Receivables (Schedule Of Activity In The Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010
Beginning balance	$ 67,466	$ 112,475
Provision	2,905	1,790
Recoveries	51	128
Charge-offs	(2,840)	(2,019)
Ending balance	67,582	112,374
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Beginning balance	4,400	35,239
Provision	950	710
Ending balance	5,350	35,949
Tax Client Receivables - RALs [Member]
Beginning balance		12,191
Provision		2
Ending balance		12,193
Loans To Franchisees [Member]
Beginning balance		4
Charge-offs		(4)
All Other Receivables [Member]
Beginning balance	63,066	65,041
Provision	1,955	1,078
Recoveries	51	128
Charge-offs	(2,840)	(2,015)
Ending balance	$ 62,232	$ 64,232