Receivables (Schedule Of Loans Receivable) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	$ 719,937	$ 257,234	$ 993,989
Emerald Advance lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	444,590	23,218	462,576
Long-term	5,555	9,819	10,465
Receivables, net	450,145	33,037	473,041
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	104,841	65,413	110,560
Long-term	114,676	103,047	127,274
Receivables, net	219,517	168,460	237,834
Receivables for tax preparation and related fees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	10,099	47,658	13,052
Long-term	0	0	0
Receivables, net	10,099	47,658	13,052
Royalties from franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	5,610	7,733	4,220
Long-term	11,378	15,538	16,045
Receivables, net	$ 16,988	$ 23,271	$ 20,265