SOFC") based hybrid system. We had a 39 percent ownership interest and historically accounted for Versa under the equity method of accounting. On December 20, 2012, the Company acquired the remaining 61 percent ownership position of Versa and it is now a wholly-owned subsidiary and consolidated with our financial results. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

	The Company has corrected the presentation of restricted cash balances which had been previously been included in cash and cash equivalents. As of October 31, 2012 short-term and long-term restricted cash balances in the amount of $5.3 million and $5.3 million, respectively, have been reclassified to short-term and long-term restricted cash. This revision also impacted net cash used in financing activities. There was no impact on net loss or net cash provided by (used in) operating activities as a result of the revision.
	Significant Accounting Policies
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	All cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds with original maturities averaging three months or less at date of acquisition. We place our temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions. We have pledged approximately $10.0 million of our cash and cash equivalents as collateral against letters of credit, banking requirements and customer contracts. At October 31, 2013 and 2012, we had outstanding letters of credit of $7.7 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
	Inventories and Advance Payments to Vendors
	Inventories consist principally of raw materials and work-in-process. In certain circumstances, we will make advance payments to vendors for future inventory deliveries. These advance payments are recorded as other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Inventories are reviewed to determine if reserves are required for obsolescence (excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory). This review includes analyzing inventory levels of individual parts considering the current design of our products and production requirements as well as the expected inventory requirements for maintenance on installed power plants.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the lease. When property is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations for the period.
	Intellectual Property
	Intellectual property, including internally generated patents and know-how, is carried at no value.
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets

	Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a purchase business combination and is reviewed for impairment at least annually.

	Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other", (ASC 350) permits the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances lead to the conclusion that it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test required under ASC 350.

	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated annually for impairment in the third quarter. Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets are also reviewed for possible impairment whenever changes in conditions indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not below its carrying value. No impairment charges were recorded during fiscal year 2013. The Company did not have goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets in fiscal year 2012 or 2011.
	Impairment of Long Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable, we compare the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows, excluding interest costs, expected to be generated by the asset group and their ultimate disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.
	Revenue Recognition
	We earn revenue from (i) the sale and installation of fuel cell power plants (ii) the sale of component part kits and spare parts to customers, (iii) site engineering and construction services, (iv) providing services under service agreements (SA), (v) the sale of electricity under PPA's as well as incentive revenue from the sale of electricity under PPAs, (vi) license fees and royalty income from manufacturing and technology transfer agreements, and (vii) customer-sponsored advanced technology projects.
	The Company periodically enters into arrangements with customers that involve multiple elements. We assess such contracts to evaluate whether there are multiple deliverables, and whether the consideration under the arrangement is being appropriately allocated to each of the deliverables.
	Our revenue is primarily generated from customers located throughout the U.S., Asia and Europe and from agencies of the U.S. Government.
	Revenue from product,component part kits and spare part sales and construction services revenue is recorded as product sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue from SA's, PPA's, license and royalty revenue and engineering services revenue is recorded as service and license revenues and revenue from customer-sponsored advanced technology research and development projects is recorded as advanced technologies contract revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	For customer contracts for complete DFC Power Plants which the Company has adequate cost history and estimating experience, and that management believes it can reasonably estimate total contract costs, revenue is recognized under the percentage of completion method of accounting. The use of percentage of completion accounting requires significant judgment relative to estimating total contract costs, including assumptions relative to the length of time to complete the contract, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, anticipated increases in wages and prices for subcontractor services and materials, and the availability of subcontractor services and materials. Our estimates are based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, project managers and other personnel, who review each long-term contract on a quarterly basis to assess the contract's schedule, performance, technical matters and estimated cost at completion. Changes in estimates are applied retrospectively and when adjustments in estimated contract costs are identified, such revisions may result in current period adjustments to operations applicable to performance in prior periods. Revenues are recognized based on the percentage of the contract value that incurred costs to date bear to estimated total contract costs, after giving effect to estimates of costs to complete based on the most recent information. For customer contracts for new or significantly customized products, where management does not believe it has the ability to reasonably estimate total contract costs, revenue is recognized using the completed contract method and therefore all revenue and costs for the contract are deferred and not recognized until installation and acceptance of the power plant is complete. We recognize anticipated contract losses as soon as they become known and estimable. We have recorded an estimated contract loss reserve of $0.09 million and $0.04 million as of October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively. Actual results could vary from initial estimates and reserve estimates will be updated as conditions change.
	Revenue from component part kits and spare parts sales is recognized upon shipment or title transfer under the terms of the customer contract. Terms for certain contracts provide for a transfer of title and risk of loss to our customers at our factory locations upon completion of our contractual requirement to produce products and prepare the products for shipment. A shipment in place may occur in the event that the customer is unready to take delivery of the products on the contractually specified delivery dates.

	Site engineering and construction services revenue is recognized on a percentage of completion basis as costs are incurred.
	Revenue from service agreement contracts is generally recorded ratably over the term of the SA, as our performance of routine monitoring and maintenance under these SA's are generally expected to be incurred on a straight-line basis. For SA's where we expect to have a module exchange at some point during the term (generally SA's in excess of five years), the costs of performance are not expected to be incurred on a straight-line basis, and therefore, a portion of the initial value related to the module exchange is deferred and is recognized upon such module exchange event.
	Under PPA's, revenue from the sale of electricity is recognized as electricity is provided to the customer.
	Beginning in fiscal year 2013, license fees and royalty income have been included within revenues on the consolidated statement of operations. This change is a result of the new license agreement entered into on October 31, 2012 for our core technology and the harmonization of the existing agreements to provide fees and royalties for the manufacture of complete DFC Power Plants. Classification as revenue is reflective of our Asia market partnership and royalty based strategy and this business activity having become a significant component of non-product revenue.

	Revenue from advanced technology contracts is recognized as costs are incurred less cost share plus general and administrative expenses to the extent the contract value is funded. Revenue from customer funded advanced technology programs are generally multi-year, cost-reimbursement and/or cost-shared type contracts or cooperative agreements. We are reimbursed for reasonable and allocable costs up to the reimbursement limits set by the contract or cooperative agreement, and on certain contracts we are reimbursed only a portion of the costs incurred. While advanced technology contracts may extend for many years, funding is often provided incrementally on a year-by-year basis if contract terms are met and funds are authorized.
	Warranty and Service Expense Recognition
	We warranty our products for a specific period of time against manufacturing or performance defects. Our warranty is limited to a term generally 15 months after shipment or 12 months after acceptance of our products, except for fuel cell kits. We are required to warranty fuel cell kits and components for 21 months from the date of shipment due to the additional shipping and customer manufacture time required. We reserve for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience. We also provide for a specific reserve if there is a known issue requiring repair during the warranty period. Estimates used to record warranty reserves are updated as we gain further operating experience. As of October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, the warranty reserve, which is classified in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet totaled $0.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
	In addition to the standard product warranty, we have entered into SA's with certain customers to provide monitoring, maintenance and repair services for fuel cell power plants. Under the terms of our SA's, the power plant must meet a minimum operating output during the term. If minimum output falls below the contract requirement, we may be subject to performance penalties or may be required to repair or replace the customer's fuel cell stack. The Company has provided for a reserve for performance guarantees, which based on historical fleet performance totaled $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company provides for reserves on all SA's when the estimated future stack replacements and service costs exceed the remaining contract value. Reserve estimates for future costs on SA's are determined by a number of factors including the estimated remaining life of the stack, used replacement stacks available, our limit of liability on SA's and future operating plans for the power plant. Our reserve estimates are performed on a contract by contract basis and include cost assumptions based on what we anticipate the service requirements will be to fulfill obligations for each contract. As of October 31, 2013, our reserve on SA's contracts totaled $3.7 million compared to $5.0 million as of October 31, 2012.
	At the end of our SA's, customers are expected to either renew the SA or based on the Company's ability to obtain rights to title for the module, the module will be returned to the Company as the plant is no longer being monitored or having routine service performed. As of October 31, 2013, the total long-term stack asset balance was $2.9 million compared to $14.3 million as of October 31, 2012. As of October 31, 2013, accumulated depreciation on long-term stack assets totaled approximately $2.1 million compared to $7.6 million at October 31, 2012.
	During fiscal year 2011, the Company committed to a repair and upgrade program for a select group of 1.2 megawatt (MW) fuel cell modules produced between 2007 and early 2009. As of October 31, 2013, the accrued obligation balance related to this item was $7.3 million compared to $4.8 million as of October 31, 2012. The increase in the reserve is a result of an incremental charge due to the Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy., LTD (POSCO Energy) having caused us to provide three replacement modules to POSCO Energy. These modules are expected to be supplied to POSCO Energy in early 2014.
	The remaining accrued balance is related to modules which are expected to be deployed as field replacements and will be provided to POSCO Energy per the terms of the commitment when needed.
	License Agreements and Royalty Income
	We generally recognize license fees and other revenue over the term of the associated agreement. Beginning in fiscal year 2013, license fees and royalty income have been included within revenues on the consolidated statement of operations. This change is a result of the new license agreement entered into on October 31, 2012 for our core technology and the harmonization of the existing agreements to provide license fees and royalties for the value of complete DFC Power Plants sold by POSCO Energy. Classification as revenue is reflective of our Asia market partnership and royalty based strategy having become a significant component of non-product revenue. Prior to November 1, 2012, license fee and royalty income were classified as such in the accompanying Statement of Operations.
	The Company receives license fees and royalty income from POSCO Energy as a result of manufacturing and technology transfer agreements entered into in 2007, 2009 and 2012. On October 31, 2012, we entered into a Cell Technology Transfer Agreement ("CTTA") with POSCO Energy. The CTTA provides POSCO Energy with the technology to manufacture Direct FuelCell power plants in South Korea and the market access to sell power plants throughout Asia for an initial term of 15 years. Under the CTTA, the Company will also provide consulting and procurement expertise in the design and construction of a manufacturing facility in South Korea that will be financed and owned by POSCO Energy. In conjunction with this agreement, a $10.0 million fee was paid to the Company on November 1, 2012. Future fees, totaling $8.0 million are payable on a milestone basis between 2014 and 2016. In conjunction with the CTTA, the Company also amended the royalty provisions in the 2007 Technology Transfer, Distribution and Licensing Agreement ("TTA") and the 2009 Stack Technology Transfer and License Agreement ("STTA") revising the royalty from 4.1 percent to 3.0 percent of POSCO Energy net sales. The reduction in the royalty rate resulted in a net fee of $6.7 million paid to the Company in January 2013.
	Under the terms of the 2007 TTA, POSCO Energy manufactures balance of plant (“BOP”) in South Korea using its design, procurement and manufacturing expertise. The 2009 STTA allows POSCO Energy to produce fuel cell modules which will be combined with BOP manufactured in South Korea to complete electricity-producing fuel cell power plants for sale in South Korea. Under the STTA and prior to the CTTA, we were receiving 4.1 percent of the revenues generated from sales of fuel cell modules manufactured and sourced by POSCO Energy. The STTA also provided for an upfront license fee of $10.0 million. License fee income was recognized ratably over the 10-year term of the STTA through October 31, 2012. As a result of the CTTA, the remaining license fee income of $7.0 million is being recognized ratably over an additional 15 years.
	The Company recorded license and royalty income of $4.1 million, $1.6 million and $1.7 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, relating to the above agreements.
	Deferred Revenue and Customer Deposits
	We receive payments from customers upon the acceptance of a purchase order and when contractual milestones are reached. These payments may be deferred based on the nature of the payment and status of the specific project. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue in accordance with our revenue recognition policies summarized above.
	Research and Development Costs
	We perform both customer-sponsored research and development projects based on contractual agreement with customers and company-sponsored research and development projects. Costs incurred for customer-sponsored projects include manufacturing and engineering labor, applicable overhead expenses, materials to build and test prototype units and other costs associated with customer-sponsored research and development contracts. These costs are recorded as Advanced Technologies contract revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Costs incurred for company-sponsored research and development projects consist primarily of labor, overhead, materials to build and test prototype units and consulting fees. These costs are recorded as research and development expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for restricted stock awards (RSA’s) and restricted stock units (RSU's) based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. We account for stock options awarded to employees and non-employee directors under the fair value method of accounting using the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate fair value at the grant date. The model requires us to make estimates and assumptions regarding the expected life of the option, the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility of our common stock price and the expected dividend yield. The fair value of equity awards is amortized to expense over the vesting period, generally four years. Refer to Note 14 for additional information.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, research and development credit carryforwards, and differences between financial reporting and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. 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. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is unlikely that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
	The Company’s financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a decision whether to file or not file a return in a particular jurisdiction) presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.
	Concentrations
We contract with a concentrated number of customers for the sale of our products and for research and development contracts. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our top five customers accounted for 88 percent, 85 percent and 66 percent, respectively, of our total annual consolidated revenue.
The percent of consolidated revenues from each customer for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively are presented below.


		2013		2012		2011
POSCO Energy		54	%	76	%	44	%
Bridgeport Dominion Fuel Cell, LLC		29	%	—	%	—	%
Department of Energy		5	%	7	%	—	%
BioFuels Fuel Cells, LLC		—	%	—	%	12	%
UTS BioEnergy, LLC		—	%	2	%	10	%
Total		88	%	85	%	66	%
POSCO Energy is a related party and owns approximately 16.0 percent of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
Derivatives
We do not use derivatives for speculative purposes and through fiscal year end 2013, have not used derivatives for hedging or trading purposes. Derivative instruments consist of embedded derivatives for the change of control put redemption and an interest make-whole payment upon conversion feature embedded in the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes which each require bifurcation from the host debt contract and also for embedded derivatives in our Series 1 Preferred Shares. We account for these derivatives using the fair-value method with changes in the underlying fair value recorded to earnings. Refer to Notes 10 and 12 for additional information.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventories, product warranty costs, SA reserves, allowance for uncollectible receivables, depreciation and amortization, impairment of assets, taxes, and contingencies. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.
Foreign Currency Translation
The translation of FuelCell Korea Ltd’s and FCES GmbH's financial statements results in translation gains or losses, which are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ (deficit) equity.
Our Canadian subsidiary, FCE Ltd., is financially and operationally integrated and therefore the temporal method of translation of foreign currencies is followed. The functional currency is U.S. dollars. We are subject to foreign currency transaction gains and losses as certain transactions are denominated in Canadian dollars. We recognized a gain of $0.4 million, a gain of $0.1 million and a loss of $1.0 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts have been classified as other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Subsequent Events
We have evaluated subsequent events and are not aware of any significant events that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this Form 10-K with the SEC that would have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements other than in December 2013, certain investors elected to convert a total of $8.0 million principal of $38.0 million in aggregate principal the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. Refer to Note 20 for more information.

Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance concerning the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This guidance gives an entity the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-30, “Intangibles--Goodwill and Other, General Intangibles Other than Goodwill.” Under the guidance, an entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The Company adopted this guidance effective November 1, 2012 and the revised standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective
None

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
	Note 2. Acquisitions
	Versa was previously one of our sub-contractors under the DOE's large-scale hybrid project to develop a coal-based, multi-megawatt SOFC based hybrid system. Versa has been developing advanced SOFC systems for various stationary and mobile applications since 2001. Prior to December 20, 2012, we had a 39 percent ownership interest and accounted for Versa under the equity method of accounting. We recognized our share of the income or losses as income/(loss) from equity investment on the consolidated statements of operations.
	On December 20, 2012, the Company acquired the remaining 61 percent ownership position of Versa in a stock transaction by exchanging approximately 3.5 million shares of its common stock for the outstanding Versa shares held by the other Versa shareholders.
	The transaction has been accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their fair values as of the acquisition date. Step-acquisition accounting guidance was applied and an impairment charge of $3.6 million relating to the previously held equity investment was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2012.
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.


	Cash and cash equivalents	$	357

	Accounts receivable	1,133

	Other current assets	23

	Property, plant and equipment	480

	Goodwill	4,075

	In-process research and development	9,592

	Other assets	101

	Accounts payable	(302		)
	Other current liabilities	(1,492		)
	Deferred tax liabilities (1)	(3,377		)
	Other long-term liabilities	(155		)
	Total identifiable net assets	$	10,435


	(1) Classified in Long-term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

	Acquisition-related costs of $0.1 million were expensed as incurred. These costs were recognized in administrative and selling expenses on the statement of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the year ended October 31, 2013.

	Versa has been consolidated into the Company's financial statements as of the acquisition date. Versa receives revenue under a number of research contracts including the U.S. Department of Energy Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) coal-based systems program and a research contract with The Boeing Company. Revenue and associated costs are recognized under advanced technologies contract revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.

Inventories

Inventories	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Note 3. Inventories
	Inventories at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	20,599	$	17,683

	Work-in-process (1)	35,586		30,018

	Net inventories	$	56,185	$	47,701

	(1) Work-in-process includes the standard components of inventory used to build the typical modules or stack components that are intended to be used in future power plant orders or to service SA's. Included in Work-in-process as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 is $5.8 million and $11.3 million, respectively, of completed standard components ready to be incorporated into power plants and deployed upon receipt of customer orders or to service SA's.
	Raw materials consist mainly of various nickel powders and steels, various other components used in producing cell stacks and purchased components for balance of plant. Work-in-process inventory is comprised of material, labor, and overhead costs incurred to build fuel cell stacks, which are subcomponents of a power plant. Work in process also includes costs related to modules which have not yet been dedicated to a particular commercial customer contract.
	Raw materials and work in process are net of valuation reserves of approximately $1.4 million and $2.4 million at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable	'
	Note 4. Accounts Receivable
	Accounts receivable at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


		2013		2012
	Advanced technology research:
	Amount billed	$	786	$	20

	Unbilled recoverable costs	639		890

		1,425		910

	Commercial customers:
	Amount billed	17,344		18,786

	Unbilled recoverable costs	30,347		6,288

		47,691		25,074

		$	49,116	$	25,984

	We bill customers upon project milestones being reached. We bill SA's based on the contract price and billing terms of the contracts. The majority of advanced technology contracts are with the U.S. Government. We bill the U.S. Government based on actual recoverable costs incurred, typically in the month subsequent to incurring costs. The remainder of advanced technology contracts are billed based on milestones or costs incurred. Unbilled recoverable costs relate to revenue recognized on customer contracts that have not been billed as the milestone billing date had not yet been reached. Unbilled amounts at October 31, 2013 included $17.8 million due from Dominion under the Bridgeport fuel cell park project and $6.7 million due from POSCO Energy. Accounts receivable are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.01 million and $0.6 million at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Commercial customers accounts receivable (including Unbilled recoverable costs) are amounts due from POSCO Energy of $17.4 million and $18.1 million at October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Property_Plant_and_Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
	Note 5. Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


		2013				2012			Estimated Useful Life
	Land		$	524		$	524		—

	Building and improvements		8,679			7,587			10-26 years

	Machinery, equipment and software		73,051			68,265			3-8 years

	Furniture and fixtures		2,899			2,786			10 years

	Power plants for use under PPAs		8,216			10,866			3-10 years

	Construction in progress		9,537			7,970

			102,906			97,998

	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(78,681		)	(74,740		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	24,225		$	23,258

	Depreciation expense was $4.1 million, $5.2 million and $6.4 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Notes)	12 Months Ended
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Notes)	Oct. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	'
	Note 6. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
	As of October 31, 2013, the Company had goodwill of $4.1 million and intangible assets of $9.6 million associated with the Versa acquisition. Versa’s fair value of goodwill resulted from the purchase price residual value method. All identifiable assets and liabilities were deducted from the total purchase price and the difference represents the implied fair value of goodwill. The intangible asset represents indefinite lived in-process research and development for which the fair value was determined utilizing the cost approach which estimated the costs to replicate cumulative research and development efforts associated with the development of SOFC stationary power generation and had a 10 percent obsolescence factor applied to account for improvements that could be made on the current technology.
	The Company has completed a qualitative assessment as of July 31, 2013 and has determined that the goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets recorded as a result of the Versa acquisition and are included within the Versa reporting unit are not impaired.

Other_Current_Assets

Other Current Assets	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Other Current Assets [Abstract]	'
Other Current Assets	'
	Note 7. Other Current Assets
	Other current assets at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


			2013		2012
	Advance payments to vendors (1)		$	4,235	$	2,261

	Debt issuance costs (2)		494		—

	Notes receivable (3)		478		475

	Prepaid expenses and other (4)		6,072		1,991

	Total		$	11,279	$	4,727


	-1	Advance payments to vendors relate to inventory purchases.

	-2	Represents the current portion of debt issuance costs capitalized relating to the convertible debt issuance and will be amortized over the term of the convertible notes which is five years.

	-3	Current portion of long-term notes receivable.

	-4	Primarily relates to other accounts receivable related to POSCO Energy royalties, receivable for common stock sales and other prepaid vendor expenses including insurance, rent and lease payments.

Other_Assets_net

Other Assets, net	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Other Assets, net [Abstract]	'
Other Assets, net	'
	Note 8. Other Assets, net
	Other assets, net at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


			2013		2012
	Long-term stack residual value (1)		$	2,898	$	14,316

	Debt issuance costs (2)		1,721		—

	Other (3)		846		1,870

	Other assets, net		$	5,465	$	16,186


	-1	Relates to unplanned module exchanges performed under the Company’s SA's. In circumstances where the useful life of the module extends beyond the contractual term of the SA and the Company retains title for the module from the customer upon expiration or non-renewal of the SA, the cost of the unplanned module exchanges is recorded as a long term asset and is depreciated over its expected life. If the Company does not obtain rights to title from the customer, the cost of the module is expensed at the time of the module exchange. The reduction in the balance at October 31, 2013 is a result of costs of $8.4 million primarily related to the provision of fuel cell stacks to POSCO Energy upon execution of Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy to service the installations under the ongoing service contract. Additions during the year ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were $0.5 million and $4.4 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $2.1 million and $7.6 million for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

	-2	Represents the long-term portion of debt issuance costs capitalized relating to the convertible debt issuance and will be amortized over the term of the convertible notes, which is five years.

	-3	Includes security deposits and notes receivable.

Accrued_Liabilities

Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]	'
Accrued Liabilities	'
	Note 9. Accrued Liabilities
	Accrued liabilities at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


			2013		2012
	Accrued payroll and employee benefits (1)		$	4,647	$	3,907

	Accrued contract and operating costs (2)		87		39

	Reserve for product warranty costs (3)		860		2,317

	Reserve for service agreement costs (4)		4,186		7,222

	Reserve for B1200 repair and upgrade program and modules due POSCO Energy (5)		7,267		4,753

	Accrued taxes, legal, professional and other (6)		4,865		2,027

			$	21,912	$	20,265


	-1	Balance relates to amounts owed to employees for compensation and benefits as of the end of the period.

	-2	Balance includes estimated losses accrued on product sales contracts.

	-3	Activity in the reserve for product warranty costs during the year ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 included additions for estimates of potential future warranty obligations of $1.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, on contracts in the warranty period and reserve reductions related to actual warranty spend and reversals to income of $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, as contracts progress through the warranty period or are beyond the warranty period.

	-4	The Company provides for reserves on all SA agreements when the estimated future stack replacement and service costs exceed the remaining unrecognized contract value. Our reserve estimates are performed on a contract by contract basis and include cost assumptions based on what we anticipate the service requirements will be to fulfill obligations for each contract. As of October 31, 2013, our reserve on SA contracts totaled $3.7 million compared to $5.0 million as of October 31, 2012. If minimum output falls below the contract requirement, we may be subject to performance penalties and/ may be required to repair or replace the customer’s fuel cell stack. An estimate is not recorded for a potential performance guarantee liability until a performance issue has occurred on a particular power plant. At that point, the actual power plant’s output is compared against the minimum output guarantee and a reserve is recorded. The Company has provided a reserve for performance guarantees based on historical fleet performance which totaled $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	-5	During fiscal year 2011, the Company incurred an obligation to repair and upgrade a select group of 1.2 megawatt (MW) fuel cell modules produced between 2007 and early 2009. The repair and upgrade obligation was based on events that occurred and knowledge obtained concerning the performance of this select group of modules. The program commenced in fiscal year 2011 and with the exception of providing replacement modules to POSCO Energy, was concluded during fiscal year 2012. The Company recorded an initial charge of approximately $8.8 million which was recorded as cost of product sales and revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. The increase in the reserve as of October 31, 2013 compared to the prior year is a result of an incremental charge due to the terms of the Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy requiring us to provide three replacement modules due to POSCO Energy.

	-6	Balance includes accrued sales, use and payroll taxes as well as estimated legal, professional and other expense estimates as of the end of the period.

Debt_and_Leases

Debt and Leases	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt and Leases [Abstract]	'
Debt and Leases	'
	Note 10. Debt and Leases
	Debt at October 31, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following:


			2013			2012
	Revolving credit facility		$	6,500		$	4,000

	Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes		38,000			—

	Connecticut Development Authority Note		3,246			3,466

	Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Note		—			847

	Connecticut Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority Note		5,744			—

	Capitalized lease obligations		497			234

	Total debt		$	53,987		$	8,547

	Less: Unamortized debt discount (1)		(3,106		)	—

			50,881			8,547

	Less: Current portion of long-term debt		(6,931		)	(5,161		)
	Long-term debt		$	43,950		$	3,386

	(1) The debt discount recorded in connection with the issuance of the Company’s unsecured convertible notes relates to the fair value of the embedded derivatives at June 25, 2013 and is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as a reduction to associated debt balance. The Company is amortizing the debt discount to interest expense over the term of the debt.
	Aggregate annual principal payments under our loan agreements, excluding payments relating to the revolving credit facility, and capital lease obligations for the years subsequent to October 31, 2013 are as follows:




	Year 1	430

	Year 2	381

	Year 3	313

	Year 4	256

	Year 5	40,363

	Thereafter	5,744

		$	47,487




	As of October 31, 2013, the Company has an $8.0 million revolving credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The revolver was increased from $5.0 million on April 12, 2013. The credit facility is used for working capital to finance the manufacture and production and subsequent export sale of the Company’s products or services. The agreement has a one year term with renewal provisions and the current expiration date is April 2, 2014. The outstanding principal balance of the facility will bear interest, at the option of the Company of either the one-month LIBOR plus 1.5 percent or the prime rate of JP Morgan Chase. The facility is secured by certain working capital assets and general intangibles, up to the amount of the outstanding facility balance. At October 31, 2013, the outstanding amount owed under this facility was $6.5 million and is classified as Current portion of long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets.
	On June 25, 2013, the Company closed an offering of $38.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes ("Notes"). Under the terms of the Notes, interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on December 15 and June 15 of each year, beginning December 15, 2013. The notes will mature on June 15, 2018, unless earlier redeemed, repurchased or converted. The Notes are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 645.1613 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $1.55 per share of common stock plus a "make-whole" equivalent to the shorter of three years of interest payments or interest payments from the date of conversion through the maturity date. The net proceeds of the offering to the Company were approximately $35.5 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and offering expenses. Financing costs of $2.5 million associated with this debt offering are being amortized over the term of the debt. At October 31, 2013, these costs are capitalized in Other current assets for the current portion and Other assets, net for the long-term portion.
	We evaluated the instrument for embedded derivatives and determined the change of control put redemption and an interest make-whole payment upon conversion feature embedded in the Notes require bifurcation from the Notes. The aggregate fair value of these derivatives at June 25, 2013 was $3.2 million. The aggregate fair value of these derivatives at October 31, 2013 is $4.7 million. The derivatives are included in Long term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and any change to the fair values are recorded in operations.
	In April 2008, we entered into a 10-year loan agreement with the Connecticut Development Authority to finance equipment purchases associated with manufacturing capacity expansion allowing for a maximum borrowing of $4.0 million. The stated interest rate is 5 percent and the loan is collateralized by the assets procured under this loan as well as $4.0 million of additional machinery and equipment. Interest only payments were required through November 2009. Principal and interest payments are due commencing in December 2009 through May 2018. The outstanding balance on the Connecticut Development Authority loan was $3.2 million and $3.5 million for the periods ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	On March 5, 2013 the Company closed on a new long-term loan agreement with the Connecticut Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority (CEFIA) totaling $5.9 million in support of the Bridgeport project. The loan agreement carries an interest rate of 5.0% and principal repayments will commence on the eighth anniversary of the project's provisional acceptance date in forty eight equal monthly installments. Outstanding amounts are secured by future cash flows from the Bridgeport contracts. Advances of $4.8 million were made under the CEFIA loan during fiscal year 2013. The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Note in the amount outstanding of $0.9 million rolled into the new CEFIA Note. The outstanding balance on the CEFIA Note as of October 31, 2013 was $5.7 million.
	We lease computer equipment under master lease agreements. Lease payment terms are generally thirty-six months from the date of acceptance for leased equipment.

Shareholders_Equity_Deficit

Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)	12 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)	Oct. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' (Deficit) Equity	'
	Note 11. Shareholders’ (Deficit) Equity
	Common Stock
	On December 20, 2012, the Company issued 3.5 million shares of common stock for the remaining 61 percent of outstanding Versa shares.
	On March 27, 2012, the Company completed a public offering of 23 million shares of common stock, including 3.0 million shares sold pursuant to the full exercise of an over-allotment option previously granted to the underwriters. All shares were offered by the Company at a price of $1.50 per share. Total net proceeds to the Company were approximately $32.0 million.
	On April 30, 2012, POSCO Energy purchased, and the Company issued, 20 million shares of common stock at a price of $1.50 per share for proceeds of $30.0 million. The cash payment was received on May 2, 2012.
	The Company may sell common stock on the open market from time to time to raise funds in order to pay obligations related to the Company's outstanding Series I and Series B preferred shares and the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. During fiscal year 2013 and 2012, the Company sold 4,295,800 and 2,012,506 shares, respectively of the Company's common stock at prevailing market prices through periodic trades on the open market and raised approximately $5.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, net of fees.

	Warrant Issuance
	On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a co-marketing agreement with NRG Energy ("NRG") for the marketing and sales of the Company's power plants. The terms of the agreement included the issuance of warrants to NRG that permit NRG to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock at predetermined prices based on attaining minimum sales goals. There are three tranches of warrants with varying strike prices, varying minimum levels of qualifying orders, and different vesting and expiration dates. The weighted average strike price for all 5.0 million warrants is $2.18. The qualifying order vesting dates range from March 2014 through September 2015 and the expiration dates range from February 2017 through August 2018. Any costs associated with the warrants will be recorded as a reduction of potential future revenue recorded under the arrangement. No warrants were vested as of October 31, 2013.

Preferred_Stock

Preferred Stock	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Equity [Abstract]	'
Redeemable Preferred Stock	'
	Note 12. Redeemable Preferred Stock
	Redeemable Series B Preferred Stock
	We have 250,000 shares of our 5 percent Series B Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (Liquidation Preference $1,000) (“Series B Preferred Stock”) authorized for issuance. At October 31, 2013 and 2012, there were 64,020 shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, with a carrying value of $59.9 million. The following is a summary of certain provisions of our Series B Preferred Stock.

	•	Ranking — Shares of Series B Preferred Stock rank with respect to dividend rights and rights upon our liquidation, winding up or dissolution:

	•	senior to shares of our common stock;

	•	junior to our debt obligations; and

	•	effectively junior to our subsidiaries’ (i) existing and future liabilities and (ii) capital stock held by others.

	•	Dividends - The Series B Preferred Stock pays cumulative annual dividends of $50 per share which are payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, and if declared by the board of directors. Dividends accumulate and are cumulative from the date of original issuance. Accumulated dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock do not bear interest.

	The dividend rate is subject to upward adjustment as set forth in the Certificate of Designation if we fail to pay, or to set apart funds to pay, any quarterly dividend. The dividend rate is also subject to upward adjustment as set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement entered into with the Initial Purchasers if we fail to satisfy our registration obligations with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock (or the underlying common shares) under the Registration Rights Agreement.
	The dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock may be paid in cash; or at the option of the holder, in shares of our common stock, which will be registered pursuant to a registration statement to allow for the immediate sale of these common shares in the public market. Dividends of $3.2 million were paid in cash in each of the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. There were no cumulative unpaid dividends at October 31, 2013 and 2012.


	•	Liquidation - The Series B Preferred Stock stockholders are entitled to receive, in the event that we are liquidated, dissolved or wound up, whether voluntary or involuntary, $1,000 per share plus all accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date of that liquidation, dissolution, or winding up (“Liquidation Preference”). Until the holders of Series B Preferred Stock receive their Liquidation Preference in full, no payment will be made on any junior shares, including shares of our common stock. After the Liquidation Preference is paid in full, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will not be entitled to receive any further distribution of our assets. At October 31, 2013 and 2012, the Series B Preferred Stock had a Liquidation Preference of $64.0 million.


	•	Conversion Rights - Each Series B Preferred Stock share may be converted at any time, at the option of the holder, into 85.1064 shares of our common stock (which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of $11.75 per share) plus cash in lieu of fractional shares. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, as described below, but will not be adjusted for accumulated and unpaid dividends. If converted, holders of Series B Preferred Stock do not receive a cash payment for all accumulated and unpaid dividends; rather, all accumulated and unpaid dividends are canceled.

	We may, at our option, cause shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be automatically converted into that number of shares of our common stock that are issuable at the then prevailing conversion rate. We may exercise our conversion right only if the closing price of our common stock exceeds 150 percent of the then prevailing conversion price ($11.75 at October 31, 2013) for 20 trading days during any consecutive 30 trading day period, as described in the Certificate of Designation.
	If holders of Series B Preferred Stock elect to convert their shares in connection with certain fundamental changes, as defined, we will in certain circumstances increase the conversion rate by a number of additional shares of common stock upon conversion or, in lieu thereof, we may in certain circumstances elect to adjust the conversion rate and related conversion obligation so that shares of our Series B Preferred Stock are converted into shares of the acquiring or surviving company, in each case as described in the Certificate of Designation.
	The adjustment of the conversion price is to prevent dilution of the interests of the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock from certain dilutive transactions with holders of common stock.

	•	Redemption — We do not have the option to redeem the shares of Series B Preferred Stock. However, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock can require us to redeem all or part of their shares at a redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference of the shares to be redeemed in the case of a fundamental change, as defined.

	We may, at our option, elect to pay the redemption price in cash or, in shares of our common stock valued at a discount of 5 percent from the market price of shares of our common stock, or any combination thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, we may only pay such redemption price in shares of our common stock that are registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and eligible for immediate sale in the public market by non-affiliates of the Company.


	•	Voting Rights - Holders of Series B Preferred Stock currently have no voting rights.
	Series 1 Preferred Shares
	In connection with our acquisition of Global Thermoelectric Inc. (“Global”) in November 2003, we acquired the obligations of Global pursuant to its outstanding 1,000,000 Series 2 Preferred Shares (“Series 2 Preferred Shares”) which continued to be held by Enbridge, Inc. With the sale of Global in May of 2004, the Series 2 Preferred Shares were cancelled, and replaced with substantially equivalent Series 1 Preferred Shares (“Series 1 Preferred Shares”) issued by FCE FuelCell Energy Ltd. (“FCE Ltd”).
	On March 31, 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Enbridge, Inc. (“Enbridge”) to modify the Class A Cumulative Redeemable Exchangeable Preferred Shares agreement (the “Series 1 preferred share agreement”) between FCE Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of FuelCell Energy, and Enbridge, the sole holder of the Series 1 preferred shares. Consistent with the previous Series 1 preferred share agreement, FuelCell continues to guarantee the return of principal and dividend obligations of FCE Ltd. to the Series 1 preferred shareholders under the modified agreement.
	Under the modified share provisions, the Company is required to make (i) equal quarterly return of capital cash payments to the holders of the Series 1 Preferred Shares on the last day of each calendar quarter starting on March 31, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011 and (ii) additional return of capital cash payments of Cdn. $750,000 annually calculated at a 9.8 percent rate per annum on the unpaid Cdn. $12.5 million obligation, which additional payments will also be made to the holders of the Series 1 Preferred Shares on the last day of each calendar quarter starting on March 31, 2011 and ending on December 31, 2011. Dividends accrue at a 1.25% quarterly rate on the unpaid principal balance, and additional dividends will accrue on the cumulative unpaid dividends (inclusive of the Cdn$12.5 million unpaid dividend balance as of the modification date) at a rate of 1.25% per quarter, compounded quarterly.
	The modified terms of the Series 1 Preferred Shares provides for payments of (i) annual dividend payments of Cdn. $500,000 and (ii) annual return of capital payments of Cdn. $750,000. These payments commenced on March 31, 2011 and will end on December 31, 2020. On December 31, 2020 the amount of all accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series 1 Preferred Shares of Cdn. $21.1 million and the balance of the principal redemption price of Cdn. $4.4 million shall be paid to the holders of the Series 1 Preferred Shares. FCE Ltd. has the option of making dividend payments in the form of common stock or cash under the Series 1 Preferred Shares provisions.
	The Company assessed the accounting guidance related to the classification of the preferred shares after the modification on March 31, 2011 and concluded that the preferred shares should be classified as a mandatorily redeemable financial instrument, and presented as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet. Due to the reclassification of the instrument to a liability, the Company has accounted for this modification of the Series 1 Preferred shares as an extinguishment and therefore the difference between the fair value of the consideration transferred to the holders of the preferred stock and the carrying amount of the preferred stock on our balance sheet prior to the modification of $9.0 million represents a return to the preferred stockholder and treated in a manner similar to the treatment of dividends paid on preferred stock. Accordingly, this amount was subtracted from net loss to arrive at loss to common stockholders in the calculation of earnings per share.
	The previous model used to value the original Series I Preferred shares was modified to value the pre-modification contract, to reflect the new cash-flows discussed above. The original obligation had been accounted for under purchase price accounting at the time of the Global Thermoelectric Inc. acquisition in November 2003. The valuation at that time included a market risk discount and used the exchange rate at the time of the acquisition. Under the new valuation, the future estimated cash flows were discounted using the current exchange rate. The notional amount of the instrument is accreted beginning in 2011 to correspond to the initial four quarterly returns of capital payments in 2011 and to the quarterly Cdn. $187,500 paid from 2011-2020 as return of capital. It is assumed that the Company will exercise the call option to force conversion in 2020. The conversion feature is modeled using a lattice approach. Call option strikes are adjusted for cumulative dividends and the conversion ratio is adjusted by the notional schedule. The stock is projected in the future assuming a log-normal distribution. The stock volatility, the interest rate curve, the foreign exchange rates and credit spreads are assumed to be deterministic. The cumulative dividend is modeled as a quarterly cash dividend component and a cumulative payment in 2020.
	The Company made its scheduled payments of Cdn. $1.3 million and Cdn. $4.4 million during fiscal year 2013 and 2012, respectively, under the terms of the modified agreement, including the recording of interest expense of approximately Cdn. $2.0 million. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of the Series 1 Preferred shares was Cdn. $15.0 million ($14.3 million USD) and Cdn. $14.2 million ($14.2 million USD), respectively and is classified as preferred stock obligation of subsidiary on the consolidated balance sheets.
	In addition to the above, the significant terms of the Series 1 Preferred Shares include the following:

	•	Voting Rights —The holders of the Series 1 Preferred Shares are not entitled to any voting rights.

	•	Dividends — Dividend payments can be made in cash or common stock of the Company, at the option of FCE Ltd., and if common stock is issued it may be unregistered. If FCE Ltd. elects to make such payments by issuing common stock of the Company, the number of common shares is determined by dividing the cash dividend obligation by 95 percent of the volume weighted average price in US dollars at which board lots of the common shares have been traded on NASDAQ during the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the end of the calendar quarter for which such dividend in common shares is to be paid converted into Canadian dollars using the Bank of Canada’s noon rate of exchange on the day of determination.

	•	Redemption — The Series 1 Preferred Shares are redeemable by FCE Ltd. for Cdn. $25 per share less any amounts paid as a return of capital in respect of such share plus all unpaid dividends and accrued interest. Holders of the Series 1 Preferred Shares do not have any mandatory or conditional redemption rights.

	•	Liquidation or Dissolution — In the event of the liquidation or dissolution of FCE Ltd., the holders of Series 1 Preferred Shares will be entitled to receive Cdn. $25 per share less any amounts paid as a return of capital in respect of such share plus all unpaid dividends and accrued interest. The Company has guaranteed any liquidation obligations of FCE Ltd.

	•	Exchange Rights — A holder of Series 1 Preferred Shares has the right to exchange such shares for fully paid and non-assessable common stock of the Company at the following exchange prices:


	•	Cdn. $129.46 per share of common stock after July 31, 2010 until July 31, 2015;

	•	Cdn. $138.71 per share of common stock after July 31, 2015 until July 31, 2020; and

	•	at any time after July 31, 2020, at a price equal to 95 percent of the then current market price (in Cdn. $) of the Company’s common stock at the time of conversion.

	The exchange rates set forth above shall be adjusted if the Company: (i) subdivides or consolidates the common stock; (ii) pays a stock dividend; (iii) issues rights, options or other convertible securities to the Company's common stockholders enabling them to acquire common stock at a price less than 95 percent of the then-current price; or (iv) fixes a record date to distribute to the Company's common stockholders shares of any other class of securities, indebtedness or assets.
	Derivative liability related to Series 1 Preferred Shares
	The conversion feature and variable dividend contained in the terms of the Series 1 Preferred Shares are not clearly and closely related to the characteristics of the Series 1 Preferred Shares. Accordingly, these features qualify as embedded derivative instruments and are required to be accounted for separately and recorded as derivative financial instruments at fair value.
The conversion feature is valued using a lattice model. Based on the pay-off profiles of the Series 1 Preferred Shares, it is assumed that we will exercise the call option to force conversion in 2020. Conversion after 2020 delivers a fixed pay-off to the investor, and is modeled as a fixed payment in 2020. The cumulative dividend is modeled as a quarterly cash dividend component (to satisfy minimum dividend payment requirement), and a one-time cumulative dividend payment in 2020.
The variable dividend is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
The assumptions used in these valuation models include historical stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate and a credit spread based on the yield indexes of technology high yield bonds, foreign exchange volatility as the security is denominated in Canadian dollars, and the closing price of our common stock. The aggregate fair value of these derivatives included within long-term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.7 million.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Note 13. Segment Information
	We are engaged in the development, design, production, sale and servicing of high temperature fuel cells for clean electric power generation. Critical to the success of our business is, among other things, our research and development efforts, both through customer-sponsored projects and Company-sponsored projects. The research and development activities are viewed as another product line that contributes to the development, design, production and sale of fuel cell products, however, it is not considered a separate operating segment. Due to the nature of the internal financial and operational reports reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, who does not review and assess financial information at a discrete enough level to be able to assess performance of research and development activities as if it operated as a standalone business segment, we have identified one business segment: fuel cell power plant production and research.
	Revenues, by geographic location (based on the customer’s ordering location) for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


		2013		2012		2011
	United States	$	80,199	$	26,929	$	66,531

	South Korea	101,928		92,163		53,256

	England	2,036		1,061		1,639

	Indonesia	—		147		675

	Germany	1,503		128		290

	Canada	1,912		175		156

	Spain	80		—		—

	Japan	—		—		23

	Total	$	187,658	$	120,603	$	122,570

Benefit_Plans

Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Benefit Plans	'
	Note 14. Benefit Plans
	We have shareholder approved equity incentive plans, a shareholder approved Section 423 Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) and an employee tax-deferred savings plan, which are described in more detail below.
	Equity Incentive Plans
	The Board adopted the 2006 and 2010 Equity Incentive Plans (collectively, the “Equity Plans”). Pursuant to the Equity Plans, 5.0 million shares of common stock were reserved for issuance. The Board is authorized to grant incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock awards (“RSAs”), restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance units, performance shares, dividend equivalent rights and other stock based awards to our officers, key employees and non-employee directors. Stock options, RSAs and SARs have restrictions as to transferability. Stock option exercise prices are fixed by the Board but shall not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. SARs may be granted in conjunction with stock options. Stock options generally vest ratably over 4 years and expire 10 years from the date of grant. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company established an international award program to provide RSUs for the benefit of certain employees outside the United States. As of October 31, 2013, there were 1,014,989 shares available for grant. As of October 31, 2013, equity awards outstanding consisted of incentive stock options, nonstatutory stock options, RSAs and RSUs. The 1998 Equity Incentive Plan remains in effect only to the extent of awards outstanding under the plan as of October 31, 2013.
	We account for stock options awarded to employees and non-employee directors under the fair value method. The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and the following weighted-average assumptions:


			2013			2012			2011
	Expected life (in years)		7			7			7

	Risk free interest rate		1.2	%		1.6	%		3	%
	Volatility		76.5	%		75.5	%		73	%
	Dividends yield		—	%		—	%		—	%
	The expected life is the period over which our employees are expected to hold the options and is based on historical data for similar grants. The risk free interest rate is based on the expected U.S. Treasury rate over the expected life. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock. Dividend yield is based on our expected dividend payments over the expected life.
	Share-based compensation was reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as follows:


			2013				2012				2011
	Cost of revenues		$	584			$	587			$	841

	General and administrative expense		1,325				1,182				1,275

	Research and development expense		308				280				457

	Total share-based compensation		$	2,217			$	2,049			$	2,573

	The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the year ended October 31, 2013:


						Weighted-
						Average
						Option
	Options		Shares			Price
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012		3,120,456			$	6.96

	Granted		279,746			$	0.94

	Cancelled		(218,738	)		$	7.05

	Outstanding at October 31, 2013		3,181,464			$	6.42

	The weighted average grant-date fair value per share for options granted during the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $0.66, $0.89 and $1.38, respectively. There were no options exercised in fiscal 2013, 2012 or 2011.
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2013:


			Options Outstanding									Options Exercisable
						Weighted		Weighted Average					Weighted Average
						Average
	Range of		Number			Remaining		Exercise				Number	Exercise
	Exercise Prices		outstanding			Contractual Life		Price				exercisable	Price
	$0.26 — $5.10		1,221,787			7.7		$	1.83			1,081,913	$	1.95

	$5.11 — $9.92		1,274,779			3.4		$	8.09			1,274,779	$	8.09

	$9.93 — $14.74		675,398			1.8		$	11.46			675,398	$	11.46

	$14.75 — $19.56		9,500			0.1		$	16.3			9,500	$	16.3

			3,181,464			4.7		$	6.43			3,041,590	$	6.68

	There was no intrinsic value for options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2013.
	During fiscal year 2013, we granted 2,934,860 RSAs and RSUs to employees. RSA and RSU expense is based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant and is amortized over the vesting period, which is generally four years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of RSAs and RSUs were $0.94 per share. During the year, 970,917 RSA's and RSU's vested and 53,192 RSAs and RSUs were cancelled. At October 31, 2013, there were 5,036,104 outstanding RSAs and RSUs with an average remaining life of 2.7 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $6.2 million.
	As of October 31, 2013, total compensation cost related to nonvested stock options and RSAs not yet recognized was $0.1 million and $4.8 million, respectively, which is expected to be recognized over the next 0.4 and 2.7 years, respectively, on a weighted-average basis.
Stock may be issued to employees as part of the annual incentive bonus. During fiscal year 2012 and 2011, we issued 550,355 and 353,543 shares of common stock, respectively, in lieu of cash bonuses, with values of $0.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively, to fulfill the accrued obligation from each of the prior fiscal years. During fiscal 2013, the bonus was paid in cash to fulfill the accrued obligation from fiscal 2012.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Under the ESPP, eligible employees have the right to purchase shares of common stock at the lesser of (i) 85 percent of the last reported sale price of our common stock on the first business day of the offering period, or (ii) 85 percent of the last reported sale price of the common stock on the last business day of the offering period, in either case rounded up to avoid impermissible trading fractions. Shares issued pursuant to the ESPP contain a legend restricting the transfer or sale of such common stock for a period of six months after the date of purchase. As of October 31, 2013, there were 549,584 shares of common stock available for issuance under the ESPP.
ESPP activity for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 was as follows:


	Number of
Options	Shares
Balance at October 31, 2012	774,373

Issued @ $0.79	(224,789	)
Outstanding at October 31, 2013	549,584



The fair value of shares under the ESPP was determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


		2013			2012			2011
Expected life (in years)		0.5			0.5			0.5

Risk free interest rate		15	%		7	%		0.2	%
Volatility		75	%		92	%		90.5	%
Dividends yield		—	%		—	%		—	%
The weighted-average fair value of shares issued under the ESPP during fiscal year 2013 was $0.79 per share.
Employee Tax-Deferred Savings Plans
We offer a 401(k) plan (the “Plan”) to all full time employees that provides for tax-deferred salary deductions for eligible employees (beginning the first month following an employee’s hire date). Employees may choose to make voluntary contributions of their annual compensation to the Plan, limited to an annual maximum amount as set periodically by the Internal Revenue Service. Employee contributions are fully vested when made. Under the Plan, there is no option available to the employee to receive or purchase our common stock. After suspending our matching contribution in February 2009, we commenced matching contributions of 1 percent in January 2012 and increased the amount to 2 percent in January 2013. Matching contributions under the Plan were $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Oct. 31, 2013
Note 15. Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Note 15. Income Taxes
	The components of loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:


		2013				2012				2011
	U.S.	$	(31,044	)		$	(35,535	)		$	(46,365	)
	Foreign	(3,904		)		(302		)		408
	Foreign	(3,904		)		(302		)		408
	Loss before income taxes	$	(34,948	)		$	(35,837	)		$	(45,957	)
	There was current income tax expense of $0.4 million, $0.07 million and $0.02 million related to foreign withholding taxes and income taxes in South Korea and no deferred federal income tax expense (benefit) for each of the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011. Franchise tax expense, which is included in administrative and selling expenses, was $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012and 2011, respectively.
	The reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal income tax rate	(34.0	)%		(34.0	)%		(34.0	)%
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	State taxes net of Federal benefits	(1.7	)%		(2.6	)%		(2.3	)%
	Foreign withholding tax	0.9	%		0.2	%		0.3	%
	Net operating loss adjustment and true-ups	0.1	%		(34.9	)%		1.7	%
	Nondeductible expenditures	0.8	%		1.2	%		1.9	%
	Change in state tax rate	10.5	%		(6.8	)%		(2.4	)%
	Other, net	4.1	%		(0.1	)%		0.3	%
	Valuation allowance	20.3	%		77.2	%		34.8	%
	Effective income tax rate	1	%		0.2	%		0.3	%
	Our deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at October 31, 2013 and 2012:


		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Compensation and benefit accruals	$	6,452			$	5,745
	Compensation and benefit accruals	$	6,452			$	5,745
	Bad debt and other reserves	1,841				2,938
	Bad debt and other reserves	1,841				2,938
	Capital loss and tax credit carry-forwards	13,582				14,396
	Capital loss and tax credit carry-forwards	13,582				14,396
	Investment in Versa	—				4,068
	Investment in Versa	—				4,068
	Net operating losses (domestic and foreign)	228,154				219,496
	Net operating losses (domestic and foreign)	228,154				219,496
	Deferred license revenue	8,033				2,533
	Deferred license revenue	8,033				2,533
	Lower of cost or market inventory reserves	509				857
	Lower of cost or market inventory reserves	509				857
	Investment in partnerships	419				—
	Investment in partnerships	419				—
	Accumulated depreciation	625				257
	Accumulated depreciation	625				257
	Gross deferred tax assets:	259,615				250,290
	Gross deferred tax assets:	259,615				250,290
	Valuation allowance	(259,615		)		(249,294		)
	Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	—				996
	Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	—				996
	Deferred tax liability:
	Investment in partnerships	—				(996		)
	Investment in partnerships	—				(996		)
	In process research and development	(3,377		)		—
	In process research and development	(3,377		)		—
	Gross deferred tax liability	(3,377		)		(996		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,377	)		$	—
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,377	)		$	—
	We continually evaluate our deferred tax assets as to whether it is “more likely than not” that the deferred tax assets will be realized. In assessing the realizability of our deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. Based on the projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are realizable, management believes that significant uncertainty exists surrounding the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. As a result, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Approximately $4.2 million of the valuation allowance will reduce additional paid in capital upon subsequent recognition of any related tax benefits. In connection with our acquisition of Versa we recorded a deferred tax liability for IPR&D, which has an indefinite life. Accordingly, we do not consider it to be a source of taxable income in evaluating the recoverability of our deferred tax assets.
	At October 31, 2013, we had federal and state NOL carryforwards of $631.0 million and $372.0 million, respectively, for which a portion of the NOL has not been recognized in connection with share-based compensation. The Federal NOL carryforwards expire in varying amounts from 2020 through 2033 while state NOL carryforwards expire in varying amounts from 2013 through 2033. Additionally, we had $9.9 million of state tax credits available, of which $1.0 million expires in 2018. The remaining credits do not expire.
	Certain transactions involving the Company’s beneficial ownership occurred in fiscal 2013 and prior years, which could have resulted in a stock ownership change for purposes of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We have completed a detailed Section 382 study in fiscal 2013 to determine if any of our NOL and credit carryovers will be subject to limitation. Based on that study we have determined that there was no ownership change as of the end of our fiscal year 2013 under Section 382. The acquisition of VERSA triggered a Section 382 ownership change which will limit the future usage of some of the Federal and state NOLs. The Federal and state NOLs that are non 382-limited are included in the NOL deferred tax assets as disclosed.
As discussed in Note 1, the Company’s financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a decision whether to file or not file a return in a particular jurisdiction) presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.
The liability for unrecognized tax benefits at October 31, 2013 and 2012 was $15.7 million. This amount is directly associated with a tax position taken in a year in which federal and state NOL carryforwards were generated. Accordingly, the amount of unrecognized tax benefit has been presented as a reduction in the reported amounts of our federal and state NOL carryforwards. It is our policy to record interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits as income taxes; however, because of our significant NOLs, no provision for interest or penalties has been recorded.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. and various states, primarily Connecticut and California, as well as income tax returns required internationally for Korea and Germany. We are open to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and various states in which we file for fiscal years 1998 to the present. We are currently not under any income tax examinations.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Note 16. Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) are generally calculated as income (loss) available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS is generally calculated as income (loss) available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of common share equivalents.
	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


			2013			2012			2011
	Numerator
	Net loss		$	(35,319	)	$	(35,906	)	$	(45,974	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		961			411			261

	Adjustment for modification of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary		—			—			(8,987		)

	Preferred stock dividend		(3,200		)	(3,201		)	(3,200		)
	Net loss to common shareholders		$	(37,558	)	$	(38,696	)	$	(57,900	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average basic common shares		186,525,001			165,471,261			124,498,073

	Effect of dilutive securities (1)		—			—			—

	Weighted average diluted common shares		186,525,001			165,471,261			124,498,073

	Basic loss per share		(0.20		)	(0.23		)	(0.47		)
	Diluted loss per share (1)		(0.20		)	(0.23		)	(0.47		)

	-1	Due to the net loss to common shareholders in each of the years presented above, diluted earnings per share was computed without consideration to potentially dilutive instruments as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Potentially dilutive instruments include stock options, warrants, convertible preferred stock and convertible notes. At October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were options to purchase 3.2 million, 3.1 million and 3.3 million shares of common stock, respectively. On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a co-marketing agreement with NRG for the marketing and sales of the Company's power plants which include the issuance of warrants to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. On January 13, 2011 we issued 10.2 million warrants in connection with a registered direct offering. Each warrant was exercisable for 1 share of common stock. The warrants had an exercise price of $2.29 per share and were exercisable beginning six months and one day after the initial closing date and expired in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies
	Lease agreements
	In December 2006, we entered into a master lease agreement that allows for the lease of computer equipment up to an aggregate cost of $2.5 million. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, we had capital lease obligations of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Lease payment terms are thirty-six months from the date of lease.
	We also lease certain computer and office equipment and manufacturing facilities in Torrington, and Danbury, Connecticut under operating leases expiring on various dates through 2015. Rent expense was $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the fiscal years ended October 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
	Non-cancelable minimum payments applicable to operating and capital leases as of October 31, 2013 were as follows:


		Operating		Capital
		Leases		Leases
	2014	$	1,997	$	218

	2015	1,421		164

	2016	715		85

	2017	379		16

	2018	238		14

	Thereafter	—		—

	Total	$	4,750	$	497

	Service and warranty agreements
	Under the provisions of our SAs, we provide services to maintain, monitor, and repair customer power plants to meet minimum operating levels. Under the terms of our SA, the power plant must meet a minimum operating output during the term. If minimum output falls below the contract requirement, we may be subject to performance penalties and/or may be required to repair or replace the customer’s fuel cell stack. An estimate is not recorded for a potential performance guarantee liability until a performance issue has occurred on a particular power plant. At that point, the actual power plant’s output is compared against the minimum output guarantee and a reserve is recorded. The review of power plant performance is updated for each reporting period to incorporate the most recent performance of the power plant and minimum output guarantee payments made to customers, if any. The Company has provided for a reserve for performance guarantees, based on actual historical fleet performance, which totaled $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and is recorded in Accrued Liabilities.
	Our reserves on service agreement contracts, excluding the reserve for performance guarantees, totaled $3.7 million and $5.0 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively and is recorded in Accrued Liabilities. Our reserve estimates are performed on a contract by contract basis and include cost assumptions based on what we anticipate the service requirements will be to fulfill obligations for each contract.
	Power purchase agreements
	Under the terms of our PPAs, customers agree to purchase power from our fuel cell power plants at negotiated rates. Electricity rates are generally a function of the customers’ current and future electricity pricing available from the grid. As owner of the power plants, we are responsible for all operating costs necessary to maintain, monitor and repair the power plants. Under certain agreements, we are also responsible for procuring fuel, generally natural gas, to run the power plants. We are not required to produce minimum amounts of power under our PPA agreements and we have the right to terminate PPA agreements by giving written notice to the customer, subject to certain exit costs.
	Other
	We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Although we cannot assure the outcome, management presently believes that the result of such legal proceedings, either individually, or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, and no material amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	'
	Note 18. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	The following represents supplemental cash flow information:


		Year Ended October 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash interest paid	$	280	$	302	$	182

	Income taxes paid	17		—		17

	Noncash financing and investing activity:
	Common stock issued for employee annual incentive bonus	—		550		707

	Common stock issued for Employee Stock Purchase Plan in settlement of prior year accrued employee contributions	85		84		58

	Common stock issued for acquisition of Versa	3,562		—		—

	Adjustment for modification of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	—		—		8,987

	Accrued sale of common stock, cash received in a subsequent period	509		$	—	$	—

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite

Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Quarterly Information (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Information (Unaudited)	'
	Note 19. Quarterly Information (Unaudited)
	Selected unaudited financial data for each quarter of fiscal year 2013 and 2012 is presented below. We believe that the information reflects all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented.


			First			Second			Third			Fourth			Full
			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Year
	Year ended October 31, 2013
	Revenues		$	36,358		$	42,436		$	53,707		$	55,157		$	187,658

	Gross (loss) profit		(2,311		)	2,314			4,522			2,597			7,122

	Loss on operations		(11,070		)	(7,197		)	(4,594		)	(6,952		)	(29,813		)
	Net loss		(11,879		)	(7,629		)	(5,814		)	(9,997		)	(35,319		)
	Preferred stock dividends		(800		)	(800		)	(800		)	(800		)	(3,200		)
	Net loss to common shareholders		(12,481		)	(8,165		)	(6,412		)	(10,500		)	(37,558		)
	Net loss to common shareholders per basic and diluted common share (1)		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.20	)
	Year ended October 31, 2012
	Revenues		$	31,337		$	24,153		$	29,693		$	35,420		$	120,603

	Gross profit (loss)		2,104			201			(2,738		)	878			445

	Loss on operations		(5,443		)	(7,757		)	(10,511		)	(8,418		)	(32,129		)
	Net loss		(6,014		)	(8,363		)	(10,010		)	(11,519		)	(35,906		)
	Preferred stock dividends		(800		)	(801		)	(800		)	(800		)	(3,201		)
	Net loss to common shareholders		(6,743		)	(9,093		)	(10,722		)	(12,138		)	(38,696		)
	Net loss to common shareholders per basic and diluted common share (1)		$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.07	)	(0.23		)

	-1	The full year net loss to common shareholders basic and diluted share may not equal the sum of the quarters due to weighting of outstanding shares.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Oct. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events

	In December 2013, certain investors elected to convert a total of $8.0 million principal of $38.0 million in aggregate principal the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. Under the terms of the Notes they are convertible into shares of the Company's common stock at a conversion rate of 645.1613 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of convertible notes, equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $1.55 per share of common stock plus a "make-whole" payment in regard to interest. As a result of these conversions, the Company retired $8.0 million of outstanding principal and issued 6,283,385 shares of common stock.

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o1

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation Level 2 (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
	All cash equivalents consist of investments in money market funds with original maturities averaging three months or less at date of acquisition. We place our temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions. We have pledged approximately $10.0 million of our cash and cash equivalents as collateral against letters of credit, banking requirements and customer contracts. At October 31, 2013 and 2012, we had outstanding letters of credit of $7.7 million and $9.6 million, respectively.
Inventory and Advance Payments to Vendors, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Inventories and Advance Payments to Vendors
	Inventories consist principally of raw materials and work-in-process. In certain circumstances, we will make advance payments to vendors for future inventory deliveries. These advance payments are recorded as other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Inventories are reviewed to determine if reserves are required for obsolescence (excess, obsolete, and slow-moving inventory). This review includes analyzing inventory levels of individual parts considering the current design of our products and production requirements as well as the expected inventory requirements for maintenance on installed power plants.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the term of the lease. When property is sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in operations for the period.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Intellectual Property
	Intellectual property, including internally generated patents and know-how, is carried at no value.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Goodwill and Intangible Assets

	Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in a purchase business combination and is reviewed for impairment at least annually.

	Accounting Standards Codification Topic 350, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other", (ASC 350) permits the assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances lead to the conclusion that it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test required under ASC 350.

	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are evaluated annually for impairment in the third quarter. Goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets are also reviewed for possible impairment whenever changes in conditions indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not below its carrying value. No impairment charges were recorded during fiscal year 2013. The Company did not have goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets in fiscal year 2012 or 2011.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Impairment of Long Lived Assets
	Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset group may not be recoverable, we compare the carrying amount of an asset group to future undiscounted net cash flows, excluding interest costs, expected to be generated by the asset group and their ultimate disposition. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Revenue Recognition
	We earn revenue from (i) the sale and installation of fuel cell power plants (ii) the sale of component part kits and spare parts to customers, (iii) site engineering and construction services, (iv) providing services under service agreements (SA), (v) the sale of electricity under PPA's as well as incentive revenue from the sale of electricity under PPAs, (vi) license fees and royalty income from manufacturing and technology transfer agreements, and (vii) customer-sponsored advanced technology projects.
	The Company periodically enters into arrangements with customers that involve multiple elements. We assess such contracts to evaluate whether there are multiple deliverables, and whether the consideration under the arrangement is being appropriately allocated to each of the deliverables.
	Our revenue is primarily generated from customers located throughout the U.S., Asia and Europe and from agencies of the U.S. Government.
	Revenue from product,component part kits and spare part sales and construction services revenue is recorded as product sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Revenue from SA's, PPA's, license and royalty revenue and engineering services revenue is recorded as service and license revenues and revenue from customer-sponsored advanced technology research and development projects is recorded as advanced technologies contract revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	For customer contracts for complete DFC Power Plants which the Company has adequate cost history and estimating experience, and that management believes it can reasonably estimate total contract costs, revenue is recognized under the percentage of completion method of accounting. The use of percentage of completion accounting requires significant judgment relative to estimating total contract costs, including assumptions relative to the length of time to complete the contract, the nature and complexity of the work to be performed, anticipated increases in wages and prices for subcontractor services and materials, and the availability of subcontractor services and materials. Our estimates are based upon the professional knowledge and experience of our engineers, project managers and other personnel, who review each long-term contract on a quarterly basis to assess the contract's schedule, performance, technical matters and estimated cost at completion. Changes in estimates are applied retrospectively and when adjustments in estimated contract costs are identified, such revisions may result in current period adjustments to operations applicable to performance in prior periods. Revenues are recognized based on the percentage of the contract value that incurred costs to date bear to estimated total contract costs, after giving effect to estimates of costs to complete based on the most recent information. For customer contracts for new or significantly customized products, where management does not believe it has the ability to reasonably estimate total contract costs, revenue is recognized using the completed contract method and therefore all revenue and costs for the contract are deferred and not recognized until installation and acceptance of the power plant is complete. We recognize anticipated contract losses as soon as they become known and estimable. We have recorded an estimated contract loss reserve of $0.09 million and $0.04 million as of October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively. Actual results could vary from initial estimates and reserve estimates will be updated as conditions change.
	Revenue from component part kits and spare parts sales is recognized upon shipment or title transfer under the terms of the customer contract. Terms for certain contracts provide for a transfer of title and risk of loss to our customers at our factory locations upon completion of our contractual requirement to produce products and prepare the products for shipment. A shipment in place may occur in the event that the customer is unready to take delivery of the products on the contractually specified delivery dates.

	Site engineering and construction services revenue is recognized on a percentage of completion basis as costs are incurred.
	Revenue from service agreement contracts is generally recorded ratably over the term of the SA, as our performance of routine monitoring and maintenance under these SA's are generally expected to be incurred on a straight-line basis. For SA's where we expect to have a module exchange at some point during the term (generally SA's in excess of five years), the costs of performance are not expected to be incurred on a straight-line basis, and therefore, a portion of the initial value related to the module exchange is deferred and is recognized upon such module exchange event.
	Under PPA's, revenue from the sale of electricity is recognized as electricity is provided to the customer.
	Beginning in fiscal year 2013, license fees and royalty income have been included within revenues on the consolidated statement of operations. This change is a result of the new license agreement entered into on October 31, 2012 for our core technology and the harmonization of the existing agreements to provide fees and royalties for the manufacture of complete DFC Power Plants. Classification as revenue is reflective of our Asia market partnership and royalty based strategy and this business activity having become a significant component of non-product revenue.

	Revenue from advanced technology contracts is recognized as costs are incurred less cost share plus general and administrative expenses to the extent the contract value is funded. Revenue from customer funded advanced technology programs are generally multi-year, cost-reimbursement and/or cost-shared type contracts or cooperative agreements. We are reimbursed for reasonable and allocable costs up to the reimbursement limits set by the contract or cooperative agreement, and on certain contracts we are reimbursed only a portion of the costs incurred. While advanced technology contracts may extend for many years, funding is often provided incrementally on a year-by-year basis if contract terms are met and funds are authorized.
Warranty and Service Expense Recognition [Policy Text Block]	'
	Warranty and Service Expense Recognition
	We warranty our products for a specific period of time against manufacturing or performance defects. Our warranty is limited to a term generally 15 months after shipment or 12 months after acceptance of our products, except for fuel cell kits. We are required to warranty fuel cell kits and components for 21 months from the date of shipment due to the additional shipping and customer manufacture time required. We reserve for estimated future warranty costs based on historical experience. We also provide for a specific reserve if there is a known issue requiring repair during the warranty period. Estimates used to record warranty reserves are updated as we gain further operating experience. As of October 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012, the warranty reserve, which is classified in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet totaled $0.9 million and $2.3 million, respectively.
	In addition to the standard product warranty, we have entered into SA's with certain customers to provide monitoring, maintenance and repair services for fuel cell power plants. Under the terms of our SA's, the power plant must meet a minimum operating output during the term. If minimum output falls below the contract requirement, we may be subject to performance penalties or may be required to repair or replace the customer's fuel cell stack. The Company has provided for a reserve for performance guarantees, which based on historical fleet performance totaled $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The Company provides for reserves on all SA's when the estimated future stack replacements and service costs exceed the remaining contract value. Reserve estimates for future costs on SA's are determined by a number of factors including the estimated remaining life of the stack, used replacement stacks available, our limit of liability on SA's and future operating plans for the power plant. Our reserve estimates are performed on a contract by contract basis and include cost assumptions based on what we anticipate the service requirements will be to fulfill obligations for each contract. As of October 31, 2013, our reserve on SA's contracts totaled $3.7 million compared to $5.0 million as of October 31, 2012.
	At the end of our SA's, customers are expected to either renew the SA or based on the Company's ability to obtain rights to title for the module, the module will be returned to the Company as the plant is no longer being monitored or having routine service performed. As of October 31, 2013, the total long-term stack asset balance was $2.9 million compared to $14.3 million as of October 31, 2012. As of October 31, 2013, accumulated depreciation on long-term stack assets totaled approximately $2.1 million compared to $7.6 million at October 31, 2012.
	During fiscal year 2011, the Company committed to a repair and upgrade program for a select group of 1.2 megawatt (MW) fuel cell modules produced between 2007 and early 2009. As of October 31, 2013, the accrued obligation balance related to this item was $7.3 million compared to $4.8 million as of October 31, 2012. The increase in the reserve is a result of an incremental charge due to the Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy., LTD (POSCO Energy) having caused us to provide three replacement modules to POSCO Energy. These modules are expected to be supplied to POSCO Energy in early 2014.
	The remaining accrued balance is related to modules which are expected to be deployed as field replacements and will be provided to POSCO Energy per the terms of the commitment when needed.
Revenue Recognition, Services, Royalty Fees [Policy Text Block]	'
	License Agreements and Royalty Income
	We generally recognize license fees and other revenue over the term of the associated agreement. Beginning in fiscal year 2013, license fees and royalty income have been included within revenues on the consolidated statement of operations. This change is a result of the new license agreement entered into on October 31, 2012 for our core technology and the harmonization of the existing agreements to provide license fees and royalties for the value of complete DFC Power Plants sold by POSCO Energy. Classification as revenue is reflective of our Asia market partnership and royalty based strategy having become a significant component of non-product revenue. Prior to November 1, 2012, license fee and royalty income were classified as such in the accompanying Statement of Operations.
	The Company receives license fees and royalty income from POSCO Energy as a result of manufacturing and technology transfer agreements entered into in 2007, 2009 and 2012. On October 31, 2012, we entered into a Cell Technology Transfer Agreement ("CTTA") with POSCO Energy. The CTTA provides POSCO Energy with the technology to manufacture Direct FuelCell power plants in South Korea and the market access to sell power plants throughout Asia for an initial term of 15 years. Under the CTTA, the Company will also provide consulting and procurement expertise in the design and construction of a manufacturing facility in South Korea that will be financed and owned by POSCO Energy. In conjunction with this agreement, a $10.0 million fee was paid to the Company on November 1, 2012. Future fees, totaling $8.0 million are payable on a milestone basis between 2014 and 2016. In conjunction with the CTTA, the Company also amended the royalty provisions in the 2007 Technology Transfer, Distribution and Licensing Agreement ("TTA") and the 2009 Stack Technology Transfer and License Agreement ("STTA") revising the royalty from 4.1 percent to 3.0 percent of POSCO Energy net sales. The reduction in the royalty rate resulted in a net fee of $6.7 million paid to the Company in January 2013.
	Under the terms of the 2007 TTA, POSCO Energy manufactures balance of plant (“BOP”) in South Korea using its design, procurement and manufacturing expertise. The 2009 STTA allows POSCO Energy to produce fuel cell modules which will be combined with BOP manufactured in South Korea to complete electricity-producing fuel cell power plants for sale in South Korea. Under the STTA and prior to the CTTA, we were receiving 4.1 percent of the revenues generated from sales of fuel cell modules manufactured and sourced by POSCO Energy. The STTA also provided for an upfront license fee of $10.0 million. License fee income was recognized ratably over the 10-year term of the STTA through October 31, 2012. As a result of the CTTA, the remaining license fee income of $7.0 million is being recognized ratably over an additional 15 years.
	The Company recorded license and royalty income of $4.1 million, $1.6 million and $1.7 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, relating to the above agreements.
Revenue Recognition, Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]	'
	Deferred Revenue and Customer Deposits
	We receive payments from customers upon the acceptance of a purchase order and when contractual milestones are reached. These payments may be deferred based on the nature of the payment and status of the specific project. Deferred revenue is recognized as revenue in accordance with our revenue recognition policies summarized above.
Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Research and Development Costs
	We perform both customer-sponsored research and development projects based on contractual agreement with customers and company-sponsored research and development projects. Costs incurred for customer-sponsored projects include manufacturing and engineering labor, applicable overhead expenses, materials to build and test prototype units and other costs associated with customer-sponsored research and development contracts. These costs are recorded as Advanced Technologies contract revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Costs incurred for company-sponsored research and development projects consist primarily of labor, overhead, materials to build and test prototype units and consulting fees. These costs are recorded as research and development expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Share-based Compensation Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for restricted stock awards (RSA’s) and restricted stock units (RSU's) based on the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. We account for stock options awarded to employees and non-employee directors under the fair value method of accounting using the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate fair value at the grant date. The model requires us to make estimates and assumptions regarding the expected life of the option, the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility of our common stock price and the expected dividend yield. The fair value of equity awards is amortized to expense over the vesting period, generally four years. Refer to Note 14 for additional information.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, research and development credit carryforwards, and differences between financial reporting and the income tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. 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. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is unlikely that some or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.
	The Company’s financial statements reflect expected future tax consequences of uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return (including a decision whether to file or not file a return in a particular jurisdiction) presuming the taxing authorities’ full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.
Concentrations, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Concentrations
	We contract with a concentrated number of customers for the sale of our products and for research and development contracts. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, our top five customers accounted for 88 percent, 85 percent and 66 percent, respectively, of our total annual consolidated revenue.
	The percent of consolidated revenues from each customer for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively are presented below.


		2013		2012		2011
	POSCO Energy	54	%	76	%	44	%
	Bridgeport Dominion Fuel Cell, LLC	29	%	—	%	—	%
	Department of Energy	5	%	7	%	—	%
	BioFuels Fuel Cells, LLC	—	%	—	%	12	%
	UTS BioEnergy, LLC	—	%	2	%	10	%
	Total	88	%	85	%	66	%
	POSCO Energy is a related party and owns approximately 16.0 percent of the outstanding common shares of the Company.
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Derivatives
	We do not use derivatives for speculative purposes and through fiscal year end 2013, have not used derivatives for hedging or trading purposes. Derivative instruments consist of embedded derivatives for the change of control put redemption and an interest make-whole payment upon conversion feature embedded in the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes which each require bifurcation from the host debt contract and also for embedded derivatives in our Series 1 Preferred Shares. We account for these derivatives using the fair-value method with changes in the underlying fair value recorded to earnings. Refer to Notes 10 and 12 for additional information.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates are used in accounting for, among other things, revenue recognition, excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventories, product warranty costs, SA reserves, allowance for uncollectible receivables, depreciation and amortization, impairment of assets, taxes, and contingencies. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the consolidated financial statements in the period they are determined to be necessary.
Foreign Currency Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Foreign Currency Translation
	The translation of FuelCell Korea Ltd’s and FCES GmbH's financial statements results in translation gains or losses, which are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders’ (deficit) equity.
	Our Canadian subsidiary, FCE Ltd., is financially and operationally integrated and therefore the temporal method of translation of foreign currencies is followed. The functional currency is U.S. dollars. We are subject to foreign currency transaction gains and losses as certain transactions are denominated in Canadian dollars. We recognized a gain of $0.4 million, a gain of $0.1 million and a loss of $1.0 million for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These amounts have been classified as other income (expense), net in the consolidated statements of operations.
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]	'
	Subsequent Events
	We have evaluated subsequent events and are not aware of any significant events that occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to the filing of this Form 10-K with the SEC that would have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements other than in December 2013, certain investors elected to convert a total of $8.0 million principal of $38.0 million in aggregate principal the 8.0% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes. Refer to Note 20 for more information.
Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance [Policy Text Block]	'
	Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance
	In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance concerning the testing of indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment. This guidance gives an entity the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount in accordance with ASC Subtopic 350-30, “Intangibles--Goodwill and Other, General Intangibles Other than Goodwill.” Under the guidance, an entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The Company adopted this guidance effective November 1, 2012 and the revised standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective [Policy Text Block]	'
	Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Effective
	None

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o2

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Percent of customer consolidated revenues [Table Text Block]	'
	The percent of consolidated revenues from each customer for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively are presented below.


		2013		2012		2011
	POSCO Energy	54	%	76	%	44	%
	Bridgeport Dominion Fuel Cell, LLC	29	%	—	%	—	%
	Department of Energy	5	%	7	%	—	%
	BioFuels Fuel Cells, LLC	—	%	—	%	12	%
	UTS BioEnergy, LLC	—	%	2	%	10	%
	Total	88	%	85	%	66	%

Acquisitions_Tables

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition	'
	The following table summarizes the final allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.


	Cash and cash equivalents	$	357

	Accounts receivable	1,133

	Other current assets	23

	Property, plant and equipment	480

	Goodwill	4,075

	In-process research and development	9,592

	Other assets	101

	Accounts payable	(302		)
	Other current liabilities	(1,492		)
	Deferred tax liabilities (1)	(3,377		)
	Other long-term liabilities	(155		)
	Total identifiable net assets	$	10,435


	(1) Classified in Long-term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	'
	Inventories at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


		2013		2012
	Raw materials	$	20,599	$	17,683

	Work-in-process (1)	35,586		30,018

	Net inventories	$	56,185	$	47,701

	(1) Work-in-process includes the standard components of inventory used to build the typical modules or stack components that are intended to be used in future power plant orders or to service SA's. Included in Work-in-process as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 is $5.8 million and $11.3 million, respectively, of completed standard components ready to be incorporated into power plants and deployed upon receipt of customer orders or to service SA's.

Accounts_Receivable_Tables

Accounts Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	'
	Accounts receivable at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


		2013		2012
	Advanced technology research:
	Amount billed	$	786	$	20

	Unbilled recoverable costs	639		890

		1,425		910

	Commercial customers:
	Amount billed	17,344		18,786

	Unbilled recoverable costs	30,347		6,288

		47,691		25,074

		$	49,116	$	25,984

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_T

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	'
	Property, plant and equipment at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


		2013				2012			Estimated Useful Life
	Land		$	524		$	524		—

	Building and improvements		8,679			7,587			10-26 years

	Machinery, equipment and software		73,051			68,265			3-8 years

	Furniture and fixtures		2,899			2,786			10 years

	Power plants for use under PPAs		8,216			10,866			3-10 years

	Construction in progress		9,537			7,970

			102,906			97,998

	Less: Accumulated depreciation		(78,681		)	(74,740		)
	Property, plant and equipment, net		$	24,225		$	23,258

Other_Current_Assets_Tables

Other Current Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Other Current Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Other current assets at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


			2013		2012
	Advance payments to vendors (1)		$	4,235	$	2,261

	Debt issuance costs (2)		494		—

	Notes receivable (3)		478		475

	Prepaid expenses and other (4)		6,072		1,991

	Total		$	11,279	$	4,727


	-1	Advance payments to vendors relate to inventory purchases.

	-2	Represents the current portion of debt issuance costs capitalized relating to the convertible debt issuance and will be amortized over the term of the convertible notes which is five years.

	-3	Current portion of long-term notes receivable.

	-4	Primarily relates to other accounts receivable related to POSCO Energy royalties, receivable for common stock sales and other prepaid vendor expenses including insurance, rent and lease payments.

Other_Assets_net_Tables

Other Assets, net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Other Assets, net [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Other Current Assets [Table Text Block]	'
	Other assets, net at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


			2013		2012
	Long-term stack residual value (1)		$	2,898	$	14,316

	Debt issuance costs (2)		1,721		—

	Other (3)		846		1,870

	Other assets, net		$	5,465	$	16,186


	-1	Relates to unplanned module exchanges performed under the Company’s SA's. In circumstances where the useful life of the module extends beyond the contractual term of the SA and the Company retains title for the module from the customer upon expiration or non-renewal of the SA, the cost of the unplanned module exchanges is recorded as a long term asset and is depreciated over its expected life. If the Company does not obtain rights to title from the customer, the cost of the module is expensed at the time of the module exchange. The reduction in the balance at October 31, 2013 is a result of costs of $8.4 million primarily related to the provision of fuel cell stacks to POSCO Energy upon execution of Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy to service the installations under the ongoing service contract. Additions during the year ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were $0.5 million and $4.4 million, respectively. Accumulated depreciation was $2.1 million and $7.6 million for the years ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

	-2	Represents the long-term portion of debt issuance costs capitalized relating to the convertible debt issuance and will be amortized over the term of the convertible notes, which is five years.

	-3	Includes security deposits and notes receivable.

Accrued_Liabilities_Tables

Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Accrued liabilities at October 31, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following:


			2013		2012
	Accrued payroll and employee benefits (1)		$	4,647	$	3,907

	Accrued contract and operating costs (2)		87		39

	Reserve for product warranty costs (3)		860		2,317

	Reserve for service agreement costs (4)		4,186		7,222

	Reserve for B1200 repair and upgrade program and modules due POSCO Energy (5)		7,267		4,753

	Accrued taxes, legal, professional and other (6)		4,865		2,027

			$	21,912	$	20,265


	-1	Balance relates to amounts owed to employees for compensation and benefits as of the end of the period.

	-2	Balance includes estimated losses accrued on product sales contracts.

	-3	Activity in the reserve for product warranty costs during the year ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 included additions for estimates of potential future warranty obligations of $1.2 million and $3.1 million, respectively, on contracts in the warranty period and reserve reductions related to actual warranty spend and reversals to income of $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, as contracts progress through the warranty period or are beyond the warranty period.

	-4	The Company provides for reserves on all SA agreements when the estimated future stack replacement and service costs exceed the remaining unrecognized contract value. Our reserve estimates are performed on a contract by contract basis and include cost assumptions based on what we anticipate the service requirements will be to fulfill obligations for each contract. As of October 31, 2013, our reserve on SA contracts totaled $3.7 million compared to $5.0 million as of October 31, 2012. If minimum output falls below the contract requirement, we may be subject to performance penalties and/ may be required to repair or replace the customer’s fuel cell stack. An estimate is not recorded for a potential performance guarantee liability until a performance issue has occurred on a particular power plant. At that point, the actual power plant’s output is compared against the minimum output guarantee and a reserve is recorded. The Company has provided a reserve for performance guarantees based on historical fleet performance which totaled $0.5 million and $2.2 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

	-5	During fiscal year 2011, the Company incurred an obligation to repair and upgrade a select group of 1.2 megawatt (MW) fuel cell modules produced between 2007 and early 2009. The repair and upgrade obligation was based on events that occurred and knowledge obtained concerning the performance of this select group of modules. The program commenced in fiscal year 2011 and with the exception of providing replacement modules to POSCO Energy, was concluded during fiscal year 2012. The Company recorded an initial charge of approximately $8.8 million which was recorded as cost of product sales and revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. The increase in the reserve as of October 31, 2013 compared to the prior year is a result of an incremental charge due to the terms of the Master Service Agreement with POSCO Energy requiring us to provide three replacement modules due to POSCO Energy.

	-6	Balance includes accrued sales, use and payroll taxes as well as estimated legal, professional and other expense estimates as of the end of the period.

Debt_and_Leases_Tables

Debt and Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	'
	Debt at October 31, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following:


			2013			2012
	Revolving credit facility		$	6,500		$	4,000

	Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes		38,000			—

	Connecticut Development Authority Note		3,246			3,466

	Connecticut Clean Energy Fund Note		—			847

	Connecticut Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority Note		5,744			—

	Capitalized lease obligations		497			234

	Total debt		$	53,987		$	8,547

	Less: Unamortized debt discount (1)		(3,106		)	—

			50,881			8,547

	Less: Current portion of long-term debt		(6,931		)	(5,161		)
	Long-term debt		$	43,950		$	3,386

	(1) The debt discount recorded in connection with the issuance of the Company’s unsecured convertible notes relates to the fair value of the embedded derivatives at June 25, 2013 and is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as a reduction to associated debt balance. The Company is amortizing the debt discount to interest expense over the term of the debt.
schedule of future minimum debt and lease payments [Text Block]	'
	Aggregate annual principal payments under our loan agreements, excluding payments relating to the revolving credit facility, and capital lease obligations for the years subsequent to October 31, 2013 are as follows:




	Year 1	430

	Year 2	381

	Year 3	313

	Year 4	256

	Year 5	40,363

	Thereafter	5,744

		$	47,487

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
revenues by geographic Area [Table Text Block]	'
	Revenues, by geographic location (based on the customer’s ordering location) for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


		2013		2012		2011
	United States	$	80,199	$	26,929	$	66,531

	South Korea	101,928		92,163		53,256

	England	2,036		1,061		1,639

	Indonesia	—		147		675

	Germany	1,503		128		290

	Canada	1,912		175		156

	Spain	80		—		—

	Japan	—		—		23

	Total	$	187,658	$	120,603	$	122,570

Benefit_Plans_Tables

Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Note 9. Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair value of stock options is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model and the following weighted-average assumptions:


		2013		2012			2011
	Expected life (in years)	7		7			7

	Risk free interest rate	1.2	%	1.6	%		3	%
	Volatility	76.5	%	75.5	%		73	%
	Dividends yield	—	%	—	%		—	%
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]	'
	Share-based compensation was reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as follows:


		2013			2012				2011
	Cost of revenues	$	584		$	587			$	841

	General and administrative expense	1,325			1,182				1,275

	Research and development expense	308			280				457

	Total share-based compensation	$	2,217		$	2,049			$	2,573

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the year ended October 31, 2013:


				Weighted-
				Average
				Option
	Options	Shares		Price
	Outstanding at October 31, 2012	3,120,456		$	6.96

	Granted	279,746		$	0.94

	Cancelled	(218,738	)	$	7.05

	Outstanding at October 31, 2013	3,181,464		$	6.42

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]	'
	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2013:


		Options Outstanding								Options Exercisable
				Weighted		Weighted Average					Weighted Average
				Average
	Range of	Number		Remaining		Exercise				Number	Exercise
	Exercise Prices	outstanding		Contractual Life		Price				exercisable	Price
	$0.26 — $5.10	1,221,787		7.7		$	1.83			1,081,913	$	1.95

	$5.11 — $9.92	1,274,779		3.4		$	8.09			1,274,779	$	8.09

	$9.93 — $14.74	675,398		1.8		$	11.46			675,398	$	11.46

	$14.75 — $19.56	9,500		0.1		$	16.3			9,500	$	16.3

		3,181,464		4.7		$	6.43			3,041,590	$	6.68

Benefit_Plans_Employee_stock_p

Benefit Plans Employee stock purchase plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans Employee stock purchase plan (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Activity [Table Text Block]	'
	ESPP activity for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2013 was as follows:


		Number of
	Options	Shares
	Balance at October 31, 2012	774,373
	Balance at October 31, 2012	774,373
	Issued @ $0.79	(224,789	)
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013	549,584
	Outstanding at October 31, 2013	549,584


Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
	The fair value of shares under the ESPP was determined at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:


			2013		2012		2011
	Expected life (in years)		0.5		0.5		0.5
	Expected life (in years)		0.5		0.5		0.5
	Risk free interest rate		15	%	7	%	0.2	%
	Volatility		75	%	92	%	90.5	%
	Dividends yield		—	%	—	%	—	%

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Tables)	Oct. 31, 2013
Note 15. Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block]	'
	The components of loss from continuing operations before income taxes for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:


		2013				2012				2011
	U.S.	$	(31,044	)		$	(35,535	)		$	(46,365	)
	Foreign	(3,904		)		(302		)		408
	Foreign	(3,904		)		(302		)		408
	Loss before income taxes	$	(34,948	)		$	(35,837	)		$	(45,957	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	'
	The reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to our effective income tax rate for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


		2013			2012			2011
	Statutory federal income tax rate	(34.0	)%		(34.0	)%		(34.0	)%
	Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
	State taxes net of Federal benefits	(1.7	)%		(2.6	)%		(2.3	)%
	Foreign withholding tax	0.9	%		0.2	%		0.3	%
	Net operating loss adjustment and true-ups	0.1	%		(34.9	)%		1.7	%
	Nondeductible expenditures	0.8	%		1.2	%		1.9	%
	Change in state tax rate	10.5	%		(6.8	)%		(2.4	)%
	Other, net	4.1	%		(0.1	)%		0.3	%
	Valuation allowance	20.3	%		77.2	%		34.8	%
	Effective income tax rate	1	%		0.2	%		0.3	%
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	'
	Our deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following at October 31, 2013 and 2012:


		2013				2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Compensation and benefit accruals	$	6,452			$	5,745
	Compensation and benefit accruals	$	6,452			$	5,745
	Bad debt and other reserves	1,841				2,938
	Bad debt and other reserves	1,841				2,938
	Capital loss and tax credit carry-forwards	13,582				14,396
	Capital loss and tax credit carry-forwards	13,582				14,396
	Investment in Versa	—				4,068
	Investment in Versa	—				4,068
	Net operating losses (domestic and foreign)	228,154				219,496
	Net operating losses (domestic and foreign)	228,154				219,496
	Deferred license revenue	8,033				2,533
	Deferred license revenue	8,033				2,533
	Lower of cost or market inventory reserves	509				857
	Lower of cost or market inventory reserves	509				857
	Investment in partnerships	419				—
	Investment in partnerships	419				—
	Accumulated depreciation	625				257
	Accumulated depreciation	625				257
	Gross deferred tax assets:	259,615				250,290
	Gross deferred tax assets:	259,615				250,290
	Valuation allowance	(259,615		)		(249,294		)
	Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	—				996
	Deferred tax assets after valuation allowance	—				996
	Deferred tax liability:
	Investment in partnerships	—				(996		)
	Investment in partnerships	—				(996		)
	In process research and development	(3,377		)		—
	In process research and development	(3,377		)		—
	Gross deferred tax liability	(3,377		)		(996		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,377	)		$	—
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,377	)		$	—

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Loss Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	'
	The calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the years ended October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was as follows:


			2013			2012			2011
	Numerator
	Net loss		$	(35,319	)	$	(35,906	)	$	(45,974	)
	Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		961			411			261

	Adjustment for modification of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary		—			—			(8,987		)

	Preferred stock dividend		(3,200		)	(3,201		)	(3,200		)
	Net loss to common shareholders		$	(37,558	)	$	(38,696	)	$	(57,900	)
	Denominator
	Weighted average basic common shares		186,525,001			165,471,261			124,498,073

	Effect of dilutive securities (1)		—			—			—

	Weighted average diluted common shares		186,525,001			165,471,261			124,498,073

	Basic loss per share		(0.20		)	(0.23		)	(0.47		)
	Diluted loss per share (1)		(0.20		)	(0.23		)	(0.47		)

	-1	Due to the net loss to common shareholders in each of the years presented above, diluted earnings per share was computed without consideration to potentially dilutive instruments as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Potentially dilutive instruments include stock options, warrants, convertible preferred stock and convertible notes. At October 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were options to purchase 3.2 million, 3.1 million and 3.3 million shares of common stock, respectively. On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a co-marketing agreement with NRG for the marketing and sales of the Company's power plants which include the issuance of warrants to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. On January 13, 2011 we issued 10.2 million warrants in connection with a registered direct offering. Each warrant was exercisable for 1 share of common stock. The warrants had an exercise price of $2.29 per share and were exercisable beginning six months and one day after the initial closing date and expired in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments [Table Text Block]	'
	Non-cancelable minimum payments applicable to operating and capital leases as of October 31, 2013 were as follows:


		Operating		Capital
		Leases		Leases
	2014	$	1,997	$	218

	2015	1,421		164

	2016	715		85

	2017	379		16

	2018	238		14

	Thereafter	—		—

	Total	$	4,750	$	497

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]	'
	The following represents supplemental cash flow information:


		Year Ended October 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Cash interest paid	$	280	$	302	$	182

	Income taxes paid	17		—		17

	Noncash financing and investing activity:
	Common stock issued for employee annual incentive bonus	—		550		707

	Common stock issued for Employee Stock Purchase Plan in settlement of prior year accrued employee contributions	85		84		58

	Common stock issued for acquisition of Versa	3,562		—		—

	Adjustment for modification of redeemable preferred stock of subsidiary	—		—		8,987

	Accrued sale of common stock, cash received in a subsequent period	509		$	—	$	—

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite1

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	Selected unaudited financial data for each quarter of fiscal year 2013 and 2012 is presented below. We believe that the information reflects all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented.


			First			Second			Third			Fourth			Full
			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Year
	Year ended October 31, 2013
	Revenues		$	36,358		$	42,436		$	53,707		$	55,157		$	187,658

	Gross (loss) profit		(2,311		)	2,314			4,522			2,597			7,122

	Loss on operations		(11,070		)	(7,197		)	(4,594		)	(6,952		)	(29,813		)
	Net loss		(11,879		)	(7,629		)	(5,814		)	(9,997		)	(35,319		)
	Preferred stock dividends		(800		)	(800		)	(800		)	(800		)	(3,200		)
	Net loss to common shareholders		(12,481		)	(8,165		)	(6,412		)	(10,500		)	(37,558		)
	Net loss to common shareholders per basic and diluted common share (1)		$	(0.07	)	$	(0.04	)	$	(0.03	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.20	)
	Year ended October 31, 2012
	Revenues		$	31,337		$	24,153		$	29,693		$	35,420		$	120,603

	Gross profit (loss)		2,104			201			(2,738		)	878			445

	Loss on operations		(5,443		)	(7,757		)	(10,511		)	(8,418		)	(32,129		)
	Net loss		(6,014		)	(8,363		)	(10,010		)	(11,519		)	(35,906		)
	Preferred stock dividends		(800		)	(801		)	(800		)	(800		)	(3,201		)
	Net loss to common shareholders		(6,743		)	(9,093		)	(10,722		)	(12,138		)	(38,696		)
	Net loss to common shareholders per basic and diluted common share (1)		$	(0.05	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.06	)	$	(0.07	)	(0.23		)

	-1	The full year net loss to common shareholders basic and diluted share may not equal the sum of the quarters due to weighting of outstanding shares.

Nature_of_Business_and_Basis_o3

Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2009	Jun. 25, 2013
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'	$10,000,000	'	'	'	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	'	'	7,700,000	9,600,000	'	'	'
Accrued Contract and Operating Costs	'	'	87,000	39,000	'	'	'
Product Warranty Accrual	'	'	860,000	2,317,000	'	'	'
Reserve for Performance Guarantees	'	'	500,000	2,200,000	'	'	'
Loss Reserve on Service Agreements	'	'	3,700,000	5,000,000	'	'	'
Long-term stack residual value	'	'	2,898,000	14,316,000	'	'	'
Accumulated depreciation on long-term stacks	'	'	2,100,000	7,600,000	'	'	'
Reserve for Repair and Upgrade Program	'	'	7,267,000	4,753,000	'	'	'
Future License Fees To Be Paid	'	'	8,000,000	'	'	'	'
Royalty percentage	'	'	4.10%	'	'	4.10%	'
Reduced royalty percentage	'	'	3.00%	'	'	'	'
Royalty fee payment for reduction in royalty rate	'	6,700,000	'	'	'	'	'
License Fee and Royalty Income	'	'	0	1,599,000	1,718,000	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	8,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Convertible Debt	'	'	38,000,000	0	'	'	38,000,000
significant customer revenue percentage	'	'	88.00%	85.00%	66.00%	'	'
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - short-term	'	'	5,053,000	5,335,000	'	'	'
Restricted cash and cash equivalents - long-term	'	'	4,950,000	5,300,000	'	'	'
Cell Technology Transfer Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Upfront License Fee	'	'	'	'	'	10,000,000	'
Stack Technology Transfer and License Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Upfront License Fee	'	'	'	7,000,000	'	10,000,000	'
Service and License Fee Revenues [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
License Fee and Royalty Income	'	'	4,100,000	'	'	'	'
CANADA	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Unrealized	'	'	$400,000	$100,000	$1,000,000	'	'
FCES Germany [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	'	'	75.00%	'	'	'	'
Alliance Entities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent	'	'	80.00%	'	'	'	'
POSCO Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
significant customer revenue percentage	'	'	54.00%	76.00%	44.00%	'	'
Common stock ownership percentage	'	'	16.00%	'	'	'	'
Department of Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
significant customer revenue percentage	'	'	5.00%	7.00%	0.00%	'	'
BioFuels Fuel Cells [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
significant customer revenue percentage	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	12.00%	'	'
UTS Bioenergy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
significant customer revenue percentage	'	'	0.00%	2.00%	10.00%	'	'
Dominion Bridgeport FuelCell Park [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
significant customer revenue percentage	'	'	29.00%	0.00%	0.00%	'	'

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Dec. 20, 2012		Dec. 20, 2012
		Versa [Member]	Versa [Member]		Versa [Member]
					Selling and Administrative Expenses [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'		'
Ownership percentage prior to step acquisition	'	'	39.00%		'
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired	'	'	61.00%		'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions	3,526,764	'	'		'
Business combination, step acquisition, equity interest in acquiree, remeasurement loss	'	$3,600,000	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents	'	'	357,000		'
Accounts receivable	'	'	1,133,000		'
Other current assets	'	'	23,000		'
Property, plant and equipment	'	'	480,000		'
Goodwill	'	'	4,075,000		'
In-process research and development	'	'	9,592,000		'
Other assets	'	'	101,000		'
Accounts payable	'	'	302,000		'
Other current liabilities	'	'	1,492,000		'
Deferred tax liabilities (1)	'	'	3,377,000	[1]	'
Other long-term liabilities	'	'	155,000		'
Total identifiable net assets	'	'	10,435,000		'
Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs	'	'	'		$100,000

[1]	Classified in Long-term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'
Raw Materials	$20,599,000	$17,683,000
Work in Process	35,586,000	30,018,000
Inventory, Net	56,185,000	47,701,000
Completed Standard Component	5,800,000	11,300,000
Inventory Valuation Reserves	$1,400,000	$2,400,000

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
U.S. Government Amount Billed	$786,000	$20,000
U.S. Government Unbilled Recoverable Costs	639,000	890,000
U.S. Government Accounts Receivable Total	1,425,000	910,000
Commercial Customers Amount Billed	17,344,000	18,786,000
Commercial Customers Unbilled Recoverable Costs	30,347,000	6,288,000
Commercial Customers Accounts Receivable Total	47,691,000	25,074,000
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	49,116,000	25,984,000
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	14,000	600,000
POSCO Energy [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current	17,400,000	18,100,000
Dominion Bridgeport FuelCell Park [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Commercial Customers Unbilled Recoverable Costs	17,800,000	'
POSCO Energy [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Commercial Customers Unbilled Recoverable Costs	$6,700,000	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_D

Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$102,906	$97,998	'
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment	-78,681	-74,740	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	24,225	23,258	'
Depreciation	4,097	5,192	6,431
Land [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	524	524	'
Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	8,679	7,587	'
Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	73,051	68,265	'
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	2,899	2,786	'
Power plants for use under PPA's [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	8,216	10,866	'
Construction in Progress [Member]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	$9,537	$7,970	'

Property_Plant_and_Equipment_P

Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment useful life (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Minimum [Member] \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'10
Minimum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'3
Minimum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'10
Minimum [Member] \| Power plants for use under PPA's [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'3
Maximum [Member] \| Building and Building Improvements [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'26
Maximum [Member] \| Machinery and Equipment [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'8
Maximum [Member] \| Furniture and Fixtures [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'10
Maximum [Member] \| Power plants for use under PPA's [Member]	'
Useful lives [Line Items]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'10

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Goodwill	$4,075	$0
Intangible assets	$9,592	$0

Other_Current_Assets_Details

Other Current Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Other Current Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Advance payments to vendors	$4,235	$2,261
Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net	494	0
Notes Receivable	478	475
Prepaid Expenses and Other	6,072	1,991
Other Assets, Current	$11,279	$4,727

Other_Assets_net_Details

Other Assets, net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Other Assets, net (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Cost of Services	$29,683,000	$19,045,000	$30,825,000
Long-term stack residual value	2,898,000	14,316,000	'
Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net	1,721,000	0	'
Other	846,000	1,870,000	'
Other Assets, Net	5,465,000	16,186,000	'
additions to long-term stack residual value	500,000	4,400,000	'
Accumulated depreciation on long-term stacks	2,100,000	7,600,000	'
POSCO Energy [Member]	'	'	'
Cost of Services	$8,400,000	'	'

Accrued_Liabilities_Details

Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Accrued Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2011	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]	'	'	'
Accrued Payroll and Employee Benefits	'	$4,647,000	$3,907,000
Accrued Contract and Operating Costs	'	87,000	39,000
Product Warranty Accrual	'	860,000	2,317,000
Reserve for Service Agreement Costs	'	4,186,000	7,222,000
Reserve for Repair and Upgrade Program	'	7,267,000	4,753,000
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current	'	4,865,000	2,027,000
Accrued Liabilities, Current	'	21,912,000	20,265,000
Product Warranty Accrual, Warranties Issued	'	1,200,000	3,100,000
Product Warranty Accrual, Payment and Adjustments	'	300,000	1,900,000
Loss Reserve on Service Agreements	'	3,700,000	5,000,000
Reserve for Performance Guarantees	'	500,000	2,200,000
Charge for Repair and Upgrade	$8,800,000	'	'

Debt_and_Leases_Details

Debt and Leases (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Debt and Leases [Abstract]	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$6,500,000	'	$4,000,000
Convertible Debt	38,000,000	38,000,000	0
Capital Lease Obligations	497,000	'	234,000
Long-term Debt	50,881,000	'	8,547,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	53,987,000	'	8,547,000
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	3,106,000	'	0
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	-6,931,000	'	-5,161,000
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	43,950,000	'	3,386,000
Debt and Capital Leases, minimum payment due in less than 12 months	430,000	'	'
Debt and Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	381,000	'	'
Debt and Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	313,000	'	'
Debt and Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	256,000	'	'
Debt and Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	40,363,000	'	'
Debt and Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	5,744,000	'	'
Debt and Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$47,487,000	'	'

Debt_and_Leases_Debt_Details

Debt and Leases Debt (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Jun. 25, 2013

Apr. 12, 2013

Jun. 25, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Mar. 05, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Mar. 05, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Convertible Debt [Member]

Connecticut Development Authority Note [Member]

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund [Member]

Connecticut Clean Energy and Finance Investment Authority [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Payments of Debt Issuance Costs

$2,472,000

Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Liability

4,700,000

3,200,000

Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount

1,000

Convertible Debt

38,000,000

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

8,000,000

5,000,000

5,900,000

Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding

6,500,000

4,000,000

3,246,000

3,466,000

900,000

847,000

5,744,000

Long-term Debt, Current Maturities

-6,931,000

-5,161,000

Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities

43,950,000

3,386,000

Interest Paid

280,000

302,000

182,000

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

4,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

8.00%

5.00%

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

4,800,000

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio

645.1613

Collateralized Agreements

4,000,000

date principal and interest payments commenced

'12/1/2009

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date

1-May-18

Lease Payment Terms

'36 months

Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price

$1.55

Proceeds from Convertible Debt

$35,500,000

Shareholders_Equity_Deficit_De

Shareholders' Equity (Deficit) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Apr. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Dec. 20, 2012

Mar. 27, 2012

Jan. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Common Stock [Member]

POSCO Energy [Member]

NRG Energy [Member]

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Acquisitions

3,526,764

Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners

61.00%

Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues

23,000,000

4,295,800

2,012,506

4,295,800

45,012,306

24,064,924

20,000,000

Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues

$5,548

$64,003

$32,864

Common stock issued relating to full exercise of an over allottment option

3,000,000

Price Per Share for New Common Stock Issuance

$1.50

Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share

$0.00

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights

2.29

2.18

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock

$32,000

$5,040

$64,003

$32,930

$2,000

$5,600

$30,000

Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance

5,000,000

Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights

5,000,000

10,200,000

5,000,000

Preferred_Stock_Details

Preferred Stock (Details)

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Jan. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2020

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Mar. 31, 2011

USD ($)

Series B Preferred Stock [Member]

Series 2 Preferred Stock [Member]

Series 1 Preferred Shares [Member]

USD ($)

CAD

USD ($)

CAD

Statement [Line Items]

Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized

250,000

Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share

$1,000

Preferred Stock, Shares Issued

64,020

Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding

64,020

1,000,000

Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Attributable to Parent

$59,857,000

$59,900,000

Preferred Stock, Dividends Per Share, Declared

$50

Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash

3,200,000

Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference, Value

64,020,000

64,000,000

Shares of Common Stock Issued Upon Conversion of Each Share of Series B Preferred Stock

85.1064

Stock Conversion Price

$11.75

Percent of Conversion Price To Exceed to Exercise Conversion Right

150.00%

Discount on Market Price of Shares of Common Stock

5.00%

Accrued and Unpaid Dividend Obligation

21,100,000

12,500,000

Quarterly Dividend Rate

1.25%

Percent of Additional Return of Capital Payments

9.80%

Payments of Dividends

500,000

Return of Capital Payments

750,000

187,500

Preferred Stock, Redemption Amount

4,400,000

Carrying Value of Preferred Shares, Total

15,000,000

14,200,000

14,300,000

14,200,000

Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other

9,000,000

Return of Capital and Dividend Payments

1,300,000

4,400,000

Interest Expense, Other

2,000,000

percent calculated on weighted average price of common shares

'the number of common shares is determined by dividing the cash dividend obligation by 95 percent of the volume weighted average price in US dollars

Percent of Common Stock Price

95.00%

Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability

700,000

Preferred Stock, Redemption Price Per Share

$25

Preferred Stock Exchange from July 31, 2010 to July 31, 2015

129.46

Preferred Stock Exchange Right Per Common Stock Share

$138.71

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

$55,157

$53,707

$42,436

$36,358

$35,420

$29,693

$24,153

$31,337

$187,658

[1]

$120,603

[1]

$122,570

[1]

UNITED STATES

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

80,199

26,929

66,531

south korea [Domain]

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

101,928

92,163

53,256

UNITED KINGDOM

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

2,036

1,061

1,639

INDONESIA

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

147

675

GERMANY

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

1,503

128

290

CANADA

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

1,912

175

156

SPAIN

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

JAPAN

schedule of revenues by geographic area [Line Items]

Revenues

$23

[1]

Includes revenue from a related party. Refer to Concentrations in note 1 to the financial statements.

Benefit_Plans_1_Details

Benefit Plans 1 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	5,000,000	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant	1,014,989	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	'7 years 0 months	'7 years 0 months	'7 years 0 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate	1.20%	1.60%	3.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate	76.50%	75.50%	73.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$2,217	$2,049	$2,573
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	584	587	841
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	1,325	1,182	1,275
Research and Development Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted Average Assumptions [Line Items]	'	'	'
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$308	$280	$457

Benefit_Plans_2_Details

Benefit Plans 2 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans 2 (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0.66	$0.89	$1.38
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	3,181,464	3,120,456	3,300,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.42	$6.96	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0.94	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period	-218,738	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.05	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	279,746	'	'

Benefit_Plans_Benefit_Plans_3_

Benefit Plans Benefit Plans 3 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans Benefit Plans 3 (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	3,181,464
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.43
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	3,041,590
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$6.68
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'4 years 8 months
Exercise Price Range Between Point Twenty Six and Five Point Ten [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	1,221,787
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1.83
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	1,081,913
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$1.95
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'7 years 8 months
Exercise Price Range Between Five Point Eleven and Nine Point Ninety Two [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	1,274,779
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.09
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	1,274,779
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$8.09
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'3 years 5 months
Exercise Price Range Between Nine Point Ninety Three and Fourteen Point Seventy Four [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	675,398
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.46
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	675,398
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$11.46
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'1 year 9 months
Exercise Price Range Between Fourteen Point Seventy Five and Nineteen Point Fifty SIx [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]	'
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options	9,500
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.30
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	9,500
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$16.30
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'0 years 1 month

Benefit_Plans_4_Details

Benefit Plans 4 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period	2,934,860	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0.94	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other	'	550,355	353,543
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other	'	$0.60	$0.70
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	970,917	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	53,192	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number	5,036,104	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards, Weighted Average Remaining Life	'2 years 8 months	'	'
Restricted Stock Awards Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	6.2	'	'
Nonvested Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'0 years 5 months	'	'
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	0.1	'	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	'2 years 8 months	'	'
Restricted Stock or Unit Expense	$4.80	'	'

Benefit_Plans_5_Details

Benefit Plans 5 (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Benefit Plans 5 (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	5,000,000	'	'
Weighted Average Expented Life Assumption for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'0 years 6 months	'0 years 6 months	'0 years 6 months
Weighted Average Risk Free Interest Rate for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	15.00%	7.00%	0.20%
Volatility for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	75.00%	92.00%	90.50%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$0.79	'	'
Weighted Average Dividend Yield for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclosures [Line Items]	'	'	'
Common Stock, Capital Shares Reserved for Future Issuance	549,584	774,373	'
Stock Issuance Terms	85.00%	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Employee Stock Purchase Plans	-224,789	'	'

Benefit_Plans_Employee_TaxDefe

Benefit Plans Employee Tax-Deferred Savings Plan (Details) (USD $)	10 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Employee Tax-Deferred Savings Plan [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employer Matching Contribution Percentage	1.00%	2.00%	'
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	'	$0.30	$0.10

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Jan. 31, 2013
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$15,700,000	$15,700,000	'	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic	-31,044,000	-35,535,000	-46,365,000	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign	-3,904,000	-302,000	408,000	'
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	-34,948,000	-35,837,000	-45,957,000	'
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)	400,000	70,000	20,000	'
franchise tax expense	200,000	200,000	100,000	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate	-34.00%	-34.00%	-34.00%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes	-1.70%	-2.60%	-2.30%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential	0.90%	0.20%	0.00%	'
effective income tax rate reconciliation, net operating loss adjustment	0.10%	-34.90%	1.70%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense	0.80%	1.20%	1.90%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate	10.50%	-6.80%	-2.40%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments	4.10%	-0.10%	0.00%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance	20.30%	77.20%	34.80%	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	1.00%	0.20%	0.00%	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits	6,452,000	5,745,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	1,841,000	2,938,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards	13,582,000	14,396,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Equity Method Investments	0	4,068,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	228,154,000	219,496,000	'	'
deferred tax assets, deferred license revenue	8,033,000	2,533,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	509,000	857,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Investments	419,000	0	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment	625,000	257,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross	259,615,000	250,290,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	-259,615,000	-249,294,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	'	996,000	'	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investments	'	-996,000	'	0
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Deferred Expense, Capitalized Research and Development Costs	-3,377,000	0	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	-3,377,000	-996,000	'	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	-3,377,000	0	'	'
Valuation Allowance Allocated To Reduce Additional Paid In Capital	4,200,000	'	'	'
Federal Operating Loss Carryforwards	631,000,000	'	'	'
State Operating Loss Carryforwards	372,000,000	'	'	'
Tax Credits, State	9,900,000	'	'	'
Amount of Tax Credits to Expire	$1,000,000	'	'	'

Loss_Per_Share_Details

Loss Per Share (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Jan. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Jul. 31, 2012

Apr. 30, 2012

Jan. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2011

Jan. 31, 2011

Numerator [Abstract]

Net loss

($9,997)

($5,814)

($7,629)

($11,879)

($11,519)

($10,010)

($8,363)

($6,014)

($35,319)

($35,906)

($45,974)

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest

961

411

261

Adjustment for Modification of Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiary

-8,987

Dividends, Preferred Stock

-800

-801

-800

-3,200

-3,201

-3,200

Net loss to common shareholders

($10,500)

($6,412)

($8,165)

($12,481)

($12,138)

($10,722)

($9,093)

($6,743)

($37,558)

($38,696)

($57,900)

Demoninator [Abstract]

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic

186,525,001

165,471,261

124,498,073

Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment

[1]

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted

165,471,261

186,525,001

165,471,261

124,498,073

Earnings Per Share, Basic

($0.20)

($0.23)

($0.47)

Earnings Per Share, Diluted

($0.20)

[1]

($0.23)

[1]

($0.47)

[1]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number

3,181,464

3,120,456

3,181,464

3,120,456

3,300,000

Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights

5,000,000

10,200,000

Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights

2.29

[1]

Due to the net loss to common shareholders in each of the years presented above, diluted earnings per share was computed without consideration to potentially dilutive instruments as their inclusion would have been antidilutive. Potentially dilutive instruments include stock options, warrants, convertible preferred stock and convertible notes. At OctoberB 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, there were options to purchase 3.2 million, 3.1 million and 3.3 million shares of common stock, respectively. On September 4, 2013, the Company entered into a co-marketing agreement with NRG for the marketing and sales of the Company's power plants which include the issuance of warrants to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. On JanuaryB 13, 2011 we issued 10.2 million warrants in connection with a registered direct offering. Each warrant was exercisable for 1 share of common stock. The warrants had an exercise price of $2.29 per share and were exercisable beginning six months and one day after the initial closing date and expired in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2006
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Maximum value of leased equipment under master lease agreement	'	'	'	$2,500,000
Capital Lease Obligations	497,000	234,000	'	'
Lease Payment Terms	'36 months	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	1,600,000	1,600,000	1,500,000	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	1,997,000	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	1,421,000	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	715,000	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	379,000	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	238,000	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	0	'	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	4,750,000	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	218,000	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years	164,000	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years	85,000	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years	16,000	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years	14,000	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter	0	'	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	497,000	'	'	'
Reserve for Performance Guarantees	500,000	2,200,000	'	'
Loss Reserve on Service Agreements	$3,700,000	$5,000,000	'	'

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Interest Paid	'	$280	$302	$182
Income Taxes Paid	'	17	0	17
Common Stock Issued in Settlement of Prior Year Bonus Obligation	'	0	550	707
Common Stock Issued for Employee Stock Purchase Plan in Settlement of Prior Year Accrued Employee Contributions	'	85	84	58
Common stock issued for acquisition	'	3,563	'	0
Adjustment for Modification of Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiary	0	0	0	8,987
Accrued Sale of Common Stock	'	$509	$0	$0

Quarterly_Information_Unaudite2

Quarterly Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013		Jul. 31, 2013		Apr. 30, 2013		Jan. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Jul. 31, 2012		Apr. 30, 2012		Jan. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2013		Oct. 31, 2012		Oct. 31, 2011
Revenues	$55,157		$53,707		$42,436		$36,358		$35,420		$29,693		$24,153		$31,337		$187,658	[1]	$120,603	[1]	$122,570	[1]
Gross Profit	2,597		4,522		2,314		-2,311		878		-2,738		201		2,104		7,122		445		-12,610
Operating Income (Loss)	-6,952		-4,594		-7,197		-11,070		-8,418		-10,511		-7,757		-5,443		-29,813		-32,129		-45,677
Net loss	-9,997		-5,814		-7,629		-11,879		-11,519		-10,010		-8,363		-6,014		-35,319		-35,906		-45,974
Dividends, Preferred Stock	-800		-800		-800		-800		-800		-800		-801		-800		-3,200		-3,201		-3,200
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	($10,500)		($6,412)		($8,165)		($12,481)		($12,138)		($10,722)		($9,093)		($6,743)		($37,558)		($38,696)		($57,900)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	($0.06)	[2]	($0.03)	[2]	($0.04)	[2]	($0.07)	[2]	($0.07)	[2]	($0.06)	[2]	($0.06)	[2]	($0.05)	[2]	($0.20)	[2]	($0.23)		'

[1]	Includes revenue from a related party. Refer to Concentrations in note 1 to the financial statements.
[2]	The full year net loss to common shareholders basic and diluted share may not equal the sum of the quarters due to weighting of outstanding shares.

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jun. 25, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount	$1,000	$1,000	'	'
Convertible Debt	'	38,000,000	38,000,000	0
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	'	$1.55	$1.55	'
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	$8,000,000	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities	6,283,385	'	'	'