Revenue Recognition (Disaggregation of Revenue by Major Service Line) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2018
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 468,384	$ 488,426	$ 762,438	$ 767,082
U.S. assisted tax preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	256,813	267,328	329,569	333,956
U.S. royalties
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	42,265	45,420	57,898	59,395
U.S. DIY tax preparation
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	31,885	31,322	37,660	38,811
International revenues
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	12,304	12,308	96,980	100,659
Revenues from Refund Transfers
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	47,482	50,770	49,466	54,721
Revenues from Emerald Card®
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	14,980	16,125	38,704	40,292
Revenues from Peace of Mind® Extended Service Plan
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	16,596	19,967	77,491	76,495
Revenues from Tax Identity Shield®
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	7,655	6,818	17,639	7,329
Interest and fee income on Emerald AdvanceTM
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	30,924	31,075	31,768	32,333
Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 7,480	$ 7,293	$ 25,263	$ 23,091