Segment Information (Continuing Operations By Reportable Operating Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 474,543	$ 509,074	$ 740,676	$ 777,288
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES :	(146,500)	(90,865)	(571,328)	(467,254)
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Assisted [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	268,775	283,692	332,463	341,107
Tax Services [Member] | International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	8,575	10,021	79,633	94,308
Tax Services [Member] | U.S. Digital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	39,251	36,720	45,899	42,545
Tax Services [Member] | Tax preparation fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	316,601	330,433	457,995	477,960
Tax Services [Member] | Note receivable
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	40,387	52,284	59,245	68,508
Tax Services [Member] | Refund Transfer fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	49,419	50,899	54,782	56,472
Tax Services [Member] | Emerald Card fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	13,356	13,910	38,853	39,479
Tax Services [Member] | Peace of Mind fees [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	15,736	13,492	62,764	54,308
Tax Services [Member] | Emerald Advance lines of credit
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	31,603	30,288	32,334	31,439
Tax Services [Member] | Other revenue [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 7,441	$ 17,768	$ 34,703	$ 49,122