Discontinued operations (Details Narrative) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Oct. 31, 2010
Discontinued Operations Details Narrative
Description of discontinued operations	On August 29, 2012, FREIT sold its Heights Manor Apartments in Spring Lake Heights, New Jersey. In compliance with current accounting guidance, the gain on the sale, as well as the earnings of the Heights Manor operation are classified as discontinued operations in the accompanying income statements for all periods presented.
Net gain on sale of Heights Manor Apartments before tax	$ 9,500
Net gain on sale of Heights Manor Apartments after tax	7,528
Revenue from discontinued operations	853	1,011	938
Repayments of mortgage loan of discontinued operations	$ 2,800

Amount of gain (loss), before tax expense or benefit and not previously recognized, resulting from the sale of a business component.

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Amount of gain (loss), after tax expense or benefit and not previously recognized, resulting from the sale of a business component.

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- Definition

A description of the facts and circumstances leading to the completed or expected disposal, and the manner and timing of that disposal. Sales of disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations), are generally expected to be completed within one year of their classification as held-for-sale.

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- Definition

The cash outflow to repay long-term debt that is wholly or partially secured by collateral. Excludes repayments of tax exempt secured debt.

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