Investment in tenancy-in-common (Schedule of balance sheet of Pierre Property) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Real estate, net	$ 289,169		$ 330,108
Cash and cash equivalents	31,751		38,075	$ 25,291
Tenants' security accounts	1,604		2,278
Receivables and other assets	1,385		1,741
Total Assets	362,840		390,618
Mortgages payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	301,063		349,904
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,487		3,097
Tenants' security deposits	2,295		3,381
Deferred revenue	828		1,390
Equity	41,205	$ 13,277	16,048	$ 20,448	$ 21,369	$ 24,344
Total Liabilities and Equity	362,840		390,618
FREIT's investment in TIC (65% interest)	20,740
Pierre Property [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Real estate, net	80,950
Cash and cash equivalents	1,032
Tenants' security accounts	577
Receivables and other assets	501
Total Assets	83,060
Mortgages payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	50,089
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	391
Tenants' security deposits	580
Deferred revenue	93
Equity	31,907
Total Liabilities and Equity	83,060
FREIT's investment in TIC (65% interest)	$ 20,740