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			19,638	4,408	24,046
Distributions - common shares and units			(40,131)	(10,365)	(50,496)
Distributions - preferred shares			(1,779)		(1,779)
Distribution reinvestment plan		10,130			10,130
Distribution reinvestment plan, shares (in shares)		1,212
Shares issued		16,637			16,637
Shares issued, shares (in shares)		1,999
Partnership units issued				3,252	3,252
Redemption of units for common shares		6,007		(6,007)	0
Redemption of units for common shares, shares (in shares)		831
Adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interests		570			570
Other		(261)		(1,164)	(1,425)
Other, shares		(1)
Balance at Jan. 31, 2011	27,317	616,701	(223,684)	135,716	556,050
Balance, shares (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2011	1,150	79,846
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			4,833	740	5,573
Distributions - common shares and units			(35,433)	(8,513)	(43,946)
Distributions - preferred shares			(1,779)		(1,779)
Distribution reinvestment plan		28,831			28,831
Distribution reinvestment plan, shares (in shares)		3,992
Shares issued		3,413			3,413
Shares issued, shares (in shares)		471
Partnership units issued				2,469	2,469
Redemption of units for common shares		3,454		(3,454)	0
Redemption of units for common shares, shares (in shares)		759
Other		(330)		1,641	1,311
Other, shares		(2)
Balance at Jan. 31, 2012	$ 27,317	$ 657,304	$ (269,942)	$ 125,483	$ 540,162
Balance, shares (in shares) at Jan. 31, 2012	1,150	85,743