NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012 Unit	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		$ 22,638	$ 20,118	[1]
Number of units in building	32
Mendota Properties LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		7,333	7,236
IRET-1715 YDR, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		0	1,003
IRET-Williston Garden Apartments, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		2,804	2,597
IRET-Jamestown Medical Building, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		1,219	1,396
WRH Holding, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		1,206	1,118
IRET-Cypress Court Apartments, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		1,127	1,149
IRET-WRH 1, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		5,672	5,619
IRET-RED 20, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		$ 3,277	$ 0

[1] (as revised)