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			7,805	1,631	9,436
Distributions - common shares and units			(26,511)	(6,971)	(33,482)
Distributions - preferred shares			(1,186)		(1,186)
Distribution reinvestment plan		6,262			6,262
Distribution reinvestment plan, shares (in shares)		766
Shares issued		16,598			16,598
Shares issued, shares (in shares)		1,994
Redemption of units for common shares		3,578		(3,578)	0
Redemption of units for common shares, shares (in shares)		528
Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests		472			472
Other		52		(997)	(945)
Balance at Oct. 31, 2010	27,317	610,580	(221,304)	135,677	552,270
Balance, shares (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2010	1,150	79,093
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			2,706	348	3,054
Distributions - common shares and units			(24,492)	(5,969)	(30,461)
Distributions - preferred shares			(1,186)		(1,186)
Distribution reinvestment plan		16,902			16,902
Distribution reinvestment plan, shares (in shares)		2,302
Shares issued		773			773
Shares issued, shares (in shares)		99
Partnership units issued				1,974	1,974
Redemption of units for common shares		3,454		(3,454)	0
Redemption of units for common shares, shares (in shares)		759
Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests		(35)			(35)
Other		(8)		1,865	1,857
Other, shares		(1)
Balance at Oct. 31, 2011	$ 27,317	$ 643,022	$ (260,535)	$ 127,364	$ 537,168
Balance, shares (in shares) at Oct. 31, 2011	1,150	83,682