Receivables (Schedule Of Short-Term Receivables) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jul. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 159,834	$ 238,447	$ 172,574
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(43,477)	(44,589)	(48,692)	(47,943)
Receivables, net	116,357	193,858	123,882
Loans To Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	60,459	61,252	62,313
Receivables For Tax Preparation And Related Fees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	35,194	42,286	36,203
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	24,215	23,717	30,699
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(6,200)	(6,200)	(5,350)	(4,400)
Royalties From Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	2,096	5,781	707
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 37,870	$ 105,411	$ 42,652