Receivables (Schedule Of Short-Term Receivables) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 238,447	$ 278,115
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(44,589)	(47,943)
Receivables, net	193,858	230,172
Loans To Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	61,252	62,181
Receivables For Tax Preparation And Related Fees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	42,286	38,930
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	23,717	31,645
Royalties From Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	5,781	11,645
Tax Client Receivables - RALs [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	648	2,412
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 104,763	$ 131,302