Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Type Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Trading Symbol Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable, net Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Additional Paid in Capital Additional paid-in capital Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Current assets: Cash Cash Class of Stock [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and contingencies Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock $.01 par value (19,900,000 shares authorized: 13,305,931 and 11,203,180 shares issued and outstanding at April 30, 2013 and October 31, 2012, respectively) Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair value of derivative instrument Equity Method Investments Equity in investments Income Taxes Receivable, Current Income taxes receivable Inventory, Real Estate Cultural costs Liabilities and Equity Total liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities and stockholders' equity Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent Total long-term liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term liabilities: Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Total long-term debt, less current portion Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Notes receivable Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Current Notes receivable - related parties Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Notes receivable - related parties Other Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Other Liabilities, Current Growers payable Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Other Long-term Investments Investment in Calavo Growers, Inc. Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Preferred Stock Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, plant and equipment, net Real Estate Under Development Noncurrent Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained earnings Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Statement [Table] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' equity: Real estate development Real Estate Under Development Noncurrent Preferred stock, coupon rate Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value per share Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock, shares outstanding Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred stock, par or stated value per share Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock, shares authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred stock, shares issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividends per common share Cost of Goods and Services Sold Agribusiness Costs and Expenses Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and expenses: Direct Costs of Leased and Rented Property or Equipment Rental operations Dividends, Preferred Stock Preferred dividends Earnings Per Share, Basic Basic net income (loss) per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Diluted net income (loss) per common share Gain on sale of stock in Calavo Growers, Inc. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income before income tax (provision) benefit and equity in losses of investments Equity in losses of investments Consolidated Statements of Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (provision) benefit Interest Expense Interest expense Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Interest income from derivative instrument Investment Income, Interest Interest income Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Net income (loss) applicable to common stock Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total other income Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Other income (expense): Operating Income (Loss) Operating income (loss) Operating Leases, Income Statement, Minimum Lease Revenue Rental operations Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other (expense) income, net Real Estate, Improvements Real estate development Retail Land Sales, Improvement Revenue, Prior Sales Real estate development Revenues Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues: Revenue, Net Agribusiness Selling, General and Administrative Expense Selling, general and administrative Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding-diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding-basic Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income (loss) Net income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Minimum pension liability adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) from derivative instruments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) on Securities Arising During Period, Net of Tax Unrealized holding gains (losses) on security available-for-sale Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Gain on sale of stock in Calavo Growers, Inc. Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of deferred financing costs Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capital expenditures accrued but not paid at period-end Cash at beginning of period Cash at end of period Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Non-cash investing and financing transactions: Cash, Period Increase (Decrease) Net increase (decrease) in cash Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Depreciation and amortization Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Loss on disposals/sales of assets Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Equity in losses of investments Income Taxes Paid Cash paid during the period for income taxes, net of (refunds) received Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Accounts payable and growers payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts and notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities Accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Cultural costs Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Liabilities Other long-term liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets Interest Paid Cash paid during the period for interest Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Operating activities Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net loss Noncash Contribution Expense Accrued investment contribution obligation in water company Other Noncash Income Accrued interest on notes receivable Other Noncash Income (Expense) Accrued interest on note receivable Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Other Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Repurchase of common stock Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments of debt financing costs Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Dividends paid - common Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends paid - preferred Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Equity investment contributions Payments to Acquire Other Investments Investments in mutual water companies and water rights Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital expenditures Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable Collection of note receivable Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Net proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Borrowings of long-term debt Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Net proceeds from sale of stock in Calavo Growers, Inc. Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of long-term debt Share-based Compensation Stock compensation expense Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Supplemental Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Non-cash interest income on derivative instruments Unrealized holding gain on investment in Calavo Growers, Inc. Supplemental Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) On Securities Arising During Period, Net Of Tax Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Assets at fair value: Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Available- for -sale securities Derivative instruments Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract] Liabilities at fair value: Calavo Growers Incorporated [Member] Fair Value Measurements [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements [Table] Calavo Growers Incorporated [Member] Entity [Domain] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage of Calavo's common stock Fair Value Measurements [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Number Of Remaining Shares Owned In Equity Method Investment Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Calavo's stock price per share Number of remaining shares owned in Calavo stock Number of remaining shares owned in equity method investment. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts receivable, net Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration risk percentage Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Major Customers [Axis] Name of Major Customer [Domain] Procurement Activities From Packinghouse One [Member] Procurement Activities From Packinghouse Two [Member] Procurement Activities From Third Party Growers One [Member] Procurement Activities From Third Party Growers Two [Member] Product One [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Product Two Concentration [Member] Sales Revenue, Product Line [Member] Procured from third-party packinghouse one [Member] Procurement Activities From Packinghouse One [Member] Procured from third-party packinghouse two [Member] Procurement Activities From Packinghouse Two [Member] Procured from third-party grower one [Member] Procurement Activities From Third Party Grower One [Member] Procured from third-party grower two [Member] Procurement Activities From Third Party Growers Two [Member] Lemons [Member] Product One [Member] Oranges and Specialty Citrus [Member] Product Two Concentration [Member] Capital contribution Capital Contributions Initial capital contribution Capital Contributions, Initial Centennial Square [Member] East Area One [Member] East Areas 1 and 2 [Member] East Areas One And Two [Member] East Ridge [Member] Estimated net proceeds expected to be recognized on sale of parcel of property The estimated net proceeds expected to be recognized on sale of parcel of property. Gross sales price of parcel of property Gross sales price of parcel of property. Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition [Axis] Capital Contributions Capital Contributions Initial Centennial Square [Member] East Area One [Member] East Areas One And Two [Member] East Ridge [Member] Estimated Net Proceeds From Sale Of Parcel Of Property Gross Sales Price Of Parcel Of Property Maximum Improvement Costs Required To Be Paid Relating To Annexation Of Real Estate Property Noncash Impairment Charge Recognized On Sale Of Parcel Of Property Number Of Acres Of Land For Real Estate Development Number Of Real Estate Development Projects Pacific Crest [Member] Percentage Of Completion Prorata Share Percentage Of Improvement Costs Required To Be Paid Relating To Annexation Real Estate Development Expense Real Estate Development Income Real Estate, Gross Real estate development projects, carrying value Real Estate Improvement Study Accrued Costs Real Estate, Period Increase (Decrease) Real estate development projects, capitalized costs Real Estate Property Ownership [Axis] Real Estate Properties [Domain] Real Estate Properties [Line Items] Real Estate Properties Release Of Property Acres Real Estate Properties Release Of Property Fee Increase Per Unit Real Estate Properties Release Of Property First Future Payment Real Estate Properties Release Of Property Total Payment Real Estate Under Development Current And Noncurrent Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table] Sevilla [Member] Templeton Santa Barbara Limited Liability Company [Member] Unusual or Infrequent Item, Insurance Proceeds Insurance proceeds for wind damage to roofs Windfall Investors Limited Liability Company [Member] The maximum improvement costs required to be paid relating to annexation of real estate property The maximum improvement costs required to be paid relating to annexation of real estate property. Non-cash impairment charge recognized on sale of parcel of property Non-cash impairment charge recognized on sale of parcel of property. Real estate development projects, acres of land under development Number of Acres of Land for Real Estate Development Real estate development projects, number of projects Number of Real Estate Development Projects Pacific Crest [Member] Repairs completion percentage Percentage of completion The prorata share percentage of improvement costs required to be paid relating to annexation of real estate property The prorata share percentage of improvement costs required to be paid relating to annexation of real estate property. Real estate development projects, net expenses Real Estate Development Expense Real estate development projects, net incidental income Real Estate Development Income Improvements study, accrued costs Costs incurred as part of a study to determine work and budget for real estate improvement. Number of acres to be released to the company Number of acres of real estate to be released as part of an agreement. Fee increase per unit for first 500 certificates of residency Fee increase per unit as part of an agreement to release land to the company. Initial payment to be made for property in June 2013 Amount of the initial payment to be made for property during a future period. Total payment for property released to the company Total amount to be paid by the company for real estate property released. Real estate development assets, total Real Estate Under Development Current And Noncurrent Real estate development assets Sevilla [Member] Templeton Santa Barbara, LLC [Member] Templeton Santa Barbara, LLC [Member] Windfall Investors, LLC [Member] Windfall Investors, LLC [Member] Shares of Calavo's common stock purchased Equity Investment, Shares Purchased Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes Available-for-sale securities total unrealized holding gains (losses), pre tax Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Available-for-sale securities total unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax Equity Investment Shares Purchased Investment amount Investment [Line Items] Investment [Table] Percentage Of Ownership Interest Sold Proceeds From Payment For Stock Purchase Agreement Sale Of Interest In Equity Investment Sale Of Interest In Equity Investment Shares Share Price Closing price of Calavo stock on date of sale Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Common stock sold, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Common stock sold to Calavo, value Ownership percentage sold to Calavo Percentage Of Ownership Interest Sold Net cash consideration received from stock purchase agreement Proceeds from (Payment for) Stock Purchase Agreement Calavo stock sold, value Sale Of Interest In Equity Investment Calavo stock sold, shares Sale Of Interest In Equity Investment, Shares Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Receivable Type [Axis] Notes Receivable In Connection With Stock Grant Program [Member] Notes Receivable, Related Parties Notes receivable and accrued interest from related parties Receivable Type [Domain] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Notes Receivable in Connection with Stock Grant Program [Member] Deferred lease assets and other [Member] Finite Lived Intangibles And Other Assets [Member] Finite Lived Intangibles And Other Assets [Member] Mining Properties and Mineral Rights [Member] Mutual Water Companies [Member] Other Assets [Axis] Other Assets [Domain] Revolving Funds And Memberships [Member] Schedule Of Other Assets [Line Items] Schedule Of Other Assets [Table] Acquired water and mineral rights [Member] Mutual Water Companies [Member] Other Assets [Axis] Other Assets [Domain] Revolving Funds And Memberships [Member] Schedule Of Other Assets [Line Items] Schedule Of Other Assets [Table] Long-term Debt Long-term debt Less current portion Property held as collateral, net book value Assets Pledged As Collateral Debt fixed interest rate expiration date Debt Instrument, Fixed Rate Expiration Date LIBOR rate Debt Instrument Interest LIBOR Rate Farm Credit West Term Loan One [Member] Farm Credit West Term Loan Three [Member] Farm Credit West Term Loan Two [Member] Assets Pledged As Collateral Debt Instrument Fixed Rate Expiration Date Debt Instrument Interest London Interbank Offered Rate Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt fixed interest rate Farm Credit West Term Loan One [Member] Farm Credit West Term Loan Three [Member] Farm Credit West Term Loan Two [Member] Old Line of Credit [Member] Agreement One [Member] New Loan Agreement [Member] Agreement Two [Member] Spread over LIBOR Debt Instrument Interest Over LIBOR Rate Debt maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity, Month and Year Farm Credit West Non-Revolving Line of Credit [Member] Agreement One [Member] Agreement Two [Member] Debt Instrument, Frequency of Periodic Payment Line of credit facility, interest payment frequency Debt Instrument Interest Over London Interbank Offered Rate Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate at Period End Debt interest rate at period end Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt maturity date Debt Instrument Maturity Month And Year Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Remittance of special principal payment per lot sold on Windfall Investors, LLC real estate development project Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Farm Credit West Nonrevolving Line Of Credit [Member] Interest Costs Capitalized Interest capitalized Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, borrowing capacity Repayments of long-term debt Scenario One [Member] Scenario Two [Member] Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Scenario One [Member] Scenario Two [Member] Second Amended And Restated Credit Agreement [Member] Derivative instrument maturity date Derivative, Maturity Month and Year Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Maturity Month And Year Derivative [Table] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Accumulated other comprehensive loss, amortization Accumulated other comprehensive loss, amortization After Amendment [Member] Before Amendment [Member] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Notional Amount Forward Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Interest rate reduction basis points Interest Rate Reduction, Basis Points Interest Rate Swap Cancelled One [Member] Interest Rate Swap Cancelled Two [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Accumulated Amortization After Amendment [Member] Before Amendment [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Line Items] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Interest rate swap pay-fixed rate Derivative, Forward Interest Rate Interest rate swap, interest rate Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Table] Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Net Derivative liability fair value Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Forward Interest Rate Swaps [Member] Interest Rate Reduction Basis Points Interest Rate Swap Cancelled One [Member] Interest Rate Swap Cancelled Two [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional amount of Interest rate swap Number Of Interest Rate Swaps Cancelled Other Comprehensive Income Amortization Of Interest Rate Swap Rabobank Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario [Axis] Non-cash interest income (expense) Number of interest rate swaps cancelled Number of Interest Rate Swaps Cancelled Amortization of accumulated other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income, Amortization of Interest Rate Swap Rabobank Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Board Of Directors [Member] Cooperative Association [Member] Employee [Member] Board Of Directors [Member] Cooperative Association [Member] Due from Related Parties Receivable from related party Due to Related Parties Due to related party Employee [Member] Investment Income, Dividend Dividend income Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Purchase from related party Related Party [Axis] Rental Income Revenue from Related Parties Amount sold to related party Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Rental income Rental Income Projected annual effective tax rate Estimated Annual Effective Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate Estimated Annual Effective Tax Rate Defined Benefit Pension Plan, service period Defined Benefit Plan, Service Period Defined Benefit Plan Service Period Pension Contributions Defined Benefit Pension Plan, funding contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Recognized actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Net periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Service cost Fair value of derivative instrument [Member] Fair Value Derivatives [Member] Fair Value Derivatives [Member] Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment [Member] Other Liabilities By Type [Axis] Other Liabilities By Type [Domain] Others [Member] Schedule Of Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Line Items] Schedule Of Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Table] Minimum pension liability [Member] Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment [Member] Other Liabilities By Type [Axis] Other Liabilities By Type [Domain] Other [Member] Others [Member] Schedule Of Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Line Items] Schedule Of Other Liabilities Noncurrent [Table] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Business Business [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Fair Value Measurements [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Real Estate Development Assets [Abstract] Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block] Real Estate Development Assets Accounts Receivable Accrued Interest Receivable Disclosure [Text Block] Accrued Interest Receivable Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] Concentrations Concentrations [Abstract] Notes Receivable [Abstract] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Notes Receivable Investment in Calavo Growers, Inc. [Abstract] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investment in Calavo Growers, Inc. Other Assets [Abstract] Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Other Assets Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Related-Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Related-Party Transactions Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Retirement Plans [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Plans Other Long-term Liabilities [Abstract] Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Other Long-Term Liabilities Segment Information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Real Estate Properties [Table Text Block] Schedule of Real Estate Development Assets Schedule of Other Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Long-Term Liabilities Tabular disclosure of long-term liabilities not already disclosed. Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Pronouncements Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Agribusiness [Member] Agricultural [Member] Agricultural [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Depreciation and amortization Impairment of Real Estate Impairment charges Operating Costs and Expenses Real Estate Development And Sales [Member] Real Estate Leases [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment [Domain] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Business Segments [Axis] Costs and expenses Real Estate Development [Member] Real Estate Development And Sales [Member] Rental Operations [Member] Real Estate Leases [Member] Leased Land [Member] Organic Recycling [Member] Product Four [Member] Product Three [Member] Product Two [Member] Real Estate Operations [Member] Real Estate Sales [Member] Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Residential And Commercial [Member] Agribusiness revenues Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items] Leased Land [Member] Organic recycling and other [Member] Organic Recycling [Member] Specialty citrus and other crops [Member] Product Four [Member] Navel and Valencia oranges [Member] Product Three [Member] Avocados [Member] Product Two [Member] Real Estate Operations [Member] Real Estate Sales [Member] Residential And Commercial [Member] Real estate revenues Discontinued Stock Option Plan [Member] Donation Of Common Stock To Museum Of Ventura County [Member] Fair market value of the company's stock at the date of transaction Fair Value of Common Stock on Transaction Date Title of Individual [Axis] Discontinued Stock Option Plan [Member] Donation Of Common Stock To Museum Of Ventura County [Member] Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Unrecognized compensation cost, recognition period Fair Value Of Common Stock On Transaction Date Management [Member] Nonemployee Director [Member] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Reduction Of Sharebased Compensation Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Selling, general and administrative Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Granted Cumulative Share Based Compensation Expense To Be Recognized On Issuance Of Shares Share Based Payments With Individual Exchange Transaction One [Member] Share Based Payments With Individual Exchange Transaction Two [Member] Share Based Payments With Individual Transactions [Axis] Share Based Payments With Individual Transactions [Domain] Shares Of Common Stock Exchanged For Payment Of Payroll Taxes Stock Compensation Plan [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Common stock issued, shares Stock Issued During Period, Value, Other Value of stock issued Stock Option Plan Repurchase Obligation Amount Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock repurchased, shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock repurchased, value Title of Individual with Relationship to Entity [Domain] Nonemployee Director [Member] Reductions of stock-based compensation Reduction of Share-based Compensation Common stock issued under stock option plan Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award, Number of Shares, Granted Cumulative The total amount of share based compensation expense to be recognized on issuance of stock options The total amount of share based compensation expense to be recognized on issuance of stock options. Exchange Transaction One [Member] Share Based Payments With Individual Exchange Transaction One [Member] Exchange Transaction Two [Member] Share Based Payments With Individual Exchange Transaction Two [Member] Share Based Payments With Individua lTransactions [Axis] Share Based Payments With Individual Transactions [Domain] Shares of Company stock exchanged for payment of payroll taxes Shares of Common Stock Exchanged for Payment of Payroll Taxes Common stock repurchase obligation Stock Option Plan, Repurchase Obligation Amount Basis of Accounting [Text Block] Preface Preface [Abstract] Preface [Abstract] Public Offering of Common Stock [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Public Offering of Common Stock Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock made through pubic offering The gross proceeds from issuance of common stock made through pubic offering. Equity Issuance, Per Share Amount Common stock issued, price paid per share Gross Proceeds From Issuance Of Common Stock Maximum Value Of Stock Allowed To Be Sold Through Shelf Registration Statement Payments of Stock Issuance Costs Equity issuance, other transaction costs Percentage Of Common Stock Outstanding Represented By Shares Issued Through Public Offering Net proceeds from issuance of common stock through public offering Number of common stock shares issued through public offering Underwriting Discount For Common Stock Issued In Public Offering Maximum value of stock allowed to be sold through shelf registration statement Maximum value of stock allowed to be sold through shelf registration statement. Percentage of common stock outstanding represented by shares issued in public offering Percentage of common stock outstanding represented by shares issued in public offering. Underwriting discount for common stock issued in public offering Underwriting discount for common stock issued in public offering. Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items] Performance Year Four [Member] Performance Year One [Member] Performance Year Three [Member] Performance Year Two [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Shares granted 2013 [Member] Performance Year Four [Member] 2010 [Member] Performance Year One [Member] 2012 [Member] Performance Year Three [Member] 2011 [Member] Performance Year Two [Member] Schedule of Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock-Based Compensation Expense by Performance Year