XML 12 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
 3 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2018
Aug. 31, 2018
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   119,507,149
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Jul. 31, 2018