Receivables (Schedule Of Short-Term Receivables) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017	Jan. 31, 2017
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	$ 791,618	$ 162,775	$ 787,865
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	67,227	52,898	66,251
Loans to franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	41,062	39,911	62,603
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	47,434	36,614	50,021
Receivables for U.S assisted and DIY tax preparation and related fees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	299,805	23,025	263,822
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	6,316	6,316	5,528
Instant Cash Back® receivables
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	6,848	34,940	4,590
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	0	0	0
H&R Block Emerald Advance® lines of credit
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	353,972	16,202	354,027
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	9,081	5,069	6,398
Software receivables from retailers
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	7,744	16,715	11,864
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	0	0	0
Royalties and other receivables from franchisees
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	56,149	13,275	64,929
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	788	1,585	0
Other
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $45,215, $47,731 and $55,296	26,038	18,707	26,030
Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	$ 3,608	$ 3,314	$ 4,304