XML 13 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.6.0.2
Document and Entity Information - shares
 9 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2017
Mar. 06, 2017
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 Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   121,917,954
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2017  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jan. 31, 2017