Segment Information (Continuing Operations By Reportable Operating Segment) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 509,074	$ 199,770	$ 777,288	$ 461,305
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(90,865)	(347,825)	(467,254)	(711,681)
Corporate And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	6,066	5,774	16,517	17,578
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(15,437)	(25,726)	(64,624)	(85,874)
Tax Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	503,008	193,996	760,771	443,727
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(75,428)	(322,099)	(402,630)	(625,807)
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Assisted [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	283,692	72,108	341,107	123,145
Tax Services [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	10,021	9,253	94,308	82,915
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Digital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	36,720	17,339	42,545	23,211
Tax Services [Member] | Tax preparation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	330,433	98,700	477,960	229,271
Tax Services [Member] | Note receivable
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	52,284	15,061	68,508	31,150
Tax Services [Member] | Refund Transfer fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	50,899	15,542	56,472	21,282
Tax Services [Member] | Emerald Card fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,910	12,689	39,479	37,299
Tax Services [Member] | Peace of Mind fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,492	12,684	54,308	59,661
Tax Services [Member] | Emerald Advance lines of credit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	30,288	27,656	31,439	28,602
Tax Services [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 11,702	$ 11,664	$ 32,605	$ 36,462