Receivables (Schedule Of Loans Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	$ 993,989	$ 238,447	$ 1,100,041
Receivables, net	473,041
Emerald Advance Lines Of Credit [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	462,576	23,717	443,717
Long-term	10,465	13,007	15,001
Receivables, net	473,041	36,724	458,718
Loans To Franchisees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	110,560	61,252	81,415
Long-term	127,274	109,837	134,136
Receivables, net	237,834	171,089	215,551
Credit Card Balances [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	4,220
Long-term	16,045
Receivables, net	$ 20,265