Segment information (Schedule of Segment and Related Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2022	Apr. 30, 2022	Jan. 31, 2022	Jul. 31, 2021	Apr. 30, 2021	Jan. 31, 2021	Jul. 31, 2022	Jul. 31, 2021
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	$ 6,959			$ 12,542			$ 24,223	$ 38,100
Real estate operating expenses	4,962			9,105			18,298	27,669
Operating income	1,997			3,437			5,925	10,431
Reconciliation to condensed consolidated net income (loss) attributable to common equity:
Segment NOI	3,595			7,177			12,314	21,747
Deferred rents - straight lining	36			(12)			(25)	(225)
Investment income	119			29			183	88
General and administrative expenses	(911)			(1,413)			(3,107)	(4,143)
(Loss) Gain on investment in tenancy-in-common	57			(100)			(99)	(245)
Depreciation	(723)			(2,315)			(3,257)	(6,948)
Net gain on sale of Maryland properties							68,771
Net realized gain on Wayne PSC interest rate swap termination	1,415						1,415
Financing costs	(1,774)			(3,050)			(6,229)	(9,242)
Net income (loss)	1,814	$ 1,001	$ (69,153)	316	$ (63)	$ 779	69,966	1,032
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries	(693)			(107)			(23,420)	(256)
Net income (loss) attributable to common equity	1,121			209			46,546	776
Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Recurring capital improvements	(195)			(258)			(401)	(438)
Operating Segments [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	6,923			12,554			24,248	38,325
Real estate operating expenses	3,328			5,377			11,934	16,578
Operating income	3,595			7,177			12,314	21,747
Operating Segments [Member] | Commercial [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	2,179			5,885			8,445	18,299
Real estate operating expenses	1,227			2,535			5,146	8,346
Operating income	952			3,350			3,299	9,953
Operating Segments [Member] | Residential [Member]
Reportable Segments
Real estate rental revenue	4,744			6,669			15,803	20,026
Real estate operating expenses	2,101			2,842			6,788	8,232
Operating income	$ 9,015			$ 3,827			$ 2,643	$ 11,794