Receivables (Schedule Of Short-Term Receivables) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 167,272	$ 238,447	$ 176,474
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(42,761)	(44,589)	(48,412)	(47,943)
Receivables, net	124,511	193,858	128,062
Loans To Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	69,110	61,252	67,594
Receivables For Tax Preparation And Related Fees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	34,083	42,286	34,561
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	23,630	23,717	29,929
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(6,510)	(6,200)	(5,930)	(4,400)
Royalties From Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	8,744	5,781	5,389
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 31,705	$ 105,411	$ 39,001