Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2012 D	Apr. 30, 2012 Loans To Franchisees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Loans To Franchisees [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Term Loans [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Term Loans [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 Revolving Lines Of Credit [Member]	Apr. 30, 2011 Revolving Lines Of Credit [Member]	Apr. 30, 2012 McGladrey & Pullen LLP [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Note receivable, discontinued operation										$ 54,000,000
Long-term note, interest rate										8.00%
Principal and accrued interest										55,400,000
Non-accrual status loans	300,000			31,400,000
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60
Receivables, net		$ 171,089,000	$ 172,601,000	$ 36,724,000	$ 53,264,000	$ 127,000,000	$ 125,100,000	$ 44,100,000	$ 47,500,000