Segment information (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Segment NOI	$ 1,918	$ 4,595	$ 11,746	$ 13,175
Investment income	25	25	80	77
Depreciation	(1,555)	(1,528)	(4,600)	(4,531)
Financing costs	(2,957)	(2,860)	(8,663)	(8,572)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(346)	1,431	2,638	3,637
Income from discontinued operations	123	74	275	207
Net income (loss)	(891)	1,834	3,438	4,887
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	668	(329)	(525)	(1,043)
Net income (loss) attributable to common equity	(223)	1,505	2,913	3,844
Operating Segments
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Segment NOI	6,134	6,450	18,390	18,544
Deferred rents - straight lining	(3)	72	7	162
Amortization of acquired leases	(7)	(6)	5	(18)
Investment income	25	25	80	77
Insurance recovery				207
General and administrative expenses	(415)	(393)	(1,280)	(1,189)
Depreciation	(1,555)	(1,528)	(4,600)	(4,531)
Deferred project cost write-off, net of income relating to early lease termination	(2,236)		(776)
Financing costs	(2,957)	(2,860)	(8,663)	(8,572)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	(1,014)	1,760	3,163	4,680
Income from discontinued operations	123	74	275	207
Net income (loss)	(891)	1,834	3,438	4,887
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	668	(329)	(525)	(1,043)
Net income (loss) attributable to common equity	$ (223)	$ 1,505	$ 2,913	$ 3,844