Receivables (Schedule Of Short-Term Receivables) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 719,937	$ 257,234	$ 993,989
Allowance for doubtful accounts	(42,716)	(50,399)	(44,829)
Receivables, net	677,221	206,835	949,160
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	104,841	65,413	110,560
Canadian CashBack receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	60,162	49,356	250,566
Receivables for tax preparation and related fees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	10,099	47,658	13,052
Emerald Advance lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	444,590	23,218	462,576
Credit cards
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	30,309	10,722	69,627
Refund Anticipation Check Fees [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	13,413	0	31,680
Royalties from franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	5,610	7,733	4,220
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, gross	$ 50,913	$ 53,134	$ 51,708