CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 211,258	$ 211,393
Construction in progress	8,760	8,768
Cash and cash equivalents	6,454	6,317
Tenants' security accounts	1,853	1,860
Receivables arising from straight-lining of rents	4,249	4,255
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	941	1,029
Secured loans receivable	3,323	3,323
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,127	3,501
Acquired over market leases and in-place lease costs	375	388
Deferred charges, net	2,229	2,386
Total Assets	242,569	243,220
Mortgages payable	204,569	203,275
Deferred trustee compensation plan	5,916	5,667
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,680	4,000
Dividends payable	2,083	2,083
Tenants' security deposits	2,527	2,509
Acquired below market value leases and deferred revenue	2,862	3,036
Total liabilities	220,637	220,570
Commitments and contingencies
Shares of beneficial interest without par value: 8,000,000 shares authorized; 6,993,152 shares issued	24,969	24,969
Treasury stock, at cost: 51,009 shares	(1,135)	(1,135)
Dividends in excess of net income	(10,874)	(9,984)
Total common equity	12,960	13,850
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	8,972	8,800
Total equity	21,932	22,650
Total Liabilities & Equity	$ 242,569	$ 243,220