Receivables (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Impaired non-accrual status term, days	60 days
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due	$ 100	$ 300	$ 100
H&R Block Emerald Advance® lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Non-accrual status loans	25,300	21,100	18,200
Term Loans
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	48,400	35,100	48,600
Revolving Lines Of Credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, net	64,300	61,200	76,900
Cash Back® receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Short-term	$ 26	$ 1,500	$ 300