Receivables (Schedule Of Loans Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	$ 23,717	$ 31,645
Long-term	13,007	21,619
Receivables, net	36,724	53,264
Tax Client Receivables - RALs [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	648	2,412
Long-term	4,624	5,855
Receivables, net	5,272	8,267
Loans To Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	61,252	62,181
Long-term	109,837	110,420
Receivables, net	$ 171,089	$ 172,601