Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Jul. 31, 2015
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60 days
Total Portfolio	$ 196,074	$ 206,208	$ 235,848
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	2,600	300	1,500
Emerald Advance lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accrual status loans	21,400	21,100	17,400
Term Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	31,500	35,100	38,400
Revolving Lines Of Credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	62,800	61,200	75,700
Cash Back® receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	$ 600	$ 1,500	$ 600