EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]
Redemption basis	one-for-one
Period to hold the beneficial interest, minimum	1 year
NUMERATOR [Abstract]
(Loss) income from continuing operations - Investors Real Estate Trust	$ (151)	$ 2,584
Income from discontinued operations - Investors Real Estate Trust	0	494
Net (loss) income attributable to Investors Real Estate Trust	(151)	3,078
Dividends to preferred shareholders	(2,879)	(2,879)
Numerator for basic earnings per share - net income available to common shareholders	(3,030)	199
Noncontrolling interests - Operating Partnership	(402)	50
Numerator for diluted earnings per share	$ (3,432)	$ 249
DENOMINATOR [Abstract]
Denominator for basic earnings per share weighted average shares (in shares)	111,039	102,358
Effect of convertible operating partnership units (in shares)	20,293	21,821
Denominator for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	131,332	124,179
(Loss) earnings per common share from continuing operations - Investors Real Estate Trust - basic and diluted	$ (0.03)	$ 0
Earnings per common share from discontinued operations - Investors Real Estate Trust - basic and diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 0
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE - BASIC & DILUTED	$ (0.03)	$ 0