Commitments and contigencies (Details Narrative) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011
Commercial space leases, net book value	$ 139,000
Lease terms for tenants, periods	25 years
Total construction costs, including tenant improvements	277,601	276,369
Westwood Plaza Shopping Center
Flood insurance, amount per incident	500
Damascus Center
Total construction costs, including tenant improvements	22,700
Retail space, area (sq ft)	140,000
Retail space, area after expansion (sq ft)	150,000
Anchored retail space, area (sq ft)	58,000
Damascus Center | Construction Loan Facility
Construction loan facility	21,300
Rotunda Redevelopment Project
Construction in progress	$ 4,700	$ 8,100