QUARTERLY RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS (unaudited) [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 66,983	$ 67,629	$ 65,772	$ 65,098	$ 64,184	$ 63,080	$ 61,864	$ 58,930	$ 265,482	$ 248,058	$ 228,671
Net income (loss) attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust	(28,542)	3,503	8,787	3,078	10,015	5,324	8,512	1,679	(13,174)	25,530	8,212
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders	$ (31,420)	$ 624	$ 5,909	$ 199	$ 7,136	$ 2,445	$ 5,634	$ 1,086	$ (24,688)	$ 16,301	$ 5,840
Net income (loss) per common share - basic & diluted	$ (0.29)	$ 0	$ 0.06	$ 0	$ 0.07	$ 0.03	$ 0.06	$ 0.01	$ (0.23)	$ 0.17	$ 0.07