Segment information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 8,840	$ 9,140	$ 26,570	$ 27,424
Real estate operating expenses	6,440	8,694	19,279	23,077
Operating income	3,944	1,860	11,399	11,584
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Segment NOI	5,881	6,072	17,350	18,217
Deferred rents - straight lining	(15)	(3)	(126)	7
Amortization of acquired leases	(6)	(7)	(18)	5
Investment income	50	25	150	80
General and administrative expenses	(405)	(415)	(1,274)	(1,280)
Depreciation	(1,511)	(1,551)	(4,533)	(4,589)
Deferred project write-off, net of income from early lease termination		(2,236)		(776)
Financing costs	(2,949)	(2,957)	(9,032)	(8,663)
Income (loss) from continuing operations	1,045	(1,072)	2,517	3,001
Income from discontinued operations	48	181	811	437
Gain on sale of discontinued operations			1,377
Net income (loss)	1,093	(891)	4,705	3,438
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(182)	668	(454)	(525)
Net income (loss) attributable to common equity	911	(223)	4,251	2,913
Commercial
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	5,793	5,853	17,011	17,684
Real estate operating expenses	2,356	2,421	6,843	7,238
Operating income	3,437	3,432	10,168	10,446
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Number of properties	10		10
Residential
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	4,612	4,711	13,811	14,015
Real estate operating expenses	2,168	2,071	6,629	6,244
Operating income	2,444	2,640	7,182	7,771
Recurring capital improvements	(340)	(221)	(542)	(467)
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Number of properties	6		6
Total Reportable Segments
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	10,405	10,564	30,822	31,699
Real estate operating expenses	4,524	4,492	13,472	13,482
Operating income	$ 5,881	$ 6,072	$ 17,350	$ 18,217