Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012 days	Jan. 31, 2012 RSM McGladrey, Inc. [Member]	Jan. 31, 2012 Loans To Franchisees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Loans To Franchisees [Member]	Jan. 31, 2011 Loans To Franchisees [Member]	Jan. 31, 2012 Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]	Jan. 31, 2011 Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]	Jan. 31, 2012 Term Loans [Member]	Jan. 31, 2012 Revolving Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term receivable, discontinued operation		$ 32,300,000
Note receivable, discontinued operation		54,000,000
Long-term note, interest rate		8.00%
Non-accrual status loans						41,400,000	46,800,000
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60
Receivables, net			$ 215,551,000	$ 172,601,000	$ 216,609,000	$ 458,718,000	$ 53,264,000	$ 687,925,000	$ 150,400,000	$ 65,200,000