Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Oct. 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	$ 187,057	$ 206,208	$ 226,224
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	2,000	300	1,600
Emerald Advance® lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accrual status loans	20,800	21,100	18,200
Term Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	31,400	35,100	41,100
Revolving Lines Of Credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	64,400	61,200	76,300
Cash Back® receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	$ 0	$ 1,500	$ 0