Segment information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 9,342	$ 8,840	$ 27,435	$ 26,570
Real estate operating expenses	6,506	6,440	19,963	19,279
Operating income	3,927	3,944	11,674	11,399
Commercial [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	5,318	5,793	16,830	17,011
Real estate operating expenses	2,103	2,356	7,070	6,843
Operating income	3,215	3,437	9,760	10,168
Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	5,157	4,612	14,946	13,811
Real estate operating expenses	2,370	2,168	7,017	6,629
Operating income	2,787	2,444	7,929	7,182
Recurring capital improvements	(210)	(341)	(351)	(542)
Total Reportable Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	10,475	10,405	31,776	30,822
Real estate operating expenses	4,473	4,524	14,087	13,472
Operating income	$ 6,002	$ 5,881	$ 17,689	$ 17,350