Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Income Taxes, Net, Expected Federal Refund	$ 136,100,000
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60 days
Total Portfolio	350,235,000	429,312,000
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	168,460,000	171,089,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	100,000
Emerald Advance lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accrual status loans	30,000,000	31,400,000
Receivables, net	33,037,000	36,724,000
Term Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	121,200,000	127,000,000
Revolving Lines Of Credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	47,300,000	44,100,000
Receivables for tax preparation and related fees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	47,658,000	56,846,000
Short-term	1,800,000	3,800,000
Royalties from franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	23,271,000	0
McGladrey & Pullen LLP
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Note receivable, discontinued operation	54,000,000
Long-term note, interest rate	8.00%
Total Portfolio	60,400,000	55,400,000
Consumer Credit Card Financing Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unamortized Deferred Fees, Capitalized	$ 2,100,000