XML 44 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.3.1.900
Document and Entity Information - shares
6 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2015
Dec. 03, 2015
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 Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   122,425,544
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2016  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2015