CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	PREFERRED STOCK	COMMON STOCK	ACCUMULATED DISTRIBUTIONS IN EXCESS OF NET INCOME	NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	Total
Balance at Apr. 30, 2010	$ 27,317	$ 583,618	$ (201,412)	$ 145,592	$ 555,115
Balance, shares (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2010	1,150	75,805
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests			1,986	338	2,324
Distributions - common shares and units			(13,036)	(3,514)	(16,550)
Distributions - preferred shares			(593)		(593)
Distribution reinvestment plan		2,773			2,773
Distribution reinvestment plan, shares (in shares)		330
Shares issued		14,785			14,785
Shares issued, shares (in shares)		1,774
Redemption of units for common shares		1,776		(1,776)	0
Redemption of units for common shares, shares (in shares)		249
Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests		393			393
Other		(1)		(300)	(301)
Balance at Jul. 31, 2010	27,317	603,344	(213,055)	140,340	557,946
Balance, shares (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2010	1,150	78,158
Balance at Apr. 30, 2011	27,317	621,936	(237,563)	132,600	544,290
Balance, shares (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2011	1,150	80,523
Net income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust and nonredeemable noncontrolling interests			1,421	147	1,568
Distributions - common shares and units			(13,850)	(3,424)	(17,274)
Distributions - preferred shares			(593)		(593)
Distribution reinvestment plan		2,950			2,950
Distribution reinvestment plan, shares (in shares)		375
Shares issued		2,142			2,142
Shares issued, shares (in shares)		253
Redemption of units for common shares		999		(999)	0
Redemption of units for common shares, shares (in shares)		109
Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests		(298)			(298)
Other		(7)		(245)	(252)
Other, shares		(1)
Balance at Jul. 31, 2011	$ 27,317	$ 627,722	$ (250,585)	$ 128,079	$ 532,533
Balance, shares (in shares) at Jul. 31, 2011	1,150	81,259