Entity Information (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012
Entity Registrant Name	INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST
Entity Central Index Key	0000798359
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float	$ 679,638,043
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	86,169,534
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3