Receivables (Schedule of Activity in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	Apr. 30, 2010	Apr. 30, 2009
Beginning balance	$ 112,475	$ 128,541	$ 120,155
Provision	144,264	111,754	116,174
Recoveries	312	534	315
Charge-offs	(189,585)	(128,354)	(108,103)
Ending balance	67,466	112,475	128,541
Emerald Advance Lines of Credit [Member]
Beginning balance	35,239	42,875	31,393
Provision	91,546	33,919	42,875
Charge-offs	(122,385)	(41,555)	(31,393)
Ending balance	4,400	35,239	42,875
Tax Client Receivables - RALs [Member]
Beginning balance	12,191	14,136	17,398
Provision	2	12,193	14,144
Charge-offs	(12,193)	(14,138)	(17,406)
Ending balance		12,191	14,136
Loans to Franchisees [Member]
Beginning balance	4		4
Recoveries
Charge-offs	(4)
Ending balance			4
All Other Receivables [Member]
Beginning balance	65,041	71,526	71,360
Provision	52,716	65,642	59,155
Recoveries	312	534	315
Charge-offs	(55,003)	(72,661)	(59,304)
Ending balance	$ 63,066	$ 65,041	$ 71,526