Franchise (TAX) 10-K 29 Jun 16 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	Liberty Tax, Inc.
Entity Central Index Key	1,528,930
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2016
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	12,594,756
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float		$ 177,019,413

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 9,906	$ 21,387
Receivables:
Accounts receivable	49,908	46,121
Notes receivable - current	26,710	24,465
Interest receivable, net of uncollectible amounts	1,944	1,033
Allowance for doubtful accounts - current	(6,840)	(5,692)
Total current receivables, net	71,722	65,927
Assets Held for Sale_New	9,886	5,160
Assets Held for Sale	9,886	5,160
Deferred income tax asset	3,496	6,921
Other Assets, Current	5,838	6,470
Total current assets	100,848	105,865
Property, equipment, and software, net	40,957	36,232
Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Noncurrent	25,514	22,416
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Noncurrent	(2,010)	(1,663)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent	23,504	20,753
Goodwill	4,228	3,377
Other intangible assets, net	16,270	14,672
Other assets, net	7,524	3,247
Total assets	193,331	184,146
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt	5,947	3,934
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	11,664	17,321
Due to Area Developers (ADs)	24,977	24,340
Income taxes payable	3,581	2,147
Deferred revenue - current	4,682	6,076
Total current liabilities	50,851	53,818
Long-term debt, excluding current installments	17,601	21,463
Deferred revenue - non-current	7,056	7,640
Deferred income tax liability	6,322	2,363
Total liabilities	81,830	85,284
Stockholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	7,153	4,082
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes	(1,698)	(697)
Retained earnings	105,907	95,339
Total stockholders' equity	111,501	98,862
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	193,331	184,146
Special voting preferred stock
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Class A Common stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	120	119
Class B Common stock
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	9	9
Exchangeable shares
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 10	$ 10

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Class A Preferred stock
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	190,000	190,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Special voting preferred stock
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10	10
Preferred stock, shares issued	10	10
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	10	10
Class A Common stock
Par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Authorized shares	21,200,000	21,200,000
Common stock, shares issued	11,993,292	11,905,156
Common stock, shares outstanding	11,993,292	11,905,156
Class B Common stock
Par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	900,000	900,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	900,000	900,000
Exchangeable shares
Par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares issued	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,000,000	1,000,000

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Revenues:
Franchise fees	$ 5,038	$ 6,246	$ 7,844
AD fees	6,008	6,901	6,680
Royalties and advertising fees	80,274	80,469	78,426
Financial products	45,327	37,058	34,512
Interest income	13,578	14,707	14,231
Tax preparation fees, net of discounts	19,292	13,877	14,295
Other revenue	3,912	2,914	3,708
Total revenues	173,429	162,172	159,696
Operating expenses:
Employee compensation and benefits	42,882	41,079	38,399
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	43,927	40,604	34,756
AD expense	27,686	28,497	27,319
Advertising expense	16,420	18,308	15,124
Depreciation, amortization, and impairment charges	10,026	9,900	9,277
Capitalized Computer Software, Impairments	0	8,392	0
Total operating expenses	140,941	146,780	124,875
Income from operations	32,488	15,392	34,821
Other income (expense):
Foreign currency transaction loss	29	(2)	(13)
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Trading Securities	0	0	2,183
Interest expense	(2,039)	(1,889)	(1,355)
Income before income taxes	30,478	13,501	35,636
Income tax expense (note 13)	11,058	4,811	13,654
Net income	19,420	8,690	21,982
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Class A Preferred Stock	(1,406)	(633)	(1,571)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic	$ 18,014	$ 8,057	$ 20,411
Net income per share attributable to Class A and Class B common stockholders:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 1.41	$ 0.63	$ 1.57
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.38	$ 0.61	$ 1.51
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	12,814,775	12,738,887	12,990,522,000
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	14,024,671	14,294,773	14,536,971,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 640	$ 160	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 19,420	$ 8,690	$ 21,982
Interest rate swap agreements, net of taxes of $-, $-, and $268, respectively		(763)	(741)
Payments of Dividends	8,852	2,205	0
Unrealized (loss) gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes of $326, $-, and $608, respectively	(550)	0	975
Reclassified gain on sale of available-for-sale securities included in income, net of taxes of $-, $-, and $821, respectively	0	0	(1,362)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(451)	(763)	(741)
Comprehensive income	18,419	7,927	20,854
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Net income	0	$ 0
Interest rate swap agreements, net of taxes of $-, $-, and $268, respectively			$ (741)
Payments of Dividends	$ 0

Consolidated Statements of Com6

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Taxes on unrealized gain on AFS securities	$ 326	$ 0	$ 608
Taxes on reclassified gain on sale of AFS securities included in income	$ 0	$ 0	$ 821

Consolidated Statement of Stock

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	Retained earnings	Class A Common stock	Class B Common stock	Class A Preferred stock	Special voting preferred stock	Exchangeable shares
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities					15	0	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	$ 2,074	$ 2,074	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Balance at beginning of period (in shares) (As Reported) at Apr. 30, 2013					11,975	900	0	0	1,000
Balance at beginning of period (As Reported) at Apr. 30, 2013	81,836	1,911	1,194	78,592	$ 120	$ 9	$ 0	$ 0	$ 10
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Exercise of stock options (note 10) (in shares)					956	0	0	0	0
Exercise of stock options	13,979	13,970	0	0	$ 9	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Stock Issued During Period, New Issues (in shares)					1	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, New Issues					$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(538)	0	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	(13,079)	(13,074)	0	0	$ (5)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Stock-based compensation expense (in shares)									0
Stock-based compensation expense	4,238	4,238	0	0					$ 0
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Stock Options from Equity to Liability									0
conversion of stock based compensation from equity to liability_value	283	283	0	0					$ 0
Tax benefit of stock option exercises (in shares)									0
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	21,982	0	0	21,982					$ 0
Net income (As Restated)	21,982				$ 20,459	$ 1,523
interest rate swap agreement									0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$ (741)	0	(741)	0					$ 0
Cash dividends ($0.16 per share) (in shares)	$ 0
Payments of Dividends	$ 0
Foreign currency translation (in shares)									0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(741)	0		0					$ 0
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (387)		(387)
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2014	12,409				12,409	900	0	0	1,000
Balance at end of period at Apr. 30, 2014	$ 110,185	9,402	66	100,574	$ 124	$ 9	$ 0	$ 0	$ 10
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities					15	0	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities	2,477	2,477	0	0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Exercise of stock options (note 10) (in shares)					762	0	0	0	0
Exercise of stock options	11,983	11,975	0	0	$ 8	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Stock Issued During Period, New Issues (in shares)					3	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, New Issues					$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(1,284)	0	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	(36,308)	(24,575)	0	(11,720)	$ (13)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Stock-based compensation expense (in shares)									0
Stock-based compensation expense	0	0	0	0					$ 0
Tax benefit of stock option exercises (in shares)									0
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	4,803	4,803	0	0					$ 0
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other		0
Net income (in shares)									0
Net income (As Restated)	8,690	0	0	8,690	$ 8,076	$ 614			$ 0
Dividends, Cash	(2,205)			(2,205)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$ (763)	0		0					$ 0
Cash dividends ($0.16 per share) (in shares)	$ 160
Payments of Dividends	$ 2,205
Foreign currency translation (in shares)									0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(763)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes			0
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2015					11,905	900	0	0	1,000
Balance at end of period at Apr. 30, 2015	98,862	4,082	(697)	95,339	$ 119	$ 9	$ 0	$ 0	$ 10
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities					13	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Conversion of Convertible Securities					$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity
Exercise of stock options (note 10) (in shares)					155	0	0	0	0
Exercise of stock options	2,286	2,284	0	0	$ 2	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Stock Issued During Period, New Issues (in shares)					2	0	0	0
Stock Issued During Period, New Issues					$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)					(82)	0	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	(1,977)	(1,976)	0	0	$ (1)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Stock-based compensation expense (in shares)									0
Stock-based compensation expense	1,863	1,863	0	0					$ 0
Tax benefit of stock option exercises (in shares)									0
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	900	900	0	0					$ 0
Net income (in shares)									0
Net income (As Restated)	$ 19,420	0	0		$ 18,056	$ 1,364			$ 0
Cash dividends ($0.16 per share) (in shares)	$ 640								$ 0
Payments of Dividends	$ 8,852	0	0	(8,852)					$ 0
Foreign currency translation (in shares)									0
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(451)	0		0					$ 0
Unrealized gain (in shares)									0
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	(550)	0	(550)	0					$ 0
Balance at end of period (in shares) at Apr. 30, 2016					11,993	900	0	0	1,000
Balance at end of period at Apr. 30, 2016	$ 111,501	$ 7,153	$ (1,698)	$ 105,907	$ 120	$ 9	$ 0	$ 0	$ 10

Consolidated Statement of Stoc8

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	$ 0.16	$ 0.16

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 19,420	$ 8,690	$ 21,982
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for doubtful accounts	7,282	5,726	8,692
Depreciation and amortization	6,872	8,499	7,836
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets	3,154	9,793	1,441
Amortization of deferred financing costs	477	547	334
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	14	246	75
Share-based Compensation Related To The Equity Classified Awards	1,863	2,477	2,074
Stock-based compensation expense (income) related to liability classified awards	0	0	(872)
Gain on bargain purchases and sales of Company-owned offices	(855)	(414)	(1,143)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments	0	0	(2,183)
Equity in loss of affiliate	73	160	214
Deferred tax expense	7,384	(3,545)	2,605
Changes in:
Accounts, notes, and interest receivable and deferred revenue	(14,228)	(8,869)	(7,708)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	210	(2,911)	(573)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(6,238)	2,685	2,643
Due to ADs	2,631	8,924	4,284
Income taxes	1,758	(7,491)	3,781
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,817	24,517	43,482
Cash flows from investing activities:
Issuance of operating loans to franchisees	(101,552)	(93,365)	(76,013)
Payments received on operating loans to franchisees	89,786	88,776	71,722
Purchases of Company-owned offices, AD rights, and acquired customer lists	(4,787)	(8,246)	(8,706)
Proceeds from sale of Company-owned offices and AD rights	2,934	3,687	2,879
Purchase of available-for-sale securities	(4,999)	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments	0	0	5,163
Purchases of property, equipment, and software	(10,692)	(11,463)	(9,149)
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment	0	0	59
Net cash used in investing activities	(29,310)	(20,611)	(14,045)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	2,286	11,983	13,979
Repurchase of common stock	(1,977)	(36,308)	(13,079)
Dividends paid	(8,852)	(2,205)	0
Repayment of other long-term debt	(4,171)	(5,850)	(3,398)
Borrowings under revolving credit facility	166,232	154,633	137,391
Repayments under revolving credit facility	(166,232)	(154,633)	(137,391)
Payment for debt issue costs	0	(917)	0
Tax benefit of stock option exercises	900	4,803	283
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(11,814)	(28,494)	(2,215)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, net	(174)	(105)	(155)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(11,481)	(24,693)	27,067
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	21,387	46,080	19,013
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 9,906	$ 21,387	$ 46,080

Consolidated Statements of Ca10

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Supplemental Disclosures - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Accrued capitalized software costs included in accounts payable	$ 1,628	$ 1,467	$ 1,179
Cash paid for taxes, net of refunds	1,025	11,160	7,022
Goodwill, Transfers			4,413
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current	3,496	6,921
Accrued capitalized software costs included in accounts payable	407	168	149
Assets Held for Sale_New	9,886	5,160
Conversion of stock based compensation from liability to equity method	0	0	4,238
During the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company acquired certain assets from franchisees, ADs, and third parties as follows:
Fair value of assets purchased	19,726	18,310	18,740
Receivables applied, net of amounts due ADs and related deferred revenue	(12,050)	(6,931)	(5,336)
Franchisee Accounts Payable Canceled	(552)	(367)	(487)
Notes and accounts payable issued	(2,337)	(2,766)	(4,211)
Cash paid to franchisees, ADs, and third parties	4,787	8,246	8,706
During the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014, and 2013, the Company sold certain assets to franchisees and ADs as follows:
Book value of assets sold	9,585	11,469	8,135
Loss on sale - loss recognized	(131)	(298)	(160)
Gain on sale - revenue deferred	1,688	2,000	1,872
Notes received	(8,208)	(9,484)	(6,968)
Cash received from franchisees and ADs	$ 2,934	$ 3,687	$ 2,879

Consolidated Statements of Ca11

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 325	$ 200	$ 378

Organization and Significant Ac

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies	Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Liberty Tax, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, is a holding company engaged through its subsidiaries as a franchisor and, to a lesser degree, an operator of a system of income tax preparation offices located in the United States and Canada. The Company's principal operations are conducted through JTH Tax, Inc. (d/b/a Liberty Tax Service), the Company's largest subsidiary. Through this system of income tax preparation offices, the Company also facilitates refund-based tax settlement financial products, such as refund transfer products and personal income tax refund discounting. The Company also offers online tax preparation services. Effective July 15, 2014, the Company changed its name from JTH Holding, Inc. to Liberty Tax, Inc. The Company provides a substantial amount of lending to its franchisees and area developers ("ADs"). The Company allows franchisees and ADs to defer a portion of the initial franchise fee and AD fee, which are paid over time. The Company also offers its franchisees working capital loans to fund their operations between tax seasons. Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Liberty Tax, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of the Company's Canadian operations have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses have been translated using the average exchange rates in effect each month of the year. Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are recognized when incurred. The Company consolidates any entities in which it has a controlling interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. The Company also considers for consolidation an entity in which the Company has certain interest where a controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity ("VIE"), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The Company does not possess any ownership interests in franchisee entities; however, the Company may provide financial support to franchisee entities. Because the Company's franchise arrangements provide franchisee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, the Company does not consider itself the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. Based on the results of management's analysis of potential VIEs, the Company has not consolidated any franchisee entities. The Company's maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential VIEs is attributable to accounts and notes receivables and future lease payments due from franchisees. When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity but exerts significant influence over the entity, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been recorded. Office Count The following table shows the U.S. office activity, the number of processing centers and Canadian offices, and a breakdown of Company-owned and franchised offices for the 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 tax seasons. Tax Season 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Office Locations: Permanent Office Locations: Operated during the prior tax season 3,764 3,663 3,816 Offices opened 453 397 289 Offices closed (257 ) (296 ) (442 ) Operated during the current tax season 3,960 3,764 3,663 Seasonal Office Locations: Operated during the prior tax season 262 486 427 Offices opened 127 118 334 Offices closed (178 ) (342 ) (275 ) Operated during the current tax season 211 262 486 Processing Centers 54 43 26 Total U.S. Office Locations 4,225 4,069 4,175 Canada Office Locations 262 259 263 Total Office Locations 4,487 4,328 4,438 Additional Office Information: Company-owned offices 310 182 216 Franchised offices 4,177 4,146 4,222 Total office locations 4,487 4,328 4,438 SiempreTax+, operated 144 offices during the 2016 tax season compared to 57 during the 2015 season. These offices consist of second offices opened by current franchisees in territories they already owned, conversions of existing Liberty Tax offices, and offices opened in new territories. Territory Sales During fiscal 2016 , the Company sold 184 new territories, compared to 212 during fiscal 2015 , and 225 during fiscal 2014 . New territories include territories sold to new franchisees and additional territories sold to existing franchisees. Significant Accounting Policies Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained in bank deposit accounts, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents balances. Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts and accrue finance charges at a 12% annual rate, compounded monthly, if unpaid after 30 days. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all possible means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its accounts receivable. Notes Receivable - Notes receivable are recorded less unrecognized revenue, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Unrecognized revenue relates to the financed portion of franchise fees and AD fees and, in the case of sales of Company-owned offices, the financed portion of gains related to such sales in each case where revenue has not yet been recognized. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. The Company provides an allowance against accrued interest on a delinquent note when a scheduled payment becomes 90 days past due. Notes are written off against the allowance when all possible means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. Concentrations of credit risk - Financial instruments that could potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts and notes receivable with its franchisees. The Company manages such risk by evaluating the financial position and value of the franchisees as well as obtaining the personal guarantee of the individual franchisees. At April 30, 2016 and 2015 , there were no significant concentrations of credit risk associated with any individual franchisee or group of franchisees. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The allowance for doubtful accounts includes the Company's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company's existing accounts and notes receivable. Because the repayment of accounts and notes receivable is dependent on the performance of the underlying franchises, management estimates the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a comparison of amounts due to the estimated fair value of the underlying franchises which collateralize such receivables. Management believes the allowance is adequate to cover the Company's credit loss exposure. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the receivable is considered impaired. Available-for-sale Securities - From time to time, the Company purchases corporate equity securities that are classified as available -for-sale; changes in fair value of such securities are recognized, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income in the stockholders' equity section of the balance sheet. Cash flows for the purchase and sale of these investments are classified as investing activities. Assets Held for Sale - Assets held for sale consist of Company-owned offices that the Company intends to sell to a new or existing franchisee within one year. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying value or the estimated sales price, less costs to sell, and are evaluated for impairment at least annually. Property, Equipment, and Software - Property, equipment, and software are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to five years for computer equipment, three to seven years for software, five to seven years for furniture and fixtures, and twenty to thirty years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Certain allowable costs of software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and typically amortized over the estimated useful life of the software. Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. The reporting unit for the acquisition of assets from various franchisees is considered to be the franchise territory, and these assets are operated as Company-owned offices. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it with its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Fair value of the reporting unit for Company-owned offices is determined using the net fees of the offices in the franchise territory. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not need to be performed. Revenue Recognition - The Company earns revenue from the sales of franchises and granting of AD rights. Additionally, the Company earns revenue from royalties and advertising fees and other products. Typically, franchise rights are granted to franchisees for a term of five years with an option to renew at no additional cost. In exchange for franchise fees and royalties and advertising fees, the Company is obligated by its franchise agreements to provide training, an operations manual, site selection guidance, tax preparation software, operational assistance, tax and technical support, the ability to perform electronic filing, and marketing and advertising. Franchise fee revenue for the sales of individual territories is recognized when the obligations of the Company to prepare the franchisee for operation are substantially complete, up to the amount of cash received. AD rights have historically been granted for a term of ten years . The Company changed the term of new and renewal AD contracts to six years in fiscal 2015. AD fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the initial contract term of each AD agreement with the cumulative amount of revenue recognized not to exceed the amount of cash received. Amounts due to ADs for their services under an AD agreement are expensed as the related franchise fees and royalty revenues are recognized. Royalties and advertising fees are recognized as franchise territories generate sales. Tax return preparation fees and financial products revenue are recognized as revenue in the period the related tax return is filed for the customer. Discounts for promotional programs are recorded at the time the return is filed and are recorded as reductions to revenues. Interest income is recognized when cash is received for notes associated with franchise fees or AD fees. For all other notes and accounts receivable, interest income is recognized when earned, and is recorded net of an allowance. Gains on sales of Company-owned offices are recognized when cash is received. Losses on sales of Company-owned offices are recognized immediately. Deferred Revenue - Deferred revenue represents the amount of cash received for AD fees in excess of the revenue recognized. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in hedging relationships, changes in fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings. The Company only enters into a derivative contract when it intends to designate the contract as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk; the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring; or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income related to the hedging relationship. The Company did not have any outstanding derivative instruments or hedging activities as of April 30, 2016 and 2015 . Deferred Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are shown on our consolidated balance sheets, are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company has elected to classify interest charged on a tax settlement in interest expense, and accrued penalties, if any, in selling, general, and administrative expenses. Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets - Amortization on intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally from two to ten years. Long-lived assets, such as property, equipment, and software, and other purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed for these assets at the lowest level where cash flows are individually identifiable. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Assets to be disposed of are no longer depreciated or amortized. These assets are classified as held-for-sale and are presented separately in the appropriate section of the consolidated balance sheets at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated cost to sell. Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, reclassified gain on sale of available-for-sale securities, net of taxes, and the unrealized gain or loss on equity securities available for sale, net of taxes. Advertising Expenses - Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. Office Closing Costs - Closed office liabilities are provided on the basis of the present value of estimated remaining non-cancellable lease payments, net of estimated subtenant income. An estimate the net lease liability using a discount rate to calculate the present value of the remaining net rent payments on closed offices. Closed office lease liabilities are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed offices, which generally have remaining terms ranging from one to seven years. Stock-Based Compensation - The Company records the cost of its employee stock-based compensation as compensation expense in its consolidated statements of income based on the grant-date fair value of awards using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and considering forfeitures. For liability classified awards the Company records costs based on the fair value at the reporting date. The Company recognizes compensation costs for an equity-classified award that has a graded vesting schedule on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award; changes in the fair value liability-classified awards are recognized as they occur. The Company considers forfeitures in its computation of fair value. The Company reflects the excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises as additional paid-in capital on its consolidated balance sheets and as financing cash flows on its consolidated statements of cash flows. Compensation costs related to restricted stock units are based on the grant-date fair value and are amortized on a straight-line basis to compensation expense over the vesting period. Use of Estimates Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period to prepare these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Accounting Pronouncements In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recorded in a business combination to reflect new information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and that, if known, would have affected measurement or recognition of amounts initially recognized. As an alternative, the amendment requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments require that the acquirer record, in the financial statements of the period in which adjustments to provisional amounts are determined, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which means that it will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year beginning May 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2015-16 on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” and in August 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date,” which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible that more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under present U.S. GAAP. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The new standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which means that it will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2018. Early adoption of one year prior to the required effective date is permitted. ASU 2014-09 allows adoption using either of two methods: (i) retrospective to each prior reporting period presented, with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (ii) retrospective with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740)," which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, which means that it will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2015-17 on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases," which requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet of lessees. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018, which for the Company is the first quarter of its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition approach and provides certain optional transition relief. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company on May 1, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, "Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements," which further clarifies the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. This update allows for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements to be presented as an asset and subsequent amortization of the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015, for interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-15 is effective for the Company on May 1, 2016. Segment Reporting Management has identified two operating segments, U.S. operations and Canadian operations. Although there are two operating segments, each segment is engaged in providing tax return preparation and related services and products. These two operating segments, which have similar gross margin and sales trends, have been aggregated into a single reporting segment because both segments are similar in the nature of services offered, production process, type of customer, the distribution methods, and the regulatory environment in which they operate. Canadian operations contributed $7.0 million , $6.9 million , and $6.4 million in revenues for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.

Accounts and Notes Receivable -

Accounts and Notes Receivable - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Notes and Accounts Receivable	Notes and Accounts Receivable The Company provides financing to franchisees and ADs for the purchase of franchises, areas and Company-owned offices, and operating loans for working capital and equipment needs. The franchise-related notes generally are payable over five years and the operating loans generally are due within one year. Most notes bear interest at 12% . Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue, as of April 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Notes receivable - current $ 26,710 $ 24,465 Notes receivable - non-current 25,514 22,416 Interest receivable, net of uncollectible amounts 1,944 1,033 Total notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue $ 54,168 $ 47,914 Most of the notes receivable are due from the Company's franchisees and ADs and are collateralized by the underlying franchise and, when the franchise or AD is an entity, are guaranteed by the owners of the respective entity. The debtors' ability to repay the notes is dependent upon both the performance of the tax preparation industry as a whole and the individual franchisees' or ADs' areas. The table above does not include unrecognized revenue. Unrecognized revenue relates to the financed portion of franchise fees and AD fees and, in the case of sales of Company-owned offices, the financed portion of gains related to these sales in each case where revenue has not yet been recognized. For franchise fees and gains related to the sale of Company-owned offices, revenue is recorded as note payments are received by the Company. Payments on AD fee notes receivable generate a corresponding increase in deferred revenue, which is amortized into revenue over the life of the AD contract. In fiscal 2015 the Company changed the term of new and renewal AD contracts to six years from ten years and the revenue for these contracts will be recognized over that period, subject to the receipt of cash. Unrecognized revenue was $35.2 million and $38.6 million at April 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts is assessed on a quarterly basis and adjusted as deemed necessary. Management believes the recorded allowance is adequate based upon its consideration of the estimated value of the franchises and AD areas, which collateralize the receivables. Any adverse change in the tax preparation industry or the individual franchisees' or ADs' areas could affect the Company's estimate of the allowance. Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 7,355 $ 6,850 $ 6,684 Provision for doubtful accounts 7,282 5,726 8,692 Write-offs (5,737 ) (5,122 ) (8,460 ) Foreign currency adjustment (50 ) (99 ) (66 ) Balance at end of year $ 8,850 $ 7,355 $ 6,850 Management considers specific accounts and notes receivable to be impaired if the net amounts due exceed the fair value of the underlying franchise at the time of the annual valuation and estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on that excess. While not specifically identifiable as of the balance sheet date, the Company's experience also indicates that a portion of other accounts and notes receivable are also impaired, because management does not expect to collect all principal and interest due under the current contractual terms. Net amounts due include contractually obligated accounts and notes receivable plus accrued interest, net of unrecognized revenue, reduced by the allowance for uncollected interest, amounts due ADs, related deferred revenue, and amounts owed to the franchisee by the Company. In establishing the fair value of the underlying franchise, management considers a variety of factors including recent sales between franchisees, net fees of open offices earned during the most recently completed tax season, and the number of unopened offices. The allowance for doubtful accounts at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was allocated as follows. 2016 2015 (In thousands) Impaired: Accounts receivable $ 7,083 $ 7,634 Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue 12,960 10,921 Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees (1,426 ) (1,535 ) Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees $ 18,617 $ 17,020 Allowance for doubtful accounts for impaired accounts and notes receivable $ 7,787 $ 6,594 Non-impaired: Accounts receivable $ 42,825 $ 38,487 Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue 41,208 36,993 Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees (26,183 ) (25,150 ) Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees $ 57,850 $ 50,330 Allowance for doubtful accounts for non-impaired accounts and notes receivable $ 1,063 $ 761 Total: Accounts receivable $ 49,908 $ 46,121 Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue 54,168 47,914 Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees (27,609 ) (26,685 ) Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees $ 76,467 $ 67,350 Total allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,850 $ 7,355 The Company's average investment in impaired notes receivable during the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was $9.0 million, $7.9 million, and $ 8.5 million , respectively. Interest income recognized related to performing impaired notes was $0.9 million , $0.7 million , and $0.9 million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Analysis of Past Due Receivables The breakdown of accounts and notes receivable past due at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows. 2016 Past due Allowance for uncollectible interest Current Total receivables (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 25,329 $ (617 ) $ 25,196 $ 49,908 Notes and interest receivable, net 6,891 (1,057 ) 48,334 54,168 Total accounts, notes, and interest receivable, net $ 32,220 $ (1,674 ) $ 73,530 $ 104,076 2015 Past due Allowance for uncollectible interest Current Total receivables (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 22,115 $ (938 ) $ 24,944 $ 46,121 Notes and interest receivable, net 8,168 (1,165 ) 40,911 47,914 Total accounts, notes, and interest receivable, net $ 30,283 $ (2,103 ) $ 65,855 $ 94,035 Accounts receivable are considered to be past due if unpaid 30 days after billing and notes receivable are considered past due if unpaid 90 days after due date, at which time the notes are put on nonaccrual status. The Company's investment in notes receivable on nonaccrual status at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was $5.5 million and $9.3 million, respectively. Payments received on notes in nonaccrual status are applied to interest income first until the note is current and then to the principal note balance. Nonaccrual notes that are paid current are moved back into accrual status during the next annual review.

Property, Equipment, and Softwa

Property, Equipment, and Software, Net - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Equipment, and Software, Net	Property, Equipment, and Software, Net Property, equipment, and software at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 2,413 $ 2,259 Buildings and building improvements 8,730 8,481 Leasehold improvements 138 143 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 6,307 6,013 Software 44,418 37,894 Construction in progress 3 393 Property, equipment, and software, gross 62,009 55,183 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 21,052 18,951 Property, equipment, and software, net $ 40,957 $ 36,232 Total depreciation and amortization expense on property, equipment, and software was $4.7 million , $5.5 million , and $3.8 million for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The software included above includes both internally developed software and purchased software. Included in software are $19.9 million and $12.9 million of assets that had not been placed into service at April 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. See Note 5 for a description of the impairment related to the Company's online software and acquired online customer lists in the year ended April 30, 2015. The Company is obligated under various operating leases for office space that expire at various dates. At April 30, 2016 , future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year, together with amounts due from franchisees under subleases, were as follows: Lease payments Sublease receipts (In thousands) Year ending April 30: 2017 $ 8,012 $ 3,281 2018 5,493 2,203 2019 2,436 990 2020 1,211 527 2021 600 202 Thereafter 247 — Total minimum lease payments $ 17,999 $ 7,203 Total rent expense for operating leases, net of subleases, was $4.7 million , $3.2 million , and $3.4 million for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.

Investments - Text Blocks

Investments - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments During the year ended April 30, 2016, the Company purchased a corporate equity security for $5.0 million , which was classified as available-for-sale and reported in other non-current assets. The Company recorded an unrealized loss at April 30, 2016 of $0.5 million , net of taxes, which was reported in the Company's Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. The Company had no such transactions during the year ended April 30, 2015. During the year ended April 30, 2014, the Company sold equity securities for a realized gain of $2.2 million , which was reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and recorded as other income in the consolidated statements of income. The Company periodically reviews our investment portfolios to determine whether any investment is other-than-temporarily impaired due to changes in credit risk or other potential valuation concerns. The Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale securities during fiscal years 2016, 2015 or 2014.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, assets associated with tax offices acquired from U.S. franchisees were transferred out of goodwill and intangible assets and classified as assets held for sale. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 3,377 $ 2,997 Acquisitions of assets from franchisees and third parties 960 1,107 Disposals and foreign currency changes, net (52 ) (465 ) Impairments (57 ) (262 ) Balance at end of year $ 4,228 $ 3,377 The Company performed its annual impairment review of goodwill and recorded impairment of $0.1 million and $0.3 million for the years ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. During fiscal 2014, the Company purchased certain assets of an online tax preparation software provider for $3.2 million and allocated the purchase price to identifiable intangible assets. As of April 30, 2015, the Company reviewed for impairment the assets related to its online tax preparation business as a result of changes in the pricing environment in the online tax preparation market, a significant decline in the number of returns prepared online and a decline in the related revenues experienced in fiscal 2015. The Company believed that these changes indicated that the carrying amount of assets related to its online tax preparation business may not be recoverable. Accordingly, the undiscounted future cash flows generated by its online software and acquired online customer lists were estimated and the Company concluded that the carrying value of those assets was not recoverable. An impairment loss of $8.4 million was recorded equal to the excess of the carrying amount of those assets over their fair value. The fair value of those assets was determined using a discounted cash flow model. The Company did not record an impairment related to the online tax preparation business in fiscal year 2016. The impairment loss was allocated as follows at April 30, 2015: April 30, 2015 (In thousands) Software $ 6,882 Acquired customer lists 1,510 Impairment of online software and acquired customer lists $ 8,392 Components of amortizable intangible assets as of April 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: April 30, 2016 Weighted average amortization period Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (In thousands) Customer lists acquired from unrelated third parties 4 years $ 1,027 $ (339 ) $ 688 Assets acquired from franchisees: Customer lists 4 years 1,380 (500 ) 880 Reacquired rights 2 years 511 (482 ) 29 AD rights 10 years 20,218 (5,545 ) 14,673 Total intangible assets $ 23,136 $ (6,866 ) $ 16,270 April 30, 2015 Weighted average amortization period Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (In thousands) Customer lists acquired from unrelated third parties 4 years $ 1,027 $ — $ 1,027 Assets acquired from franchisees: Customer lists 4 years 759 (441 ) 318 Reacquired rights 2 years 559 (473 ) 86 AD rights 10 years 17,345 (4,104 ) 13,241 Total intangible assets $ 19,690 $ (5,018 ) $ 14,672 For the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 the Company recorded as intangible assets $1.8 million , $1.7 million , and $9.0 million , respectively, from acquisitions of various franchises and third parties. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, both U.S. and Canadian franchise acquisitions were recorded an intangible assets; however, during fiscal 2015, the majority of U.S. franchise acquisitions were recorded as assets held for sale, while Canadian franchise acquisitions continued to be recorded as intangible assets. These acquisitions were accounted for as business combinations. The purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees and third parties and recorded as customer lists, reacquired rights, and goodwill during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was allocated as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Customer lists $ 728 $ 435 $ 2,372 Reacquired rights 39 284 1,806 Goodwill 1,048 975 4,855 Purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees, not held for sale $ 1,815 $ 1,694 $ 9,033 The Company expects that assets associated with Company-owned offices will be sold before the end of their estimated useful life. During the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , impairment analyses were performed for amortizable intangible assets. Write-downs of assets acquired from franchisees relate to Company-owned offices that were subsequently closed and impairment of the fair value of existing Company-owned offices based on the impairment analysis. As a result, the carrying values of assets acquired from franchisees were reduced by less than $0.1 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 , $0.5 million for 2015 , and $0.9 million for 2014 . These amounts were expensed to impairment charges on the consolidated statements of income. The Company estimated the fair value of assets associated with Company-owned offices based on various models, including data and input from a third-party. For the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , amortization expense was $2.3 million , $3.6 million , and $4.1 million , respectively. Annual amortization expense for the next five years is estimated to be as follows (in thousands): Year ending April 30: 2017 $ 2,733 2018 2,535 2019 2,313 2020 1,878 2021 1,670 Total estimated amortization expense $ 11,129

Assets Held for Sale - Text Blo

Assets Held for Sale - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
assets held for sale [Text Block]	Assets Held for Sale During fiscal 2016 , the Company acquired $13.3 million in assets from U.S. franchisees and third parties that were first accounted for as business combinations, with the value allocated to customer lists and reacquired rights of $6.1 million and goodwill of $7.2 million prior to being recorded as assets held for sale. During fiscal 2015 , the Company acquired $8.7 million in assets from U.S. franchisees and third parties that were first accounted for as business combinations, with the value allocated to customer lists and reacquired rights of $4.4 million and goodwill of $4.3 million prior to being recorded as assets held for sale. The acquired businesses are operated as Company-owned offices until a buyer is located and a new franchise agreement is entered into. Changes in the carrying amounts of assets held for sale for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 5,160 $ 4,413 Reacquired, acquired from third parties, and other 13,309 8,517 Dispositions (6,526 ) (7,014 ) Impairment (2,057 ) (756 ) Balance at end of year $ 9,886 $ 5,160

Debt - Text Blocks

Debt - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Debt The Company has an amended credit facility that consists of a $21.2 million term loan and a revolving credit facility that currently allows borrowing of up to $203.8 million with an accordion feature that permits the Company to request an increase in availability of up to an additional $50.0 million . Outstanding borrowings accrue interest, which is paid monthly, at a rate of the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% depending on the Company's leverage ratio. At April 30, 2016 and 2015 , the interest rate was 2.06% and 1.8% , respectively, and the average interest rate paid during the fiscal year ended April 30, 2016 was 1.89% . A commitment fee is paid monthly that varies from 0.25% to 0.50% depending on the Company's leverage ratio on the unused portion of the credit facility. The indebtedness is collateralized by substantially all the assets of the Company and both loans mature on April 30, 2019 (except as to the commitments of one lender under the revolving credit facility, which mature on September 30, 2017 ). The credit facility contains certain financial covenants that the Company must meet, including leverage and fixed-charge coverage ratios as well as minimum net worth requirements. In addition, the Company must reduce the outstanding balance under its revolving loan to zero for a period of at least 45 consecutive days each fiscal year. The Company's borrowing availability on the credit facility at April 30, 2016 was $111.2 million . At April 30, 2016 and 2015 , the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its revolving credit facility. The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants of its credit facility at April 30, 2016 . The credit facility also contains certain events of default that may cause the bank syndicate to terminate the credit facility and declare amounts owed to become immediately payable if they occur. At April 30, 2016 , the Company has not incurred an event of default. Debt at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Term loan payable in quarterly principal installments of 2.5%, 2.5%, and 3.125% of the original amount borrowed for the years ending April 30, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively; at that time a balloon payment of $14,875 is payable. $ 18,992 $ 20,453 Mortgage note payable to a bank in monthly installments of $16 including interest at 6.06% through September 2016; at that time a balloon payment of $2,213 is payable; subject to a prepayment penalty; collateralized by land and building. 2,230 2,279 Amounts due to former ADs and others at zero percent interest; due May 2016 through June 2018. 2,317 2,626 Other debt 9 39 Total long-term debt 23,548 25,397 Less current installments 5,947 3,934 Total long-term debt, less current installments $ 17,601 $ 21,463 Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at April 30, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year ending April 30: 2017 $ 5,947 2018 2,706 2019 14,895 2020 — Total long-term debt $ 23,548

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities From time to time, the Company uses interest-rate-related derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable-rate line of credit and forward contracts to manage its exposure to foreign currency fluctuation related to short-term advances made to its Canadian subsidiary. The Company does not speculate using derivative instruments nor does it enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than cash flow hedging. By using derivative financial instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the Company exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract. When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Company money, which creates credit risk for the Company. When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Company owes the counterparty money, and therefore, the Company is not exposed to the counterparty's credit risk in those circumstances. The Company minimizes counterparty credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. The derivative instruments entered into by the Company do not contain credit-risk-related contingent features. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a derivative instrument that results from a change in interest rates. The market risk associated with interest rates is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken. The Company assesses interest rate risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rates that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities. The Company maintains risk management control systems to monitor interest rate risk attributable to both the Company's outstanding or forecasted debt obligations and forecasted revenues as well as the Company's offsetting hedge positions. The risk management control systems involve the use of analytical techniques, including cash flow sensitivity analysis, to estimate the expected impact of changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates on the Company's future cash flows. It is the policy of the Company to enter into forward contracts at the time short-term advances are made to its Canadian subsidiary. Interest rate swap agreements. None. Forward contracts related to foreign currency exchange rates. In connection with short-term advances made to its Canadian subsidiary related to personal income tax refund discounting, the Company enters into forward contracts to eliminate the exposure related to foreign currency fluctuations. Under the terms of the forward currency contracts, the exchange rate for repayments is fixed at the time advance is made and the advances are repaid prior to April 30 of each year. These forward contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. At April 30, 2016 and 2015 , there were no remaining forward contracts outstanding. During the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , these foreign currency hedges were effective and, therefore, no amounts were recognized in the consolidated statements of income. At April 30, 2016 , there were no deferred gains on derivative instruments accumulated in other comprehensive income.

Stockholders' Equity - Text Blo

Stockholders' Equity - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity and Share-based Payments [Text Block]	Stockholders' Equity Preferred Stock and Exchangeable Shares The Company has 190,000 shares of authorized Class A preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 , of which none were issued and outstanding at April 30, 2016 and 2015 . The Company also has 10 shares of special voting preferred stock authorized, issued and outstanding with a par value of $0.01 and no liquidation value. Each share of special voting preferred stock entitles the holder to vote as if it represents 100,000 shares of Class A common stock. In conjunction with the special voting preferred stock, there are 1,000,000 exchangeable shares that are exchangeable at any time into Class A common stock of the Company. The special voting preferred stock will be canceled at the time the holder exchanges the exchangeable shares. Common Stock The Company is authorized to issue 21,200,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Class A common stock and Class B common stock entitle the holders to the same rights and privileges and are identical in all respects as to all matters, except the holders of Class B common stock are entitled to elect one more director than the number of directors elected by holders of all other classes of stock combined. Additionally, a holder of Class B common stock may, at the holder's option, elect to convert the Class B common stock into an equal number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Class A common stock. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows. 2016 2015 (In thousands) Foreign currency adjustment $ (1,148 ) $ (697 ) Unrealized loss on equity securities available for sale, net of taxes (550 ) — Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,698 ) $ (697 ) Net Income per Share Net income per share of Class A and Class B common stock is computed using the two-class method. Basic net income per share is computed by allocating undistributed earnings to common shares and participating securities (Class A preferred stock and exchangeable shares) and using the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Undistributed losses are not allocated to participating securities because they do not meet the required criteria for such allocation. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and, if dilutive, the potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and restricted stock units is reflected in dilutive earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Additionally, the computation of diluted net income per share of Class A common stock assumes the conversion of Class B common stock and exchangeable shares, if dilutive, while the diluted net income per share of Class B common stock does not assume conversion of those shares. The rights, including liquidation and dividend rights, of the holders of Class A and Class B common stock are identical, with the exception of the election of directors. As a result, the undistributed earnings for each year are allocated based on the contractual participation rights of the Class A and Class B common stock as if the earnings for the year had been distributed. Participating securities have dividend rights that are identical to Class A and Class B common stock. The computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 is as follows. 2016 Class A common stock Class B common stock (In thousands, except for share and per share amounts) Basic net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 18,056 $ 1,364 Amounts allocated to participating securities: Exchangeable shares (1,307 ) (99 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 16,749 $ 1,265 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 11,914,775 900,000 Basic net income per share $ 1.41 $ 1.41 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 16,749 $ 1,265 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 1,265 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,406 — Net income attributable to stockholders $ 19,420 $ 1,265 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 11,914,775 900,000 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 900,000 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,000,000 — Employee stock options and restricted stock units 209,896 13,674 Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 14,024,671 913,674 Diluted net income per share $ 1.38 $ 1.38 2015 Class A common stock Class B common stock (In thousands, except for share and per share amounts) Basic net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 8,076 $ 614 Amounts allocated to participating securities: Exchangeable shares (588 ) (45 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 7,488 $ 569 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 11,838,887 900,000 Basic net income per share $ 0.63 $ 0.63 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 7,488 $ 569 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 569 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 633 — Net income attributable to stockholders $ 8,690 $ 569 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 11,838,887 900,000 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 900,000 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,000,000 — Employee stock options and restricted stock units 555,886 36,415 Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 14,294,773 936,415 Diluted net income per share $ 0.61 $ 0.61 2014 Class A common stock Class B common stock (In thousands, except for share and per share amounts) Basic net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 20,459 $ 1,523 Amounts allocated to participating securities: Exchangeable shares (1,462 ) (109 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 18,997 $ 1,414 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 12,090,522 900,000 Basic net income per share $ 1.57 $ 1.57 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 18,997 $ 1,414 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 1,414 — Class A preferred stock to Class A common stock — — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,571 — Net income attributable to stockholders $ 21,982 $ 1,414 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 12,090,522 900,000 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 900,000 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,000,000 — Employee stock options and restricted stock units 546,449 35,153 Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 14,536,971 935,153 Diluted net income per share $ 1.51 $ 1.51 Diluted net income per share excludes the impact of shares of potential common stock from the exercise of options and vesting of restricted stock units to purchase 429,644 , 210,416 and 483,397 shares for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively, because the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Stock Compensation Plan - Text

Stock Compensation Plan - Text Blocks	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Compensation Plan	Stock Compensation Plan Stock Options In August 2011, the Board of Directors approved the JTH Holding, Inc. 2011 Equity and Cash Incentive Plan. Employees and outside directors are eligible to receive awards and a total of 2,500,000 shares of Class A common stock were authorized for grant under the plan. At April 30, 2016 , 1,355,903 shares of Class A common stock remained available for grant. The following table summarizes the information for options granted in the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average fair value of options granted $5.05 $9.59 $6.87 Dividend yield 2.8% - 3.7% 0.0% - 2.2% —% Expected volatility 32.4% - 35.6% 31.1% - 31.7% 34.1% - 37.0% Expected terms 4 - 6 years 5 years 4 - 5 years Risk-free interest rates 1.4% - 1.7% 1.6% - 1.9% 0.8% - 1.6% The Company does not have enough public trading history to calculate volatility for the term of the granted options, therefore, it used a 50 / 50 weighted-average volatility, equally weighing our public trading history and that of other public companies in the tax preparation industry. The grants made prior to June 2012 were made prior to our becoming a public company; therefore, we considered appropriate accounting literature regarding the valuation of privately-held company equity securities and determined that the values established in private transactions provided a reasonable basis for establishing the fair value for stock compensation expense purposes. On this basis, we did not obtain any third party valuation or utilize other valuation methods. Any grants made after we became a public company were valued using the closing market price of the preceding business day. Stock option activity during the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows: Number of options Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at April 30, 2013 2,534,683 $ 14.81 Granted 628,374 20.42 Exercised (955,592 ) 14.63 Canceled (267,059 ) 15.03 Outstanding at April 30, 2014 1,940,406 16.68 Granted 170,416 32.87 Exercised (761,913 ) 15.73 Canceled (5,350 ) 15.00 Outstanding at April 30, 2015 1,343,559 19.28 Granted 227,387 22.30 Exercised (154,594 ) 14.79 Canceled (151,790 ) 24.31 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 1,264,562 $ 19.77 Intrinsic value is defined as the fair value of the stock less the cost to exercise. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $0.9 million , $13.3 million , and $9.4 million during the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options outstanding at April 30, 2016 was zero . Outstanding options have vesting terms that range from six months to six years from the date of grant and expire from four to five years after the vesting date. Nonvested stock options (options that had not vested in the period reported) activity during the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows: Nonvested options Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at April 30, 2013 132,500 $ 15.00 Granted 628,374 20.42 Vested (275,874 ) 16.93 Canceled — — Outstanding at April 30, 2014 485,000 20.92 Granted 170,416 32.87 Vested (270,000 ) 18.99 Canceled — — Outstanding at April 30, 2015 385,416 27.56 Granted 227,387 22.30 Vested (173,750 ) 25.16 Canceled (50,000 ) 33.79 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 389,053 $ 24.76 At April 30, 2016 , unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options was $2.1 million . These costs are expected to be expensed through fiscal 2021 . The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at April 30, 2016 . Options outstanding Options exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number of options outstanding Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Number of options exercisable Weighted average exercise price 15.00 501,883 15.00 1.6 501,883 15.00 16.38 - 19.75 291,876 17.90 4.0 264,876 17.94 22.18 - 29.48 405,387 24.83 5.7 80,000 26.59 33.38 - 33.79 65,416 33.38 5.5 28,750 33.38 1,264,562 $ 19.77 875,509 $ 17.55 Restricted Stock Units The Company has awarded restricted stock units to its non-employee directors and certain employees. Restricted stock units are valued at the closing stock price the day preceding the grant date. Compensation costs associated with these restricted shares are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and recognized as an increase in additional paid-in capital. At April 30, 2016 , unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock units was $0.6 million . These costs are expected to be recognized through fiscal 2019 . Restricted stock activity during the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was as follows. The Company did not issue restricted stock units prior to fiscal year 2013. Number of RSUs Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date Balance at April 30, 2013 15,971 $ 13.50 Granted 23,565 16.86 Vested (14,598 ) 13.36 Canceled (3,493 ) 16.07 Balance at April 30, 2014 21,445 16.87 Granted 25,691 33.38 Vested (14,746 ) 16.38 Canceled (3,461 ) 26.47 Balance at April 30, 2015 28,929 30.63 Granted 32,056 23.06 Vested (13,394 ) 27.99 Canceled (4,799 ) 27.89 Balance at April 30, 2016 42,792 $ 26.10

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements are classified according to a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. Valuation methodologies for the fair value hierarchy are as follows. • Level 1—Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets. • Level 2—Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-based valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in the market. • Level 3—Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore, requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. The Company measures or monitors certain of its assets and liabilities on a fair value basis. Fair value is used on a recurring basis for those assets and liabilities for which fair value is the primary basis of accounting. Other assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, they are subject to fair value adjustment in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment. The following tables present, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at April 30, 2016 and 2015 . April 30, 2016 Fair value measurements using Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Recurring assets: Cash equivalents $ 7,140 $ 7,140 $ — $ — Available-for-sale-securities 4,123 4,123 — — Total recurring assets 11,263 11,263 — — Nonrecurring assets: Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue 12,256 — — 12,256 Impaired goodwill 63 — — 63 Impaired reacquired rights 28 — — 28 Impaired customer lists 34 — — 34 Assets held for sale 9,886 — — 9,886 Total nonrecurring assets 22,267 — — 22,267 Total recurring and nonrecurring assets $ 33,530 $ 11,263 $ — $ 22,267 April 30, 2015 Fair value measurements using Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Recurring assets: Cash equivalents $ 16,975 $ 16,975 $ — $ — Total recurring assets 16,975 16,975 — — Nonrecurring assets: Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue 11,961 — — 11,961 Impaired online software 1,253 — — 1,253 Impaired acquired online customer lists 1,027 — — 1,027 Impaired goodwill 224 — — 224 Impaired reacquired rights 79 — — 79 Impaired customer lists 126 — — 126 Assets held for sale 5,160 — — 5,160 Total nonrecurring assets 19,830 — — 19,830 Total recurring and nonrecurring assets $ 36,805 $ 16,975 $ — $ 19,830 The Company's policy is to recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy on the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 or 2 recurring fair value measurements for the years ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 . The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments. Cash equivalents: The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. Cash equivalent financial instruments consist of money market accounts. Impaired accounts and notes receivable: Accounts and notes receivable are considered to be impaired if the net amounts due exceed the fair value of the underlying franchise or if management considers it probable that all principal and interest will not be collected when contractually due. In establishing the estimated fair value of the underlying franchise, consideration is given to a variety of factors, including, recent sales between franchisees, the net fees of open offices, and the number of unopened offices. Impaired goodwill, reacquired rights, and customer lists: Goodwill, reacquired rights, and customer lists associated with a Company-owned office are considered to be impaired if the net carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the underlying office. In establishing the fair value of the underlying office, consideration is given to the related net fees, subjected to a floor of the value of a new franchise. Assets held for sale: Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying value or the sales price, less costs to sell, which approximates fair value. The sales price is generally calculated as a percentage of the prior year's net fees. Impaired online software and acquired online customer lists: The online software and acquired online customer lists are considered to be impaired if the net carrying amount of these assets exceeds the fair value of these assets. The fair value of these assets was determined using a discounted cash flow model. Other Fair Value Measurements Accounting standards require the disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments that are not recorded at fair value. For the financial instruments not recorded at fair value, estimates of fair value are made at a point in time based on relevant market data and information about the financial instrument. No readily available market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments. Fair value estimates for these instruments are based on current economic conditions, interest rate risk characteristics, and other factors. Many of these estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and cannot be determined with precision. Therefore, the calculated fair value estimates in many instances cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in a current sale of the instrument. In addition, changes in assumptions could significantly affect these fair value estimates. The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value of these financial instruments. Receivables other than notes, other current assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses, and due to ADs: The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments (Level 1). Notes receivable: The carrying amount approximates fair value because the interest rate charged by the Company on these notes approximates rates currently offered by local lending institutions for loans of similar terms to individuals/entities with comparable credit risk (Level 3). Long-term debt: The carrying amount approximates fair value because the interest rate paid has a variable component (Level 2).

Employee 401(k) Plan

Employee 401(k) Plan	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee 401(k) Plan	Employee 401(k) Plan The Company sponsors a defined-contribution 401(k) profit sharing plan. Under the plan, employees who are 18 years of age and have completed 90 days of service are eligible to make voluntary contributions to the plan. The Company matches 50% of each employee's contribution up to 3% of the employee's salary. Total compensation expense related to these contributions was $0.5 million for each of the three years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 .

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company computes its expense or benefit from income taxes by applying the estimated annual effective tax rate to income or loss from recurring operations and adding the effects of any discrete income tax items specific to the period. Congress extended the federal research and development (“R&D”) credit indefinitely. During the three months ended January 31, 2015, we recorded a discrete tax benefit of approximately $0.2 million for the retroactive effect. We also recorded a discrete tax benefit of approximately $0.3 million for the 2016 fiscal year. Interest incurred from income taxes is recognized as incurred and recorded as income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income. Penalties are recognized as incurred and recorded as nondeductible penalties expense and included in general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of income. Total income taxes were calculated for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income tax expense $ 11,058 $ 4,811 $ 13,654 Tax benefit of stock option exercises (900 ) (4,803 ) (283 ) Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (326 ) — (252 ) Total income taxes $ 9,832 $ 8 $ 13,119 Components of income tax expense for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 were as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 2,748 $ 5,973 $ 8,632 State 598 2,157 2,036 Foreign 328 226 381 Current tax expense 3,674 8,356 11,049 Deferred: Federal 6,079 (2,629 ) 2,192 State 1,322 (950 ) 517 Foreign (17 ) 34 (104 ) Deferred tax expense (benefit) 7,384 (3,545 ) 2,605 Total income tax expense $ 11,058 $ 4,811 $ 13,654 For the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , income before taxes consisted of the following. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. operations $ 28,954 $ 12,459 $ 34,746 Foreign operations 1,524 1,042 890 Income before income taxes $ 30,478 $ 13,501 $ 35,636 Income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to pretax income from continuing operations as a result of the following for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Computed "expected" income tax expense $ 10,667 $ 4,725 $ 12,473 Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1,126 1,034 1,819 Nondeductible expenses 246 308 143 Tax credits (370 ) (251 ) (555 ) Domestic production deduction (538 ) (466 ) (40 ) Stock compensation expense 31 (378 ) 78 Foreign tax rate differential (222 ) (104 ) (36 ) Other 118 (57 ) (228 ) Total income tax expense $ 11,058 $ 4,811 $ 13,654 The tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at April 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Unexercised nonqualified stock options $ 2,292 $ 1,954 Allowance for doubtful accounts 3,707 3,124 Deferred revenue 1,236 4,096 Accounts payable and accrued expense 594 3,209 Total deferred tax assets 7,829 12,383 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, equipment, software, and other intangible assets 10,285 7,247 Other current assets 370 578 Total deferred tax liabilities 10,655 7,825 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (2,826 ) $ 4,558 In assessing the realizability of the gross deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that the benefits of these deductible differences will be realized. The Company has adopted the accounting and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions, which require a two-step approach to evaluate tax positions. This approach involves recognizing any tax positions that are more likely than not to occur and then measuring those positions to determine the amounts to be recognized in the financial statements. The Company has determined no reserves for uncertain tax positions were required at April 30, 2016 or 2015 . Foreign subsidiary net earnings that were considered permanently reinvested were $1.2 million , $0.8 million , and $0.6 million for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively. Because these foreign subsidiary net earnings are considered permanently reinvested, the amount of deferred tax liability that would need to be provided if these earnings were not reinvested is not reasonably determinable. At April 30, 2016 , the tax years that remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and other major taxing jurisdictions relate to the fiscal years ended April 30, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 .

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related-Party Transactions The Company considers directors and their affiliated companies as well as executive officers and their immediate family to be related parties. For the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , the Company repurchased common stock from related parties as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Common stock: Shares repurchased — 1,007 316 Amount $ — $ 26,954 $ 7,449 The Company has entered into a multi-year contract to purchase a license for the use of Canadian tax software at a price of $0.7 million from a company in which it has an investment accounted for under the equity method. One of the members of the Company's Board of Directors is affiliated with the company providing this service.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies In the ordinary course of operations, the Company may become a party to legal proceedings. Based upon information currently available, management believes that such legal proceedings, in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations except as provided below. TCPA class action litigation. The Company was sued in September 2013 in federal court in Illinois in connection with alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Plaintiff alleges that the Company inappropriately made auto dialed telephone calls to cellular telephones, seeks the certification of a nationwide class action, and claims statutory damages of $500 - $1,500 per violation. The Company tendered the defense of this litigation to a third party entity that had contracted with it to solicit potential franchisees, and that third party entity acknowledged its defense and indemnification obligations to the Company. However, because the third party did not have the financial resources to satisfy its defense and indemnity obligations, the Company concluded that it could not rely upon the fulfillment of those obligations. In September 2014, the Company and the plaintiffs reached a final settlement of this litigation pursuant to which we funded the establishment of a settlement fund of $3.0 million , inclusive of settlement administration costs and plaintiffs’ counsel fees, which the court approved. The Company accrued the settlement amount during fiscal 2015. The Company is also party to claims and lawsuits that are considered to be ordinary, routine litigation incidental to the business, including claims and lawsuits concerning the preparation of customers' income tax returns, the fees charged to customers for various products and services, relationships with franchisees, intellectual property disputes, employment matters, and contract disputes. Although the Company cannot provide assurance that it will ultimately prevail in each instance, it believes the amount, if any, it will be required to pay in the discharge of liabilities or settlements in these claims will not have a material adverse impact on its consolidated results of operations or financial position.

Quarterly FInancial Data

Quarterly FInancial Data	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Three Months Ended April 30, 2016 January 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 July 31, 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 104,414 $ 53,621 $ 7,871 $ 7,523 Net income (loss) $ 32,288 $ 4,738 $ (9,070 ) $ (8,536 ) Weighted-average basic shares outstanding 12,877,919 12,795,367 12,775,565 12,811,621 Weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding 13,967,568 14,002,356 12,775,565 12,811,621 Net income (loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock: Basic $ 2.33 $ 0.34 $ (0.71 ) $ (0.67 ) Diluted $ 2.31 $ 0.34 $ (0.71 ) $ (0.67 ) Cash dividends declared per share of common stock and common stock equivalents $ 0.16 $ 0.16 $ 0.16 $ 0.16 Three Months Ended April 30, 2015 January 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 July 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 98,919 $ 47,680 $ 7,734 $ 7,839 Impairment of online software and acquired customer lists 8,392 — — — Tentative settlements of class action litigation cases, net of estimated recoveries 1,421 4,066 2,130 — Net income (loss) $ 26,743 $ 1,919 $ (11,328 ) $ (8,644 ) Weighted-average basic shares outstanding 12,728,341 12,679,286 12,680,306 12,867,273 Weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding 14,155,818 14,227,163 12,680,306 12,867,273 Net income (loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock: Basic $ 1.95 $ 0.14 $ (0.89 ) $ (0.67 ) Diluted $ 1.89 $ 0.13 $ (0.89 ) $ (0.67 ) Cash dividends declared per share of common stock and common stock equivalents $ 0.16 $ — $ — $ — Because most of the Company's customers file their tax returns during the period from January through April of each year, most of the Company's revenues are earned during this period. As a result, the Company generally operates at a loss through the first eight months of the fiscal year.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events On June 10, 2016 , the Company's Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.16 per share payable on July 22, 2016 to holders of record of common stock and common stock equivalents on July 12, 2016 . On June 10, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved an increase of $3.4 million to the amount available for the repurchase of the Company's common stock, for a total amount authorized of $10.0 million . In May of 2016, the holder of the Company's Class B Common stock converted 600,000 of those shares to the Company's Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis and for no additional consideration.

Organization and Significant 29

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Policy Text Blocks (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Plan of Reorganization	Description of Business Liberty Tax, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, is a holding company engaged through its subsidiaries as a franchisor and, to a lesser degree, an operator of a system of income tax preparation offices located in the United States and Canada. The Company's principal operations are conducted through JTH Tax, Inc. (d/b/a Liberty Tax Service), the Company's largest subsidiary. Through this system of income tax preparation offices, the Company also facilitates refund-based tax settlement financial products, such as refund transfer products and personal income tax refund discounting. The Company also offers online tax preparation services. Effective July 15, 2014, the Company changed its name from JTH Holding, Inc. to Liberty Tax, Inc. The Company provides a substantial amount of lending to its franchisees and area developers ("ADs"). The Company allows franchisees and ADs to defer a portion of the initial franchise fee and AD fee, which are paid over time. The Company also offers its franchisees working capital loans to fund their operations between tax seasons.
Principles of Consolidation	Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Liberty Tax, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Assets and liabilities of the Company's Canadian operations have been translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the end of the year. Revenues and expenses have been translated using the average exchange rates in effect each month of the year. Foreign exchange transaction gains and losses are recognized when incurred. The Company consolidates any entities in which it has a controlling interest, the usual condition of which is ownership of a majority voting interest. The Company also considers for consolidation an entity in which the Company has certain interest where a controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. Such an entity, known as a variable interest entity ("VIE"), is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The Company does not possess any ownership interests in franchisee entities; however, the Company may provide financial support to franchisee entities. Because the Company's franchise arrangements provide franchisee entities the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, the Company does not consider itself the primary beneficiary of any such entity that might be a VIE. Based on the results of management's analysis of potential VIEs, the Company has not consolidated any franchisee entities. The Company's maximum exposure to loss resulting from involvement with potential VIEs is attributable to accounts and notes receivables and future lease payments due from franchisees. When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity but exerts significant influence over the entity, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been recorded.
Office Count [Table Text Block]	Office Count The following table shows the U.S. office activity, the number of processing centers and Canadian offices, and a breakdown of Company-owned and franchised offices for the 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 tax seasons. Tax Season 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Office Locations: Permanent Office Locations: Operated during the prior tax season 3,764 3,663 3,816 Offices opened 453 397 289 Offices closed (257 ) (296 ) (442 ) Operated during the current tax season 3,960 3,764 3,663 Seasonal Office Locations: Operated during the prior tax season 262 486 427 Offices opened 127 118 334 Offices closed (178 ) (342 ) (275 ) Operated during the current tax season 211 262 486 Processing Centers 54 43 26 Total U.S. Office Locations 4,225 4,069 4,175 Canada Office Locations 262 259 263 Total Office Locations 4,487 4,328 4,438 Additional Office Information: Company-owned offices 310 182 216 Franchised offices 4,177 4,146 4,222 Total office locations 4,487 4,328 4,438 SiempreTax+, operated 144 offices during the 2016 tax season compared to 57 during the 2015 season. These offices consist of second offices opened by current franchisees in territories they already owned, conversions of existing Liberty Tax offices, and offices opened in new territories.
Territory Sales Policy [Policy Text Block]	Territory Sales During fiscal 2016 , the Company sold 184 new territories, compared to 212 during fiscal 2015 , and 225 during fiscal 2014 . New territories include territories sold to new franchisees and additional territories sold to existing franchisees.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained in bank deposit accounts, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents balances.
Trade Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount less an allowance for doubtful accounts and accrue finance charges at a 12% annual rate, compounded monthly, if unpaid after 30 days. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all possible means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. The Company does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its accounts receivable.
Notes Receivable	Notes Receivable - Notes receivable are recorded less unrecognized revenue, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Unrecognized revenue relates to the financed portion of franchise fees and AD fees and, in the case of sales of Company-owned offices, the financed portion of gains related to such sales in each case where revenue has not yet been recognized. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. The Company provides an allowance against accrued interest on a delinquent note when a scheduled payment becomes 90 days past due. Notes are written off against the allowance when all possible means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentrations of credit risk - Financial instruments that could potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of accounts and notes receivable with its franchisees. The Company manages such risk by evaluating the financial position and value of the franchisees as well as obtaining the personal guarantee of the individual franchisees. At April 30, 2016 and 2015 , there were no significant concentrations of credit risk associated with any individual franchisee or group of franchisees.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - The allowance for doubtful accounts includes the Company's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company's existing accounts and notes receivable. Because the repayment of accounts and notes receivable is dependent on the performance of the underlying franchises, management estimates the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts based on a comparison of amounts due to the estimated fair value of the underlying franchises which collateralize such receivables. Management believes the allowance is adequate to cover the Company's credit loss exposure. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, the receivable is considered impaired.
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	Available-for-sale Securities - From time to time, the Company purchases corporate equity securities that are classified as available -for-sale; changes in fair value of such securities are recognized, net of tax, in accumulated other comprehensive income in the stockholders' equity section of the balance sheet. Cash flows for the purchase and sale of these investments are classified as investing activities.
Finance, Loan and Lease Receivables, Held-for-sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Assets Held for Sale - Assets held for sale consist of Company-owned offices that the Company intends to sell to a new or existing franchisee within one year. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying value or the estimated sales price, less costs to sell, and are evaluated for impairment at least annually.
Property, Equipment, and Software	Property, Equipment, and Software - Property, equipment, and software are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to five years for computer equipment, three to seven years for software, five to seven years for furniture and fixtures, and twenty to thirty years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the lease term or the estimated useful lives of the assets. Certain allowable costs of software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized and typically amortized over the estimated useful life of the software.
Goodwill	Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of costs over fair value of assets of businesses acquired. The reporting unit for the acquisition of assets from various franchisees is considered to be the franchise territory, and these assets are operated as Company-owned offices. Goodwill is not amortized, but instead tested for impairment at least annually. Goodwill is tested for impairment more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it with its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis. Fair value of the reporting unit for Company-owned offices is determined using the net fees of the offices in the franchise territory. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, step two does not need to be performed.
Investments	Deferred Revenue - Deferred revenue represents the amount of cash received for AD fees in excess of the revenue recognized.
Deferred Revenue and Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition - The Company earns revenue from the sales of franchises and granting of AD rights. Additionally, the Company earns revenue from royalties and advertising fees and other products. Typically, franchise rights are granted to franchisees for a term of five years with an option to renew at no additional cost. In exchange for franchise fees and royalties and advertising fees, the Company is obligated by its franchise agreements to provide training, an operations manual, site selection guidance, tax preparation software, operational assistance, tax and technical support, the ability to perform electronic filing, and marketing and advertising. Franchise fee revenue for the sales of individual territories is recognized when the obligations of the Company to prepare the franchisee for operation are substantially complete, up to the amount of cash received. AD rights have historically been granted for a term of ten years . The Company changed the term of new and renewal AD contracts to six years in fiscal 2015. AD fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the initial contract term of each AD agreement with the cumulative amount of revenue recognized not to exceed the amount of cash received. Amounts due to ADs for their services under an AD agreement are expensed as the related franchise fees and royalty revenues are recognized. Royalties and advertising fees are recognized as franchise territories generate sales. Tax return preparation fees and financial products revenue are recognized as revenue in the period the related tax return is filed for the customer. Discounts for promotional programs are recorded at the time the return is filed and are recorded as reductions to revenues. Interest income is recognized when cash is received for notes associated with franchise fees or AD fees. For all other notes and accounts receivable, interest income is recognized when earned, and is recorded net of an allowance. Gains on sales of Company-owned offices are recognized when cash is received. Losses on sales of Company-owned offices are recognized immediately.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - The Company recognizes all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at their respective fair values. For derivatives designated in hedging relationships, changes in fair value are either offset through earnings against the change in fair value of the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged or recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the derivative is effective at offsetting the changes in cash flows being hedged until the hedged item affects earnings. The Company only enters into a derivative contract when it intends to designate the contract as a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge). For all hedging relationships, the Company formally documents the hedging relationship and its risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge, the hedging instrument, the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged, how the hedging instrument's effectiveness in offsetting the hedged risk will be assessed prospectively and retrospectively, and a description of the method used to measure ineffectiveness. The Company also formally assesses, both at the inception of the hedging relationship and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged transactions. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as part of a cash flow hedging relationship, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings. The Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk; the derivative expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised; the cash flow hedge is de-designated because a forecasted transaction is not probable of occurring; or management determines to remove the designation of the cash flow hedge. In all situations in which hedge accounting is discontinued and the derivative remains outstanding, the Company continues to carry the derivative at its fair value on the balance sheet and recognizes any subsequent changes in its fair value in earnings. When it is no longer probable that a forecasted transaction will occur, the Company discontinues hedge accounting and recognizes immediately in earnings gains and losses that were accumulated in other comprehensive income related to the hedging relationship. The Company did not have any outstanding derivative instruments or hedging activities as of April 30, 2016 and 2015 .
Income Taxes	Deferred Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are shown on our consolidated balance sheets, are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company has elected to classify interest charged on a tax settlement in interest expense, and accrued penalties, if any, in selling, general, and administrative expenses.
Long-Lived Assets	Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets - Amortization on intangible assets is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally from two to ten years. Long-lived assets, such as property, equipment, and software, and other purchased intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Recognition and measurement of a potential impairment is performed for these assets at the lowest level where cash flows are individually identifiable. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Assets to be disposed of are no longer depreciated or amortized. These assets are classified as held-for-sale and are presented separately in the appropriate section of the consolidated balance sheets at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated cost to sell.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments, reclassified gain on sale of available-for-sale securities, net of taxes, and the unrealized gain or loss on equity securities available for sale, net of taxes
Advertising Expenses	Advertising Expenses - Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred.
Office Closing Costs [Policy Text Block]	Office Closing Costs - Closed office liabilities are provided on the basis of the present value of estimated remaining non-cancellable lease payments, net of estimated subtenant income. An estimate the net lease liability using a discount rate to calculate the present value of the remaining net rent payments on closed offices. Closed office lease liabilities are paid over the lease terms associated with the closed offices, which generally have remaining terms ranging from one to seven years.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation - The Company records the cost of its employee stock-based compensation as compensation expense in its consolidated statements of income based on the grant-date fair value of awards using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and considering forfeitures. For liability classified awards the Company records costs based on the fair value at the reporting date. The Company recognizes compensation costs for an equity-classified award that has a graded vesting schedule on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award; changes in the fair value liability-classified awards are recognized as they occur. The Company considers forfeitures in its computation of fair value. The Company reflects the excess tax benefits related to stock option exercises as additional paid-in capital on its consolidated balance sheets and as financing cash flows on its consolidated statements of cash flows. Compensation costs related to restricted stock units are based on the grant-date fair value and are amortized on a straight-line basis to compensation expense over the vesting period.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period to prepare these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in conformity with GAAP. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Accounting Pronouncements In September 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-16, “Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments.” ASU 2015-16 eliminates the requirement for an acquirer to retrospectively adjust provisional amounts recorded in a business combination to reflect new information about the facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date and that, if known, would have affected measurement or recognition of amounts initially recognized. As an alternative, the amendment requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The amendments require that the acquirer record, in the financial statements of the period in which adjustments to provisional amounts are determined, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years, which means that it will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal year beginning May 1, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2015-16 on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” and in August 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date,” which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. ASU 2014-09 supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is to recognize revenues when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 defines a five step process to achieve this core principle and, in doing so, it is possible that more judgment and estimates may be required within the revenue recognition process than are required under present U.S. GAAP. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The new standard also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. ASU 2014-09 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which means that it will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2018. Early adoption of one year prior to the required effective date is permitted. ASU 2014-09 allows adoption using either of two methods: (i) retrospective to each prior reporting period presented, with the option to elect certain practical expedients; or (ii) retrospective with the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application and providing certain additional disclosures. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2015 the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (Topic 740)," which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as non-current. This ASU is effective for interim and annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, which means that it will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2015-17 on its consolidated financial statements. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases," which requires recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet of lessees. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018, which for the Company is the first quarter of its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective transition approach and provides certain optional transition relief. The Company is currently evaluating the effect the adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). The amendments in ASU 2015-03 require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for the Company on May 1, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, "Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements," which further clarifies the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements. This update allows for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements to be presented as an asset and subsequent amortization of the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit. The standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2015, for interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-15 is effective for the Company on May 1, 2016.
Segment Reporting	Segment Reporting Management has identified two operating segments, U.S. operations and Canadian operations. Although there are two operating segments, each segment is engaged in providing tax return preparation and related services and products. These two operating segments, which have similar gross margin and sales trends, have been aggregated into a single reporting segment because both segments are similar in the nature of services offered, production process, type of customer, the distribution methods, and the regulatory environment in which they operate. Canadian operations contributed $7.0 million , $6.9 million , and $6.4 million in revenues for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively.

Organization and Significant 30

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows. 2016 2015 (In thousands) Foreign currency adjustment $ (1,148 ) $ (697 ) Unrealized loss on equity securities available for sale, net of taxes (550 ) — Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,698 ) $ (697 )
Office Count Rollforward	The following table shows the U.S. office activity, the number of processing centers and Canadian offices, and a breakdown of Company-owned and franchised offices for the 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 tax seasons. Tax Season 2016 2015 2014 U.S. Office Locations: Permanent Office Locations: Operated during the prior tax season 3,764 3,663 3,816 Offices opened 453 397 289 Offices closed (257 ) (296 ) (442 ) Operated during the current tax season 3,960 3,764 3,663 Seasonal Office Locations: Operated during the prior tax season 262 486 427 Offices opened 127 118 334 Offices closed (178 ) (342 ) (275 ) Operated during the current tax season 211 262 486 Processing Centers 54 43 26 Total U.S. Office Locations 4,225 4,069 4,175 Canada Office Locations 262 259 263 Total Office Locations 4,487 4,328 4,438 Additional Office Information: Company-owned offices 310 182 216 Franchised offices 4,177 4,146 4,222 Total office locations 4,487 4,328 4,438

Accounts and Notes Receivable31

Accounts and Notes Receivable - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of activity related to notes receivable	Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue, as of April 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Notes receivable - current $ 26,710 $ 24,465 Notes receivable - non-current 25,514 22,416 Interest receivable, net of uncollectible amounts 1,944 1,033 Total notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue $ 54,168 $ 47,914
Schedule of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts	Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 7,355 $ 6,850 $ 6,684 Provision for doubtful accounts 7,282 5,726 8,692 Write-offs (5,737 ) (5,122 ) (8,460 ) Foreign currency adjustment (50 ) (99 ) (66 ) Balance at end of year $ 8,850 $ 7,355 $ 6,850
Schedule of allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts	The allowance for doubtful accounts at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was allocated as follows. 2016 2015 (In thousands) Impaired: Accounts receivable $ 7,083 $ 7,634 Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue 12,960 10,921 Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees (1,426 ) (1,535 ) Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees $ 18,617 $ 17,020 Allowance for doubtful accounts for impaired accounts and notes receivable $ 7,787 $ 6,594 Non-impaired: Accounts receivable $ 42,825 $ 38,487 Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue 41,208 36,993 Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees (26,183 ) (25,150 ) Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees $ 57,850 $ 50,330 Allowance for doubtful accounts for non-impaired accounts and notes receivable $ 1,063 $ 761 Total: Accounts receivable $ 49,908 $ 46,121 Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue 54,168 47,914 Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees (27,609 ) (26,685 ) Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees $ 76,467 $ 67,350 Total allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,850 $ 7,355
Schedule of aging of accounts and notes receivable	The breakdown of accounts and notes receivable past due at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows. 2016 Past due Allowance for uncollectible interest Current Total receivables (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 25,329 $ (617 ) $ 25,196 $ 49,908 Notes and interest receivable, net 6,891 (1,057 ) 48,334 54,168 Total accounts, notes, and interest receivable, net $ 32,220 $ (1,674 ) $ 73,530 $ 104,076 2015 Past due Allowance for uncollectible interest Current Total receivables (In thousands) Accounts receivable $ 22,115 $ (938 ) $ 24,944 $ 46,121 Notes and interest receivable, net 8,168 (1,165 ) 40,911 47,914 Total accounts, notes, and interest receivable, net $ 30,283 $ (2,103 ) $ 65,855 $ 94,035

Property, Equipment, and Soft32

Property, Equipment, and Software, Net - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of future minimum rental payments for operating leases	At April 30, 2016 , future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year, together with amounts due from franchisees under subleases, were as follows: Lease payments Sublease receipts (In thousands) Year ending April 30: 2017 $ 8,012 $ 3,281 2018 5,493 2,203 2019 2,436 990 2020 1,211 527 2021 600 202 Thereafter 247 — Total minimum lease payments $ 17,999 $ 7,203
Schedule of property, equipment, and software	Property, equipment, and software at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Land and land improvements $ 2,413 $ 2,259 Buildings and building improvements 8,730 8,481 Leasehold improvements 138 143 Furniture, fixtures, and equipment 6,307 6,013 Software 44,418 37,894 Construction in progress 3 393 Property, equipment, and software, gross 62,009 55,183 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 21,052 18,951 Property, equipment, and software, net $ 40,957 $ 36,232

Goodwill and Intangible Asset33

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Allocation of Impairment Loss [Table Text Block]	The impairment loss was allocated as follows at April 30, 2015: April 30, 2015 (In thousands) Software $ 6,882 Acquired customer lists 1,510 Impairment of online software and acquired customer lists $ 8,392
Schedule of Goodwill	Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 3,377 $ 2,997 Acquisitions of assets from franchisees and third parties 960 1,107 Disposals and foreign currency changes, net (52 ) (465 ) Impairments (57 ) (262 ) Balance at end of year $ 4,228 $ 3,377
Schedule of acquired intangible assets	Components of amortizable intangible assets as of April 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: April 30, 2016 Weighted average amortization period Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (In thousands) Customer lists acquired from unrelated third parties 4 years $ 1,027 $ (339 ) $ 688 Assets acquired from franchisees: Customer lists 4 years 1,380 (500 ) 880 Reacquired rights 2 years 511 (482 ) 29 AD rights 10 years 20,218 (5,545 ) 14,673 Total intangible assets $ 23,136 $ (6,866 ) $ 16,270 April 30, 2015 Weighted average amortization period Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount (In thousands) Customer lists acquired from unrelated third parties 4 years $ 1,027 $ — $ 1,027 Assets acquired from franchisees: Customer lists 4 years 759 (441 ) 318 Reacquired rights 2 years 559 (473 ) 86 AD rights 10 years 17,345 (4,104 ) 13,241 Total intangible assets $ 19,690 $ (5,018 ) $ 14,672
Purchase Price of Assets Acquired from Franchisees	The purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees and third parties and recorded as customer lists, reacquired rights, and goodwill during fiscal 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was allocated as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Customer lists $ 728 $ 435 $ 2,372 Reacquired rights 39 284 1,806 Goodwill 1,048 975 4,855 Purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees, not held for sale $ 1,815 $ 1,694 $ 9,033
Schedule of estimated amortization expense	Annual amortization expense for the next five years is estimated to be as follows (in thousands): Year ending April 30: 2017 $ 2,733 2018 2,535 2019 2,313 2020 1,878 2021 1,670 Total estimated amortization expense $ 11,129

Assets Held for Sale - Table Te

Assets Held for Sale - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Assets Held for Sale [Abstract]
Carrying amounts of assets HFS	Changes in the carrying amounts of assets held for sale for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Balance at beginning of year $ 5,160 $ 4,413 Reacquired, acquired from third parties, and other 13,309 8,517 Dispositions (6,526 ) (7,014 ) Impairment (2,057 ) (756 ) Balance at end of year $ 9,886 $ 5,160

Debt - Table Text Blocks (Table

Debt - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	Debt at April 30, 2016 and 2015 was as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Term loan payable in quarterly principal installments of 2.5%, 2.5%, and 3.125% of the original amount borrowed for the years ending April 30, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively; at that time a balloon payment of $14,875 is payable. $ 18,992 $ 20,453 Mortgage note payable to a bank in monthly installments of $16 including interest at 6.06% through September 2016; at that time a balloon payment of $2,213 is payable; subject to a prepayment penalty; collateralized by land and building. 2,230 2,279 Amounts due to former ADs and others at zero percent interest; due May 2016 through June 2018. 2,317 2,626 Other debt 9 39 Total long-term debt 23,548 25,397 Less current installments 5,947 3,934 Total long-term debt, less current installments $ 17,601 $ 21,463
Schedule of aggregate maturities of long-term debt	Aggregate maturities of long-term debt at April 30, 2016 are as follows (in thousands): Year ending April 30: 2017 $ 5,947 2018 2,706 2019 14,895 2020 — Total long-term debt $ 23,548

Stockholders' Equity - Table Te

Stockholders' Equity - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss at April 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows. 2016 2015 (In thousands) Foreign currency adjustment $ (1,148 ) $ (697 ) Unrealized loss on equity securities available for sale, net of taxes (550 ) — Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (1,698 ) $ (697 )
Schedule of computation of basic and diluted net income per share	The computation of basic and diluted net income per share for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 is as follows. 2016 Class A common stock Class B common stock (In thousands, except for share and per share amounts) Basic net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 18,056 $ 1,364 Amounts allocated to participating securities: Exchangeable shares (1,307 ) (99 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 16,749 $ 1,265 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 11,914,775 900,000 Basic net income per share $ 1.41 $ 1.41 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 16,749 $ 1,265 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 1,265 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,406 — Net income attributable to stockholders $ 19,420 $ 1,265 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 11,914,775 900,000 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 900,000 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,000,000 — Employee stock options and restricted stock units 209,896 13,674 Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 14,024,671 913,674 Diluted net income per share $ 1.38 $ 1.38 2015 Class A common stock Class B common stock (In thousands, except for share and per share amounts) Basic net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 8,076 $ 614 Amounts allocated to participating securities: Exchangeable shares (588 ) (45 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 7,488 $ 569 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 11,838,887 900,000 Basic net income per share $ 0.63 $ 0.63 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 7,488 $ 569 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 569 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 633 — Net income attributable to stockholders $ 8,690 $ 569 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 11,838,887 900,000 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 900,000 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,000,000 — Employee stock options and restricted stock units 555,886 36,415 Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 14,294,773 936,415 Diluted net income per share $ 0.61 $ 0.61 2014 Class A common stock Class B common stock (In thousands, except for share and per share amounts) Basic net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings $ 20,459 $ 1,523 Amounts allocated to participating securities: Exchangeable shares (1,462 ) (109 ) Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 18,997 $ 1,414 Denominator: Weighted-average common shares outstanding 12,090,522 900,000 Basic net income per share $ 1.57 $ 1.57 Diluted net income per share: Numerator: Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation $ 18,997 $ 1,414 Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 1,414 — Class A preferred stock to Class A common stock — — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,571 — Net income attributable to stockholders $ 21,982 $ 1,414 Denominator: Number of shares used in basic computation 12,090,522 900,000 Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities: Class B common stock to Class A common stock 900,000 — Exchangeable shares to Class A common stock 1,000,000 — Employee stock options and restricted stock units 546,449 35,153 Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding 14,536,971 935,153 Diluted net income per share $ 1.51 $ 1.51

Stock Compensation Plan - Table

Stock Compensation Plan - Table Text Blocks (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of information for options granted	The following table summarizes the information for options granted in the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . 2016 2015 2014 Weighted-average fair value of options granted $5.05 $9.59 $6.87 Dividend yield 2.8% - 3.7% 0.0% - 2.2% —% Expected volatility 32.4% - 35.6% 31.1% - 31.7% 34.1% - 37.0% Expected terms 4 - 6 years 5 years 4 - 5 years Risk-free interest rates 1.4% - 1.7% 1.6% - 1.9% 0.8% - 1.6%
Schedule of stock option activity	Stock option activity during the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows: Number of options Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at April 30, 2013 2,534,683 $ 14.81 Granted 628,374 20.42 Exercised (955,592 ) 14.63 Canceled (267,059 ) 15.03 Outstanding at April 30, 2014 1,940,406 16.68 Granted 170,416 32.87 Exercised (761,913 ) 15.73 Canceled (5,350 ) 15.00 Outstanding at April 30, 2015 1,343,559 19.28 Granted 227,387 22.30 Exercised (154,594 ) 14.79 Canceled (151,790 ) 24.31 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 1,264,562 $ 19.77
Schedule of nonvested (options that did not vest in the period in which granted) stock option activity	Nonvested stock options (options that had not vested in the period reported) activity during the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was as follows: Nonvested options Weighted average exercise price Outstanding at April 30, 2013 132,500 $ 15.00 Granted 628,374 20.42 Vested (275,874 ) 16.93 Canceled — — Outstanding at April 30, 2014 485,000 20.92 Granted 170,416 32.87 Vested (270,000 ) 18.99 Canceled — — Outstanding at April 30, 2015 385,416 27.56 Granted 227,387 22.30 Vested (173,750 ) 25.16 Canceled (50,000 ) 33.79 Outstanding at April 30, 2016 389,053 $ 24.76
Summary of information about stock options outstanding and exercisable	The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at April 30, 2016 . Options outstanding Options exercisable Range of Exercise Prices Number of options outstanding Weighted average exercise price Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years) Number of options exercisable Weighted average exercise price 15.00 501,883 15.00 1.6 501,883 15.00 16.38 - 19.75 291,876 17.90 4.0 264,876 17.94 22.18 - 29.48 405,387 24.83 5.7 80,000 26.59 33.38 - 33.79 65,416 33.38 5.5 28,750 33.38 1,264,562 $ 19.77 875,509 $ 17.55
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Restricted stock activity during the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 was as follows. The Company did not issue restricted stock units prior to fiscal year 2013. Number of RSUs Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date Balance at April 30, 2013 15,971 $ 13.50 Granted 23,565 16.86 Vested (14,598 ) 13.36 Canceled (3,493 ) 16.07 Balance at April 30, 2014 21,445 16.87 Granted 25,691 33.38 Vested (14,746 ) 16.38 Canceled (3,461 ) 26.47 Balance at April 30, 2015 28,929 30.63 Granted 32,056 23.06 Vested (13,394 ) 27.99 Canceled (4,799 ) 27.89 Balance at April 30, 2016 42,792 $ 26.10

Fair Value of Financial Instr38

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels	The following tables present, for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at April 30, 2016 and 2015 . April 30, 2016 Fair value measurements using Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Recurring assets: Cash equivalents $ 7,140 $ 7,140 $ — $ — Available-for-sale-securities 4,123 4,123 — — Total recurring assets 11,263 11,263 — — Nonrecurring assets: Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue 12,256 — — 12,256 Impaired goodwill 63 — — 63 Impaired reacquired rights 28 — — 28 Impaired customer lists 34 — — 34 Assets held for sale 9,886 — — 9,886 Total nonrecurring assets 22,267 — — 22,267 Total recurring and nonrecurring assets $ 33,530 $ 11,263 $ — $ 22,267 April 30, 2015 Fair value measurements using Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 (In thousands) Recurring assets: Cash equivalents $ 16,975 $ 16,975 $ — $ — Total recurring assets 16,975 16,975 — — Nonrecurring assets: Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue 11,961 — — 11,961 Impaired online software 1,253 — — 1,253 Impaired acquired online customer lists 1,027 — — 1,027 Impaired goodwill 224 — — 224 Impaired reacquired rights 79 — — 79 Impaired customer lists 126 — — 126 Assets held for sale 5,160 — — 5,160 Total nonrecurring assets 19,830 — — 19,830 Total recurring and nonrecurring assets $ 36,805 $ 16,975 $ — $ 19,830

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of total income taxes	Total income taxes were calculated for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Income tax expense $ 11,058 $ 4,811 $ 13,654 Tax benefit of stock option exercises (900 ) (4,803 ) (283 ) Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (326 ) — (252 ) Total income taxes $ 9,832 $ 8 $ 13,119
Schedule of components of income tax expense	Components of income tax expense for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 were as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Current: Federal $ 2,748 $ 5,973 $ 8,632 State 598 2,157 2,036 Foreign 328 226 381 Current tax expense 3,674 8,356 11,049 Deferred: Federal 6,079 (2,629 ) 2,192 State 1,322 (950 ) 517 Foreign (17 ) 34 (104 ) Deferred tax expense (benefit) 7,384 (3,545 ) 2,605 Total income tax expense $ 11,058 $ 4,811 $ 13,654
Schedule of income before taxes, domestic and foreign	For the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , income before taxes consisted of the following. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) U.S. operations $ 28,954 $ 12,459 $ 34,746 Foreign operations 1,524 1,042 890 Income before income taxes $ 30,478 $ 13,501 $ 35,636
Schedule of reconciliation of amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to pretax income from continuing operations	Income tax expense differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% to pretax income from continuing operations as a result of the following for the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 . 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Computed "expected" income tax expense $ 10,667 $ 4,725 $ 12,473 Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from: State income taxes, net of federal benefit 1,126 1,034 1,819 Nondeductible expenses 246 308 143 Tax credits (370 ) (251 ) (555 ) Domestic production deduction (538 ) (466 ) (40 ) Stock compensation expense 31 (378 ) 78 Foreign tax rate differential (222 ) (104 ) (36 ) Other 118 (57 ) (228 ) Total income tax expense $ 11,058 $ 4,811 $ 13,654
Schedule of significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities at April 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows: 2016 2015 (In thousands) Deferred tax assets: Unexercised nonqualified stock options $ 2,292 $ 1,954 Allowance for doubtful accounts 3,707 3,124 Deferred revenue 1,236 4,096 Accounts payable and accrued expense 594 3,209 Total deferred tax assets 7,829 12,383 Deferred tax liabilities: Property, equipment, software, and other intangible assets 10,285 7,247 Other current assets 370 578 Total deferred tax liabilities 10,655 7,825 Net deferred tax asset (liability) $ (2,826 ) $ 4,558

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of repurchase of common stock from related parties	For the years ended April 30, 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , the Company repurchased common stock from related parties as follows. 2016 2015 2014 (In thousands) Common stock: Shares repurchased — 1,007 316 Amount $ — $ 26,954 $ 7,449

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of quarterly financial data	Three Months Ended April 30, 2016 January 31, 2016 October 31, 2015 July 31, 2015 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 104,414 $ 53,621 $ 7,871 $ 7,523 Net income (loss) $ 32,288 $ 4,738 $ (9,070 ) $ (8,536 ) Weighted-average basic shares outstanding 12,877,919 12,795,367 12,775,565 12,811,621 Weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding 13,967,568 14,002,356 12,775,565 12,811,621 Net income (loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock: Basic $ 2.33 $ 0.34 $ (0.71 ) $ (0.67 ) Diluted $ 2.31 $ 0.34 $ (0.71 ) $ (0.67 ) Cash dividends declared per share of common stock and common stock equivalents $ 0.16 $ 0.16 $ 0.16 $ 0.16 Three Months Ended April 30, 2015 January 31, 2015 October 31, 2014 July 31, 2014 (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenue $ 98,919 $ 47,680 $ 7,734 $ 7,839 Impairment of online software and acquired customer lists 8,392 — — — Tentative settlements of class action litigation cases, net of estimated recoveries 1,421 4,066 2,130 — Net income (loss) $ 26,743 $ 1,919 $ (11,328 ) $ (8,644 ) Weighted-average basic shares outstanding 12,728,341 12,679,286 12,680,306 12,867,273 Weighted-average dilutive shares outstanding 14,155,818 14,227,163 12,680,306 12,867,273 Net income (loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock: Basic $ 1.95 $ 0.14 $ (0.89 ) $ (0.67 ) Diluted $ 1.89 $ 0.13 $ (0.89 ) $ (0.67 ) Cash dividends declared per share of common stock and common stock equivalents $ 0.16 $ — $ — $ —

Organization and Significant 42

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Number of Processing Centers and Offices (Details) - office	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	4,487	4,328	4,438
UNITED STATES | Permanent Office
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	3,960	3,764	3,663
Permanent Office Locations:	453	397	289
Offices closed	(257)	(296)	(442)
UNITED STATES | permanent, prior year [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	3,764	3,663	3,816
UNITED STATES | Seasonal Office
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	211	262	486
Permanent Office Locations:	127	118	334
Offices closed	(178)	(342)	(275)
UNITED STATES | seasonalpriortaxseason [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	262	486	427
UNITED STATES | Processing Center
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	54	43	26
UNITED STATES | processingcentersUS [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	4,225	4,069	4,175
UNITED STATES | TotalOfficeLocations [Member]
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	4,487	4,328	4,438
UNITED STATES | Company Owned
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	4,177	4,146	4,222
UNITED STATES | Franchise Owned
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	310	182	216
CANADA
Franchisor Disclosure [Line Items]
Offices	262	259	263

Organization and Significant 43

Organization and Significant Accounting Policies - Narratives (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)office	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)office	Jan. 31, 2015USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2014USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)territoryofficeoperating_segment	Apr. 30, 2015USD ($)territoryoffice	Apr. 30, 2014USD ($)territoryoffice
Property, Equipment, and Software
Territories Sold | territory									184	212	225
Offices	4,487				4,328				4,487	4,328	4,438
Trade Accounts Receivable Annual Finance Charges Percentage									12.00%
Period after which unpaid trade accounts receivable accrue finance charges									30 days
Scheduled payment past due period considered for providing an allowance on delinquent note									90 days
Franchise rights term									5 years
Developer rights term										6 years	10 years
Number of operating segments | operating_segment									2
Total revenues | $	$ 104,414	$ 53,621	$ 7,871	$ 7,523	$ 98,919	$ 47,680	$ 7,734	$ 7,839	$ 173,429	$ 162,172	$ 159,696
CANADA
Property, Equipment, and Software
Offices	262				259				262	259	263
Total revenues | $									$ 6,983	$ 6,907	$ 6,374
SiempreTax [Member] | UNITED STATES
Property, Equipment, and Software
Offices	144				57				144	57
Minimum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life									2 years
Maximum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life									10 years
Computer equipment | Minimum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									3 years
Computer equipment | Maximum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									5 years
Software | Minimum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									3 years
Software | Maximum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									7 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | Minimum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									5 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | Maximum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									7 years
Building | Minimum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									20 years
Building | Maximum
Property, Equipment, and Software
Estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets									30 years

Accounts and Notes Receivable44

Accounts and Notes Receivable - Notes and Interest Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016
Receivables [Abstract]
Developer Rights Term	6 years	10 years
Notes receivable - current	$ 24,465		$ 26,710
Notes receivable - non-current	22,416		25,514
Interest receivable, net of uncollectible amounts	1,033		1,944
Total notes and interest receivable, net	$ 47,914		$ 54,168

Accounts and Notes Receivable45

Accounts and Notes Receivable - Activity in the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 7,355	$ 6,850	$ 6,684
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, beginning of period	7,355	6,850
Provision for doubtful accounts	7,282	5,726	8,692
Write-offs	(5,737)	(5,122)	(8,460)
Foreign currency adjustment	(50)	(99)	(66)
Allowance for doubtful accounts receivable, end of period	$ 8,850	$ 7,355	$ 6,850

Accounts and Notes Receivable46

Accounts and Notes Receivable - Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Gross amount due	$ 104,076	$ 94,035
Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees	(27,609)	(26,685)
Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees	76,467	67,350
Allowance for doubtful accounts for notes and accounts receivable	7,355	6,850	$ 6,684
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	8,850	7,355	$ 6,850
Impaired:
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees	(1,426)	(1,535)
Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees	18,617	17,020
Allowance for doubtful accounts for notes and accounts receivable	7,787	6,594
Non-impaired:
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Less amounts due to ADs and franchisees	(26,183)	(25,150)
Amounts receivable less amounts due to ADs and franchisees	57,850	50,330
Allowance for doubtful accounts for notes and accounts receivable	1,063	761
Accounts receivable
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Gross amount due	54,168	47,914
Accounts receivable | Impaired:
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Gross amount due	7,083	7,634
Accounts receivable | Non-impaired:
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Gross amount due	42,825	38,487
Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Gross amount due	49,908	46,121
Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue | Impaired:
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Gross amount due	12,960	10,921
Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue | Non-impaired:
Allocation of allowance for doubtful accounts
Gross amount due	$ 41,208	$ 36,993

Accounts and Notes Receivable47

Accounts and Notes Receivable - Accounts and Notes Receivable Past Due (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Aging of accounts and notes receivable
Past due	$ 32,220	$ 30,283
Current	(1,674)	(2,103)
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current	73,530	65,855
Accounts and Notes Receivable Gross	104,076	94,035
Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue
Aging of accounts and notes receivable
Past due	25,329	22,115
Current	(617)	(938)
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current	25,196	24,944
Accounts and Notes Receivable Gross	49,908	46,121
Accounts receivable
Aging of accounts and notes receivable
Past due	6,891	8,168
Current	(1,057)	(1,165)
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Current	48,334	40,911
Accounts and Notes Receivable Gross	$ 54,168	$ 47,914

Accounts and Notes Receivable48

Accounts and Notes Receivable - Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Trade Accounts Receivable Annual Finance Charges Percentage	12.00%
Developer rights term		6 years	10 years
Unrecognized Revenue	$ 35,200	$ 38,600
Due to Area Developers (ADs)	24,977	24,340
Impaired Financing Receivable, Average Recorded Investment	9,013	7,939	$ 8,526
Interest income related to impaired notes	864	705	$ 874
Investment in notes receivable on nonaccrual status	$ 5,472	$ 9,327
Franchise related notes
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable Due Period	5 years
Working capital and equipment notes
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Notes Receivable Due Period	1 year
Notes and interest receivable, net of unrecognized revenue
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Past due period	30 days
Accounts receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Past due period	90 days

Property, Equipment, and Soft49

Property, Equipment, and Software, Net - Property, Equipment and Software (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Property, equipment, and software, net
Property, equipment, and software, gross	$ 62,009	$ 55,183
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	21,052	18,951
Property, equipment, and software, net	40,957	36,232
Land and land improvements
Property, equipment, and software, net
Property, equipment, and software, gross	2,413	2,259
Buildings and building improvements
Property, equipment, and software, net
Property, equipment, and software, gross	8,730	8,481
Leasehold improvements
Property, equipment, and software, net
Property, equipment, and software, gross	138	143
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
Property, equipment, and software, net
Property, equipment, and software, gross	6,307	6,013
Software
Property, equipment, and software, net
Property, equipment, and software, gross	44,418	37,894
Construction in Progress
Property, equipment, and software, net
Property, equipment, and software, gross	$ 3	$ 393

Property, Equipment, and Soft50

Property, Equipment, and Software, Net - Future Minimum Lease Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months	$ 8,012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years	5,493
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years	2,436
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years	1,211
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years	600
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	247
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	17,999
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Next Twelve Months	3,281
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Due in Rolling after Year Five	2,203
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Three Years	990
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Four Years	527
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, within Five Years	202
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions, Thereafter	0
Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Sale Leaseback Transactions	$ 7,203

Property, Equipment, and Soft51

Property, Equipment, and Software, Net - Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Total depreciation expense	$ 4,652	$ 5,500	$ 3,760
Assets not placed in service	19,878	12,900
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net	$ 4,700	$ 3,200	$ 3,400

Investments - Narratives (Detai

Investments - Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 5,000
Marketable Securities, Realized Gain (Loss)			$ 2,200
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Gross Unrealized Loss	500	$ 0
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net of taxes	$ (550)

Goodwill and Intangible Asset53

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in the Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, balance at beginning of year	$ 3,377	$ 2,997
Acquisitions of assets from franchisees	960	1,107
Disposals and foreign currency changes, net	52	465
Impairments	(57)	(262)
Goodwill, balance at end of year	$ 4,228	$ 3,377

Goodwill and Intangible Asset54

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Impairment Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of online software and acquired customer lists	$ (8,392)	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (8,392)	$ 0
Software [Member]
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of online software and acquired customer lists						(6,882)
Acquired customer lists
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of online software and acquired customer lists						$ (1,510)

Goodwill and Intangible Asset55

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Components of Amortizable Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 23,000	$ 19,690,000
Accumulated amortization	(7,000)	(5,018,000)
Net carrying amount	16,270,000	$ 14,672,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net	$ 16,270
Acquired customer lists
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period	4 years	4 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,000	$ 1,027,000
Accumulated amortization	0	0
Net carrying amount	$ 1,000	$ 1,027,000
Customer lists
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period	4 years	4 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,000	$ 759,000
Accumulated amortization	(1,000)	(441,000)
Net carrying amount	$ 1,000	$ 318,000
Reacquired rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period	2 years	2 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 1,000	$ 559,000
Accumulated amortization	0	(473,000)
Net carrying amount	$ 0	$ 86,000
AD rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted average amortization period	10 years	10 years
Gross carrying amount	$ 20,000	$ 17,345,000
Accumulated amortization	(6,000)	(4,104,000)
Net carrying amount	$ 15,000	$ 13,241,000

Goodwill and Intangible Asset56

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Purchase Price of Assets Acquired from Franchisees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees, not held for sale	$ 1,815	$ 1,694	$ 9,033
Customer lists
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees, not held for sale	728	435	2,372
Reacquired rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees, not held for sale	39	284	1,806
Goodwill
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase price of assets acquired from franchisees, not held for sale	$ 1,048	$ 975	$ 4,855

- Annual Amortization Expenses

- Annual Amortization Expenses for the Next Five Years (Details) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Estimated amortization expense for next five years
2,014	$ 2,733
2,015	2,535
2,016	2,313
2,017	1,878
2,018	1,670
Total estimated amortization expense	$ 11,129

Goodwill and Intangible Asset58

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Impairment Loss					$ 71	$ 262
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired							$ 3,200
Capitalized Computer Software, Impairments	$ 8,392	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	0	8,392	0
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired					1,815	1,694	9,033
Tangible Asset Impairment Charges					53	480	941
Amortization of Intangible Assets					$ 2,326	$ 3,600	$ 4,084

Assets Held for Sale - Amounts

Assets Held for Sale - Amounts Reclassified From Various Categories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Assets held for sale transferred	$ 13,309	$ 8,517
Impairment charge on assets held for sale	(2,057)	(756)
Total assets held for sale	$ (9,886)	$ (5,160)	$ (4,413)

Assets Held for Sale - Changes

Assets Held for Sale - Changes in Carrying Amounts of Assets Held For Sale (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Carrying Amounts of Assets HFS [Abstract]
Assets held for sale, beginning of period	$ 5,160	$ 4,413
Reaquired	13,309	8,517
Dispositions	(6,526)	(7,014)
Impairment	(2,057)	(756)
Assets held for sale, end of period	$ 9,886	$ 5,160

Assets Held for Sale - Narrativ

Assets Held for Sale - Narratives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 1,815	$ 1,694	$ 9,033
Impairment charge on assets held for sale	(2,057)	(756)
Customer lists
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	728	435	2,372
Goodwill
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	1,048	975	$ 4,855
UNITED STATES
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	13,285	8,700
UNITED STATES | Customer lists
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	6,058	4,400
UNITED STATES | Goodwill
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 7,227	$ 4,300

Debt - Debt (Details)

Debt - Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Credit facility
Total long-term Debt	$ 23,548,000	$ 25,397,000
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current	5,947,000	3,934,000
Total long-term debt, less current installments	17,601,000	21,463,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Credit facility
Outstanding Borrowings	0
Term loan
Credit facility
Total long-term Debt	18,992,000	20,453,000
Notes payable to banks
Credit facility
Total long-term Debt	2,230,000	2,279,000
Notes payable, other payables
Credit facility
Total long-term Debt	2,317,000	2,626,000
Other debt instrument
Credit facility
Total long-term Debt	$ 9,000	$ 39,000

Debt - Debt Parentheticals (Det

Debt - Debt Parentheticals (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balloon payment	$ 14,875,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding Borrowings	0
Notes payable to banks
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Balloon payment	2,213,000
Notes Payable	$ 16,000
Long Term Debt Monthly Installments	6.06%
Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Fixed Interest, Percentage Rate	0.00%
Term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long Term Debt, Quarterly Principal Installments as Percentage of Original Amounts Borrowed for Next Twelve Months	2.50%
Long Term Debt, Quarterly Principal Installments as Percentage of Original Amounts Borrowed for Year Two	2.50%
Long Term Debt, Quarterly Principal Installments as Percentage of Original Amounts Borrowed for Year Three	3.10%
Long Term Debt, Quarterly Principal Installments as Percentage of Original Amounts Borrowed for Year Four	0.00%
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Note amount paid due date	May 31, 2016
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Note amount paid due date	Jun. 30, 2018

Debt - Aggregate Maturities of

Debt - Aggregate Maturities of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 5,947
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	2,706
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	14,895
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	0
Total long-term Debt	$ 23,548	$ 25,397

Debt - Narrative (Details)

Debt - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Term loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 21,200,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	203,800,000
Line of credit facility, increased availability	50,000,000
Outstanding Borrowings	0
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 111,200,000
Line of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.06%	1.80%
Maximum | Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.50%
Weighted Average [Member] | Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.892%
Minimum | Line of Credit [Member] | LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%

Derivative Instruments and He66

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Narratives (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Derivative instruments and hedging activities
Foreign Currency Contracts, Liability, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0
Foreign currency adjustment	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity - Componen

Stockholders' Equity - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Foreign currency adjustment	$ (1,148)	$ (697)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	1,698	697
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	(550)
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax	$ (550)	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity - Computat

Stockholders' Equity - Computation of Basic and Diluted Net Income per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Numerator:
Net income	$ 32,288	$ 4,738	$ (9,070)	$ (8,536)	$ 26,743	$ 1,919	$ (11,328)	$ (8,644)	$ 19,420	$ 8,690	$ 21,982
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Class A Preferred Stock									(1,406)	(633)	(1,571)
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation									$ 18,014	$ 8,057	$ 20,411
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	$ 2.33	$ 0.34	$ (0.71)	$ (0.67)	$ 1.95	$ 0.14	$ (0.89)	$ (0.67)	$ 1.41	$ 0.63	$ 1.57
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation									$ 18,014	$ 8,057	$ 20,411
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	12,877,919	12,795,367	12,775,565	12,811,621	12,728,341	12,679,286	12,680,306	12,867,273	12,814,775	12,738,887	12,990,522,000
Denominator:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									14,024,671	14,294,773	14,536,971,000
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 2.31	$ 0.34	$ (0.71)	$ (0.67)	$ 1.89	$ 0.13	$ (0.89)	$ (0.67)	$ 1.38	$ 0.61	$ 1.51
Class A common stock
Numerator:
Net income									$ 18,056	$ 8,076	$ 20,459
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Class A Preferred Stock									(1,307)	(588)	(1,462)
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation									$ 16,749	$ 7,488	$ 18,997
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted									11,914,775	11,838,887	12,090,522
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted									$ 1.41	$ 0.63	$ 1.57
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation									$ 16,749	$ 7,488	$ 18,997
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock									1,265	569	1,414
Amount of Dilutive Securities Class A Common Stock											0
Amount of Dilutive Securities Exchangeable Shares									1,406	633	1,571
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted									$ 19,420	$ 8,690	$ 21,982
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic											12,090,522
Denominator:
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities add the conversion of exercise of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock (in shares)									900,000	900,000	900,000
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities add the conversion of exercise of: exchangeable shares to Class A common stock (in shares)									1,000,000	1,000,000	1,000,000
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities add the conversion of exercise of employee stock options (in shares)									209,896	555,886	546,449
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									14,024,671	14,294,773	14,536,971
Earnings Per Share, Diluted									$ 1.38	$ 0.61	$ 1.51
Class B common stock
Numerator:
Net income									$ 1,364	$ 614	$ 1,523
Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Class A Preferred Stock									(99)	(45)	(109)
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation									$ 1,265	$ 569	$ 1,414
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted									900,000	900,000	900,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted									$ 1.41	$ 0.63	$ 1.57
Numerator:
Allocation of undistributed earnings for basic computation									$ 1,265	$ 569	$ 1,414
Reallocation of undistributed earnings as a result of assumed conversion of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock									0	0	0
Amount of Dilutive Securities Class A Common Stock											0
Amount of Dilutive Securities Exchangeable Shares									0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted									$ 1,265	$ 569	$ 1,414
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic											900,000
Denominator:
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities add the conversion of exercise of: Class B common stock to Class A common stock (in shares)									0	0	0
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities add the conversion of exercise of: exchangeable shares to Class A common stock (in shares)									0	0	0
Weighted-average effect of dilutive securities add the conversion of exercise of employee stock options (in shares)									13,674	36,415	35,153
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted									913,674	936,415	935,153
Earnings Per Share, Diluted									$ 1.38	$ 0.61	$ 1.51

Stockholders' Equity - Narrativ

Stockholders' Equity - Narratives (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016Director$ / sharesshares	Apr. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares	Apr. 30, 2014shares
Common stock
Number of directors entitled to be elected more than the number of directors elected by holders of all other classes of stock combined | Director	1
Impact of shares of common stock from the exercise of options excluded from computation of diluted net income per share because the effect would be antidilutive	429,644	210,416	483,397
Class A common stock
Preferred stock and exchangeable shares
Common stock, shares issued	11,993,292	11,905,156
Common stock
Authorized shares	21,200,000	21,200,000
Par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Class B common stock
Preferred stock and exchangeable shares
Common stock, shares issued	900,000	900,000
Common stock
Authorized shares	1,000,000	1,000,000
Par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Class A preferred stock
Preferred stock and exchangeable shares
Shares authorized	190,000	190,000
Par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Special voting preferred stock
Preferred stock and exchangeable shares
Shares authorized	10	10
Par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common Stock Number of Shares Represented as Voting for Each Preferred Share	100,000
Exchangeable shares
Preferred stock and exchangeable shares
Common stock, shares issued	1,000,000	1,000,000
Common stock
Par value (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 0.01	$ 0.01

Stock Compensation Plan (Detail

Stock Compensation Plan (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Aug. 31, 2011
Nonvested stock option activity, Nonvested options
Canceled (in shares)	(50,000)	0
Nonvested stock option activity, Weighted average exercise price
Canceled (in dollars per share)	$ 33.79	$ 0
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 2,079,000
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$ 875,000	$ 13,308,000	$ 9,444,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Volatility Calculated by Company Public Trading History	5000.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Volatility Calculated by Competitor Public Trading History	5000.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Minimum
Stock compensation plan
Vesting period	6 months
Exercise period after the vesting date	4 years
Maximum
Stock compensation plan
Vesting period	6 years
Exercise period after the vesting date	5 years
Stock Option Plan [Member]
Stock option activity, Number of options
Outstanding at the start of the period (in shares)	1,343,559	1,940,406	2,534,683
Granted (in shares)	227,387	170,416	628,374
Exercised (in shares)	(154,594)	(761,913)	(955,592)
Canceled (in shares)	(151,790)	(5,350)	(267,059)
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,264,562	1,343,559	1,940,406
Stock option activity, Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 19.28	$ 16.68	$ 14.81
Granted (in dollars per share)	22,300	32.87	20.42
Exercised (in dollars per share)	14,790	15.73	14.63
Canceled (in dollars per share)	24,310	15	15.03
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	19,770	19.28	16.68
Stock Option
Stock compensation plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 5.05	$ 9.59	$ 6.87
Information for options granted
Expected volatility, minimum (as a percent)	32.00%	31.10%	34.10%
Expected volatility, maximum (as a percent)	35.60%	31.70%	37.00%
Risk-free interest rates, minimum (as a percent)	1.40%	1.60%	0.80%
Risk-free interest rates, maximum (as a percent)	1.70%	1.90%	1.60%
Stock option activity, Number of options
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	1,264,562
Nonvested stock option activity, Nonvested options
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in shares)	385,416	485,000	132,500
Granted (in shares)	227,387	170,416	628,374
Vested (in shares)	(173,750)	(270,000)	(275,874)
Canceled (in shares)			0
Outstanding at the end of the period (in shares)	389,053	385,416	485,000
Nonvested stock option activity, Weighted average exercise price
Outstanding at the beginning of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 27.56	$ 20.92	$ 15
Granted (in dollars per share)	22.30	32.87	20.42
Vested (in dollars per share)	25.16	18.99	16.93
Canceled (in dollars per share)			0
Outstanding at the end of the period (in dollars per share)	$ 24.76	$ 27.56	$ 20.92
Stock Option | Minimum
Information for options granted
Dividend yield (as a percent)	2.60%	0.00%
Expected terms	4 years	5 years	4 years
Stock Option | Maximum
Information for options granted
Dividend yield (as a percent)	3.70%	2.20%
Expected terms	6 years	5 years	5 years
Restricted Stock Units
Nonvested stock option activity, Weighted average exercise price
Unrecognized compensation costs	$ 572,411
Equity Plan 2011 [Member]
Stock compensation plan
Class A common stock authorized for grant under the Plan (in shares)				2,500,000
Class A common stock available for grant (in shares)	1,355,903

Stock Compensation Plan (Deta71

Stock Compensation Plan (Details 2) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Stock-based compensation expense (income) related to liability classified awards	$ 0	$ 0	$ (872,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Minimum
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Vesting period	6 months
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Exercise Period	4 years
Maximum
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Vesting period	6 years
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Exercise Period	5 years
Stock Option
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	1,264,562
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 19.77
Number of options exercisable	875,509
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.55
Range of exercise prices - $15.00 | Stock Option
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	501,883
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 15
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	15
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	1 year 7 months
Number of options exercisable	501,883
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 15
Range of exercise prices - $16.38 - $19.75 | Stock Option
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	291,876
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 16.38
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	19.75
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.90
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	4 years
Number of options exercisable	264,876
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 17.94
Range of exercise prices - $20.19 | Stock Option
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	405,387
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 22.18
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	29.48
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 24.83
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	5 years 8 months
Number of options exercisable	80,000
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 26.59
Range of exercise prices - $26.18 | Stock Option
Stock options outstanding and exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number	65,416
Exercise price, low end of range (in dollars per share)	$ 33.38
Exercise price, high end of range (in dollars per share)	33.79
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 33.38
Weighted average remaining contractual life (in years)	5 years 6 months
Number of options exercisable	28,750
Weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 33.38

Stock Compensation Plan Restric

Stock Compensation Plan Restricted Stock (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Stock compensation plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	$ 0
Restricted Stock Units
Stock compensation plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Granted in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 23.06	$ 33.38	$ 16.86
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number	42,792,000	28,929,000	21,445,000	15,971,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 26.10	$ 30.63	$ 16.87	$ 13.50
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted	32,056,000	25,691,000	23,565,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Vested in Period	(13,394,000)	(14,746,000)	(14,598,000)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Forfeited in Period	(4,799,000)	(3,461,000)	(3,493,000)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Vested in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 27.99	$ 16.38	$ 13.36
Share Based Compensation Arrangement by Share Based Payment Award Options Nonvested Forfeited in Period Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 27.89	$ 26.47	$ 16.07

Fair Value of Financial Instr73

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 33,530	$ 36,805
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	11,263	16,975
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	22,267	19,830
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	7,140	16,975
Available-for-sale Securities	4,123
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	(11,263)	(16,975)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	7,140	16,975
Available-for-sale Securities	4,123
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	(11,263)	(16,975)
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Cash equivalents	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Recurring	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member]
Assets:
Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue	12,256	11,961
Impaired Online Software, Fair Value Disclosure		1,253
Impaired Acquired Online Customer Lists, Fair Value Disclosure		1,027
Impaired goodwill	63	224
Impaired reacquired rights	28	79
Impaired customer lists	34	126
Assets Held for Sale, net of impairment	9,886	5,160
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	22,267	19,830
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue	0	0
Impaired Online Software, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Impaired Acquired Online Customer Lists, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Impaired goodwill	0	0
Impaired reacquired rights	0	0
Impaired customer lists	0	0
Assets Held for Sale, net of impairment	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue	0	0
Impaired Online Software, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Impaired Acquired Online Customer Lists, Fair Value Disclosure		0
Impaired goodwill	0	0
Impaired reacquired rights	0	0
Impaired customer lists	0	0
Assets Held for Sale, net of impairment	0	0
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue	12,256	11,961
Impaired Online Software, Fair Value Disclosure		1,253
Impaired Acquired Online Customer Lists, Fair Value Disclosure		1,027
Impaired goodwill	63	224
Impaired reacquired rights	28	79
Impaired customer lists	34	126
Assets Held for Sale, net of impairment	9,886	5,160
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring	$ 22,267	$ 19,830

Fair Value of Financial Instr74

Fair Value of Financial Instruments Activity in Level 3 FV Measurements (Details) - Nonrecurring assets: - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue	$ 12,256	$ 11,961
Impaired reacquired rights	28	79
Impaired customer lists	34	126
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impaired accounts and notes receivable, net of unearned revenue	12,256	11,961
Impaired reacquired rights	28	79
Impaired customer lists	$ 34	$ 126

Employee 401(k) Plan (Details)

Employee 401(k) Plan (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Requisite age of the employees eligible to make voluntary contributions to the plan	18 years
Requisite completion period of service of employees eligible to make voluntary contributions to the plan	90 days
Matching contribution as a percentage of each employee's contribution	50.00%
Maximum percentage of the employee's salary up to which the employer matches its contribution	3.00%
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Compensation Expense	$ 452

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Total income tax expense		$ (11,058,000)	$ (4,811,000)	$ (13,654,000)
Tax benefit of stock option exercises		(900,000)	(4,803,000)	(283,000)
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss) before Taxes		326,000	0	252,000
Total income taxes		9,832,000	8,000	13,119,000
Current:
Federal		2,748,000	5,973,000	8,632,000
State		598,000	2,157,000	2,036,000
Foreign		328,000	226,000	381,000
Current tax expense		3,674,000	8,356,000	11,049,000
Deferred:
Federal		6,079,000	(2,629,000)	2,192,000
State		1,322,000	(950,000)	517,000
Foreign		(17,000)	34,000	(104,000)
Deferred tax expense (benefit)		7,384,000	(3,545,000)	2,605,000
Income tax expense
Total income tax expense		(11,058,000)	(4,811,000)	(13,654,000)
Income before taxes
U.S. operations		28,954,000	12,459,000	34,746,000
Foreign operations		1,524,000	1,042,000	890,000
Income before income taxes		30,478,000	$ 13,501,000	35,636,000
Reconciliation of amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate to pretax income from continuing operations
U.S. federal income tax rate (as a percent )			35.00%
Computed expected income tax expense		10,667,000	$ 4,725,000	12,473,000
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		1,126,000	1,034,000	1,819,000
Nondeductible expenses		246,000	308,000	143,000
Tax credits		(370,000)	(251,000)	(555,000)
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Non Taxable Income		538,000	466,000	40,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Non Taxable Expenses		31,000	(378,000)	78,000
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount		(222,000)	(104,000)	(36,000)
Other		118,000	(57,000)	(228,000)
Total income tax expense		(11,058,000)	(4,811,000)	(13,654,000)
Deferred tax assets:
Unexercised nonqualified stock options		2,292,000	1,954,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts		3,707,000	3,124,000
Deferred revenue		1,236,000	4,096,000
deferred tax assets, accounts payable and accrued expense		594,000	3,209,000
Total deferred tax assets		7,829,000	12,383,000
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, equipment, software, and other intangible assets		10,285,000	7,247,000
Total deferred tax liabilities		10,655,000	7,825,000
Net deferred tax asset (liability)		(2,826,000)	4,558,000
Other Current Assets, Tax Related		370,000	578,000
Other Tax Expense (Benefit)	$ 192,000	300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits		0
Foreign subsidiary net earnings permanently reinvested		$ 1,200,000	$ 800,000	$ 600,000

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Related party transactions
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 1,815,000	$ 1,694,000	$ 9,033,000
Amount	$ 1,977,000	$ 36,308,000	$ 13,079,000
Directors and their affiliated companies, and officers | Common stock:
Related party transactions
Shares repurchased	0	1,007	316
Amount	$ 0	$ 26,954	$ 7,449
License Purchase [Domain] [Domain]
Related party transactions
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	$ 657,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies	$ 3,000,000
Minimum
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies		$ 500
Maximum
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies		$ 1,500

Quarterly Financial Data (Una79

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2016	Jan. 31, 2016	Oct. 31, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 104,414	$ 53,621	$ 7,871	$ 7,523	$ 98,919	$ 47,680	$ 7,734	$ 7,839	$ 173,429	$ 162,172	$ 159,696
Capitalized Computer Software, Impairments					(8,392)	0	0	0	0	(8,392)	0
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Trading Securities				0	1,421	4,066	2,130		0	0	2,183
Net income (loss)	$ 32,288	$ 4,738	$ (9,070)	$ (8,536)	$ 26,743	$ 1,919	$ (11,328)	$ (8,644)	$ 19,420	$ 8,690	$ 21,982
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	12,877,919	12,795,367	12,775,565	12,811,621	12,728,341	12,679,286	12,680,306	12,867,273	12,814,775	12,738,887	12,990,522,000
Pro Forma Weighted Average Shares Outstanding, Diluted	13,967,568	14,002,356	12,775,565	12,811,621	14,155,818	14,227,163	12,680,306	12,867,273
Net Income (Loss) per share of Class A and Class B common stock:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.33	$ 0.34	$ (0.71)	$ (0.67)	$ 1.95	$ 0.14	$ (0.89)	$ (0.67)	$ 1.41	$ 0.63	$ 1.57
Diluted (in dollars per share)	2.31	0.34	(0.71)	(0.67)	1.89	0.13	(0.89)	(0.67)	1.38	0.61	1.51
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0.16	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 640	$ 160	$ 0

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)	Jul. 22, 2016	May 31, 2016	Apr. 30, 2016	Apr. 30, 2015	Jun. 10, 2016
Subsequent events
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash			$ 0.16	$ 0.16
Dividend Paid [Member]
Subsequent events
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash	$ 0.16
stock repurchase program, increase in authorized [Member]
Subsequent events
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount					$ 3,400,000
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Subsequent events
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount					$ 10,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Subsequent events
Conversion of Stock, Type of Stock Converted		600,000