Document and Entity Information - shares |
9 Months Ended | |
|---|---|---|
Jan. 31, 2016 |
Mar. 03, 2016 |
|
| 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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding | 121,054,247 | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2016 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q3 | |
| Document Type | 10-Q | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 31, 2016 |