Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 29, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	INVESTORS REAL ESTATE TRUST
Entity Central Index Key	0000798359
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		11,754,251
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019