John Wiley & Sons (WLY) 10-Q 10 Dec 13 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013	Nov. 30, 2013
		Common Stock Class A [Member]	Common Stock Class B [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'WILEY JOHN & SONS, INC.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000107140	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--04-30	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	49,467,199	9,489,692
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-13	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - UNAUDITED (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$149,662	$334,140	$92,565
Accounts receivable	180,175	161,731	195,961
Inventories	81,368	82,017	89,308
Prepaid and other	52,377	57,083	61,959
Total Current Assets	463,582	634,971	439,793
Product Development Assets	67,149	87,876	79,822
Technology, Property & Equipment	184,050	189,625	192,468
Intangible Assets	961,588	954,957	996,748
Goodwill	851,309	835,540	834,210
Income Tax Deposit	61,001	45,868	32,700
Other Assets	61,782	57,538	55,943
Total Assets	2,650,461	2,806,375	2,631,684
Current Liabilities	'	'	'
Accounts and royalties payable	161,649	143,313	170,849
Deferred revenue	138,354	362,970	107,418
Accrued employment costs	83,738	85,306	52,908
Accrued income taxes	7,804	16,093	17,799
Accrued pension liability	4,389	4,359	3,570
Other accrued liabilities	44,579	55,128	59,126
Total Current Liabilities	440,513	667,169	411,670
Long-Term Debt	647,900	673,000	701,900
Accrued Pension Liability	203,266	204,362	144,154
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	194,639	197,526	212,549
Other Long-Term Liabilities	77,773	75,962	72,944
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'
Class A & Class B common stock	83,190	83,190	83,190
Additional paid-in-capital	306,356	290,762	289,992
Retained earnings	1,430,295	1,387,512	1,351,079
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-235,463	-278,632	-202,561
Treasury stock	-498,008	-494,476	-433,233
Total Shareholders' Equity	1,086,370	988,356	1,088,467
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity	$2,650,461	$2,806,375	$2,631,684

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$449,153	$431,755	$860,173	$842,489
Costs and Expenses	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	130,352	129,554	250,143	256,798
Operating and administrative expenses	237,526	223,990	474,521	453,976
Restructuring charges	15,316	0	23,071	4,841
Impairment charges	4,786	15,521	4,786	15,521
Amortization of intangibles	10,986	9,578	21,901	19,246
Total Costs and Expenses	398,966	378,643	774,422	750,382
Gain on Sale of Travel Publishing Program	0	9,829	0	9,829
Operating Income	50,187	62,941	85,751	101,936
Interest Expense	-3,392	-2,903	-6,863	-5,730
Foreign Exchange Transaction Loss (Gain)	-581	-1,472	300	-452
Interest Income and Other	491	696	1,629	1,227
Income Before Taxes	46,705	59,262	80,817	96,981
Provision For Income Taxes	10,508	16,205	8,687	17,807
Net Income	$36,197	$43,057	$72,130	$79,174
Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.61	$0.71	$1.22	$1.31
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.62	$0.72	$1.23	$1.33
Average Shares	'	'	'	'
Diluted (in shares)	59,416	60,633	59,294	60,493
Basic (in shares)	58,535	59,853	58,487	59,669
Class A Common [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	'	'	'	'
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.25	$0.24	$0.50	$0.48
Class B Common [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	'	'	'	'
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.25	$0.24	$0.50	$0.48

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$36,197	$43,057	$72,130	$79,174
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	50,940	35,039	41,137	-5,958
Unamortized retirement costs, net of tax (benefit) provision of $(253), $252, $881and $1,778, respectively	-1,106	269	1,699	3,895
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate swaps, net of tax (benefit) provision of $35, $175, $198 and $(55), respectively	57	292	333	-88
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	49,891	35,600	43,169	-2,151
Comprehensive Income	$86,088	$78,657	$115,299	$77,023

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unamortized retirement costs, tax provision	($253)	$252	$881	$1,778
Unrealized gain/(loss) on interest rate swaps, tax provision/(benefit)	$35	$175	$198	($55)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW - UNAUDITED (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$72,130	$79,174
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used for operating activities:	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	21,901	19,246
Amortization of composition costs	22,827	26,136
Depreciation of technology, property and equipment	28,909	26,115
Restructuring charges	23,071	4,841
Impairment charges	4,786	15,521
Gain on sale of travel publishing program	0	-9,829
Deferred tax benefits on U.K. rate changes	-10,634	-8,402
Stock-based compensation expense	7,305	7,995
Excess tax (benefit) charge from stock-based compensation	1,672	-1,095
Royalty advances	-44,005	-43,917
Earned royalty advances	59,926	51,686
Other non-cash charges	17,061	25,843
Change in deferred revenue	-229,572	-233,257
Income tax deposit	-10,433	-29,705
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions	-31,442	-21,981
Cash Used for Operating Activities	-66,498	-91,629
Investing Activities	'	'
Composition spending	-19,290	-23,103
Additions to technology, property and equipment	-26,199	-28,262
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-739	-233,919
Proceeds from sale of consumer publishing programs	0	18,700
Cash Used for Investing Activities	-46,228	-266,584
Financing Activities	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-293,500	-211,600
Borrowings of long-term debt	268,400	438,500
Change in book overdrafts	-23,836	-14,700
Cash dividends	-29,347	-28,808
Purchase of treasury stock	-18,533	-10,609
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other	24,900	23,735
Excess tax benefit (charge) from stock-based compensation	-1,672	1,095
Cash (Used for) Provided by Financing Activities	-73,588	197,613
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash	1,836	-6,665
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'
Decrease for the Period	-184,478	-167,265
Balance at Beginning of Period	334,140	259,830
Balance at End of Period	149,662	92,565
Cash Paid During the Period for:	'	'
Interest	6,136	5,123
Income taxes, net	$35,623	$36,487

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1	Basis of Presentation
	In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial condition, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the periods presented. Operating results for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the most recent audited financial statements included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2013.
	The preparation of the Company’s financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Recent_Accounting_Standards

Recent Accounting Standards	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	2	Recent Accounting Standards
	There have been no new accounting standards issued that have had, or are expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	3	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company has share-based compensation plans under which employees may be granted options to purchase shares of Company common stock at the fair market value at the time of grant.  In addition to stock options, the Company grants performance-based stock awards and other restricted stock awards to certain management level employees. The Company recognizes the grant date fair value of share-based compensation in net income on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. The measurement of performance for performance-based stock awards is based on actual financial results for targets established three years in advance. For the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense, on a pre-tax basis, of $4.0 million and $4.3 million, respectively. For the six months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense, on a pre-tax basis, of $7.3 million and $8.0 million, respectively
	The following table provides share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company:
			For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,
			2013	2012
		Restricted Stock:
		Awards granted (in thousands)	375	294
		Weighted average fair value of grant	$40.75	$47.34
		Stock Options:
		Awards granted (in thousands)	322	401
		Weighted average fair value of grant	$10.12	$12.26
	The weighted average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions for stock option grants are as follows:
			For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,
			2013	2012
		Expected life of options (years)	7.4	7.3
		Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	1.20%
		Expected volatility	30.50%	30.20%
		Expected dividend yield	2.50%	2.00%
		Fair value of common stock on grant date	$39.53	$48.06

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	4.     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by component, net of tax, for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			Foreign	Unamortized	Interest
			Currency	Retirement	Rate
			Translation	Costs	Swaps	Total
		Balance at July 31, 2013	($144,342)	($140,319)	($693)	($285,354)
		Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	50,940	-3,704	-127	47,109
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-	2,598	184	2,782
		Total other comprehensive income (loss)	50,940	-1,106	57	49,891
		Balance at October 31, 2013	($93,402)	($141,425)	($636)	($235,463)
			Foreign	Unamortized	Interest
			Currency	Retirement	Rate
			Translation	Costs	Swaps	Total
		Balance at April 30, 2013	($134,539)	($143,124)	($969)	($278,632)
		Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	41,137	-3,394	-29	37,714
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-	5,093	362	5,455
		Total other comprehensive income	41,137	1,699	333	43,169
		Balance at October 31, 2013	($93,402)	($141,425)	($636)	($235,463)
	For the three and six months ended October 31, 2013, pre-tax actuarial losses included in Unamortized Retirement Costs of   approximately $3.7 million and $7.2 million, respectively, were amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss and recognized as pension expense in Operating and Administrative Expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. See Note 15 for additional information on the amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Interest Expense related to interest rate swap agreements.

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	'
	5.     Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
	A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of earnings per share follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months		For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,		Ended October 31,
			2013	2012	2013	2012
		Weighted average shares outstanding	58,846	60,091	58,765	59,883
		Less: Unearned restricted shares	-311	-238	-278	-214
		Shares used for basic earnings per share	58,535	59,853	58,487	59,669
		Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards	881	780	807	824
		Shares used for diluted earnings per share	59,416	60,633	59,294	60,493
	Since their inclusion in the calculation of diluted earnings per share would have been anti-dilutive, options to purchase 715,952 and 1,125,120 shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013, respectively, and options to purchase 2,049,562 shares have been excluded for both the three and six months ended October 31, 2012. In addition, for the six months ended October 31, 2013, 5,000 unearned restricted shares have been excluded as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive, while there were no unearned restricted shares excluded for the three months ended October 31, 2013. The three and six months ended October 31, 2012 exclude 4,000 and 23,750 anti-dilutive unearned restricted shares, respectively.

Restructuring_Programs

Restructuring Programs	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Restructuring Programs [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Programs	'
	6.     Restructuring Programs
	Restructuring and Reinvestment Program:
	In fiscal year 2013, the Company initiated a program (the “Restructuring and Reinvestment Program”) to restructure and realign its cost base with current and anticipated future market conditions.  The Company is targeting a majority of the cost savings achieved to improve margins and earnings, while the remainder will be reinvested in high growth digital business opportunities.
	The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges related to this program, which are reflected in Restructuring Charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
			For the		For the		Cumulative
			Three Months		Six Months		Charges
			Ended		Ended		Incurred
			31-Oct-13		31-Oct-13		to Date
		Charges by Segment:
		Research	$3,401		$5,372		$8,317
		Professional Development	2,114		5,667		11,950
		Education	210		258		1,377
		Shared Services	9,591		11,774		25,879
		Total Restructuring Charges	$15,316		$23,071		$47,523
		Charges by Activity:
		Severance	$9,900		$14,931		$34,068
		Process reengineering consulting	3,100		5,611		8,246
		Other activities	2,316		2,529		5,209
		Total Restructuring Charges	$15,316		$23,071		$47,523
	Other Activities for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013 mainly reflect lease and other contract termination costs. The Company expects to record additional restructuring charges during the remainder of fiscal year 2014 of approximately $10 million.
	The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the six months ended October 31, 2013 (in thousands):
						Foreign
			April 30,			Translation &	October 31,
			2013	Provisions	Payments	Reclassifications	2013
		Severance	$18,803	$14,931	($4,709)	($56)	$28,969
		Process reengineering consulting	1,101	5,611	-6,644	-	68
		Other activities	-	2,529	-	-1,400	1,129
		Total	$19,904	$23,071	($11,353)	($1,456)	$30,166
	The restructuring liability for accrued Severance costs is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position while both the Process Reengineering Consulting costs and Other Activities are reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities.
	Other Restructuring Programs:
	As part of the Company’s ongoing transition and transformation to digital products and services, certain activities were identified in the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 that were discontinued, outsourced, or relocated to lower cost regions.  As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $4.8 million, or $3.5 million after tax ($0.06 per share), during the period for redundancy and separation benefits, which is reflected in Restructuring Charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Approximately $3.0 million, $1.3 million and $0.2 million of the restructuring charge was recorded within the Research, Professional Development and Education reporting segments, respectively, with the remainder recognized in Shared Service costs. As of October 31, 2013, all severance payments related to this program are complete.

Deltak_Acquisition

Deltak Acquisition	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Deltak Acquisition [Abstract]	'
Deltak Acquisition	'
	7.     Deltak Acquisition
	On October 25, 2012, the Company acquired all of the stock of Deltak.edu, LLC (“Deltak”) for approximately $220 million in cash, net of cash acquired. Deltak works in close partnership with leading colleges and universities to develop and support online degree and certificate programs. The business provides technology platforms and services including market research to validate program demand, instructional design, marketing, and student recruitment and retention services to leading national and regional colleges and universities throughout the United States.  The $220 million purchase price was allocated to identifiable long-lived intangible assets ($99.4 million) comprised primarily of institutional relationships; and long-term deferred tax liabilities ($34.4 million); with the remainder allocated to technology and working capital. The fair value of intangible assets and technology acquired was based on management’s assessment performed with the assistance of a third party valuation consultant. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired ($150.0 million) was recorded as goodwill. Goodwill represents the estimated value of Deltak’s workforce, unidentifiable intangible assets and the fair value of expected synergies. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The identifiable long-lived intangible assets are primarily amortized over an estimated useful life of approximately 20 years.  Unaudited proforma financial information has not been presented since the effects of the acquisition were not material. The Company finalized its purchase accounting for Deltak as of April 30, 2013. Deltak currently supports more than 100 online programs and contributed $31.3 million to the Company’s revenue for the six months ended October 31, 2013.

Gain_on_Sale_of_Travel_Publish

Gain on Sale of Travel Publishing Program	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Gain on Sale of Travel Publishing Program [Abstract]	'
Gain on Sale of Travel Publishing Program	'
	8.      Gain on Sale of Travel Publishing Program
	On August 31, 2012, the Company sold its travel publishing program, including all of its interests in the Frommer’s, Unofficial Guides, and WhatsonWhen brands to Google, Inc. (“Google”) for $22 million in cash, of which $3.3 million is held in escrow related to standard commercial representations and warranties and is expected to be released to the Company by the end of fiscal year 2014. As a result, the Company recorded a $9.8 million pre-tax gain on the sale, or $6.2 million after tax ($0.10 per share), in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013.  In connection with the sale, the Company also entered into a transition services agreement which will end on December 31, 2013.

Impairment_Charges

Impairment Charges	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Impairment Charges	'
	9.      Impairment Charges
	Consumer Publishing Programs
	The Company began accounting for its culinary, CliffsNotes, and Webster’s New World Dictionary consumer publishing programs as Assets Held for Sale in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013.  The Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $12.1 million, or $7.5 million after tax ($0.12 per share), in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013 to reduce the carrying value of the assets within these programs to approximately $9.9 million, which represented their fair value based on the estimated sales price, less costs to sell. On November 5, 2012, the Company completed a sale to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for $11.0 million in cash, which approximated the carrying value of related assets sold, of which $1.1 million is held in escrow related to standard commercial representations and warranties and is expected to be released to the Company by the end of fiscal year 2014.  In connection with the sale, the Company also entered into a transition services agreement which ended on March 5, 2013.  In addition, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $3.4 million, or $2.1 million after tax ($0.04 per share) to reduce the carrying value of inventory and royalty advances within its other consumer publishing programs to their estimated realizable value.
	Technology Investments
	In the second quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company terminated a multi-year software development program for an internal operations application due to a change in the Company’s longer-term enterprise systems plans. As a result, the Company recorded an asset impairment charge for previously capitalized software costs related to the program of $4.8 million, or $3.4 million after tax ($0.06 per share).

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	10.    Segment Information
	The Company is a global provider of knowledge and knowledge-based services in areas of research, professional development and education.  Core businesses produce scientific, technical, medical and scholarly research journals, reference works, books, database services, and advertising; professional books and certification, assessment and training services; and education content and services including online program management for colleges and universities and integrated online teaching and learning resources for instructors and students.  The Company takes full advantage of its content from all three core businesses in developing and cross-marketing products to its diverse customer base of researchers, professionals, students, and educators. The use of technology enables the Company to make its content efficiently more accessible to its customers around the world. The Company maintains publishing, marketing, and distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
	Segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months			For the Six Months
		Ended October 31,			Ended October 31,
		2013		2012	2013	2012
	RESEARCH
	Revenue	$252,947		$249,831	$498,735	485,777
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$104,745		$108,992	$206,588	200,255
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution	-11,431		-11,759	-22,703	-23,318
	Technology Services	-17,627		-17,546	-36,580	-33,219
	Occupancy and Other	-5,410		-6,051	-10,874	-11,770
	Contribution to Profit	$70,277		$73,636	$136,431	$131,948
	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
	Revenue	$92,545		$101,281	$176,631	$203,254
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$26,905		$19,963	$45,019	$41,169
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution		-9,098	-10,367	-18,541	-20,741
	Technology Services		-7,894	-7,252	-15,717	-14,424
	Occupancy and Other		-2,852	-3,249	-5,577	-6,585
	Contribution to Profit (Loss)		$7,061	($905)	$5,184	($581)
	EDUCATION
	Revenue		$103,661	$80,643	$184,807	$153,458
	Direct Contribution to Profit		$37,216	$28,871	$58,182	$50,774
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution		-3,739	-3,779	-7,743	-7,572
	Technology Services		-8,639	-7,138	-17,373	-14,499
	Occupancy and Other		-2,230	-1,811	-4,424	-3,695
	Contribution to Profit		$22,608	$16,143	$28,642	$25,008
	Total Contribution to Profit		$99,946	$88,874	$170,257	$156,375
	Unallocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs		-49,759	-25,933	-84,506	-54,439
	Operating Income		$50,187	$62,941	$85,751	$101,936
	Note: See the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of this 10-Q for additional details on each segment’s revenue by product/service.

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	11	Inventories
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
			As of October 31,		As of April 30,
			2013	2012	2013
		Finished goods	$63,801	$71,335	$68,040
		Work-in-process	6,430	6,423	5,890
		Paper, cloth and other	7,421	9,507	6,577
			$77,652	$87,265	$80,507
		Inventory value of estimated sales returns	9,418	8,564	6,862
		LIFO reserve	-5,702	-6,521	-5,352
		Total inventories	$81,368	$89,308	$82,017

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	12	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
			As of October 31,		As of April 30,
			2013	2012	2013
		Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
		Brands and trademarks	$159,557	$158,947	$153,747
		Content and publishing rights	106,644	100,270	100,710
			$266,201	$259,217	$254,457
		Net intangible assets with determinable lives:
		Content and publishing rights	$529,218	$563,106	$529,934
		Customer relationships	152,392	161,248	155,702
		Brands and trademarks	12,888	12,407	13,806
		Covenants not to compete	889	770	1,058
			$695,387	$737,531	$700,500
		Total	$961,588	$996,748	$954,957

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	13	Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the first six months of fiscal year 2014 was 10.7% compared to a 18.4% in the prior year.  During the first quarter of fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded non-cash deferred tax benefits of $10.6 million ($0.18 per share) and $8.4 million ($0.14 per share), respectively, principally associated with new tax legislation enacted in the United Kingdom (U.K.) that reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rates by 3% and 2%, respectively. The benefits recognized by the Company reflect the measurement of all applicable U.K. deferred tax balances to the new income tax rates of 21% effective April 1, 2014 and 20% effective April 1, 2015.  Excluding the impact of the tax benefits described above, the Company’s effective tax rate decreased from 27.0% to 23.9% principally due to a higher  proportion of income from lower tax jurisdictions;  lower U.K.  income tax rates and  a $1.5 million net tax reserve release.
	Payments Related to Tax Audit in Germany
	In fiscal year 2003, the Company merged several of its German subsidiaries into a new operating entity which enabled the Company to increase (“step-up”) the tax deductible net asset basis of the merged subsidiaries to fair market value. The expected tax benefits to be derived from the step-up are approximately 50 million euros claimed as amortization over 15 years beginning in fiscal year 2003. As part of its routine tax audit process, the German tax authorities notified the Company in May 2012, they are challenging the Company’s tax position with respect to the amortization of certain stepped-up assets. The Company’s management and its advisors believe that it is “more likely than not” to successfully defend that the tax treatment was proper and in accordance with German tax regulations. The circumstances are not unique to the Company.
	Under German tax law, the Company must pay all contested taxes and the related interest to have the right to defend its position challenged by authorities.  As a result, the Company made deposits of 33 million euros in fiscal year 2013 and an additional 8 million euros in the first six months of fiscal year 2014 related to amortization claimed on certain “stepped-up” assets. The Company has made all required payments to date. The Company expects that it will be required to deposit additional amounts up to 16 million euros plus interest for tax returns to be filed in future periods until the issue is resolved. The challenge is expected to ultimately be decided by a court and could take several years to reach resolution. If the Company is successful, as expected, the tax deposits will be returned with 6% simple interest, based on current German legislation. As of October 31, 2013, the USD equivalent of the deposit and accrued interest was $61.0 million which is recorded as Income Tax Deposits on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The Company records the accrued interest at 6% within the Provision for Income Taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Defined_Benefit_Retirement_Pla

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans	'
	14	Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
	The components of net pension expense for the defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months		For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,		Ended October 31,
			2013	2012	2013	2012
		Service Cost	$2,004	$4,591	$3,962	$9,157
		Interest Cost	7,326	6,922	14,664	13,789
		Expected Return on Plan Assets	-8,977	-7,778	-17,888	-15,492
		Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost	31	245	61	490
		Recognized Net Actuarial Loss	3,602	2,343	7,059	4,670
		Net Pension Expense	$3,986	$6,323	$7,858	$12,614
	As disclosed in the Company’s fiscal year 2013 Form 10-K, in March 2013 the Company’s Board of Directors approved plan amendments that froze the U.S. Employees’ Retirement Plan, Supplemental Benefit Plan, and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, effective June 30, 2013. These plans are U.S. defined benefit plans. Net Pension Expense for the six months ended October 31, 2013 was lower compared to the prior year principally due to the freezing of the plans. Employer pension plan contributions were $5.5 million and $8.4 million for the six months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	15	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The Company, from time-to-time, enters into forward exchange and interest rate swap contracts as a hedge against foreign currency asset and liability commitments, changes in interest rates and anticipated transaction exposures, including intercompany purchases. All derivatives are recognized as assets or liabilities and measured at fair value.  Derivatives that are not determined to be effective hedges are adjusted to fair value with a corresponding adjustment to earnings.  The Company does not use financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
	Interest Rate Contracts:
	The Company had $647.9 million of variable rate loans outstanding at October 31, 2013, which approximated fair value. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, the interest rate swap agreements maintained by the Company were designated as fully effective cash flow hedges as defined under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”.  As a result, there was no impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps.  Under ASC 815, fully effective derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges have changes in their fair value recorded initially within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As interest expense is recognized based on the variable rate loan agreements, the corresponding deferred gain or loss on the interest rate swaps is reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss to Interest Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. It is management’s intention that the notional amount of interest rate swaps be less than the variable rate loans outstanding during the life of the derivatives.
	On March 30, 2012, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement which fixed a portion of the variable interest due on its variable rate loans outstanding. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company pays a fixed rate of 0.645% and receives a variable rate of interest based on one-month LIBOR (as defined) from the counterparty which is reset every month for a three-year period ending March 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2013, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $250.0 million.
	On August 19, 2010, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement which fixed a portion of the variable interest due on its variable rate loans outstanding.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Company paid a fixed rate of 0.8% and received a variable rate of interest based on one-month LIBOR (as defined) from the counterparty which was reset every month for a twenty-nine month period ending January 19, 2013, the date the swap expired.  As of October 31, 2012, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $125.0 million.
	The Company records the fair value of its interest rate swaps on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs of quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. The fair value of the interest rate swaps as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 and April 30, 2013 was a deferred loss of $1.0 million, $1.9 million, and $1.6 million, respectively.  Based on the maturity dates of the contracts, the entire deferred loss as of October 31, 2013 and April 30, 2013 was recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  As of October 31, 2012, $0.2 million and $1.7 million of the deferred loss was recorded in Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively. The pre-tax losses that were reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The pre-tax losses that were reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense for the six months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	Foreign Currency Contracts:
	The Company may enter into forward exchange contracts to manage the Company’s exposure on certain foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. The forward exchange contracts are marked to market through Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains (Losses) on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, and carried at their fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are remeasured at spot rates in effect on the balance sheet date, with the effects of changes in spot rates reported in Foreign Exchange Transaction Gains (Losses). As of October 31, 2013 and 2012 and April 30, 2013, the total notional amounts of the open forward contracts in U.S. dollars were $59.3 million, $71.4 million, and $30.0 million, respectively. During the first six months of fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company did not designate any forward exchange contracts as hedges under current accounting standards as the benefits of doing so were not material due to the short-term nature of the contracts. The fair value changes in the forward exchange contracts substantially mitigated the changes in the value of the applicable foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012 and April 30, 2013, the fair values of the open forward exchange contracts were gains of approximately $0.1 million and $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and recorded within the Prepaid and Other line item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The fair values were measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs. For the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, the gains recognized on the forward contracts were $0.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. For the six months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, the gains (losses) recognized on the forward contracts were $(0.1) million and $0.6 million, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of share-based compensation data for awards granted	'
	The following table provides share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company:
			For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,
			2013	2012
		Restricted Stock:
		Awards granted (in thousands)	375	294
		Weighted average fair value of grant	$40.75	$47.34
		Stock Options:
		Awards granted (in thousands)	322	401
		Weighted average fair value of grant	$10.12	$12.26
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions by stock option grants	'
	The weighted average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions for stock option grants are as follows:
			For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,
			2013	2012
		Expected life of options (years)	7.4	7.3
		Risk-free interest rate	2.10%	1.20%
		Expected volatility	30.50%	30.20%
		Expected dividend yield	2.50%	2.00%
		Fair value of common stock on grant date	$39.53	$48.06

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Abstract]	'
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, net of tax	'
	Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by component, net of tax, for the three and six months ended October 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			Foreign	Unamortized	Interest
			Currency	Retirement	Rate
			Translation	Costs	Swaps	Total
		Balance at July 31, 2013	($144,342)	($140,319)	($693)	($285,354)
		Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	50,940	-3,704	-127	47,109
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-	2,598	184	2,782
		Total other comprehensive income (loss)	50,940	-1,106	57	49,891
		Balance at October 31, 2013	($93,402)	($141,425)	($636)	($235,463)
			Foreign	Unamortized	Interest
			Currency	Retirement	Rate
			Translation	Costs	Swaps	Total
		Balance at April 30, 2013	($134,539)	($143,124)	($969)	($278,632)
		Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	41,137	-3,394	-29	37,714
		Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	-	5,093	362	5,455
		Total other comprehensive income	41,137	1,699	333	43,169
		Balance at October 31, 2013	($93,402)	($141,425)	($636)	($235,463)

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave1

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of shares used in computation of earnings per share	'
	A reconciliation of the shares used in the computation of earnings per share follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months		For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,		Ended October 31,
			2013	2012	2013	2012
		Weighted average shares outstanding	58,846	60,091	58,765	59,883
		Less: Unearned restricted shares	-311	-238	-278	-214
		Shares used for basic earnings per share	58,535	59,853	58,487	59,669
		Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards	881	780	807	824
		Shares used for diluted earnings per share	59,416	60,633	59,294	60,493

Restructuring_Programs_Tables

Restructuring Programs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Restructuring Programs [Abstract]	'
Pre-tax restructuring charges	'
	The following tables summarize the pre-tax restructuring charges related to this program, which are reflected in Restructuring Charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
			For the		For the		Cumulative
			Three Months		Six Months		Charges
			Ended		Ended		Incurred
			31-Oct-13		31-Oct-13		to Date
		Charges by Segment:
		Research	$3,401		$5,372		$8,317
		Professional Development	2,114		5,667		11,950
		Education	210		258		1,377
		Shared Services	9,591		11,774		25,879
		Total Restructuring Charges	$15,316		$23,071		$47,523
		Charges by Activity:
		Severance	$9,900		$14,931		$34,068
		Process reengineering consulting	3,100		5,611		8,246
		Other activities	2,316		2,529		5,209
		Total Restructuring Charges	$15,316		$23,071		$47,523
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability	'
	The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the six months ended October 31, 2013 (in thousands):
						Foreign
			April 30,			Translation &	October 31,
			2013	Provisions	Payments	Reclassifications	2013
		Severance	$18,803	$14,931	($4,709)	($56)	$28,969
		Process reengineering consulting	1,101	5,611	-6,644	-	68
		Other activities	-	2,529	-	-1,400	1,129
		Total	$19,904	$23,071	($11,353)	($1,456)	$30,166

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment information	'
	Segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months			For the Six Months
		Ended October 31,			Ended October 31,
		2013		2012	2013	2012
	RESEARCH
	Revenue	$252,947		$249,831	$498,735	485,777
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$104,745		$108,992	$206,588	200,255
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution	-11,431		-11,759	-22,703	-23,318
	Technology Services	-17,627		-17,546	-36,580	-33,219
	Occupancy and Other	-5,410		-6,051	-10,874	-11,770
	Contribution to Profit	$70,277		$73,636	$136,431	$131,948
	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
	Revenue	$92,545		$101,281	$176,631	$203,254
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$26,905		$19,963	$45,019	$41,169
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution		-9,098	-10,367	-18,541	-20,741
	Technology Services		-7,894	-7,252	-15,717	-14,424
	Occupancy and Other		-2,852	-3,249	-5,577	-6,585
	Contribution to Profit (Loss)		$7,061	($905)	$5,184	($581)
	EDUCATION
	Revenue		$103,661	$80,643	$184,807	$153,458
	Direct Contribution to Profit		$37,216	$28,871	$58,182	$50,774
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution		-3,739	-3,779	-7,743	-7,572
	Technology Services		-8,639	-7,138	-17,373	-14,499
	Occupancy and Other		-2,230	-1,811	-4,424	-3,695
	Contribution to Profit		$22,608	$16,143	$28,642	$25,008
	Total Contribution to Profit		$99,946	$88,874	$170,257	$156,375
	Unallocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs		-49,759	-25,933	-84,506	-54,439
	Operating Income		$50,187	$62,941	$85,751	$101,936

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
			As of October 31,		As of April 30,
			2013	2012	2013
		Finished goods	$63,801	$71,335	$68,040
		Work-in-process	6,430	6,423	5,890
		Paper, cloth and other	7,421	9,507	6,577
			$77,652	$87,265	$80,507
		Inventory value of estimated sales returns	9,418	8,564	6,862
		LIFO reserve	-5,702	-6,521	-5,352
		Total inventories	$81,368	$89,308	$82,017

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
			As of October 31,		As of April 30,
			2013	2012	2013
		Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
		Brands and trademarks	$159,557	$158,947	$153,747
		Content and publishing rights	106,644	100,270	100,710
			$266,201	$259,217	$254,457
		Net intangible assets with determinable lives:
		Content and publishing rights	$529,218	$563,106	$529,934
		Customer relationships	152,392	161,248	155,702
		Brands and trademarks	12,888	12,407	13,806
		Covenants not to compete	889	770	1,058
			$695,387	$737,531	$700,500
		Total	$961,588	$996,748	$954,957

Defined_Benefit_Retirement_Pla1

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Components of net pension expense for the defined benefit plans	'
	The components of net pension expense for the defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months		For the Six Months
			Ended October 31,		Ended October 31,
			2013	2012	2013	2012
		Service Cost	$2,004	$4,591	$3,962	$9,157
		Interest Cost	7,326	6,922	14,664	13,789
		Expected Return on Plan Assets	-8,977	-7,778	-17,888	-15,492
		Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost	31	245	61	490
		Recognized Net Actuarial Loss	3,602	2,343	7,059	4,670
		Net Pension Expense	$3,986	$6,323	$7,858	$12,614

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$4	$4.30	$7.30	$8
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions by stock option grants [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Expected life of options (years)	'	'	'7 years 4 months 24 days	'7 years 3 months 18 days
Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	'	'	2.10%	1.20%
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	'	'	30.50%	30.20%
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	'	'	2.50%	2.00%
Fair value of common stock on grant date (in dollars per share)	$39.53	$48.06	$39.53	$48.06
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Awards granted (in shares)	'	'	375	294
Weighted average fair value of grant (in dollars per share)	$40.75	$47.34	$40.75	$47.34
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Awards granted (in shares)	'	'	322	401
Weighted average fair value of grant (in dollars per share)	'	'	$10.12	$12.26

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance	($285,354,000)	($278,632,000)	($202,561,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	47,109,000	37,714,000	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,782,000	5,455,000	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	49,891,000	43,169,000	'
Balance	-235,463,000	-235,463,000	-202,561,000
Pension expense amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3,700,000	7,200,000	'
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance	-144,342,000	-134,539,000	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	50,940,000	41,137,000	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	50,940,000	41,137,000	'
Balance	-93,402,000	-93,402,000	'
Unamortized Retirement Costs [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance	-140,319,000	-143,124,000	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-3,704,000	-3,394,000	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2,598,000	5,093,000	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,106,000	1,699,000	'
Balance	-141,425,000	-141,425,000	'
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance	-693,000	-969,000	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-127,000	-29,000	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	184,000	362,000	'
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	57,000	333,000	'
Balance	($636,000)	($636,000)	'

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave2

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	58,846,000	60,091,000	58,765,000	59,883,000
Less: Unearned restricted shares (in shares)	-311,000	-238,000	-278,000	-214,000
Shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	58,535,000	59,853,000	58,487,000	59,669,000
Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards (in shares)	881,000	780,000	807,000	824,000
Shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	59,416,000	60,633,000	59,294,000	60,493,000
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive shares excluded for diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	715,952	2,049,562	1,125,120	2,049,562
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive shares excluded for diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	0	4,000	5,000	23,750

Restructuring_Programs_Details

Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

18 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

18 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

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18 Months Ended

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18 Months Ended

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12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

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18 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

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18 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

18 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

18 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

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Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

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Oct. 31, 2013

Severance [Member]

Severance [Member]

Severance [Member]

Process Reengineering Consulting [Member]

Process Reengineering Consulting [Member]

Process Reengineering Consulting [Member]

Other Activities [Member]

Other Activities [Member]

Other Activities [Member]

Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]

Other Restructuring Programs [Member]

Research [Member]

Research [Member]

Research [Member]

Research [Member]

Professional Development [Member]

Professional Development [Member]

Professional Development [Member]

Professional Development [Member]

Education [Member]

Education [Member]

Education [Member]

Education [Member]

Shared Services [Member]

Shared Services [Member]

Shared Services [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]

Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]

Restructuring and Reinvestment Program [Member]

Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total restructuring charge

$15,316,000

$0

$23,071,000

$4,841,000

$47,523,000

$9,900,000

$14,931,000

$34,068,000

$3,100,000

$5,611,000

$8,246,000

$2,316,000

$2,529,000

$5,209,000

'

$4,800,000

$3,401,000

$5,372,000

$8,317,000

$3,000,000

$2,114,000

$5,667,000

$11,950,000

$1,300,000

$210,000

$258,000

$1,377,000

$200,000

$9,591,000

$11,774,000

$25,879,000

Anticipated restructuring charge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

After tax restructuring charge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charge (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.06

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance

'

'

19,904,000

'

'

'

18,803,000

'

'

1,101,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Provisions

15,316,000

0

23,071,000

4,841,000

47,523,000

9,900,000

14,931,000

34,068,000

3,100,000

5,611,000

8,246,000

2,316,000

2,529,000

5,209,000

'

4,800,000

3,401,000

5,372,000

8,317,000

3,000,000

2,114,000

5,667,000

11,950,000

1,300,000

210,000

258,000

1,377,000

200,000

9,591,000

11,774,000

25,879,000

Payments

'

'

-11,627,000

'

'

'

-4,709,000

'

'

-6,644,000

'

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign Translation & Reclassifications

'

'

-1,456,000

'

'

'

-56,000

'

'

0

'

'

-1,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance

$30,166,000

'

$30,166,000

'

$30,166,000

$28,969,000

$28,969,000

$28,969,000

$68,000

$68,000

$68,000

$1,129,000

$1,129,000

$1,129,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deltak_Acquisition_Details

Deltak Acquisition (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 25, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013
					Deltak.edu, LLC [Member]	Deltak.edu, LLC [Member]
						OnlineProgram
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash, net of cash acquired	'	'	'	'	$220,000,000	'
Purchase price allocation, identifiable long-lived intangible assets	'	'	'	'	99,400,000	'
Purchase price allocation, long-term deferred tax liabilities	'	'	'	'	34,400,000	'
Fair value of net assets acquired	'	'	'	'	150,000,000	'
Estimated useful life of intangible assets acquired	'	'	'	'	'	'20 years
Number of online programs supported	'	'	'	'	'	100
Revenue	$449,153,000	$431,755,000	$860,173,000	$842,489,000	'	$31,300,000

Gain_on_Sale_of_Travel_Publish1

Gain on Sale of Travel Publishing Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Impaired Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of key assets	$0	$9,829,000	$0	$9,829,000
Travel Publishing Program [Member]	'	'	'	'
Impaired Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Proceeds from sale of key assets of business	'	'	22,000,000	'
Amount held in escrow	'	'	3,300,000	'
Pre-tax gain (loss) on sale of key assets	'	'	9,800,000	'
After tax gain (loss) on sale	$6,200,000	'	$6,200,000	'
After tax gain (loss) on sale of key assets of business (in dollars per share)	'	'	$0.10	'

Impairment_Charges_Details

Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013
Culinary, CliffsNotes, and Webster's New World and Publishing Programs [Member]	'
Impaired Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Pretax impairment charge	$12.10
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of, net of tax	7.5
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.12
Assets held-for-sale after impairment	9.9
Proceeds from sale of key assets of business	11
Amount held in escrow	1.1
Inventory and Royalty Advances [Member]	'
Impaired Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Pretax impairment charge	3.4
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of, net of tax	2.1
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.04
Technology Investments [Member]	'
Impaired Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Pretax impairment charge	4.8
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of, net of tax	$3.40
Impairment of long lived assets to be disposed of, per share (in dollars per share)	$0.06

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
			CoreBusinesses
Segment Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of core businesses	'	'	3	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$449,153	$431,755	$860,173	$842,489
Contribution to Profit	99,946	88,874	170,257	156,375
Unallocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-49,759	-25,933	-84,506	-54,439
Operating Income	50,187	62,941	85,751	101,936
Research [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	252,947	249,831	498,735	485,777
Direct contribution to profit	104,745	108,992	206,588	200,255
Research [Member] | Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-11,431	-11,759	-22,703	-23,318
Research [Member] | Technology Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-17,627	-17,546	-36,580	-33,219
Research [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-5,410	-6,051	-10,874	-11,770
Research [Member] | Contribution to Profit (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to Profit	70,277	73,636	136,431	131,948
Professional Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	92,545	101,281	176,631	203,254
Direct contribution to profit	26,905	19,963	45,019	41,169
Professional Development [Member] | Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-9,098	-10,367	-18,541	-20,741
Professional Development [Member] | Technology Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-7,894	-7,252	-15,717	-14,424
Professional Development [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-2,852	-3,249	-5,577	-6,585
Professional Development [Member] | Contribution to Profit (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to Profit	7,061	-905	5,184	-581
Education [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	103,661	80,643	184,807	153,458
Direct contribution to profit	37,216	28,871	58,182	50,774
Education [Member] | Distribution [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-3,739	-3,779	-7,743	-7,572
Education [Member] | Technology Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-8,639	-7,138	-17,373	-14,499
Education [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs	-2,230	-1,811	-4,424	-3,695
Education [Member] | Contribution to Profit (Loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to Profit	$22,608	$16,143	$28,642	$25,008

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finished goods	$63,801	$68,040	$71,335
Work-in-process	6,430	5,890	6,423
Paper, cloth, and other	7,421	6,577	9,507
Gross inventory	77,652	80,507	87,265
Inventory value of estimated sales returns	9,418	6,862	8,564
LIFO reserve	-5,702	-5,352	-6,521
Total inventories	$81,368	$82,017	$89,308

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	$266,201	$254,457	$259,217
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	695,387	700,500	737,531
Total	961,588	954,957	996,748
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	529,218	529,934	563,106
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	152,392	155,702	161,248
Brands and Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	12,888	13,806	12,407
Covenants not to Compete [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	889	1,058	770
Brands and Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	159,557	153,747	158,947
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	$106,644	$100,710	$100,270

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended			12 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Oct. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	EUR (€)		USD ($)	EUR (€)	USD ($)	EUR (€)	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	'	'	'	10.70%	10.70%	18.40%	'	'
Non-cash deferred tax benefit associated with new tax legislation enacted in the U.K.	'	'	'	$10,634,000	'	$8,402,000	'	'
Non-cash deferred tax benefit associated with new tax legislation enacted in the U.K. (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	$0.18	'	$0.14	'	'
Reduction in U.K. statutory income tax rates (in hundredths)	'	'	2.00%	3.00%	3.00%	'	'	'
New income tax rate for U.K. in year 1	21.00%	21.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
New income tax rate for U.K. year 2	20.00%	20.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate excluding the tax benefits due to new tax legislation enacted in the U.K. (in hundredths)	'	'	'	27.00%	27.00%	23.90%	'	'
Income tax reserve release	'	'	'	1,500,000	'	'	'	'
Expected tax benefits	'	50,000,000	'	'	50,000,000	'	'	'
Number of years for amortization	'15 years	'15 years	'	'15 years	'15 years	'	'	'
Deposit related to amortization	'	'	'	'	8,000,000	'	33,000,000	'
Additional deposits for future deposits	'	'	'	'	16,000,000	'	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of simple interest on refund (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6.00%
USD equivalent of the deposit and accrued interest	$61,000,000	'	'	$61,000,000	'	'	'	'
Accrued interest percentage (in hundredths)	6.00%	6.00%	'	6.00%	6.00%	'	'	'

Defined_Benefit_Retirement_Pla2

Defined Benefit Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Defined benefit plans, net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service Cost	$2,004,000	$4,591,000	$3,962,000	$9,157,000
Interest Cost	7,326,000	6,922,000	14,664,000	13,789,000
Expected Return on Plan Assets	-8,977,000	-7,778,000	-17,888,000	-15,492,000
Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost	31,000	245,000	61,000	490,000
Recognized Net Actuarial Loss	3,602,000	2,343,000	7,059,000	4,670,000
Net Pension Expense	3,986,000	6,323,000	7,858,000	12,614,000
Pension plan contributions	'	'	$5,500,000	$8,400,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Interest expense [Member]

Interest expense [Member]

Interest expense [Member]

Interest expense [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Interest rate swaps [Member]

Forward exchange contracts [Member]

Forward exchange contracts [Member]

Forward exchange contracts [Member]

Forward exchange contracts [Member]

Forward exchange contracts [Member]

Forward exchange contracts [Member]

Forward exchange contracts [Member]

Fair value, fair value disclosure [Member]

March 2012 Interest rate swap (variable rate loans) [Member]

August 2010 Interest rate swap (variable rate loans) [Member]

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate loans outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$647.90

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inception date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Mar-12

19-Aug-10

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.65%

0.80%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of derivative instrument

'

'

'

'

-1

-1.6

-1.9

'

'

0.1

0.1

0.7

'

'

'

'

'

Basis of variable interest rate, reference rate reset period (in months)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 month

'1 month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of Derivative Instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'29 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Mar-15

19-Jan-13

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of derivative liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

250

125

59.3

30

71.4

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Loss On Interest Rate Swap recorded as Other Accrued Liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Loss On Interest Rate Swap Recorded As Other Long Term Liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net losses reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

0.3

0.5

0.6

0.9

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

(Losses)/gains recognized on derivative instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.10

$0.70

($0.10)

$0.60

'