NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	$ 21,020	$ 30,519
IRET - 71 France, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	8,070	8,630
IRET-Cypress Court Apartments, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	1,042	1,089
IRET-RED 20, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	2,410	3,072
IRET-Williston Garden Apartments, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	3,014	3,090
IRET-WRH 1, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	5,266	6,138
Mendota Properties LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities		7,294
WRH Holding, LLC [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	1,195	$ 1,206
Other Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Noncontrolling interests - consolidated real estate entities	$ 23