CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Real estate, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 208,410	$ 211,393
Construction in progress	5,590	8,768
Assets related to property held for sale	555
Cash and cash equivalents	4,960	6,317
Tenants' security accounts	1,724	1,860
Receivables arising from straight-lining of rents	4,261	4,255
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	2,551	1,029
Secured loans receivable	3,323	3,323
Prepaid expenses and other assets	3,039	3,501
Acquired over market leases and in-place lease costs	70	388
Deferred charges, net	2,138	2,386
Total Assets	236,621	243,220
Mortgages payable	200,916	203,275
Deferred trustee compensation plan	6,450	5,667
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,492	4,000
Liabilities related to property held for sale	2,931
Dividends payable	2,083	2,083
Tenants' security deposits	2,398	2,509
Acquired below market value leases and deferred revenue	1,256	3,036
Total liabilities	217,526	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	(13,319)	(9,984)
Total common equity	10,515	13,850
Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	8,580	8,800
Total equity	19,095	22,650
Total Liabilities & Equity	$ 236,621	$ 243,220