Receivables (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60 days
Total Portfolio	$ 306,103,000	$ 350,235,000	$ 385,867,000
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	179,264,000	168,460,000	188,212,000
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	100,000	100,000	0
Emerald Advance lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accrual status loans	26,200,000	30,000,000	30,300,000
Receivables, net	27,853,000	33,037,000	34,455,000
Term Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	126,300,000	121,200,000	136,900,000
Revolving Lines Of Credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	53,000,000	47,300,000	51,300,000
Receivables for tax preparation and related fees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	2,036,000	47,658,000	3,863,000
Short-term	100,000	1,800,000	400,000
Royalties from franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	19,718,000	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	62,786,000	60,352,000	58,000,000
Consumer Credit Card Financing Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Unamortized Deferred Fees, Capitalized	$ 300,000	$ 2,100,000