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Document and Entity Information (USD $)
 6 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2014
Nov. 10, 2014
Apr. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]      
Entity Registrant Name Investors Real Estate Trust    
Entity Central Index Key 0000798359    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --04-30    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Public Float     $ 898,050,172
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   120,257,746  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015    
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2    
Document Type 10-Q    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2014