Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2012	Aug. 27, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
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	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 608,961,193
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		92,069,865
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jul. 31, 2012