Segment Information (Continuing Operations By Reportable Operating Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 137,718	$ 133,586
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(187,109)	(175,816)
Corporate And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	5,144	4,506
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(17,671)	(25,256)
Tax Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	132,574	129,080
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(169,438)	(150,560)
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Assisted [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	27,285	25,489
Tax Services [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	35,718	41,456
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Digital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	3,179	2,932
Tax Services [Member] | Tax preparation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	66,182	69,877
Tax Services [Member] | Note receivable
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	9,695	7,642
Tax Services [Member] | Refund Transfer fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	3,415	3,419
Tax Services [Member] | Emerald Card fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	15,689	14,045
Tax Services [Member] | Peace of Mind fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	27,703	24,253
Tax Services [Member] | Emerald Advance lines of credit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	314	607
Tax Services [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 9,576	$ 9,237