Receivables (Schedule Of Short-Term Receivables) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2011
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 993,989	$ 238,447	$ 1,100,041
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(44,829)	(44,589)	(64,139)	(47,943)
Receivables, net	949,160	193,858	1,035,902
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	462,576	23,717	443,717
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(31,719)	(6,200)	(37,970)	(4,400)
Receivables For Tax Preparation And Related Fees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	250,566	42,286	333,636
Loans To Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	110,560	61,252	81,415
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(42)
Royalties From Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	69,627	5,781	88,597
RAC Fees Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	31,680		28,942
Receivable From McGladrey & Pullen LLC [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross			32,342
Other [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 68,980	$ 105,411	$ 91,392