Segment information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2021 USD ($) segments Properties	Jan. 31, 2020 USD ($)
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 12,754	$ 15,593
Real estate operating expenses	8,846	13,451
Operating income	3,908	2,142
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common equity:
Segment NOI	7,669	9,165
Deferred rents - straight lining	(206)	63
Investment income	30	72
General and administrative expenses	(1,260)	(772)
Special committee third party advisory, legal and other expenses		(3,382)
Loss on investment in tenancy-in-common	(27)
Depreciation	(2,295)	(2,932)
Financing costs	(3,132)	(4,235)
Net income (loss)	779	(2,021)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(221)	(241)
Net income (loss) attributable to common equity	$ 558	(2,262)
Number of reportable segments | segments	2
Commercial [Member]
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common equity:
Number of properties | Properties	8
Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Recurring capital improvements	$ (82)	(96)
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common equity:
Number of properties | Properties	7
Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 12,960	15,530
Real estate operating expenses	5,291	6,365
Operating income	7,669	9,165
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	6,351	7,014
Real estate operating expenses	2,627	2,724
Operating income	3,724	4,290
Operating Segments [Member] | Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	6,609	8,516
Real estate operating expenses	2,664	3,641
Operating income	$ 3,945	$ 4,875