Segment Information (Continuing Operations By Reportable Operating Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 128,415	$ 134,628	$ 266,133	$ 268,214
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(237,719)	(200,573)	(424,828)	(376,389)
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Assisted [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	36,403	31,926	63,688	57,415
Tax Services [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	35,340	42,831	71,058	84,287
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Digital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	3,469	2,892	6,648	5,824
Tax Services [Member] | Tax preparation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	75,212	77,649	141,394	147,526
Tax Services [Member] | Note receivable
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	9,163	8,582	18,858	16,224
Tax Services [Member] | Refund Transfer fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	1,948	2,154	5,363	5,573
Tax Services [Member] | Emerald Card fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	9,808	11,524	25,497	25,569
Tax Services [Member] | Peace of Mind fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	19,325	16,563	47,028	40,816
Tax Services [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 12,959	$ 18,156	$ 27,993	$ 32,506