Segment information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016 USD ($) properties segments	Jan. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 11,424	$ 11,280
Real estate operating expenses	7,691	7,225
Operating income	3,733	4,055
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Segment NOI	5,947	6,270
Deferred rents - straight lining	$ (23)	(75)
Amortization of acquired leases		(1)
Investment income	$ 39	40
General and administrative expenses	(471)	(492)
Depreciation	(1,720)	(1,647)
Financing costs	(2,729)	(2,782)
Net income	1,043	1,313
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(41)	(265)
Net income attributable to common equity	$ 1,002	1,048
Number of reportable segments | segments	2
Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 11,447	11,356
Real estate operating expenses	5,500	5,086
Operating income	$ 5,947	6,270
Commercial [Member]
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Number of properties | properties	10
Commercial [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 5,925	5,744
Real estate operating expenses	2,799	2,432
Operating income	3,126	3,312
Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Recurring capital improvements	$ (314)	(86)
Reconciliation to consolidated net income:
Number of properties | properties	7
Residential [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 5,522	5,612
Real estate operating expenses	2,701	2,654
Operating income	$ 2,821	$ 2,958