Document and Entity Information (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
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	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float		$ 608,961,193
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	93,493,324
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2012