Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60 days
Total Portfolio	$ 235,848	$ 245,216	$ 268,087
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	1,500	800	100
Emerald Advance lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accrual status loans	17,400	18,700	20,000
Term Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	75,700	80,800	99,700
Revolving Lines Of Credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	38,400	40,300	45,500
Cash Back® receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	$ 600	$ 1,300	$ 1,100