John Wiley & Sons (WLY) 10-Q 9 Sep 14 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2014
		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	'	49,905,821	9,484,059
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Jul-14	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - UNAUDITED (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$255,857	$486,377	$189,795
Accounts receivable	202,770	149,733	184,714
Inventories	74,608	75,495	81,005
Prepaid and other	68,526	78,057	48,901
Total Current Assets	601,761	789,662	504,415
Product Development Assets	71,755	82,940	74,925
Technology, Property & Equipment	195,270	188,718	189,725
Intangible Assets	1,037,749	984,661	942,004
Goodwill	1,031,527	903,665	831,176
Income Tax Deposit	65,729	64,037	53,515
Other Assets	65,245	63,682	60,524
Total Assets	3,069,036	3,077,365	2,656,284
Current Liabilities	'	'	'
Accounts and royalties payable	148,891	142,534	137,421
Deferred revenue	290,215	385,654	264,606
Accrued employment costs	73,074	118,503	66,648
Accrued income taxes	7,388	13,324	15,372
Accrued pension liability	4,655	4,671	4,365
Other accrued liabilities	58,944	64,901	44,796
Total Current Liabilities	583,167	729,587	533,208
Long-Term Debt	788,013	700,100	660,000
Accrued Pension Liability	161,847	164,634	201,622
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	245,830	222,482	186,741
Other Long-Term Liabilities	81,838	78,314	78,486
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'
Class A & Class B Common Stock	83,190	83,190	83,190
Additional paid-in-capital	340,766	327,588	293,309
Retained earnings	1,505,547	1,489,069	1,408,725
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-191,761	-190,291	-285,354
Treasury stock	-529,401	-527,308	-503,643
Total Shareholders' Equity	1,208,341	1,182,248	996,227
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity	$3,069,036	$3,077,365	$2,656,284

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'
Revenue	$437,917	$411,020
Costs and Expenses	'	'
Cost of sales	124,053	119,791
Operating and administrative expenses	251,734	236,995
Restructuring (credits) charges	-155	7,755
Amortization of intangibles	12,655	10,915
Total Costs and Expenses	388,287	375,456
Operating Income	49,630	35,564
Interest Expense	-4,144	-3,471
Foreign Exchange Transaction (Loss) Gain	-165	881
Interest Income and Other	310	1,138
Income Before Taxes	45,631	34,112
Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes	11,985	-1,821
Net Income	$33,646	$35,933
Earnings Per Share	'	'
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.56	$0.61
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.57	$0.61
Average Shares	'	'
Diluted (in shares)	59,784	59,134
Basic (in shares)	58,948	58,443
Class A Common [Member]	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	'	'
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.25
Class B Common [Member]	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	'	'
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.25

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'
Net Income	$33,646	$35,933
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-2,858	-9,803
Unamortized retirement costs, net of tax provision of $389 and $1,134, respectively	1,122	2,805
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax provision of $145 and $163, respectively	266	276
Total Other Comprehensive Loss	-1,470	-6,722
Comprehensive Income	$32,176	$29,211

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME3

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'
Unamortized retirement costs, tax provision	$389	$1,134
Unrealized gain/(loss) on interest rate swaps, tax provision	$145	$163

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW - UNAUDITED (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$33,646	$35,933
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used for operating activities:	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	12,655	10,915
Amortization of composition costs	10,094	11,198
Depreciation of technology, property and equipment	14,956	14,485
Restructuring (credits) charges	-155	7,755
Deferred tax benefits on U.K. rate changes	0	-10,634
Stock-based compensation expense	3,289	3,347
Excess tax (benefit) charge from stock-based compensation	-1,732	153
Royalty advances	-24,649	-25,115
Earned royalty advances	32,145	34,200
Other non-cash charges	13,653	11,457
Change in deferred revenue	-104,719	-97,277
Restructuring payments	-8,356	-3,549
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions	-83,054	-49,544
Cash Used for Operating Activities	-102,227	-56,676
Investing Activities	'	'
Composition spending	-7,064	-8,873
Additions to technology, property and equipment	-13,964	-13,795
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-170,910	-101
Proceeds from sale of consumer publishing programs	1,100	0
Cash Used for Investing Activities	-190,838	-22,769
Financing Activities	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-219,033	-135,500
Borrowings of long-term debt	304,552	122,500
Change in book overdrafts	-13,206	-23,634
Cash dividends	-17,162	-14,720
Purchase of treasury stock	-12,173	-14,592
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other	18,207	4,754
Excess tax benefit (charge) from stock-based compensation	1,732	-153
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	62,917	-61,345
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-372	-3,555
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'
Decrease for the Period	-230,520	-144,345
Balance at Beginning of Period	486,377	334,140
Balance at End of Period	255,857	189,795
Cash Paid During the Period for:	'	'
Interest	3,417	3,010
Income taxes, net	$10,354	$9,760

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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. For the Company’s recent international acquisition CrossKnowledge Group, Ltd. (“CrossKnowledge”), financial information is reported on a two-month lag. No events related to CrossKnowledge occurred during June or July which would materially affect the financial position of the Company. 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, 2014.
	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	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	2	Recent Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue From Contracts With Customers" (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) published its equivalent standard, International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) 15, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The standard will require companies to review contract arrangements with customers and ensure all separate performance obligations are properly recognized in compliance with the new guidance. The standard is effective for the Company on May 1, 2017 with early adoption prohibited. The standard allows for either “full retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented or “cumulative effect” adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing whether the adoption of the guidance will have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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 both the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense, on a pre-tax basis, of $3.3 million.
	The following table provides share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company:
			For the Three Months
			Ended July 31,
			2014			2013
	Restricted Stock:
	Awards granted (in thousands)			294			316
	Weighted average fair value of grant		$	59.7		$	39.53
	Stock Options:
	Awards granted (in thousands)			188			322
	Weighted average fair value of grant		$	16.97		$	10.12
	The weighted average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions for stock option grants are as follows:
			For the Three Months
			Ended July 31,
			2014			2013
	Expected life of options (years)			7.2			7.4
	Risk-free interest rate			2.2	%		2.1	%
	Expected volatility			30.9	%		30.5	%
	Expected dividend yield			1.9	%		2.5	%
	Fair value of common stock on grant date		$	59.7		$	39.53

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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 months ended July 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign			Unamortized			Interest
		Currency			Retirement			Rate
		Translation			Costs			Swaps			Total
	Balance at April 30, 2014	$	(66,664	)	$	(123,025	)	$	(602	)	$	(190,291	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(2,858	)		(476	)		74			(3,260	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			1,598			192			1,790
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(2,858	)	$	1,122		$	266		$	(1,470	)
	Balance at July 31, 2014	$	(69,522	)	$	(121,903	)	$	(336	)	$	(191,761	)
		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		(9,803	)		310			98			(9,395	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			2,495			178			2,673
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(9,803	)	$	2,805		$	276		$	(6,722	)
	Balance at July 31, 2013	$	(144,342	)	$	(140,319	)	$	(693	)	$	(285,354	)
	During the first quarters of fiscal year 2015 and 2014, pre-tax actuarial losses included in Unamortized Retirement Costs of approximately $1.9 million and $3.5 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.

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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
		Ended July 31,
		2014			2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding		59,195			58,684
	Less: Unearned restricted shares		(247	)		(241	)
	Shares used for basic earnings per share		58,948			58,443
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards		836			691
	Shares used for diluted earnings per share		59,784			59,134
	Since their inclusion in the calculation of diluted earnings per share would have been anti-dilutive, options to purchase 2,259,914 shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for the three months ended July 31, 2013. There were no options to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock excluded for the three months ended July 31, 2014.

Acquisition

Acquisition	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Acquisition [Abstract]	'
Acquisition	'
	6.      Acquisitions:
	CrossKnowledge:
	On May 1, 2014, the Company acquired CrossKnowledge Group Limited (“CrossKnowledge”) for approximately $166 million in cash, net of cash acquired. CrossKnowledge is a learning solutions provider focused on leadership and managerial skills development that offers subscription-based, digital learning solutions for global corporations, universities, and small and medium-sized enterprises. CrossKnowledge’s solutions include managerial and leadership skills assessments, courses, certifications, content and executive training programs that are delivered on a cloud-based platform providing over 17,000 learning objects in 17 languages. CrossKnowledge serves over five million end-users in 80 countries. CrossKnowledge reported approximately $37 million of revenue and approximately $5 million of operating income in its fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.
	CrossKnowledge results reflect one month of operations and are reported on a two-month lag to facilitate timely accurate reporting. CrossKnowledge’s revenue and operating loss included in Wiley’s results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 were $4.1 million and ($0.2) million, respectively. The $166 million purchase price was allocated to identifiable long-lived intangible assets ($63.0 million), mainly customer relationships and content; technology ($6.3 million); long-term deferred tax liabilities ($21.5 million); negative working capital ($4.3 million); and goodwill ($122.5 million). 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. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and comprises the estimated value of CrossKnowledge’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 a weighted average estimated useful life of approximately 15 years. The acquisition was funded through the use of the Company’s existing credit facility and available cash balances. The Company expects to finalize its purchase accounting for CrossKnowledge by April 30, 2015.
	Profiles International:
	On April 1, 2014, the Company acquired all of the stock of Profiles International (“Profiles”) for approximately $48 million in cash, net of cash acquired.  Profiles provides pre-employment assessment and selection tools that enable employers to optimize candidate selections and develop the full potential of their employees. Solutions include pre-hire assessments, including those designed to measure and match personality, knowledge, skills, managerial fit, loyalty, and values; and post-hire assessments, focused on measuring sales and managerial effectiveness, employee performance and career potential. Founded in 1991 and based in Waco, Texas, Profiles has served more than 40,000 enterprise clients and millions of end users in over 120 countries, with assessments available in 32 languages. Profiles reported approximately $27 million of revenue and approximately $5 million of operating income in its fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. The $48 million purchase price was allocated to identifiable long-lived intangible assets ($22.9 million), mainly customer relationships and assessment content; technology ($2.7 million); long-term deferred tax liabilities ($9.4 million); a credit to short-term deferred tax assets ($1.9 million); negative working capital ($6.7 million) and Goodwill ($40.4 million). 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. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and comprises the estimated value of Profile’s workforce, unidentifiable intangible assets and the fair value of expected synergies. None of the goodwill is deductible for tax purposes. The Company expects to finalize its purchase accounting for Profiles by January 31, 2015. Profiles contributed $5.5 million to the Company’s revenue for the three months ended July 31, 2014.
	Unaudited proforma financial information has not been presented since the effects of the acquisition were not material.

Restructuring_Programs

Restructuring Programs	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Restructuring Programs [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Programs	'
	7.     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 (Credits) Charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		For the Three Months						Cumulative Charges
		Ended July 31,						Incurred to Date
		2014			2013
	Charges (Credits) by Segment:
	Research	$	(185	)	$	1,971		$	10,485
	Professional Development		245			3,553			18,389
	Education		51			48			2,059
	Shared Services		(266	)		2,183			36,086
	Total Restructuring Charges	$	(155	)	$	7,755		$	67,019
	Charges (Credits) by Activity:
	Severance	$	641		$	5,031		$	46,309
	Process reengineering consulting		(145	)		2,511			11,029
	Other activities		(651	)		213			9,681
	Total Restructuring Charges	$	(155	)	$	7,755		$	67,019
	The amounts reflected above for the three months ended July 31, 2014 reflect true-ups to the previously estimated accrued restructuring charges.
	The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the three months ended July 31, 2014 (in thousands):
											Foreign
		April 30,			Charges						Translation &			July 31,
		2014			(Credits)			Payments			Reclassifications			2014
	Severance	$	29,255		$	641		$	(7,309	)	$	(45	)	$	22,542
	Process reengineering consulting		722			(145	)		(577	)		-			-
	Other activities		4,995			(651	)		(470	)		(77	)		3,797
	Total	$	34,972		$	(155	)	$	(8,356	)	$	(122	)	$	26,339
	The restructuring liability for accrued Severance costs is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Approximately $0.7 million and $3.1 million of the Other Activities are reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	8.     Segment Information
	The Company is a global provider of knowledge and knowledge-enabled services that improve outcomes in areas of research, professional practice and education. Through the Research segment, the Company provides digital and print scientific, technical, medical and scholarly journals, reference works, books, database services and advertising. The Professional Development segment provides digital and print books, online assessment and training services, and test prep and certification. In Education, the Company provides print and digital content, and education solutions including online program management services for higher education institutions and course management tools 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’s operations are primarily located in the North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
	As part of Wiley’s restructuring and reorganization program, the Company consolidated certain decentralized business functions (Content Management, Vendor Procurement Services, Marketing Services, etc.) into Shared Service and Administrative functions. These newly centralized service groups are part of the Company’s plan to reduce costs through efficiencies gained from standardized technology and centralized management. The costs of these functions were previously reported as direct operating expenses in each business segment but will now be reported within the shared service functions. Prior year amounts have been restated to reflect the same reporting methodology.  The Company uses occupied square footage of space; number of employees; units shipped; specific identification/activity-based; gross profit; revenue and number of invoices to allocate shared service costs to each business segment.
	Segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months
		Ended July 31,
		2014			2013
	RESEARCH
	Revenue	$	254,870		$	245,788
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	113,851		$	110,007
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(11,970	)		(11,567	)
	Technology and Content Management		(25,872	)		(26,238	)
	Occupancy and Other		(6,158	)		(6,453	)
	Contribution to Profit	$	69,851		$	65,749
	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
	Revenue	$	92,327		$	84,086
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	32,341		$	26,217
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(8,279	)		(9,653	)
	Technology and Content Management		(10,844	)		(13,069	)
	Occupancy and Other		(5,620	)		(4,765	)
	Contribution to Profit (Loss)	$	7,598		$	(1,270	)
	EDUCATION
	Revenue	$	90,720		$	81,146
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	28,152		$	24,146
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(3,319	)		(4,041	)
	Technology and Content Management		(12,987	)		(11,637	)
	Occupancy and Other		(3,175	)		(3,002	)
	Contribution to Profit	$	8,671		$	5,466
	Total Contribution to Profit	$	86,120		$	69,945
	Unallocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs		(36,490	)		(34,381	)
	Operating Income	$	49,630		$	35,564
	The following table reflects total shared services and administrative costs by function, which are allocated to business segments based on the methodologies described above:
		For the Three Months
		Ended July 31,
	Total Shared Services and Administrative Costs:	2014			2013
	Distribution & Operation Services	$	23,676		$	25,235
	Technology & Content Management		62,379			59,887
	Finance		13,735			12,785
	Other Administration		25,190			24,716
	Restructuring (Credits) Charges (see Note 7)		(266	)		2,183
	Total	$	124,714		$	124,806
	The Company has modified its segment product/service revenue categories to reflect recent changes to the business, including acquisitions and restructuring. All prior periods have been revised to reflect the new categorization as follows:
		For the Three Months
		Ended July 31,
	Total Revenue by Product/Service:	2014			2013
	Research Communications	$	200,714		$	189,114
	Books and Custom Print Products		171,565			166,842
	Education Services (Deltak)		16,236			14,700
	Talent Solutions		17,176			6,587
	Course Workflow Solutions		1,314			1,096
	Other		30,912			32,681
	Total	$	437,917		$	411,020

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	9	Inventories
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
			As of July 31,						As of April 30,
			2014			2013			2014
	Finished goods		$	60,041		$	66,070		$	62,071
	Work-in-process			6,488			5,964			6,041
	Paper, cloth and other			5,501			7,144			5,476
			$	72,030			79,178		$	73,588
	Inventory value of estimated sales returns			7,520			7,329			6,774
	LIFO reserve			(4,942	)		(5,502	)		(4,867	)
	Total inventories		$	74,608		$	81,005		$	75,495

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	10	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
			As of July 31,				As of April 30,
			2014		2013		2014
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Brands and trademarks		$	165,462	$	153,419	$	164,202
	Content and publishing rights			103,808		102,116		106,898
			$	269,270	$	255,535	$	271,100
	Net intangible assets with determinable lives:
	Content and publishing rights		$	547,516	$	518,747	$	535,827
	Customer relationships			200,226		153,401		162,295
	Brands and trademarks			19,787		13,347		14,716
	Covenants not to compete			950		974		723
			$	768,479	$	686,469	$	713,561
	Total		$	1,037,749	$	942,004	$	984,661

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	11.   Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 was a 26.3% provision compared to a 5.3% benefit in the prior year.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2014, the Company recorded non-cash deferred tax benefits of $10.6 million ($0.18 per share), principally associated with new tax legislation enacted in the United Kingdom (“U.K”) that reduced the U.K. statutory income tax rates by 3%. The benefits 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 deferred tax benefit described above, the Company’s effective tax rate increased from 25.8%  to 26.3% principally due to a higher proportion of taxable income in the U.S. in the current year, partially offset by lower U.K. income tax rates.
	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. In May 2012, as part of its routine tax audit process, the German tax authorities filed a challenge to 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. As a result, the Company made deposits of 2 million and 5 million euros in the first quarter of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to amortization claimed on certain “stepped-up” assets. The Company has made all required payments to date with total deposits paid of 44 million euros through July 31, 2014. The Company expects that it will be required to deposit additional amounts up to 13 million euros plus interest for tax returns to be filed in future periods until the issue is resolved. The Company has been notified to appear before a lower court in September 2014 to discuss its tax position. A decision is expected to be rendered within six to nine months. The Company intends to appeal the lower court decision if such decision is not favorable. The resolution of an appeal could take several years. If the Company is ultimately successful, as expected, the tax deposits will be returned with 6% simple interest, based on current German legislation. As of July 31, 2014, the USD equivalent of the deposit and accrued interest was $66.0 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.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	12	Retirement Plans
	The components of net pension expense for the company’s global defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months
			Ended July 31,
			2014			2013
	Service Cost		$	1,553		$	1,958
	Interest Cost			7,551			7,338
	Expected Return on Plan Assets			(8,865	)		(8,911	)
	Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost			27			30
	Recognized Net Actuarial Loss			1,892			3,457
	Net Pension Expense		$	2,158		$	3,872
	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, defined benefit plans effective June 30, 2013. As a result of freezing the U.S. defined benefit plans, the Company changed the amortization period from the average expected future service period of active plan participants to the average expected life of plan participants. Employer defined benefit pension plan contributions were $2.7 million and $3.0 million for the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Contributions for employer defined contribution plans were approximately $6.1 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	13	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 $786.2 million of variable rate loans outstanding at July 31, 2014, which approximated fair value. As of July 31, 2014 and 2013, 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 January 15, 2014, 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 0.47% and receives a variable rate of interest based on one-month LIBOR (as defined) from the counterparty which is reset every month for a two-year period ending January 15, 2016. As of July 31, 2014, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $150.0 million.
	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 July 31, 2014, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $150.0 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 July 31, 2014 and 2013 and April 30, 2014 was a deferred loss of $0.6 million, $1.1 million, and $1.0 million, respectively. Based on the maturity dates of the contracts, approximately $0.5 million and $0.7 million of the deferred losses as of July 31, 2014 and April 30, 2014 were recorded in Other Accrued Liabilities, with the remaining deferred losses in each period of $0.1 million and $0.3 million recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively.  The entire $1.1 million deferred loss as of July 31, 2013 was recorded in Other Long-Term liabilities. The pre-tax losses that were reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense for the three months ended July 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0.3 million and $0.3 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) in 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 July 31, 2014 and 2013, the total notional amounts of the open forward contracts in U.S. dollars were $105.3 million and $55.8 million, respectively. The Company did not maintain any open forward contracts as of April 30, 2014. During the first quarters of fiscal years 2015 and 2014, the Company did not designate any forward 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 July 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of the open forward exchange contracts were losses of approximately $4.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively, and recorded within Other Accrued Liabilities 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 July 31, 2014 and 2013, the losses recognized on the forward contracts were $4.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Corporate_Headquarters_Lease_R

Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal [Abstract]	'
Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal	'
	14	Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal
	During the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company renewed the lease for its corporate headquarters in Hoboken, New Jersey. The lease renewal is an operating lease which commences on July 1, 2017 and extends the current lease through March 31, 2033.  As a result of the renewal, the Company’s total future minimum payments under the new lease will be $223.0 million, with annual minimum payments of $14.4 million in fiscal years 2018 through 2022.

Recent_Accounting_Standards_Po

Recent Accounting Standards (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Recent Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
Recent Accounting Standards	'
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09 "Revenue From Contracts With Customers" (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) published its equivalent standard, International Financial Reporting Standard (“IFRS”) 15, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. The standard will require companies to review contract arrangements with customers and ensure all separate performance obligations are properly recognized in compliance with the new guidance. The standard is effective for the Company on May 1, 2017 with early adoption prohibited. The standard allows for either “full retrospective” adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented or “cumulative effect” adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing whether the adoption of the guidance will have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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 Three Months
		Ended July 31,
		2014			2013
	Restricted Stock:
	Awards granted (in thousands)		294			316
	Weighted average fair value of grant	$	59.7		$	39.53
	Stock Options:
	Awards granted (in thousands)		188			322
	Weighted average fair value of grant	$	16.97		$	10.12
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 Three Months
		Ended July 31,
		2014			2013
	Expected life of options (years)		7.2			7.4
	Risk-free interest rate		2.2	%		2.1	%
	Expected volatility		30.9	%		30.5	%
	Expected dividend yield		1.9	%		2.5	%
	Fair value of common stock on grant date	$	59.7		$	39.53

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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 months ended July 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign			Unamortized			Interest
		Currency			Retirement			Rate
		Translation			Costs			Swaps			Total
	Balance at April 30, 2014	$	(66,664	)	$	(123,025	)	$	(602	)	$	(190,291	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(2,858	)		(476	)		74			(3,260	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			1,598			192			1,790
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(2,858	)	$	1,122		$	266		$	(1,470	)
	Balance at July 31, 2014	$	(69,522	)	$	(121,903	)	$	(336	)	$	(191,761	)
		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		(9,803	)		310			98			(9,395	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			2,495			178			2,673
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(9,803	)	$	2,805		$	276		$	(6,722	)
	Balance at July 31, 2013	$	(144,342	)	$	(140,319	)	$	(693	)	$	(285,354	)

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave1

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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
		Ended July 31,
		2014			2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding		59,195			58,684
	Less: Unearned restricted shares		(247	)		(241	)
	Shares used for basic earnings per share		58,948			58,443
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards		836			691
	Shares used for diluted earnings per share		59,784			59,134

Restructuring_Programs_Tables

Restructuring Programs (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
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 (Credits) Charges in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		For the Three Months						Cumulative Charges
		Ended July 31,						Incurred to Date
		2014			2013
	Charges (Credits) by Segment:
	Research	$	(185	)	$	1,971		$	10,485
	Professional Development		245			3,553			18,389
	Education		51			48			2,059
	Shared Services		(266	)		2,183			36,086
	Total Restructuring Charges	$	(155	)	$	7,755		$	67,019
	Charges (Credits) by Activity:
	Severance	$	641		$	5,031		$	46,309
	Process reengineering consulting		(145	)		2,511			11,029
	Other activities		(651	)		213			9,681
	Total Restructuring Charges	$	(155	)	$	7,755		$	67,019
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability	'
	The following table summarizes the activity for the Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability for the three months ended July 31, 2014 (in thousands):
											Foreign
		April 30,			Charges						Translation &			July 31,
		2014			(Credits)			Payments			Reclassifications			2014
	Severance	$	29,255		$	641		$	(7,309	)	$	(45	)	$	22,542
	Process reengineering consulting		722			(145	)		(577	)		-			-
	Other activities		4,995			(651	)		(470	)		(77	)		3,797
	Total	$	34,972		$	(155	)	$	(8,356	)	$	(122	)	$	26,339

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment information	'
	Segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months
		Ended July 31,
		2014			2013
	RESEARCH
	Revenue	$	254,870		$	245,788
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	113,851		$	110,007
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(11,970	)		(11,567	)
	Technology and Content Management		(25,872	)		(26,238	)
	Occupancy and Other		(6,158	)		(6,453	)
	Contribution to Profit	$	69,851		$	65,749
	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
	Revenue	$	92,327		$	84,086
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	32,341		$	26,217
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(8,279	)		(9,653	)
	Technology and Content Management		(10,844	)		(13,069	)
	Occupancy and Other		(5,620	)		(4,765	)
	Contribution to Profit (Loss)	$	7,598		$	(1,270	)
	EDUCATION
	Revenue	$	90,720		$	81,146
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	28,152		$	24,146
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(3,319	)		(4,041	)
	Technology and Content Management		(12,987	)		(11,637	)
	Occupancy and Other		(3,175	)		(3,002	)
	Contribution to Profit	$	8,671		$	5,466
	Total Contribution to Profit	$	86,120		$	69,945
	Unallocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs		(36,490	)		(34,381	)
	Operating Income	$	49,630		$	35,564
	The following table reflects total shared services and administrative costs by function, which are allocated to business segments based on the methodologies described above:
		For the Three Months
		Ended July 31,
	Total Shared Services and Administrative Costs:	2014			2013
	Distribution & Operation Services	$	23,676		$	25,235
	Technology & Content Management		62,379			59,887
	Finance		13,735			12,785
	Other Administration		25,190			24,716
	Restructuring (Credits) Charges (see Note 7)		(266	)		2,183
	Total	$	124,714		$	124,806
	The Company has modified its segment product/service revenue categories to reflect recent changes to the business, including acquisitions and restructuring. All prior periods have been revised to reflect the new categorization as follows:
		For the Three Months
		Ended July 31,
	Total Revenue by Product/Service:	2014			2013
	Research Communications	$	200,714		$	189,114
	Books and Custom Print Products		171,565			166,842
	Education Services (Deltak)		16,236			14,700
	Talent Solutions		17,176			6,587
	Course Workflow Solutions		1,314			1,096
	Other		30,912			32,681
	Total	$	437,917		$	411,020

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
		As of July 31,						As of April 30,
		2014			2013			2014
	Finished goods	$	60,041		$	66,070		$	62,071
	Work-in-process		6,488			5,964			6,041
	Paper, cloth and other		5,501			7,144			5,476
		$	72,030			79,178		$	73,588
	Inventory value of estimated sales returns		7,520			7,329			6,774
	LIFO reserve		(4,942	)		(5,502	)		(4,867	)
	Total inventories	$	74,608		$	81,005		$	75,495

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of July 31,				As of April 30,
		2014		2013		2014
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Brands and trademarks	$	165,462	$	153,419	$	164,202
	Content and publishing rights		103,808		102,116		106,898
		$	269,270	$	255,535	$	271,100
	Net intangible assets with determinable lives:
	Content and publishing rights	$	547,516	$	518,747	$	535,827
	Customer relationships		200,226		153,401		162,295
	Brands and trademarks		19,787		13,347		14,716
	Covenants not to compete		950		974		723
		$	768,479	$	686,469	$	713,561
	Total	$	1,037,749	$	942,004	$	984,661

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Components of net pension expense for the defined benefit plans	'
	The components of net pension expense for the company’s global defined benefit plans were as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months
		Ended July 31,
		2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	1,553		$	1,958
	Interest Cost		7,551			7,338
	Expected Return on Plan Assets		(8,865	)		(8,911	)
	Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost		27			30
	Recognized Net Actuarial Loss		1,892			3,457
	Net Pension Expense	$	2,158		$	3,872

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Lag period between the company's recent international acquisition and financial reporting	'2 months

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$3.30	$3.30
Weighted-average Black-Scholes fair value assumptions by stock option grants [Abstract]	'	'
Expected life of options (years)	'7 years 2 months 12 days	'7 years 4 months 24 days
Risk-free interest rate (in hundredths)	2.20%	2.10%
Expected volatility (in hundredths)	30.90%	30.50%
Expected dividend yield (in hundredths)	1.90%	2.50%
Fair value of common stock on grant date (in dollars per share)	$59.70	$39.53
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company [Abstract]	'	'
Awards granted (in shares)	294	316
Weighted average fair value of grant (in dollars per share)	$59.70	$39.53
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company [Abstract]	'	'
Awards granted (in shares)	188	322
Weighted average fair value of grant (in dollars per share)	$16.97	$10.12

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Balance	($190,291,000)	($278,632,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-3,260,000	-9,395,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,790,000	2,673,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-1,470,000	-6,722,000
Balance	-191,761,000	-285,354,000
Pension expense amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	1,900,000	3,500,000
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Balance	-66,664,000	-134,539,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-2,858,000	-9,803,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-2,858,000	-9,803,000
Balance	-69,522,000	-144,342,000
Unamortized Retirement Costs [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Balance	-123,025,000	-143,124,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-476,000	310,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,598,000	2,495,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,122,000	2,805,000
Balance	-121,903,000	-140,319,000
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Balance	-602,000	-969,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	74,000	98,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	192,000	178,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	266,000	276,000
Balance	($336,000)	($693,000)

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave2

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	59,195,000	58,684,000
Less: Unearned restricted shares (in shares)	-247,000	-241,000
Shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	58,948,000	58,443,000
Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards (in shares)	836,000	691,000
Shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	59,784,000	59,134,000
Stock Options [Member]	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'
Anti-dilutive shares excluded for diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	0	2,259,914

Acquisition_Details

Acquisition (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

1-May-14

Jul. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

2-May-14

Apr. 01, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 01, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Cross Knowledge [Member]

Cross Knowledge [Member]

Cross Knowledge [Member]

Cross Knowledge [Member]

Profiles International [Member]

Profiles International [Member]

Profiles International [Member]

Profiles International [Member]

Profiles International [Member]

EndUser

Language

Minimum [Member]

Country

Client

Object

Country

Language

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Lag period between the company's recent international acquisition and financial reporting

'2 months

'

'

'

'2 months

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash payment in acquisition, net of cash acquired

$170,910,000

$101,000

'

$166,000,000

'

'

'

$48,000,000

'

'

'

'

Number of learning objects

'

'

'

17,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of languages in which training program provided

'

'

'

17

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of end-users served by enterprise

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of countries in which enterprise serves the end users

'

'

'

80

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenue

437,917,000

411,020,000

'

'

4,100,000

37,000,000

'

'

5,500,000

27,000,000

'

'

Operating income (loss)

251,734,000

236,995,000

'

'

-200,000

5,000,000

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

Purchase price allocation, identifiable long-lived intangible assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

63,000,000

'

'

'

22,900,000

'

Purchase price allocation, technology

'

'

'

'

'

'

6,300,000

'

'

'

2,700,000

'

Purchase price allocation, long-term deferred tax liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,500,000

'

'

'

9,400,000

'

Purchase price allocation, short-term deferred tax assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,900,000

'

Negative working capital

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4,300,000

'

'

'

-6,700,000

'

Goodwill

$1,031,527,000

$831,176,000

$903,665,000

'

'

'

$122,500,000

'

'

'

$40,400,000

'

Number of enterprise clients served

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

40,000

Number of countries where enterprise clients are served

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

120

Number of languages in which enterprise clients are served

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

32

'

'

'

'

Restructuring_Programs_Details

Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		27 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	($155)	$7,755	$67,019
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	34,972	'	'
Charges (Credits)	-155	7,755	'
Payments	-8,356	-3,549	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	-122	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	26,339	'	26,339
Severance [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	641	5,031	46,309
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	29,255	'	'
Charges (Credits)	641	'	'
Payments	-7,309	'	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	-45	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	22,542	'	22,542
Process Reengineering Consulting [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	-145	2,511	11,029
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	722	'	'
Charges (Credits)	-145	'	'
Payments	-577	'	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	0	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	0	'	0
Other Activities [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	-651	213	9,681
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	4,995	'	'
Charges (Credits)	-651	'	'
Payments	-470	'	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	-77	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	3,797	'	3,797
Other Activities [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	700	'	700
Other Activities [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	3,100	'	3,100
Research [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	-185	1,971	10,485
Professional Development [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	245	3,553	18,389
Education [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	51	48	2,059
Shared Services [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	($266)	$2,183	$36,086

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
	CoreBusinesses
Segment Information [Abstract]	'	'
Number of core businesses	3	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	$437,917	$411,020
Shared services and administration costs	124,714	124,806
Operating Income	49,630	35,564
Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	23,676	25,235
Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	62,379	59,887
Finance [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	13,735	12,785
Other Administration [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	25,190	24,716
Restructuring (Credits) Charge [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-266	2,183
Research Communications [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	200,714	189,114
Books and Custom Print Products [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	171,565	166,842
Education Services (Deltak) [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	16,236	14,700
Talent Solutions [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	17,176	6,587
Course Workflow Solutions [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	1,314	1,096
Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	30,912	32,681
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Contribution to Profit	86,120	69,945
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-36,490	-34,381
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	254,870	245,788
Direct contribution to profit	113,851	110,007
Contribution to Profit	69,851	65,749
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-11,970	-11,567
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-25,872	-26,238
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-6,158	-6,453
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	92,327	84,086
Direct contribution to profit	32,341	26,217
Contribution to Profit	7,598	-1,270
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-8,279	-9,653
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-10,844	-13,069
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-5,620	-4,765
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Revenue	90,720	81,146
Direct contribution to profit	28,152	24,146
Contribution to Profit	8,671	5,466
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-3,319	-4,041
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-12,987	-11,637
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	($3,175)	($3,002)

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finished goods	$60,041	$62,071	$66,070
Work-in-process	6,488	6,041	5,964
Paper, cloth, and other	5,501	5,476	7,144
Gross inventory	72,030	73,588	79,178
Inventory value of estimated sales returns	7,520	6,774	7,329
LIFO reserve	-4,942	-4,867	-5,502
Total inventories	$74,608	$75,495	$81,005

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	$269,270	$271,100	$255,535
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	768,479	713,561	686,469
Total	1,037,749	984,661	942,004
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	547,516	535,827	518,747
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	200,226	162,295	153,401
Brands and Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	19,787	14,716	13,347
Covenants not to Compete [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	950	723	974
Brands and Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	165,462	164,202	153,419
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	$103,808	$106,898	$102,116

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
		USD ($)	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
			USD ($)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	26.30%	5.30%	'	'	'
Non-cash deferred tax benefit associated with new tax legislation enacted in the U.K.	'	$10.60	'	'	'
Non-cash deferred tax benefit associated with new tax legislation enacted in the U.K. (in dollars per share)	'	$0.18	'	'	'
Corporate income tax rate, U.K. (in hundredths)	'	3.00%	'	'	'
Income tax statutory rate for UK in 2014 (in hundredths)	21.00%	'	'	'	'
Income tax statutory rate for UK in 2015 (in hundredths)	20.00%	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate excluding the tax benefits due to new tax legislation enacted in the U.K. (in hundredths)	26.30%	25.80%	'	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Expected tax benefits derived from the step-up	'	'	'	50	'
Expected tax benefits amortization	'	'	'15 years	'15 years	'
Deposits related to amortization claimed on certain stepped-up assets	'	'	'	2	5
Total deposits	'	'	'	44	'
Additional deposits for future deposits	'	'	'	13	'
Minimum expected time for a decision to be rendered	'	'	'6 months	'6 months	'
Maximum expected time for a decision to be rendered	'	'	'9 months	'9 months	'
Expected interest rate on deposits (in hundredths)	'	'	6.00%	6.00%	'
Deposits and accrued interest income	'	'	$66	'	'
Accrued interest percentage (in hundredths)	'	'	6.00%	6.00%	'

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2013
Defined benefit plans, net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'
Service Cost	$1,553,000	$1,958,000
Interest Cost	7,551,000	7,338,000
Expected Return on Plan Assets	-8,865,000	-8,911,000
Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost	27,000	30,000
Recognized Net Actuarial Loss	1,892,000	3,457,000
Net Pension Expense	2,158,000	3,872,000
Pension plan contributions	2,700,000	3,000,000
Defined contribution plan	$6,100,000	$2,300,000

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

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

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

Jul. 31, 2013

Jul. 31, 2014

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]

Fair value, fair value disclosure [Member]

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

January 2014 Interest rate swap (variable rate loans) [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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$786.20

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inception date

'

'

'

'

'

30-Mar-12

15-Jan-14

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

0.65%

0.47%

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of derivative instrument

'

'

-0.6

-1

-1.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'1 month

'1 month

'

'

'

'

'

Term of derivative instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

31-Mar-15

15-Jan-16

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of derivative liability

'

'

'

'

'

150

150

105.3

55.8

'

'

'

Description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred loss on interest rate swap recorded as Other Accrued Liabilities

'

'

-0.5

-0.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred loss on interest rate swap recorded as Other Long Term Liabilities

'

'

-0.1

-0.3

-1.1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

0.3

0.3

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on fair value of derivative instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4

-2

'

(Losses)/gains recognized on derivative instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($4)

($2)

'

Corporate_Headquarters_Lease_R1

Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jul. 31, 2014
Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal [Abstract]	'
Lease expiration date	31-Mar-33
Future minimum payments due	$223
Annual minimum payments 2018 through 2022	$14.40