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

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Nov. 30, 2014	Nov. 30, 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	'	49,386,167	9,482,216
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2015	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Oct-14	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION - UNAUDITED (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$198,912	$486,377	$149,662
Accounts receivable	204,424	149,733	180,175
Inventories	70,941	75,495	81,368
Prepaid and other	66,233	78,057	52,377
Total Current Assets	540,510	789,662	463,582
Product Development Assets	58,851	82,940	67,149
Technology, Property & Equipment	190,811	188,718	184,050
Intangible Assets	992,618	984,661	961,588
Goodwill	1,003,290	903,665	851,309
Income Tax Deposit	64,036	64,037	61,001
Other Assets	62,659	63,682	61,782
Total Assets	2,912,775	3,077,365	2,650,461
Current Liabilities	'	'	'
Short-term debt	50,000	0	0
Accounts and royalties payable	180,033	142,534	161,649
Deferred revenue	163,902	385,654	138,354
Accrued employment costs	66,737	118,503	83,738
Accrued income taxes	10,127	13,324	7,804
Accrued pension liability	4,625	4,671	4,389
Other accrued liabilities	52,976	64,901	44,579
Total Current Liabilities	528,400	729,587	440,513
Long-Term Debt	749,513	700,100	647,900
Accrued Pension Liability	155,497	164,634	203,266
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities	234,685	222,482	194,639
Other Long-Term Liabilities	82,278	78,314	77,773
Shareholders' Equity	'	'	'
Class A & Class B Common Stock	83,190	83,190	83,190
Additional paid-in-capital	345,082	327,588	306,356
Retained earnings	1,542,082	1,489,069	1,430,295
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-250,490	-190,291	-235,463
Treasury stock	-557,462	-527,308	-498,008
Total Shareholders' Equity	1,162,402	1,182,248	1,086,370
Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity	$2,912,775	$3,077,365	$2,650,461

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$476,972	$449,153	$914,889	$860,173
Costs and Expenses	'	'	'	'
Cost of sales	134,541	130,352	258,594	250,143
Operating and administrative expenses	253,328	237,526	505,062	474,521
Restructuring charges (credits)	0	15,316	-155	23,071
Impairment charges	0	4,786	0	4,786
Amortization of intangibles	13,099	10,986	25,754	21,901
Total Costs and Expenses	400,968	398,966	789,255	774,422
Operating Income	76,004	50,187	125,634	85,751
Interest Expense	-4,506	-3,392	-8,650	-6,863
Foreign Exchange Transaction (Loss) Gain	210	-581	45	300
Interest Income and Other	1,108	491	1,418	1,629
Income Before Taxes	72,816	46,705	118,447	80,817
Provision For Income Taxes	19,039	10,508	31,024	8,687
Net Income	$53,777	$36,197	$87,423	$72,130
Earnings Per Share	'	'	'	'
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.90	$0.61	$1.46	$1.22
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.91	$0.62	$1.48	$1.23
Average Shares	'	'	'	'
Diluted (in shares)	59,756	59,416	59,777	59,294
Basic (in shares)	58,962	58,535	58,960	58,487
Class A Common [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	'	'	'	'
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.25	$0.58	$0.50
Class B Common [Member]	'	'	'	'
Cash Dividends Per Share	'	'	'	'
Common stock (in dollars per share)	$0.29	$0.25	$0.58	$0.50

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income	$53,777	$36,197	$87,423	$72,130
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation adjustment	-63,930	50,940	-66,788	41,137
Unamortized retirement costs, net of tax provision (benefit) of $1,877, $(253), $2,266 and $881, respectively	5,428	-1,106	6,550	1,699
Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net of tax (benefit) provision of $(144), $35, $24 and $198, respectively	-227	57	39	333
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-58,729	49,891	-60,199	43,169
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	($4,952)	$86,088	$27,224	$115,299

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, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Unamortized retirement costs, tax provision	$1,877	($253)	$2,266	$881
Unrealized gain/(loss) on interest rate swaps, tax provision	($144)	$35	$24	$198

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME4

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW - UNAUDITED (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net income	$87,423	$72,130
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used for operating activities:	'	'
Amortization of intangibles	25,754	21,901
Amortization of composition costs	20,810	22,827
Depreciation of technology, property and equipment	30,510	28,909
Restructuring and impairment charges	-155	27,857
Restructuring payments	-16,267	-12,453
Deferred tax benefits on U.K. rate changes	0	-10,634
Stock-based compensation expense	8,118	7,305
Excess tax (benefit) charge from stock-based compensation	-1,774	1,672
Royalty advances	-47,997	-44,005
Earned royalty advances	64,939	59,926
Other non-cash charges	20,436	29,651
Change in deferred revenue	-223,731	-229,572
Income tax deposit	-3,783	-10,433
Net change in operating assets and liabilities, excluding acquisitions	-58,419	-31,579
Cash Used for Operating Activities	-94,136	-66,498
Investing Activities	'	'
Composition spending	-16,934	-19,290
Additions to technology, property and equipment	-29,584	-26,199
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	-172,145	-739
Escrowed proceeds from sale of consumer publishing programs	1,100	0
Cash Used for Investing Activities	-217,563	-46,228
Financing Activities	'	'
Repayment of long-term debt	-228,051	-293,500
Borrowings of long-term debt	275,070	268,400
Borrowings of short-term debt	50,000	0
Change in book overdrafts	-8,123	-23,836
Cash dividends	-34,402	-29,347
Purchase of treasury stock	-41,534	-18,533
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other	18,876	24,900
Excess tax benefit (charge) from stock-based compensation	1,774	-1,672
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities	33,610	-73,588
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-9,376	1,836
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	'
Decrease for the Period	-287,465	-184,478
Balance at Beginning of Period	486,377	334,140
Balance at End of Period	198,912	149,662
Cash Paid During the Period for:	'	'
Interest	7,483	6,136
Income taxes, net	$28,159	$35,623

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 September or October 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	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 the three months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense, on a pre-tax basis, of $4.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively. For the six months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recognized share-based compensation expense, on a pre-tax basis, of $8.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
	The following table provides share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company:
			For the Six Months
			Ended October31,
			2014			2013
	Restricted Stock:
	Awards granted (in thousands)			294			375
	Weighted average fair value of grant		$	59.7		$	40.75
	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 Six Months
			Ended October31,
			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	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 and six months ended October 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
			Foreign			Unamortized			Interest			Total
			Currency			Retirement			Rate
			Translation			Costs			Swaps
	Balance at July 31, 2014		$	(69,522	)	$	(121,903	)	$	(336	)	$	(191,761	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(63,930	)		3,917			(497	)		(60,510	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			-			1,511			270			1,781
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)			(63,930	)		5,428			(227	)		(58,729	)
	Balance at October 31, 2014		$	(133,452	)	$	(116,475	)	$	(563	)	$	(250,490	)
			Foreign			Unamortized			Interest			Total
			Currency			Retirement			Rate
			Translation			Costs			Swaps
	Balance at April 30, 2014		$	(66,664	)	$	(123,025	)	$	(602	)	$	(190,291	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(66,788	)		3,441			(423	)		(63,770	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			-			3,109			462			3,571
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)			(66,788	)		6,550			39			(60,199	)
	Balance at October 31, 2014		$	(133,452	)	$	(116,475	)	$	(563	)	$	(250,490	)
			Foreign			Unamortized			Interest			Total
			Currency			Retirement			Rate
			Translation			Costs			Swaps
	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			Total
			Currency			Retirement			Rate
			Translation			Costs			Swaps
	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	)
	During the three months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, pre-tax actuarial losses included in Unamortized Retirement Costs of approximately $2.0 million and $3.7 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. During the six months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 pre-tax actuarial losses of approximately $3.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively, were amortized.

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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						For the Six Months
			Ended October31,						Ended October31,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding			59,215			58,846			59,205			58,765
	Less: Unearned restricted shares			(253	)		(311	)		(245	)		(278	)
	Shares used for basic earnings per share			58,962			58,535			58,960			58,487
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards			794			881			817			807
	Shares used for diluted earnings per share			59,756			59,416			59,777			59,294
	Since their inclusion in the calculation of diluted earnings per share would have been anti-dilutive, options to purchase 185,860 shares of Class A Common Stock have been excluded for both the three and six months ended October 31, 2014 and 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. 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.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Acquisitions [Abstract]	'
Acquisitions	'
		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 three and four months of operations for the three and six months ended October 31, 2014, respectively and are reported on a two-month lag to facilitate accurate reporting. For the three and six months ended October 31, 2014, CrossKnowledge’s revenue included in Wiley’s results was $11.3 million and $15.3 million, respectively, and CrossKnowledge’s operating loss included in Wiley’s results was $0.7 million and $0.9 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 $47.5 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 $47.5 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 ($39.9 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 $5.9 million and $11.4 million to the Company’s revenue for the three and six months ended October 31, 2014, respectively.
	Unaudited proforma financial information has not been presented since the effects of the acquisitions were not material.

Restructuring_Programs

Restructuring Programs	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 Charges (Credits) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
			For the Three		For the Six Months						Cumulative
			Months Ended		Ended October31,						Charges
			October31,								Incurred to Date
			2013		2014			2013
	Charges (Credits) by Segment:
	Research		$	3,401	$	(185	)	$	5,372		$	10,485
	Professional Development			2,114		245			5,667			18,389
	Education			210		51			258			2,059
	Shared Services			9,591		(266	)		11,774			36,086
	Total Restructuring Charges		$	15,316	$	(155	)	$	23,071		$	67,019
	Charges (Credits) by Activity:
	Severance		$	9,900	$	641		$	14,931		$	46,309
	Process reengineering consulting			3,100		(145	)		5,611			11,029
	Other activities			2,316		(651	)		2,529			9,681
	Total Restructuring Charges			15,316	$	(155	)	$	23,071		$	67,019
	There were no restructuring charges (credits) for the three months ended October 31, 2014. The amounts reflected above for the six months ended October 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 six months ended October 31, 2014 (in thousands):
			April30,		Charges			Payments			Foreign			October31,
			2014		(Credits)						Translation &			2014
											Reclassifications
	Severance		$	29,255	$	641		$	(14,027	)	$	(85	)	$	15,784
	Process reengineering consulting			722		(145	)		(577	)		-			-
	Other activities			4,995		(651	)		(1,663	)		(63	)		2,618
	Total		$	34,972	$	(155	)	$	(16,267	)	$	(148	)	$	18,402
	The restructuring liability for accrued Severance costs is reflected in Accrued Employment Costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Approximately $0.2 million and $2.4 million of the Other Activities are reflected in Other Accrued Liabilities and Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively.
	The Company expects to record a restructuring charge of approximately $18 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2015. Roughly half of the expected charge is related to the completion of facility consolidations and dispositions in connection with prior restructuring actions. The restructuring charge will also include severance costs for reorganization and consolidation plans, primarily in Research and books.

Impairment_Charges

Impairment Charges	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Impairment Charges [Abstract]	'
Impairment Charges	'
		8	Impairment Charges
	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.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
		9	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, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, 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						For the Six Months
			Ended October31,						Ended October31,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	RESEARCH
	Revenue		$	264,825		$	252,947		$	519,695		$	498,735
	Direct Contribution to Profit		$	121,577		$	112,854		$	235,428		$	222,861
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services			(11,449	)		(11,828	)		(23,419	)		(23,395	)
	Technology and Content Management			(25,314	)		(24,843	)		(51,186	)		(51,081	)
	Occupancy and Other			(6,061	)		(6,519	)		(12,219	)		(12,972	)
	Contribution to Profit		$	78,753		$	69,664		$	148,604		$	135,413
	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
	Revenue		$	105,667		$	92,545		$	197,994		$	176,631
	Direct Contribution to Profit		$	36,799		$	34,972		$	69,140		$	61,189
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services			(7,991	)		(9,503	)		(16,270	)		(19,156	)
	Technology and Content Management			(11,953	)		(12,969	)		(22,797	)		(26,038	)
	Occupancy and Other			(7,130	)		(4,996	)		(12,750	)		(9,761	)
	Contribution to Profit (Loss)		$	9,725		$	7,504		$	17,323		$	6,234
	EDUCATION
	Revenue		$	106,480		$	103,661		$	197,200		$	184,807
	Direct Contribution to Profit		$	40,154		$	40,484		$	68,306		$	64,630
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services			(3,226	)		(3,848	)		(6,545	)		(7,889	)
	Technology and Content Management			(13,828	)		(11,407	)		(26,815	)		(23,044	)
	Occupancy and Other			(3,595	)		(3,044	)		(6,770	)		(6,046	)
	Contribution to Profit		$	19,505		$	22,185		$	28,176		$	27,651
	Total Contribution to Profit		$	107,983		$	99,353		$	194,103		$	169,298
	Unallocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs			(31,979	)		(49,166	)		(68,469	)		(83,547	)
	Operating Income		$	76,004		$	50,187		$	125,634		$	85,751
	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						For the Six Months
			Ended October31,						Ended October31,
	Total Shared Services and Administrative Costs:		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Distribution & Operation Services		$	22,443		$	25,281		$	46,119		$	50,516
	Technology & Content Management			59,452			59,820			121,831			119,707
	Finance			12,817			13,457			26,552			26,242
	Other Administration			27,814			25,188			53,004			49,904
	Restructuring Charges (Credits) (see Note 7)			-			14,377			(266	)		16,560
	Total		$	122,526		$	138,123		$	247,240		$	262,929
	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company 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						For the Six Months
			Ended October31,						Ended October31,
	Total Revenue by Product/Service:		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Research Communications		$	209,807		$	191,510		$	410,521		$	380,624
	Books and Custom Print Products			170,541			183,550			342,106			350,392
	Education Services (Deltak)			19,699			16,551			35,935			31,251
	Talent Solutions			26,440			8,554			43,616			15,141
	Course Workflow Solutions (WileyPlus)			18,397			15,916			19,711			17,012
	Other			32,088			33,072			63,000			65,753
	Total		$	476,972		$	449,153		$	914,889		$	860,173

Inventories

Inventories	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
		10	Inventories
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
			As of October31,						As of April30,
			2014			2013			2014
	Finished goods		$	54,766		$	63,801		$	62,071
	Work-in-process			7,132			6,430			6,041
	Paper, cloth and other			4,640			7,421			5,476
			$	66,538			77,652		$	73,588
	Inventory value of estimated sales returns			9,420			9,418			6,774
	LIFO reserve			(5,017	)		(5,702	)		(4,867	)
	Total inventories		$	70,941		$	81,368		$	75,495

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
		11	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
			As of October31,				As of April30,
			2014		2013		2014
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Brands and trademarks		$	159,266	$	159,557	$	164,202
	Content and publishing rights			98,261		106,644		106,898
			$	257,527	$	266,201	$	271,100
	Net intangible assets with determinable lives:
	Content and publishing rights		$	521,416	$	529,218	$	535,827
	Customer relationships			193,969		152,392		162,295
	Brands and trademarks			18,845		12,888		14,716
	Covenants not to compete			861		889		723
			$	735,091	$	695,387	$	713,561
	Total		$	992,618	$	961,588	$	984,661

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
		12	Income Taxes
	The effective tax rate for the first six months of fiscal year 2015 was 26.2% compared to 10.7% 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 23.9% to 26.1% principally due to a $1.5 million net tax reserve release recorded in the second quarter of fiscal year 2014.
	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 filed an appeal with the local finance court in September 2014.  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 3 million and 8 million euros in the first six months 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 45 million euros through October 31, 2014. The Company expects that it will be required to deposit additional amounts up to 12 million euros plus interest for tax returns to be filed in future periods until the issue is resolved.
	In October 2014, the Company received an unfavorable decision from the local finance court and is in the process of appealing the court decision. The Company's management and its advisors still believe that it is "more likely than not" to successfully defend that the tax treatment was proper and in accordance with German tax regulations, as such the Company has not recorded any charges related to the loss of the step-up benefit. The Company expects to file its appeal in January 2015 and resolution of the appeal could take up to 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 October 31, 2014, the USD equivalent of the deposit and accrued interest was $64.0 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	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
		13	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						For the Six Months
			Ended October31,						Ended October31,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service Cost		$	1,588		$	2,004		$	3,141		$	3,962
	Interest Cost			7,638			7,326			15,189			14,664
	Expected Return on Plan Assets			(9,112	)		(8,977	)		(17,977	)		(17,888	)
	Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost			(30	)		31			(3	)		61
	Recognized Net Actuarial Loss			1,946			3,602			3,838			7,059
	Net Pension Expense		$	2,030		$	3,986		$	4,188		$	7,858
	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 $2.2 million and $2.5 million for the three months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively and $5.0 million and $5.5 million for the six months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Contributions for employer defined contribution plans were approximately $2.8 million and $2.4 million for the three months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively, and $8.9 million and $4.7 million for the six months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Debt_and_Available_Credit_Faci

Debt and Available Credit Facilities	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Debt and Available Credit Facilities [Abstract]	'
Debt and Available Credit Facilities	'
		14	Debt and Available Credit Facilities
	On October 31, 2014, the Company entered into a new U.S. dollar facility with TD Bank, N.A. which is equally ranked with the Company’s existing agreement with Bank of America - Merrill Lynch and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. The new agreement consists of a $50 million 364-day revolving credit facility. The facility was fully drawn as of October 31, 2014. The borrowing rate is LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.80% to 1.40%, and a facility fee will be due on any undrawn amounts ranging from 0.125% to 0.30%, both depending on the Company consolidated leverage ratio, as defined. The credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants related to the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, which the Company was in compliance with as of October 31, 2014. The proceeds of the new revolving credit facility were used to pay a portion of the Company’s existing revolving credit facility and meet seasonal operating cash requirements.

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
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 $798.1 million of variable rate loans outstanding at October 31, 2014, which approximated fair value. As of October 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 August 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 0.65% 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 August 15, 2016. As of October 31, 2014, the notional amount of the interest rate swap was $150.0 million.
	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 October 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 October 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013 and April 30, 2014 was a deferred loss of $1.0 million, $1.0 million, and $1.0 million, respectively. Based on the maturity dates of the contracts, approximately $0.3 million and $0.7 million of the deferred losses as of October 31, 2014 and April 30, 2014 were recorded in Other Accrued Liabilities, with the remaining deferred losses in each period of $0.7 million and $0.3 million recorded in Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively. The entire $1.0 million deferred loss as of October 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The pre-tax losses that were reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into Interest Expense for the six months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013 were $0.8 million and $0.6 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, the total notional amounts of the open forward contracts were 75 million euros and 43 million euros, respectively. The Company did not maintain any open forward contracts as of April 30, 2014. During the first six months 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 October 31, 2014 and 2013, the fair values of the open forward exchange contracts were a loss of approximately $4.2 million and a gain of $0.1 million, respectively, and recorded within Other Accrued Liabilities and the Prepaid and Other line item, respectively, in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The fair values were measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 inputs. For the three and six months ended October 31, 2014 and 2013, the gains (losses) recognized on the forward contracts were $(0.2) million, $0.1 million, $(4.2) million and $(0.1) million, respectively.

Corporate_Headquarters_Lease_R

Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal [Abstract]	'
Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal	'
		16	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)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 Six Months
		Ended October31,
		2014			2013
	Restricted Stock:
	Awards granted (in thousands)		294			375
	Weighted average fair value of grant	$	59.7		$	40.75
	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 Six Months
		Ended October31,
		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)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 and six months ended October 31, 2014 were as follows (in thousands):
		Foreign			Unamortized			Interest			Total
		Currency			Retirement			Rate
		Translation			Costs			Swaps
	Balance at July 31, 2014	$	(69,522	)	$	(121,903	)	$	(336	)	$	(191,761	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(63,930	)		3,917			(497	)		(60,510	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			1,511			270			1,781
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)		(63,930	)		5,428			(227	)		(58,729	)
	Balance at October 31, 2014	$	(133,452	)	$	(116,475	)	$	(563	)	$	(250,490	)
		Foreign			Unamortized			Interest			Total
		Currency			Retirement			Rate
		Translation			Costs			Swaps
	Balance at April 30, 2014	$	(66,664	)	$	(123,025	)	$	(602	)	$	(190,291	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(66,788	)		3,441			(423	)		(63,770	)
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss		-			3,109			462			3,571
	Total other comprehensive income (loss)		(66,788	)		6,550			39			(60,199	)
	Balance at October 31, 2014	$	(133,452	)	$	(116,475	)	$	(563	)	$	(250,490	)
		Foreign			Unamortized			Interest			Total
		Currency			Retirement			Rate
		Translation			Costs			Swaps
	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			Total
		Currency			Retirement			Rate
		Translation			Costs			Swaps
	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, 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						For the Six Months
		Ended October31,						Ended October31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding		59,215			58,846			59,205			58,765
	Less: Unearned restricted shares		(253	)		(311	)		(245	)		(278	)
	Shares used for basic earnings per share		58,962			58,535			58,960			58,487
	Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards		794			881			817			807
	Shares used for diluted earnings per share		59,756			59,416			59,777			59,294

Restructuring_Programs_Tables

Restructuring Programs (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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 Charges (Credits) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (in thousands):
		For the Three		For the Six Months						Cumulative
		Months Ended		Ended October31,						Charges
		October31,								Incurred to Date
		2013		2014			2013
	Charges (Credits) by Segment:
	Research	$	3,401	$	(185	)	$	5,372		$	10,485
	Professional Development		2,114		245			5,667			18,389
	Education		210		51			258			2,059
	Shared Services		9,591		(266	)		11,774			36,086
	Total Restructuring Charges	$	15,316	$	(155	)	$	23,071		$	67,019
	Charges (Credits) by Activity:
	Severance	$	9,900	$	641		$	14,931		$	46,309
	Process reengineering consulting		3,100		(145	)		5,611			11,029
	Other activities		2,316		(651	)		2,529			9,681
	Total Restructuring Charges		15,316	$	(155	)	$	23,071		$	67,019
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, 2014 (in thousands):
		April30,		Charges			Payments			Foreign			October31,
		2014		(Credits)						Translation &			2014
										Reclassifications
	Severance	$	29,255	$	641		$	(14,027	)	$	(85	)	$	15,784
	Process reengineering consulting		722		(145	)		(577	)		-			-
	Other activities		4,995		(651	)		(1,663	)		(63	)		2,618
	Total	$	34,972	$	(155	)	$	(16,267	)	$	(148	)	$	18,402

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Segment Information [Abstract]	'
Segment information	'
	Segment information is as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months						For the Six Months
		Ended October31,						Ended October31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	RESEARCH
	Revenue	$	264,825		$	252,947		$	519,695		$	498,735
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	121,577		$	112,854		$	235,428		$	222,861
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(11,449	)		(11,828	)		(23,419	)		(23,395	)
	Technology and Content Management		(25,314	)		(24,843	)		(51,186	)		(51,081	)
	Occupancy and Other		(6,061	)		(6,519	)		(12,219	)		(12,972	)
	Contribution to Profit	$	78,753		$	69,664		$	148,604		$	135,413
	PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
	Revenue	$	105,667		$	92,545		$	197,994		$	176,631
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	36,799		$	34,972		$	69,140		$	61,189
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(7,991	)		(9,503	)		(16,270	)		(19,156	)
	Technology and Content Management		(11,953	)		(12,969	)		(22,797	)		(26,038	)
	Occupancy and Other		(7,130	)		(4,996	)		(12,750	)		(9,761	)
	Contribution to Profit (Loss)	$	9,725		$	7,504		$	17,323		$	6,234
	EDUCATION
	Revenue	$	106,480		$	103,661		$	197,200		$	184,807
	Direct Contribution to Profit	$	40,154		$	40,484		$	68,306		$	64,630
	Allocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs:
	Distribution and Operation Services		(3,226	)		(3,848	)		(6,545	)		(7,889	)
	Technology and Content Management		(13,828	)		(11,407	)		(26,815	)		(23,044	)
	Occupancy and Other		(3,595	)		(3,044	)		(6,770	)		(6,046	)
	Contribution to Profit	$	19,505		$	22,185		$	28,176		$	27,651
	Total Contribution to Profit	$	107,983		$	99,353		$	194,103		$	169,298
	Unallocated Shared Services and Administrative Costs		(31,979	)		(49,166	)		(68,469	)		(83,547	)
	Operating Income	$	76,004		$	50,187		$	125,634		$	85,751
	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						For the Six Months
		Ended October31,						Ended October31,
	Total Shared Services and Administrative Costs:	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Distribution & Operation Services	$	22,443		$	25,281		$	46,119		$	50,516
	Technology & Content Management		59,452			59,820			121,831			119,707
	Finance		12,817			13,457			26,552			26,242
	Other Administration		27,814			25,188			53,004			49,904
	Restructuring Charges (Credits) (see Note 7)		-			14,377			(266	)		16,560
	Total	$	122,526		$	138,123		$	247,240		$	262,929
	In the first quarter of fiscal year 2015, the Company 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						For the Six Months
		Ended October31,						Ended October31,
	Total Revenue by Product/Service:	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Research Communications	$	209,807		$	191,510		$	410,521		$	380,624
	Books and Custom Print Products		170,541			183,550			342,106			350,392
	Education Services (Deltak)		19,699			16,551			35,935			31,251
	Talent Solutions		26,440			8,554			43,616			15,141
	Course Workflow Solutions (WileyPlus)		18,397			15,916			19,711			17,012
	Other		32,088			33,072			63,000			65,753
	Total	$	476,972		$	449,153		$	914,889		$	860,173

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Inventories [Abstract]	'
Inventories	'
	Inventories were as follows (in thousands):
		As of October31,						As of April30,
		2014			2013			2014
	Finished goods	$	54,766		$	63,801		$	62,071
	Work-in-process		7,132			6,430			6,041
	Paper, cloth and other		4,640			7,421			5,476
		$	66,538			77,652		$	73,588
	Inventory value of estimated sales returns		9,420			9,418			6,774
	LIFO reserve		(5,017	)		(5,702	)		(4,867	)
	Total inventories	$	70,941		$	81,368		$	75,495

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of intangible assets	'
	Intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands):
		As of October31,				As of April30,
		2014		2013		2014
	Intangible assets with indefinite lives:
	Brands and trademarks	$	159,266	$	159,557	$	164,202
	Content and publishing rights		98,261		106,644		106,898
		$	257,527	$	266,201	$	271,100
	Net intangible assets with determinable lives:
	Content and publishing rights	$	521,416	$	529,218	$	535,827
	Customer relationships		193,969		152,392		162,295
	Brands and trademarks		18,845		12,888		14,716
	Covenants not to compete		861		889		723
		$	735,091	$	695,387	$	713,561
	Total	$	992,618	$	961,588	$	984,661

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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						For the Six Months
		Ended October31,						Ended October31,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Service Cost	$	1,588		$	2,004		$	3,141		$	3,962
	Interest Cost		7,638			7,326			15,189			14,664
	Expected Return on Plan Assets		(9,112	)		(8,977	)		(17,977	)		(17,888	)
	Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost		(30	)		31			(3	)		61
	Recognized Net Actuarial Loss		1,946			3,602			3,838			7,059
	Net Pension Expense	$	2,030		$	3,986		$	4,188		$	7,858

Basis_of_Presentation_Details

Basis of Presentation (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Oct. 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		6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Share-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense	$4.80	$4	$8.10	$7.30
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	$59.70	$39.53
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation data for awards granted by the Company [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Awards granted (in shares)	'	'	294	375
Weighted average fair value of grant (in dollars per share)	$59.70	$40.75	$59.70	$40.75
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		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	($191,761,000)	($285,354,000)	($190,291,000)	($278,632,000)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-60,510,000	47,109,000	-63,770,000	37,714,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,781,000	2,782,000	3,571,000	5,455,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-58,729,000	49,891,000	-60,199,000	43,169,000
Balance	-250,490,000	-235,463,000	-250,490,000	-235,463,000
Pension expense amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	3,900,000	'	7,200,000	'
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	-69,522,000	-144,342,000	-66,664,000	-134,539,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-63,930,000	50,940,000	-66,788,000	41,137,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	0	0	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-63,930,000	50,940,000	-66,788,000	41,137,000
Balance	-133,452,000	-93,402,000	-133,452,000	-93,402,000
Unamortized Retirement Costs [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	-121,903,000	-140,319,000	-123,025,000	-143,124,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	3,917,000	-3,704,000	3,441,000	-3,394,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	1,511,000	2,598,000	3,109,000	5,093,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,428,000	-1,106,000	6,550,000	1,699,000
Balance	-116,475,000	-141,425,000	-116,475,000	-141,425,000
Pre-tax actuarial losses included in Unamortized Retirement Costs	2,000,000	3,700,000	'	'
Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Balance	-336,000	-693,000	-602,000	-969,000
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	-497,000	-127,000	-423,000	-29,000
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	270,000	184,000	462,000	362,000
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	-227,000	57,000	39,000	333,000
Balance	($563,000)	($636,000)	($563,000)	($636,000)

Reconciliation_of_Weighted_Ave2

Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	59,215,000	58,846,000	59,205,000	58,765,000
Less: Unearned restricted shares (in shares)	-253,000	-311,000	-245,000	-278,000
Shares used for basic earnings per share (in shares)	58,962,000	58,535,000	58,960,000	58,487,000
Dilutive effect of stock options and other stock awards (in shares)	794,000	881,000	817,000	807,000
Shares used for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	59,756,000	59,416,000	59,777,000	59,294,000
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive shares excluded for diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	185,860	715,952	185,860	1,125,120
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive shares excluded for diluted EPS calculation (in shares)	'	'	'	5,000

Acquisitions_Details

Acquisitions (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Apr. 30, 2014

1-May-14

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2013

2-May-14

Apr. 01, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 01, 2014

Apr. 01, 2014

Cross Knowledge [Member]

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]

Profiles International [Member]

Country

Language

Minimum [Member]

Language

Client

Object

Country

EndUser

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

'

'

$172,145,000

$739,000

'

$166,000,000

'

'

'

'

$47,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

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

476,972,000

449,153,000

914,889,000

860,173,000

'

'

11,300,000

15,300,000

37,000,000

'

'

5,900,000

11,400,000

27,000,000

'

'

Operating income (loss)

253,328,000

237,526,000

505,062,000

474,521,000

'

'

-700,000

-900,000

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

$1,003,290,000

$851,309,000

$1,003,290,000

$851,309,000

$903,665,000

'

'

'

'

$122,500,000

'

'

'

'

$39,900,000

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

Weighted average estimated useful life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring_Programs_Details

Restructuring Programs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		30 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	$0	$15,316,000	($155,000)	$23,071,000	$67,019,000
Anticipated restructuring charge	18,000,000	'	18,000,000	'	18,000,000
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	'	'	34,972,000	'	'
Charges (Credits)	0	15,316,000	-155,000	23,071,000	'
Payments	'	'	-16,267,000	-12,453,000	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	'	'	-148,000	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	18,402,000	'	18,402,000	'	18,402,000
Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	'	9,900,000	641,000	14,931,000	46,309,000
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	'	'	29,255,000	'	'
Charges (Credits)	'	'	641,000	'	'
Payments	'	'	-14,027,000	'	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	'	'	-85,000	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	15,784,000	'	15,784,000	'	15,784,000
Process Reengineering Consulting [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	'	3,100,000	-145,000	5,611,000	11,029,000
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	'	'	722,000	'	'
Charges (Credits)	'	'	-145,000	'	'
Payments	'	'	-577,000	'	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	'	'	0	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	0	'	0	'	0
Other Activities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	'	2,316,000	-651,000	2,529,000	9,681,000
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Beginning Balance	'	'	4,995,000	'	'
Charges (Credits)	'	'	-651,000	'	'
Payments	'	'	-1,663,000	'	'
Foreign Translation & Reclassifications	'	'	-63,000	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	2,618,000	'	2,618,000	'	2,618,000
Other Activities [Member] | Other Accrued Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	200,000	'	200,000	'	200,000
Other Activities [Member] | Other Long-Term Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Activity for Restructuring and Reinvestment Program liability [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Liability, Ending Balance	2,400,000	'	2,400,000	'	2,400,000
Research [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	'	3,401,000	-185,000	5,372,000	10,485,000
Professional Development [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	'	2,114,000	245,000	5,667,000	18,389,000
Education [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	'	210,000	51,000	258,000	2,059,000
Shared Services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Total restructuring charge	'	$9,591,000	($266,000)	$11,774,000	$36,086,000

Impairment_Charges_Details

Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Impaired Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'
Pretax impairment charge	$4.80

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
			CoreBusinesses
Segment Information [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Number of core businesses	'	'	3	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	$476,972	$449,153	$914,889	$860,173
Shared services and administration costs	122,526	138,123	247,240	262,929
Operating Income	76,004	50,187	125,634	85,751
Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	22,443	25,281	46,119	50,516
Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	59,452	59,820	121,831	119,707
Finance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	12,817	13,457	26,552	26,242
Other Administration [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	27,814	25,188	53,004	49,904
Restructuring Charges (Credits) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	0	14,377	-266	16,560
Research Communications [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	209,807	191,510	410,521	380,624
Books and Custom Print Products [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	170,541	183,550	342,106	350,392
Education Services (Deltak) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	19,699	16,551	35,935	31,251
Talent Solutions [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	26,440	8,554	43,616	15,141
Course Workflow Solutions (WileyPlus) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	18,397	15,916	19,711	17,012
Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	32,088	33,072	63,000	65,753
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Contribution to Profit	107,983	99,353	194,103	169,298
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-31,979	-49,166	-68,469	-83,547
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	264,825	252,947	519,695	498,735
Direct contribution to profit	121,577	112,854	235,428	222,861
Contribution to Profit	78,753	69,664	148,604	135,413
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-11,449	-11,828	-23,419	-23,395
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-25,314	-24,843	-51,186	-51,081
Research [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-6,061	-6,519	-12,219	-12,972
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	105,667	92,545	197,994	176,631
Direct contribution to profit	36,799	34,972	69,140	61,189
Contribution to Profit	9,725	7,504	17,323	6,234
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-7,991	-9,503	-16,270	-19,156
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-11,953	-12,969	-22,797	-26,038
Professional Development [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-7,130	-4,996	-12,750	-9,761
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenue	106,480	103,661	197,200	184,807
Direct contribution to profit	40,154	40,484	68,306	64,630
Contribution to Profit	19,505	22,185	28,176	27,651
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Distribution and Operation Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-3,226	-3,848	-6,545	-7,889
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Technology and Content Management [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	-13,828	-11,407	-26,815	-23,044
Education [Member] | Operating Segments [Member] | Occupancy and Other [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Shared services and administration costs	($3,595)	($3,044)	($6,770)	($6,046)

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Inventories [Abstract]	'	'	'
Finished goods	$54,766	$62,071	$63,801
Work-in-process	7,132	6,041	6,430
Paper, cloth, and other	4,640	5,476	7,421
Gross inventory	66,538	73,588	77,652
Inventory value of estimated sales returns	9,420	6,774	9,418
LIFO reserve	-5,017	-4,867	-5,702
Total inventories	$70,941	$75,495	$81,368

Intangible_Assets_Details

Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	$257,527	$271,100	$266,201
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	735,091	713,561	695,387
Total	992,618	984,661	961,588
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	521,416	535,827	529,218
Customer Relationships [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	193,969	162,295	152,392
Brands and Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	18,845	14,716	12,888
Covenants not to Compete [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Net intangible assets with determinable lives	861	723	889
Brands and Trademarks [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	159,266	164,202	159,557
Content and Publishing Rights [Member]	'	'	'
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'
Intangible assets with indefinite lives	$98,261	$106,898	$106,644

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)		Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]	Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
				USD ($)	EUR (€)	EUR (€)
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective tax rate (in hundredths)	'	26.20%	10.70%	'	'	'
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)	'	26.10%	23.90%	'	'	'
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	'	'	'	'	3	8
Total deposits	'	'	'	'	45	'
Additional deposits for future deposits	'	'	'	'	12	'
Expected interest rate on deposits (in hundredths)	'	'	'	6.00%	6.00%	'
Deposits and accrued interest income	'	'	'	64	'	'
Accrued interest percentage (in hundredths)	'	'	'	6.00%	6.00%	'
Net tax reserve release	'	$1.50	'	'	'	'

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013
Defined benefit plans, net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service Cost	$1,588,000	$2,004,000	$3,141,000	$3,962,000
Interest Cost	7,638,000	7,326,000	15,189,000	14,664,000
Expected Return on Plan Assets	-9,112,000	-8,977,000	-17,977,000	-17,888,000
Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost	-30,000	31,000	-3,000	61,000
Recognized Net Actuarial Loss	1,946,000	3,602,000	3,838,000	7,059,000
Net Pension Expense	2,030,000	3,986,000	4,188,000	7,858,000
Pension plan contributions	2,200,000	2,500,000	5,000,000	5,500,000
Defined contribution plan	$2,800,000	$2,400,000	$8,900,000	$4,700,000

Debt_and_Available_Credit_Faci1

Debt and Available Credit Facilities (Details) (Revolving Credit Facility [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2014
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'
Amount of financing available under credit facilities	$50
Term of credit facility	'364 days
Minimum [Member]	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'
Facility fee (in hundredths)	0.13%
Maximum [Member]	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'
Facility fee (in hundredths)	0.30%
LIBOR [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'
Variable rate (in hundredths)	0.80%
LIBOR [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Credit Facilities [Line Items]	'
Variable rate (in hundredths)	1.40%

Derivative_Instruments_and_Hed1

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details)

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

6 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Apr. 30, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

Oct. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2014

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]

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]

Fair value, fair value disclosure [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

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

January 2014 Interest rate swap (variable rate loans) [Member]

August 2014 Interest rate swap (variable rate loans) [Member]

EUR (€)

EUR (€)

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

Foreign exchange transaction losses [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate loans outstanding

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$798.10

Derivative [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Inception date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Mar-12

15-Jan-14

15-Aug-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.65%

0.47%

0.65%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of derivative instrument

'

'

'

'

-1

-1

-1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1 month

'1 month

'1 month

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term of derivative instrument

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'2 years

'2 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Expiration date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

31-Mar-15

15-Jan-16

15-Aug-16

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Notional amount of derivative liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

150

150

150

75

43

'

'

'

'

'

Description of variable rate basis

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'one-month LIBOR

'one-month LIBOR

'one-month LIBOR

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred loss on interest rate swap recorded as other accrued liabilities

'

'

'

'

-0.3

-0.7

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred loss on interest rate swap recorded as other long term liabilities

'

'

'

'

-0.7

-0.3

-1

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net losses reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

0.4

0.3

0.8

0.6

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss on fair value of derivative instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-4.2

-0.1

'

'

'

(Losses)/gains recognized on derivative instruments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($0.20)

$0.10

($4.20)

($0.10)

'

Corporate_Headquarters_Lease_R1

Corporate Headquarters Lease Renewal (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 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