Korn Ferry (KFY) 10-K 15 Jul 20 2020 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Jul. 08, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	KFY
Entity Registrant Name	KORN FERRY
Entity Central Index Key	0000056679
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--04-30
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		54,638,627
Entity Public Float			$ 1,508,247,824
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	95-2623879
Entity Address, Address Line One	1900 Avenue of the Stars
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 2600
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
City Area Code	310
Local Phone Number	552-1834
Entity Address, City or Town	Los Angeles
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	90067
Entity File Number	001-14505
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on September 23, 2020 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. Explanatory Note The Company was unable to file this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2020 (the “Annual Report”) by the original deadline of June 29, 2020 in light of the ongoing impact of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic. To respond to both health and safety concerns and applicable governmental orders, the Company imposed a range of travel restrictions, office closures, social distancing measures, and remote working policies to maintain its operations while prioritizing the safety of its employees and customers. These measures resulted in operational challenges and disruptions, including to the Company’s customary year-end processes and interactions with and between its accounting personnel, external auditors, and others responsible for or contributing to the preparation of the Annual Report. Therefore, as disclosed in a Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 11, 2020, the Company relied on the SEC’s March 25, 2020 “Order Under Section 26 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Modifying Exemptions from the Reporting and Proxy Delivery Requirements for Public Companies,” Release No. 34-88465, to delay the filing of the Annual Report.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 689,244	$ 626,360
Marketable securities	41,951	8,288
Receivables due from clients, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $23,795 and $21,582 at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively	397,165	404,857
Income taxes and other receivables	38,755	26,767
Unearned compensation	43,117	42,003
Prepaid expenses and other assets	26,851	28,535
Total current assets	1,237,083	1,136,810
Marketable securities, non-current	132,134	132,463
Property and equipment, net	142,728	131,505
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	195,077
Cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance policies, net of loans	146,408	126,000
Deferred income taxes	55,479	43,220
Goodwill	613,943	578,298
Intangible assets, net	111,926	82,948
Unearned compensation, non-current	79,510	80,924
Investments and other assets	29,540	22,684
Total assets	2,743,828	2,334,852
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable	45,684	39,156
Income taxes payable	21,158	21,145
Compensation and benefits payable	280,911	328,610
Operating lease liability, current	54,851
Other accrued liabilities	221,603	162,047
Total current liabilities	624,207	550,958
Deferred compensation and other retirement plans	289,136	257,635
Operating lease liability, non-current	180,766
Long-term debt	394,144	222,878
Deferred tax liabilities	1,056	1,103
Other liabilities	30,828	58,891
Total liabilities	1,520,137	1,091,465
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity
Common stock: $0.01 par value, 150,000 shares authorized, 73,205 and 72,442 shares issued and 54,450 and 56,431 shares outstanding at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively	585,560	656,463
Retained earnings	742,993	660,845
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	(107,172)	(76,652)
Total Korn Ferry stockholders' equity	1,221,381	1,240,656
Noncontrolling interest	2,310	2,731
Total stockholders' equity	1,223,691	1,243,387
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 2,743,828	$ 2,334,852

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 23,795	$ 21,582
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	73,205,000	72,442,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,450,000	56,431,000

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Total revenue	$ 1,977,330	$ 1,973,862	$ 1,819,519
Compensation and benefits	1,297,994	1,311,240	1,199,057
General and administrative expenses	258,957	351,991	237,390
Depreciation and amortization	55,311	46,489	48,588
Restructuring charges, net	58,559		78
Total operating expenses	1,801,305	1,833,036	1,611,073
Operating income	176,025	140,826	208,446
Other (loss) income, net	(2,879)	10,405	11,416
Interest expense, net	(22,184)	(16,891)	(13,832)
Income before provision for income taxes	150,962	134,340	206,030
Income tax provision	43,945	29,544	70,133
Net income	107,017	104,796	135,897
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(2,071)	(2,145)	(2,118)
Net income attributable to Korn Ferry	$ 104,946	$ 102,651	$ 133,779
Earnings per common share attributable to Korn Ferry:
Basic	$ 1.91	$ 1.84	$ 2.39
Diluted	$ 1.90	$ 1.81	$ 2.35
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic	54,342	55,311	55,426
Diluted	54,767	56,096	56,254
Cash dividends declared per share:	$ 0.40	$ 0.40	$ 0.40
Fee Revenue
Total revenue	$ 1,932,732	$ 1,926,033	$ 1,767,217
Cost of services	85,886	75,487	73,658
Reimbursed Out Of Pocket Engagement Expenses
Total revenue	44,598	47,829	52,302
Reimbursed Expenses
Cost of services	$ 44,598	$ 47,829	$ 52,302

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 107,017	$ 104,796	$ 135,897
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(23,764)	(28,038)	22,900
Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of tax	(6,716)	(5,369)	6,054
Net unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax	34
Net unrealized (loss) gain on interest rate swap, net of tax	(456)	(1,080)	1,915
Comprehensive income	76,115	70,309	166,766
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(1,689)	(1,978)	(2,058)
Comprehensive income attributable to Korn Ferry	$ 74,426	$ 68,331	$ 164,708

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net	Total Korn Ferry Stockholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning Balance at Apr. 30, 2017	$ 1,087,048	$ 692,527	$ 461,976	$ (71,064)	$ 1,083,439	$ 3,609
Beginning Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2017		56,938
Net income	135,897		133,779		133,779	2,118
Other comprehensive income (loss)	30,869			30,929	30,929	(60)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(22,955)		(22,955)		(22,955)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(2,659)					(2,659)
Purchase of stock	(36,865)	$ (36,865)			(36,865)
Purchase of stock, shares		(1,092)
Issuance of stock	7,998	$ 7,998			7,998
Issuance of stock (shares)		671
Stock-based compensation	20,282	$ 20,282			20,282
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2018	1,219,615	$ 683,942	572,800	(40,135)	1,216,607	3,008
Ending Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2018		56,517
Net income	104,796		102,651		102,651	2,145
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(34,487)			(34,320)	(34,320)	(167)
Effect of adoption of accounting standards	6,656		8,853	(2,197)	6,656
Dividends paid to shareholders	(23,459)		(23,459)		(23,459)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(2,255)					(2,255)
Purchase of stock	(58,070)	$ (58,070)			(58,070)
Purchase of stock, shares		(1,166)
Issuance of stock	8,528	$ 8,528			8,528
Issuance of stock (shares)		1,080
Stock-based compensation	22,063	$ 22,063			22,063
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2019	$ 1,243,387	$ 656,463	660,845	(76,652)	1,240,656	2,731
Ending Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2019	56,431	56,431
Net income	$ 107,017		104,946		104,946	2,071
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(30,902)			(30,520)	(30,520)	(382)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(22,798)		(22,798)		(22,798)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest	(2,110)					(2,110)
Purchase of stock	(101,439)	$ (101,439)			(101,439)
Purchase of stock, shares		(2,839)
Issuance of stock	9,041	$ 9,041			9,041
Issuance of stock (shares)		858
Stock-based compensation	21,495	$ 21,495			21,495
Ending Balance at Apr. 30, 2020	$ 1,223,691	$ 585,560	$ 742,993	$ (107,172)	$ 1,221,381	$ 2,310
Ending Balance, Shares at Apr. 30, 2020	54,450	54,450

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 107,017	$ 104,796	$ 135,897
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	55,311	46,489	48,588
Stock-based compensation expense	22,818	23,385	21,469
Tradename write-offs		106,555
Write-off of long-lived assets	2,654
Provision for doubtful accounts	14,644	14,260	13,675
Gain on cash surrender value of life insurance policies	(6,551)	(6,160)	(7,776)
Loss (gain) on marketable securities	2,066	(8,134)	(10,278)
Deferred income taxes	(9,330)	(27,796)	(6,564)
Change in other assets and liabilities:
Deferred compensation	23,496	18,478	27,660
Receivables due from clients	34,152	(30,625)	(53,357)
Income taxes and other receivables	(6,421)	1,409	2,093
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(956)	(148)	(2,118)
Unearned compensation	300	(7,299)	(42,742)
Income taxes payable	1,246	213	32,439
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(6,011)	28,398	66,081
Other	1,914	(5,016)	(5,942)
Net cash provided by operating activities	236,349	258,805	219,125
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(41,460)	(46,682)	(42,000)
Purchase of marketable securities	(83,563)	(9,476)	(9,462)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of marketable securities	47,936	13,781	2,642
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired	(108,602)
Premium on company-owned life insurance policies	(15,699)	(34,862)	(1,614)
Proceeds from life insurance policies	2,280	7,632	5,355
Dividends received from unconsolidated subsidiaries	346	140	240
Net cash used in investing activities	(198,762)	(69,467)	(44,839)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long term debt	1,045,500	226,875
Principal payments on long term debt	(876,875)	(238,906)	(20,625)
Payment of debt issuance costs	(3,050)	(2,181)
Repurchases of common stock	(92,446)	(37,372)	(33,071)
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock	(8,993)	(20,698)	(3,794)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options and in connection with an employee stock purchase plan	7,684	7,272	6,885
Borrowings under life insurance policies		31,870
Payments on life insurance policy loans	(943)	(5,316)	(554)
Principal payments on finance leases	(1,833)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(22,798)	(23,459)	(22,955)
Dividends - noncontrolling interest	(2,110)	(2,255)	(2,659)
Payment of contingent consideration from acquisitions	(455)	(455)	(485)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	43,681	(64,625)	(77,258)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(18,384)	(19,201)	12,938
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	62,884	105,512	109,966
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	626,360	520,848	410,882
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	689,244	626,360	520,848
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash used to pay interest	12,526	14,188	11,946
Cash used to pay income taxes, net of refunds	$ 54,914	$ 58,408	$ 37,486

Organization and Summary of Sig

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Nature of Business Korn Ferry, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is a global organizational consulting firm. The Company helps clients synchronize strategy and talent to drive superior performance. The Company works with organizations to design their structures, roles, and responsibilities. The Company helps organizations hire the right people to bring their strategy to life and advise them on how to reward, develop, and motivate their people. The Company is pursuing a strategy that will help Korn Ferry to focus on clients and collaborate intensively across the organization. This approach builds on the best of our past and gives the Company a clear path to the future with focused initiatives to increase our client and commercial impact. Korn Ferry is transforming how clients address their talent management needs. The Company has evolved from a mono-line to a diversified business, giving our consultants more frequent and expanded opportunities to engage with clients. The Company operates through four global segments: 1. Consulting 2. Digital 3. Executive Search 4. Recruitment Process Outsourcing (“RPO”) and Professional Search Consulting and Digital are new reporting segments. Previously, these were tracked and reported together, as Korn Ferry Advisory (“Advisory”). Basis of Consolidation and Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly and majority owned/controlled domestic and international subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements conform with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and prevailing practice within our different industries. The consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results for these periods. Investments in affiliated companies, which are 50% or less owned and where the Company exercises significant influence over operations, are accounted for using the equity method. Dividends received from our unconsolidated subsidiaries were approximately $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company has control of a Mexican subsidiary and consolidates the operations of this subsidiary. Noncontrolling interest, which represents the Mexican partners’ 51% interest in the Mexican subsidiary, is reflected on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosures. Use of Estimates and Uncertainties The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and changes in estimates are reported in current operations as new information is learned or upon the amounts becoming fixed or determinable. The most significant areas that require management’s judgment are revenue recognition, deferred compensation, annual performance-related bonuses, evaluation of the carrying value of receivables, goodwill and other intangible assets, share-based payments, leases and the recoverability of deferred income taxes. Revenue Recognition Substantially all fee revenue is derived from talent and organizational consulting services and digital sales, stand-alone or as part of a solution, fees for professional services related to executive and professional recruitment performed on a retained basis and RPO, either stand-alone or as part of a solution. Revenue is recognized when control of the goods and services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue contracts with customers are evaluated based on the five-step model outlined in Accounting Standard Codification 606 (“ASC 606”): 1) identify the contract with a customer; 2) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligation(s); and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. Consulting fee revenue is primarily recognized as services is rendered, measured by total hours incurred as a percentage of the total estimated hours at completion. It is possible that updated estimates for consulting engagements may vary from initial estimates with such updates being recognized in the period of determination. Depending on the timing of billings and services rendered, the Company accrues or defers revenue as appropriate. Digital revenue is generated from IP platforms enabling large-scale, technology-based talent programs for pay, talent development, engagement, and assessment and is consumed directly by an end user or indirectly through a consulting engagement. Revenue is recognized as services are delivered and the Company has a legally enforceable right to payment. Revenue also comes from the sale of our proprietary IP subscriptions, which are considered symbolic IP due to the dynamic nature of the content. As a result, revenue is recognized over the term of the contract. Functional IP licenses grant customers the right to use IP content via the delivery of a flat file. Because the IP content license has significant stand-alone functionality, revenue is recognized upon delivery and when an enforceable right to payment exists. Revenue for tangible and digital products sold by the Company, such as books and digital files, is recognized when these products are shipped. Fee revenue from executive and professional search activities is generally one-third of the estimated first-year cash compensation of the placed candidate, plus a percentage of the fee to cover RPO fee Reimbursements The Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by its clients, which are accounted for as revenue in the consolidated statements of income. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts An allowance is established for doubtful accounts by taking a charge to general and administrative expenses. The amount of the allowance is based on historical loss experience and assessment of the collectability of specific accounts, as well as expectations of future collections based upon trends and the type of work for which services are rendered. After the Company exhausts all collection efforts, the amount of the allowance is reduced for balances written off as uncollectible. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of April 30, 2020, the Company’s investments in cash equivalents consisted of money market funds, commercial paper and corporate notes/bonds with initial maturity of less than 90 days for which market prices are readily available. As of April 30, 2019, cash equivalents consisted of money market funds for which market prices are readily available. Marketable Securities The Company currently has investments in marketable securities and mutual funds that are classified as either equity securities or available-for-sale debt securities. The classification of the investments in these marketable securities and mutual funds is assessed upon purchase and reassessed at each reporting period. These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company invests in mutual funds (for which market prices are readily available) that are held in trust to satisfy obligations under the Company’s deferred compensation plans. Such investments are classified as equity securities and mirror the employees’ investment elections in their deemed accounts in the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan and similar plans in Asia Pacific and Canada (“ECAP”) from a pre-determined set of securities. Realized gains (losses) on marketable securities are determined by specific identification. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis; dividends are recorded as earned on the ex-dividend date. Interest, dividend income and the changes in fair value in marketable securities are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in other (loss) income, net. The Company also invests cash in excess of its daily operating requirements and capital needs primarily in marketable fixed income (debt) securities in accordance with the Company’s investment policy, which restricts the type of investments that can be made. The Company’s investment portfolio includes commercial paper and corporate notes/ bonds. These marketable fixed income (debt) Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company determines the fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, the fair value is based upon the quoted market price of similar assets. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy as defined below: ▪ Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. ▪ Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. ▪ Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, foreign currency forward contracts and an interest rate swap. The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair values of marketable securities classified as equity securities are obtained from quoted market prices, and the fair values of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swap are obtained from a third party, which are based on quoted prices or market prices for similar assets and financial instruments. Derivative Financial Instruments On December 16, 2019, in conjunction with the payoff of the credit facility, the Company terminated its interest rate swap. The Company had entered into the interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert its variable debt to a fixed-rate basis. The principal objective was to eliminate or reduce the variability of the cash flows in interest payments associated with the Company’s long-term debt, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest payment cash flows. The Company determined that the interest rate swap qualified as a cash flow hedge in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges The Company has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures primarily originating from intercompany balances due to cross border work performed in the ordinary course of business. These foreign currency forward contracts are neither used for trading purposes nor are they designated as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC 815. Accordingly, the fair value of these contracts is recorded as of the end of the reporting period in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, while the change in fair value is recorded to the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Business Acquisitions Business acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method. The acquisition method requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill, or if the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price consideration, a bargain purchase gain is recorded. Adjustments to fair value assessments are generally recorded to goodwill over the measurement period (not longer than twelve months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense as committed and requires the Company to recognize and measure certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies and contingent consideration in a business combination. Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right of use (“ROU”) assets and current and non-current operating lease liability, in the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the periods in which they are incurred. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For all leases with non-lease components the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, or the lease term, whichever is shorter. Software development costs incurred for internal use projects are capitalized and, once placed in service, amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, generally three to seven years. All other property and equipment is depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of three to ten years. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets include property, equipment, ROU assets and software developed or obtained for internal use. In accordance with Accounting Standard Codification 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), management reviews the Company’s recorded long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Events relating to recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring losses, or a forecasted inability to achieve break-even operating results over an extended period. The Company determines the extent to which an asset may be impaired based upon its expectation of the asset’s future usability, as well as on a reasonable assurance that the future cash flows associated with the asset will be in excess of its carrying amount. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset. During fiscal 2020, the Company decided that it would exit 16 office leases as part of the integration of the acquisition of Miller Heiman Group, AchieveForum and Strategy Execution (“Acquired Companies”). This resulted in an impairment charge of the ROU asset of $2.3 million and an impairment charge of leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures of $0.4 million, both recorded in the consolidated statements of income in general and administrative expenses. In both fiscal 2019 and 2018, there were no such impairment charges recorded. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired. The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit would be considered impaired. To measure the amount of the impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For each of these tests, the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow methodology. To corroborate the discounted cash flow analysis performed at each reporting unit, a market approach is utilized using observable market data such as comparable companies in similar lines of business that are publicly traded or which are part of a public or private transaction (to the extent available). The Company performs an impairment test annually as of January 31, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The qualitative test performed as of January 31, 2020 did not indicate any impairment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, t he rapid and severe impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) , and more specifically the need to support global social distancing efforts, mitigating the spread of the virus, and compl ying with restrictions put in place by various governmental entities, led to a decline for our products and services. These actions ha ve a material impact on our business. Therefore, we performed a quantitative review as of March 31, 2020, to assess whether t hese actions caused the fair value of any of our reporting units to fall below its carrying value. This quantitative review included sensitivity analyses o f each reporting unit’s discounted cash flow models considering updated discount rates, financial results and forecasts, market multiples and terminal value revenue growth rates. While fair value exceeded carrying value for all reporting units the excess of the fair value over carrying value of the Consulting segment had the smallest buffer. As of April 30, 2020, goodwill in the Consulting segment was $ 173.0 million. The conclusion for all reporting units was that no impairment e xisted as of March 31, 2020. As of April 30, 2020, there were no further indicators of impairment with respect to the Company’s goodwill. We are unable to predict how long COVID-19 will impact our operations or what additional restrictions may be imposed by governments in the regions the Company operates . Significant variations from current expectations could impact future assessments and result in an impairment charge. Intangible assets primarily consist of customer lists, non-compete agreements, proprietary databases and IP. Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized in a pattern in which the asset is consumed if that pattern can be reliably determined, or using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to 24 years. For intangible assets subject to amortization, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the intangible assets is not recoverable and exceeds fair value. The carrying amount of the intangible assets is considered not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from use of the asset. As noted above COVID-19 impacted the Company’s fourth quarter business and will impact the business going forward. The Company reviewed its intangible assets and noted no impairment as of April 30, 2020. As of April 30, 2019, there were no further indicators of impairment with respect to the Company’s intangible assets. On June 12, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors voted to approve a plan to go to market under a single, master brand architecture and to simplify the Company’s organizational structure by eliminating and/or consolidating certain legal entities and implementing a rebranding of the Company to offer the Company’s current products and services using the “Korn Ferry” name, branding and trademarks. As a result, the Company discontinued the use of all sub-brands. Two of the Company’s former sub-brands, Hay Group and Lominger, came to Korn Ferry through acquisitions. In connection with the accounting for these acquisitions, $106.6 million of the purchase price was allocated to indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets. As a result of the decision to discontinue their use, the Company took a non-cash intangible asset write-off of $106.6 million in fiscal 2019, recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income. Compensation and Benefits Expense Compensation and benefits expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income consist of compensation and benefits paid to consultants (employees who originate business), executive officers and administrative and support personnel. The most significant portions of this expense are salaries and the amounts paid under the annual performance-related bonus plan to employees. The portion of the expense applicable to salaries is comprised of amounts earned by employees during a reporting period. The portion of the expenses applicable to annual performance-related bonuses refers to the Company’s annual employee performance-related bonus with respect to a fiscal year, the amount of which is communicated and paid to each eligible employee following the completion of the fiscal year. Each quarter, management makes its best estimate of its annual performance-related bonuses, which requires management to, among other things, project annual consultant productivity (as measured by engagement fees billed and collected by executive search consultants and revenue and other performance/profitability metrics for Consulting, Digital and RPO & Professional Search consultants), the level of engagements referred by a consultant in one line of business to a different line of business, and Company performance, including profitability, competitive forces and future economic conditions and their impact on the Company’s results. At the end of each fiscal year, annual performance related bonuses take into account final individual consultant productivity (including referred work), Company/line of business results including profitability, the achievement of strategic objectives, the results of individual performance appraisals, and the current economic landscape. Accordingly, each quarter the Company reevaluates the assumptions used to estimate annual performance related bonus liability and adjusts the carrying amount of the liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and reports any changes in the estimate in current operations. Because annual performance-based bonuses are communicated and paid only after the Company reports its full fiscal year results, actual performance-based bonus payments may differ from the prior year’s estimate. Such changes in the bonus estimate historically have been immaterial and are recorded in current operations in the period in which they are determined. The performance-related bonus expense was $197.1 million, $257.3 million and $220.4 million for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, included in compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of income. Other expenses included in compensation and benefits expense are due to changes in deferred compensation and pension plan liabilities, changes in cash surrender value (“CSV”) of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) contracts, amortization of stock based compensation awards, payroll taxes and employee insurance benefits. Unearned compensation on the consolidated balance sheets includes long-term retention awards that are generally amortized over four-to-five years. Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans For financial accounting purposes, the Company estimates the present value of the future benefits payable under the deferred compensation and pension plans as of the estimated payment commencement date. The Company also estimates the remaining number of years a participant will be employed by the Company. Then, each year during the period of estimated employment, the Company accrues a liability and recognizes expense for a portion of the future benefit using the unit credit cost method for the Senior Executive Incentive Plan (“SEIP”), Wealth Accumulation Plan (“WAP”), Enhanced Wealth Accumulation Plan (“EWAP”) and Worldwide Executive Benefit Plan (“WEB”) and the pension plan acquired under Hay Group, while the medical and life insurance plan and Long Term Performance Unit Plan (“LTPU Plan”) uses the projected unit credit cost method. The amounts charged to operations are made up of service and interest costs and the expected return on plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The actuarial gains/losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income are amortized to the consolidated statements of income, if at the beginning of the year, the amount exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and market-related plan assets. The amortization included in periodic benefit cost is divided by the average remaining service of inactive plan participants, or the period for which benefits will be paid, if shorter. The expected return on plan assets takes into account the current fair value of plan assets and reflects the Company’s estimate for trust asset returns given the current asset allocation and any expected changes to the asset allocation and current and future market conditions. In calculating the accrual for future benefit payments, management has made assumptions regarding employee turnover, participant vesting, violation of non-competition provisions and the discount rate. Management periodically reevaluates all assumptions. If assumptions change in future reporting periods, the changes may impact the measurement and recognition of benefit liabilities and related compensation expense. Executive Capital Accumulation Plan The Company, under the ECAP, makes discretionary contributions and such contributions may be granted to key employees annually based on the employee’s performance. Certain key management may also receive Company contributions upon commencement of employment. The Company amortizes these contributions on a straight-line basis as they vest, generally over a four to five-year The ECAP is accounted for whereby the changes in the fair value of the vested amounts owed to the participants are adjusted with a corresponding charge (or credit) to compensation and benefits costs. Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance The Company purchased COLI policies or contracts insuring the lives of certain employees eligible to participate in certain of the deferred compensation and pension plans as a means of funding benefits under such plans. The Company purchased both fixed and variable life insurance contracts and does not purchase “split-dollar” life insurance policy contracts. The Company only holds contracts or policies that provide for a fixed or guaranteed rate of return. The CSV of these COLI contracts are carried at the amounts that would be realized if the contract were surrendered at the balance sheet date, net of the outstanding loans from the insurer. The Company has the intention and ability to continue to hold these COLI policies and contracts. Additionally, the loans secured by the policies do not have any scheduled payment terms and the Company also does not intend to repay the loans outstanding on these policies until death benefits under the policy have been realized. Accordingly, the investment in COLI is classified as long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The change in the CSV of COLI contracts, net of insurance premiums paid and gains realized, is reported net in compensation and benefits expense. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company held contracts with net CSV of $146.4 million and $126.0 million, respectively. If the issuing insurance companies were to become insolvent, the Company would be considered a general creditor; therefore, these assets are subject to credit risk. Management, together with its outside advisors, routinely monitors the claims paying abilities of these insurance companies. Restructuring Charges, Net The Company accounts for its restructuring charges as a liability when the obligations are incurred and records such charges at fair value. Changes in the estimates of the restructuring charges are recorded in the period the change is determined. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has employee compensation plans under which various types of stock-based instruments are granted. These instruments principally include restricted stock units, restricted stock and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock units, restricted stock and the estimated fair value of stock purchases under the ESPP on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award. Translation of Foreign Currencies Generally, financial results of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured in their local currencies. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates during the fiscal year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and the translation of the financial results of subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies are included in general and administrative expense in the period incurred. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded foreign currency losses of $4.1 million, $1.7 million and $3.3 million respectively, in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Income Taxes There are two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense (benefit) approximates taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) results from changes in deferred tax assets and

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	2. Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share Accounting Standards Codification 260, Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per common share was computed using the two-class method by dividing basic net earnings attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share was computed using the two-class method by dividing diluted net earnings attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus dilutive common equivalent shares. Dilutive common equivalent shares include all in-the-money outstanding options or other contracts to issue common stock as if they were exercised or converted. Financial instruments that are not in the form of common stock, but when converted into common stock increase earnings per share, are anti-dilutive and are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, restricted stock awards of 0.7 million shares, 0.6 million shares and 0.6 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 104,946 $ 102,651 $ 133,779 Less: distributed and undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,140 1,066 1,426 Basic net earnings attributable to common stockholders 103,806 101,585 132,353 Add: undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 901 831 1,187 Less: reallocation of undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 894 820 1,169 Diluted net earnings attributable to common stockholders $ 103,813 $ 101,596 $ 132,371 Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 54,342 55,311 55,426 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 367 750 822 ESPP 58 34 5 Stock options — 1 1 Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 54,767 56,096 56,254 Net earnings per common share: Basic earnings per share $ 1.91 $ 1.84 $ 2.39 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.90 $ 1.81 $ 2.35

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Comprehensive Income	3. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and all changes to stockholders’ equity, except those changes resulting from investments by stockholders (changes in paid-in capital) and distributions to stockholders (dividends) and is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes, is recorded as a component of stockholders’ equity. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (83,652 ) $ (60,270 ) Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of taxes (23,554 ) (16,838 ) Marketable securities unrealized gain, net of tax 34 — Interest rate swap unrealized gain, net of taxes — 456 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ (107,172 ) $ (76,652 ) The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Interest Swap (2) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands) Balance as of May 1, 2017 $ (55,359 ) $ (15,127 ) $ — $ (578 ) $ (71,064 ) Unrealized gains arising during the period 22,960 4,813 — 1,465 29,238 Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 1,241 — 450 1,691 Balance as of April 30, 2018 (32,399 ) (9,073 ) — 1,337 (40,135 ) Unrealized losses arising during the period (27,871 ) (6,461 ) — (800 ) (35,132 ) Reclassification of realized net losses (gains) to net income — 1,092 — (280 ) 812 Effect of adoption of accounting standard — (2,396 ) — 199 (2,197 ) Balance as of April 30, 2019 (60,270 ) (16,838 ) — 456 (76,652 ) Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (23,382 ) (8,883 ) 37 (678 ) (32,906 ) Reclassification of realized net losses (gains) to net income — 2,167 (3 ) 222 2,386 Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ (83,652 ) $ (23,554 ) $ 34 $ — $ (107,172 ) (1) The tax effects on unrealized (losses) gains were $(3.1) million, $(2.3) million and $2.5 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax effects on reclassifications of realized net losses were $0.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.8 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. (2) The tax effects on unrealized (losses) gains were $(0.2) million, $(0.3) million and $0.8 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax effect on the reclassification of realized net (losses) gains to net income was $(0.1) million, $0.1 million and $(0.3) million as of April 30, 2020 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Employee Stock Plans

Employee Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Employee Stock Plans	4. Employee Stock Plans Stock-Based Compensation The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the periods indicated: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Restricted stock $ 21,495 $ 22,063 $ 20,282 ESPP 1,323 1,322 1,187 Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax 22,818 23,385 21,469 Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense (6,642 ) (5,155 ) (7,319 ) Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 16,176 $ 18,230 $ 14,150 Stock Incentive Plan At the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, held on October 3, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment and restatement to the Korn Ferry Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2019 amendment and restatement being the “Fourth A&R 2008 Plan”), which, among other things, eliminated the fungible share counting provision and decreased the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for stock-based awards by 2,141,807 shares, leaving 3,600,000 shares available for issuance, subject to certain changes in the Company’s capital structure and other extraordinary events. The Fourth A&R 2008 Plan was also amended to generally require a minimum one-year Restricted Stock The Company grants time-based restricted stock awards to executive officers and other senior employees generally vesting over a four-year The Company also grants market-based and performance-based restricted stock units to executive officers and other senior employees. The market-based units vest after three years depending upon the Company’s total stockholder return over the three-year performance period relative to other companies in its selected peer group. The fair value of these market-based restricted stock units are determined by using extensive market data that is based on historical Company and peer group information. The Company recognizes compensation expense for market-based restricted stock units on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Performance-based restricted stock units vest after three years, depending upon the Company meeting certain objectives that are set at the time the restricted stock unit is issued. Performance-based restricted stock units are granted at a price equal to fair value, which is determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. At the end of each reporting period, the Company estimates the number of restricted stock units expected to vest, based on the probability that certain performance objectives will be met, exceeded, or fall below target levels, and the Company takes into account these estimates when calculating the expense for the period. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, no performance-based shares were outstanding. Restricted stock activity is summarized below: April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands, except per share data) Non-vested, beginning of 1,460 $ 38.42 1,730 $ 33.45 1,581 $ 29.74 Granted 608 $ 38.38 671 $ 40.93 650 $ 37.60 Vested (638 ) $ 25.42 (904 ) $ 36.41 (431 ) $ 26.13 Forfeited (65 ) $ 33.48 (37 ) $ 32.26 (70 ) $ 33.26 Non-vested, end of year 1,365 $ 44.59 1,460 $ 38.42 1,730 $ 33.45 As of April 30, 2020, there were 0.5 million shares outstanding relating to market-based restricted stock units with total unrecognized compensation totaling $10.5 million. As of April 30, 2020, there was $34.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to all non-vested awards of restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years. During fiscal 2020 and 2019, 232,618 shares and 356,879 shares of restricted stock totaling $9.0 million and $20.7 million, respectively, were repurchased by the Company, at the option of the employee, to pay for taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock. Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company has an ESPP that, in accordance with Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows eligible employees to authorize payroll deductions of up to 15% of their salary to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at 85% of the fair market price of the common stock on the last day of the enrollment period. Employees may not purchase more than $25,000 in stock during any calendar year. The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the ESPP is 3.0 million shares. During fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, employees purchased 220,161 shares at $34.90 per share, 169,299 shares at $42.05 per share and 198,749 shares at $31.77 per share, respectively. As of April 30, 2020, the ESPP had approximately 0.7 million shares remaining available for future issuance. Common Stock During fiscal 2020, there were no stock options exercised. During fiscal 2019 and 2018, the Company issued 6,720 shares and 41,075 shares of common stock, respectively, because of the exercise of stock options, with cash proceeds from the exercise of $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company repurchased (on the open market or privately negotiated transactions) 2,606,861 shares, 809,074 shares and 984,079 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock for $92.4 million $37.4 million and $33.1 million, respectively.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Investments All Other Investments [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	5. Financial Instruments The following tables show the Company’s financial instruments and balance sheet classification as of April 30, 2020 and 2019: April 30, 2020 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non-current Income Taxes & Other Receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Commercial paper $ 19,132 $ 39 $ — $ 19,171 $ 4,785 $ 14,386 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 19,181 26 (19 ) 19,188 901 18,287 — — Total debt investments $ 38,313 $ 65 $ (19 ) $ 38,359 $ 5,686 $ 32,673 $ — $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 141,412 $ — $ 9,278 $ 132,134 $ — Total $ 141,412 $ — $ 9,278 $ 132,134 $ — Cash $ 611,795 $ 611,795 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 71,763 71,763 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 2,634 — — — 2,634 Total $ 865,963 $ 689,244 $ 41,951 $ 132,134 $ 2,634 April 30, 2019 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- current Income Taxes & Other Receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Interest rate swap $ — $ 619 $ — $ 619 $ — $ — $ — $ 619 Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 140,751 $ — $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ — Total $ 140,751 $ — $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ — Cash $ 579,998 $ 579,998 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 46,362 46,362 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 99 — — — 99 Total $ 767,829 $ 626,360 $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ 718 (1) These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $124.6 million and $122.3 million as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans Investments in marketable securities classified as available-for-sale securities are made based on the Company’s investment policy, which restricts the types of investments that can be made. As of April 30, 2020, marketable securities classified as available-for-sale consisted of commercial paper and corporate notes/bonds for which market prices for similar assets are readily available. Investments that have an original maturity of 90 days or less and are considered highly liquid investments are classified as cash equivalents. As of April 30, 2020, available-for-sale marketable securities had remaining maturities ranging from one to twelve months. During fiscal 2020, there were $4.8 million in sales/maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities. Investments in marketable securities that are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations under the ECAP are equity securities and are based upon the investment selections the employee elects from a pre-determined set of securities in the ECAP and the Company invests in equity securities to mirror these elections. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company’s investments in equity securities consisted of mutual funds for which market prices are readily available. Unrealized loss that relates to equity securities still held as of April 30, 2020 and 2019 was $8.2 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Unrealized gains that relates to equity securities still held as April 30, 2018 was $3.9 million. Designated Derivatives - Interest Rate Swap Agreement In March 2017, the Company entered into an interest rate swap contract with a notional amount of $129.8 million to hedge the variability to changes in cash flows attributable to interest rate risks caused by changes in interest rates related to its variable rate debt. The interest rate swap agreement locked the interest rates on a portion of the debt outstanding at 1.919%, exclusive of the credit spread on the debt. The Company designated the swap as a cash flow hedge. On December 16, 2019, in conjunction with the payoff of the credit facility, the Company terminated the interest rate swap and recorded $0.5 million in interest expense, net. The fair value of the derivative designated as a cash flow hedge instrument is as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Derivative asset: Interest rate swap contract $ — $ 619 During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized the following gains and losses on the interest rate swap: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) (Losses) gains recognized in other comprehensive income (net of tax effects of $(238), $(281), and $828, respectively) $ (678 ) $ (800 ) $ 1,465 (Losses) gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest (expense) income, net $ (297 ) $ 376 $ (730 ) The cash flows related to interest rate swap contracts are included in net cash provided by operating activities. Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges The fair value of derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Derivative assets: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 3,034 $ 821 Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 400 $ 722 As of April 30, 2020, the total notional amounts of the forward contracts purchased and sold were $91.2 million and $41.8 million, respectively. As of April 30, 2019, the total notional amounts of the forward contracts purchased and sold were $51.4 million and $40.0 million, respectively. The Company recognizes forward contracts as a net asset or net liability on the consolidated balance sheets as such contracts are covered by master netting agreements. During fiscal 2020 and 2018, the Company incurred losses of $0.3 million and $3.7 million, respectively, related to forward contracts which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. These foreign currency losses offset foreign currency gains that result from transactions denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency. During fiscal 2019, the Company incurred gains of $1.2 million, related to forward contracts which is recorded in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. These foreign currency gains offset foreign currency losses that result from transactions denominated in a currency other than the Company’s functional currency. The cash flows related to foreign currency forward contracts are included in cash flows from operating activities.

Deferred Compensation and Retir

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans	6. Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans The Company has several deferred compensation and retirement plans for eligible consultants and vice presidents that provide defined benefits to participants based on the deferral of current compensation or contributions made by the Company subject to vesting and retirement or termination provisions. The total benefit obligations for these plans were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Deferred compensation and pension plans $ 156,586 $ 123,238 Medical and Life Insurance plan 7,527 7,310 International retirement plans 14,851 14,744 Executive Capital Accumulation Plan 129,315 130,161 Total benefit obligation 308,279 275,453 Less: current portion of benefit obligation (19,143 ) (17,818 ) Non-current benefit obligation $ 289,136 $ 257,635 Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans The EWAP was established in fiscal 1994, which replaced the WAP. Certain vice presidents elected to participate in a “deferral unit” that required the participant to contribute a portion of their compensation for an eight year period, or in some cases, make an after-tax contribution, in return for defined benefit payments from the Company over a fifteen year period at retirement age of 65 or later. Participants were able to acquire additional “deferral units” every five years. Vice presidents who did not choose to roll over their WAP units into the EWAP continue to be covered under the earlier version in which participants generally vest and commence receipt of benefit payments at retirement age of 65. In June 2003, the Company amended the EWAP and WAP, so as not to allow new participants or the purchase of additional deferral units by existing participants. In conjunction with the acquisition of Hay Group, the Company acquired multiple pension and savings plans covering certain of its employees worldwide. Among these plans is a defined benefit pension plan for certain employees in the U.S. The assets of this plan are held separately from the assets of the sponsors in self-administered funds. The plan is funded consistent with local statutory requirements. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the Company will take advantage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act’). Under the CARES Act, minimum required contributions for Hay qualified pension plans, including quarterly contributions, that are otherwise due during calendar year 2020 are instead deferred until January 1, 2021. On July 8, 2016, the Company established the LTPU Plan in order to promote the success of the Company by providing a select group of management and highly compensated employees with nonqualified supplemental retirement benefits as an additional means to attract, motivate and retain such employees. A unit award has a base value of $50,000 for the purpose of determining the payment that would be made upon early termination for a partially vested unit award. The units vest 25% on each anniversary date with the unit becoming fully vested on the fourth anniversary of the grant date, subject to the participant’s continued service as of each anniversary date. Each vested unit award will pay out an annual benefit of $25,000 for each of five years commencing on the seventh anniversary of the grant date. Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans The following tables reconcile the benefit obligation for the deferred compensation plans: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 148,369 $ 126,494 Service cost 24,939 17,281 Interest cost 5,433 5,044 Actuarial loss 13,427 7,803 Administrative expenses paid (155 ) (272 ) Benefits paid from plan assets (1) (3,932 ) (1,877 ) Benefits paid from cash (6,652 ) (6,104 ) Plan amendment (608 ) — Benefit obligation, end of year 180,821 148,369 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year 25,131 26,090 Actual return on plan assets 2,726 1,160 Benefits paid from plan assets (1) (3,932 ) (1,877 ) Administrative expenses paid (155 ) (272 ) Employer contributions 465 30 Fair value of plan assets, end of year 24,235 25,131 Funded status and balance, end of year (2) $ (156,586 ) $ (123,238 ) Current liability $ 8,887 $ 8,331 Non-current liability 147,699 114,907 Total liability $ 156,586 $ 123,238 Plan Assets - weighted-average asset allocation: Debt securities 43 % 54 % Equity securities 56 % 45 % Other 1 % 1 % Total 100 % 100 % (1) The Company amended the Hay Group qualified plan in fiscal 2020 to allow participants that have yet not received benefits to elect a lump-sum payment rather than an annuity payment. As a result of this plan amendment the benefits paid from plan assets include $2.0 million in payments related to participants making this election. The plan amendment also reduced the Company’s benefit obligation by $0.6 million against other comprehensive income. ( 2 ) The Company purchased COLI contracts insuring the lives of certain employees eligible to participate in the deferred compensation and pension plans as a means of funding benefits under such plans. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company held contracts with gross CSV of $238.7 million and $219.2 million, offset by outstanding policy loans of $92.3 million and $93.2 million, respectively. Significant changes affecting pension benefit obligations in fiscal 20 20 compared to fiscal 20 19 primarily included actuarial loss in 20 20 due to a decrease in discount rates, partially offset by an update of census data and change in the mortality assumption that affect the assumptions used to value liabilities. The mortality assumption reflects a change from the use of the MP-201 8 improvement scale to MP-201 9 improvement scale, a change from RP-2006 base mortality table to Pri-2012 base mortality, and a change from the use of “top quartile” to white-collar base tables for some of our plans . The fair value measurements of the defined benefit plan assets fall within the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of April 30, 2020 and 2019 : Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) April 30, 2020: Mutual funds $ — $ 24,041 $ — $ 24,041 Money market funds 194 — — 194 Total $ 194 $ 24,041 $ — $ 24,235 April 30, 2019: Mutual funds $ — $ 24,931 $ — $ 24,931 Money market funds 200 — — 200 Total $ 200 $ 24,931 $ — $ 25,131 Plan assets are invested in various asset classes that are expected to produce a sufficient level of diversification and investment return over the long term. The investment goal is a return on assets that is at least equal to the assumed actuarial rate of return over the long term within reasonable and prudent levels of risk. Investment policies reflect the unique circumstances of the respective plans and include requirements designed to mitigate risk including quality and diversification standards. Asset allocation targets are reviewed periodically with investment advisors to determine the appropriate investment strategies for acceptable risk levels. Our target allocation ranges are as follows: equity securities 50% to 60%, debt securities 35% to 45% and other assets of 1% to 11%. We establish our estimated long‑term return on plan assets considering various factors, including the targeted asset allocation percentages, historic returns and expected future returns. The components of net periodic benefits costs are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Service cost $ 24,939 $ 17,281 $ 11,373 Interest cost 5,433 5,044 3,787 Amortization of actuarial loss 3,261 1,798 2,308 Net prior service credit amortization (24 ) — — Expected return on plan assets (1,452 ) (1,568 ) (1,594 ) Net periodic benefit cost (1) $ 32,157 $ 22,555 $ 15,874 (1) The service cost, interest cost and other components of net periodic benefit costs are included in compensation and benefits expense, interest expense, net and other (loss) income, net, respectively, on the consolidated statements of income. The weighted-average assumptions used in calculating the benefit obligations were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate, beginning of year 3.57 % 3.93 % 3.57 % Discount rate, end of year 2.29 % 3.57 % 3.93 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets 6.00 % 6.00 % 6.25 % Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten years as follows: Year Ending April 30, Deferred Retirement Plans (in thousands) 2021 $ 11,208 2022 10,788 2023 9,934 2024 14,801 2025 25,058 2026-2030 196,477 Medical and Life Insurance Plan In conjunction with the acquisition of Hay Group, the Company inherited a benefit plan which offers medical and life insurance coverage to 125 participants. The medical and life insurance benefit plan is unfunded. The following table reconciles the benefit obligation for the medical and life insurance plan: Year End April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 7,310 $ 7,157 Interest cost 227 243 Actuarial loss 458 520 Benefits paid (468 ) (610 ) Benefit obligation, end of year $ 7,527 $ 7,310 Current liability $ 666 $ 643 Non-current liability 6,861 6,667 Total liability $ 7,527 $ 7,310 The components of net periodic benefits costs are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ 91 Interest cost 227 243 369 Net periodic service credit amortization (308 ) (308 ) (308 ) Amortization of actuarial gain — (14 ) — Net periodic benefit cost (1) $ (81 ) $ (79 ) $ 152 (1) The service cost, interest cost and the other components of net periodic benefit costs are included in compensation and benefits expense, interest expense, net and other income (loss), net, respectively, on the consolidated statements of income. The weighted-average assumptions used in calculating the medical and life insurance plan were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate, beginning of year 3.67 % 3.94 % 3.75 % Discount rate, end of year 2.45 % 3.67 % 3.94 % Healthcare care cost trend rate 6.50 % 6.50 % 7.00 % Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten years as follows: Year Ending April 30, Medical and Life Insurance (in thousands) 2021 $ 669 2022 652 2023 631 2024 608 2025 579 2026-2030 2,390 International Retirement Plans The Company also maintains various retirement plans and other miscellaneous deferred compensation arrangements in 23 foreign jurisdictions. The aggregate of the long-term benefit obligation accrued at April 30, 2020 and 2019 is $14.9 million for 2,991 participants and $14.7 million for 2,777 participants, respectively. The Company’s contribution to these plans was $14.4 million and $13.3 million in fiscal 2020 and 2019, respectively. Executive Capital Accumulation Plan The Company’s ECAP is intended to provide certain employees an opportunity to defer salary and/or bonus on a pre-tax basis. In addition, the Company, as part of its compensation philosophy, makes discretionary contributions into the ECAP and such contributions may be granted to key employees annually based on the employee’s performance. Certain key management may also receive Company ECAP contributions upon commencement of employment. The Company amortizes these contributions on a straight-line basis over the service period, generally a four-to-five year period. Participants have the ability to allocate their deferrals among a number of investment options and may receive their benefits at termination, retirement or ‘in service’ either in a lump sum or in quarterly installments over one-to-15 years. The ECAP amounts that are expected to be paid to employees over the next 12 months are classified as a current liability included in compensation and benefits payable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company issued ECAP awards during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 of $9.0 million, $8.5 million and $6.2 million, respectively. The ECAP is accounted for whereby the changes in the fair value of the vested amounts owed to the participants are adjusted with a corresponding charge (or credit) to compensation and benefits costs. During fiscal 2020, deferred compensation liability decreased; therefore, the Company recognized a reduction in compensation expense of $0.8 million. During both fiscal 2019 and 2018, the deferred compensation liability increased; therefore, the Company recognized compensation expense of $8.7 million and $11.1 million, respectively. Offsetting the decrease in compensation and benefits expense in fiscal 2020 was a decrease in the fair value of marketable securities (held in trust to satisfy obligations of the ECAP liabilities) of $1.8 million in fiscal 2020, recorded in other (loss) income, net on the consolidated statement of income. Offsetting the increases in compensation and benefits expense in both fiscal 2019 and 2018 was increases in the fair value of marketable securities (held in trust to satisfy obligations of the ECAP liabilities) of $8.1 million and $10.3 million in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, recorded in other (loss) income, net on the consolidated statements of income. Changes in ECAP liability were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 130,161 $ 128,430 Employee contributions 8,215 4,852 Amortization of employer contributions 6,074 9,573 (Loss) gain on investment (826 ) 8,697 Employee distributions (13,911 ) (20,891 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (398 ) (500 ) Balance, end of year 129,315 130,161 Less: current portion (9,590 ) (8,844 ) Non-current portion $ 119,725 $ 121,317 As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the unamortized portion of the Company contributions to the ECAP was $17.0 million and $16.8 million, respectively. Defined Contribution Plan The Company has a defined contribution plan (“401(k) plan”) for eligible employees. Participants may contribute up to 50% of their base compensation as defined in the plan agreement. In addition, the Company has the option to make matching contributions. Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Company has temporarily suspended matching contributions related to fiscal 2020. The Company made a $3.0 million matching contribution in fiscal 2020 related to contributions made by employees in fiscal 2019 and a $2.7 million matching contribution in fiscal 2019 related to contributions made by employees in fiscal 2018. Company Owned Life Insurance The Company purchased COLI contracts insuring the lives of certain employees eligible to participate in the deferred compensation and pension plans as a means of funding benefits under such plans. The gross CSV of these contracts of $238.7 million and $219.2 million as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is offset by outstanding policy loans of $92.3 million and $93.2 million in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Total death benefits payable, net of loans under COLI contracts, were $451.7 million and $223.6 million at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Management intends to use the future death benefits from these insurance contracts to fund the deferred compensation and pension arrangements; however, there may not be a direct correlation between the timing of the future cash receipts and disbursements under these arrangements. The CSV value of the underlying COLI investments increased by $6.6 million, $6.2 million and $7.8 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, recorded as a decrease in compensation and benefits expense. In addition, certain policies are held in trusts to provide additional benefit security for the deferred compensation and pension plans. As of April 30, 2020, COLI contracts with a net CSV of $117.2 million and death benefits, net of loans, of $178.8 million were held in trust for these purposes. Total death benefits increased in fiscal 2020 as compared to fiscal 2019 as we entered into additional insurance policies in order to fund future obligations under certain deferred compensation plans.

Fee Revenue

Fee Revenue	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Fee Revenue	7. Fee Revenue Contract Balances A contract asset (unbilled receivables) is recorded when the Company transfers control of products or services before there is an unconditional right to payment. A contract liability (deferred revenue) is recorded when cash is received in advance of performance of the obligation. Deferred revenue represents the future performance obligations to transfer control of products or services for which we have already received consideration. Deferred revenue is presented in other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The following table outlines our contract asset and liability balances as of April 30, 2020 and 2019: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Contract assets-unbilled receivables $ 65,370 $ 60,595 Contract liabilities-deferred revenue $ 133,128 $ 112,999 During the year ended April 30, 2020 and 2019, we recognized revenue of $94.1 million and $97.0 million, respectively, that were included in the contract liabilities balance at the beginning of the period. Performance Obligations The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient to exclude the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with a duration of one year or less, which applies to all executive search and professional search fee revenue. As of April 30, 2020, the aggregate transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied for contracts with an expected duration of greater than one year at inception was $608.5 million. Of the $608.5 million of remaining performance obligations, we expect to recognize approximately $307.7 million in fiscal 2021, $158.6 million in fiscal 2022, $77.3 million in fiscal 2023 and the remaining Disaggregation of Revenue The Company disaggregates its revenue by line of business and further by region for Executive Search. This information is presented in Note 11— Segments The following table provides further disaggregation of fee revenue by industry: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Dollars % Dollars % Dollars % (dollars in thousands) Industrial $ 556,189 28.8 % $ 557,284 28.9 % $ 529,188 30.0 % Life Sciences/Healthcare 343,955 17.8 322,574 16.7 295,300 16.7 Financial Services 334,433 17.3 348,460 18.1 306,216 17.3 Consumer Goods 285,927 14.8 295,900 15.4 277,904 15.7 Technology 285,562 14.8 261,176 13.6 226,004 12.8 Education/Non – 126,666 6.5 140,639 7.3 132,605 7.5 Fee Revenue $ 1,932,732 100.0 % $ 1,926,033 100.0 % $ 1,767,217 100.0 %

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes was as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Domestic $ 40,736 $ (22,039 ) $ 47,164 Foreign 110,226 156,379 158,866 Income before provision for income taxes $ 150,962 $ 134,340 $ 206,030 The provision (benefit) for domestic and foreign income taxes was as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Current income taxes: Federal $ 14,336 $ 6,152 $ 29,400 State 4,974 9,097 2,863 Foreign 33,965 42,091 44,434 Current provision for income taxes 53,275 57,340 76,697 Deferred income taxes: Federal (6,862 ) (16,211 ) (3,530 ) State (784 ) (7,682 ) (317 ) Foreign (1,684 ) (3,903 ) (2,717 ) Deferred benefit for income taxes (9,330 ) (27,796 ) (6,564 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 43,945 $ 29,544 $ 70,133 The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective consolidated tax rate is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 30.4 % State tax, net of federal effect 2.2 1.1 1.0 Foreign tax rates differential 4.5 5.0 (2.3 ) Transition tax — — 9.0 Deferred tax remeasurement — — (2.4 ) Non-deductible officers compensation 0.5 1.1 — Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation (1.0 ) (3.1 ) — Change in valuation allowance — (2.0 ) (2.3 ) Other 1.9 (1.1 ) 0.6 Effective income tax rate 29.1 % 22.0 % 34.0 % The 21% corporate income tax rate enacted as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) went fully into effect in our fiscal 2019. In fiscal 2018, the Company was subject to a federal blended rate of 30.4% (35% in the eight months prior to enactment and 21% in the four months after). Our higher effective tax rate in fiscal 2020 as compared to fiscal 2019 is partially attributable to state income tax on higher domestic income and a lower tax benefit recorded in connection with stock-based compensation. Also, in fiscal 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded an income tax benefit from the reversal of valuation allowances previously recorded against deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, of certain foreign subsidiaries that had returned to profitability and were more-likely-than-not to realize those deferred tax assets. In fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a provisional tax charge of $18.4 million for the one-time tax on accumulated foreign earnings (the “Transition Tax”) and a provisional tax benefit of $5.9 million from the remeasurement of our U.S. federal deferred tax assets and liabilities at the rate at which we expected these deferred tax balances to be realized. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), we finalized our computation of the Transition Tax and remeasurement of deferred tax balances in fiscal 2019 and determined that the provisional estimates recorded in the fiscal 2018 do not require adjustment. Although the SAB 118 measurement period has closed, and the Company did not make any adjustments to its provisional estimates recorded in prior periods, further technical guidance on a broad range of topics related to the Tax Act is expected. When applicable, we will recognize the effects of such guidance in the period in which it is issued. The Tax Act also introduced a tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) which first became effective in fiscal 2019. The Company elected to treat taxes due on future U.S. inclusions in taxable income related to GILTI as an expense when incurred (the “period cost method”) as opposed to factoring such amounts in the Company’s measurement of its deferred taxes (the “deferred method”). Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Deferred compensation $ 86,479 $ 75,521 Operating lease liability 37,934 — Loss carryforwards 27,845 22,467 Reserves and accruals 14,211 12,954 Deferred rent — 7,652 Deferred revenue 1,187 1,090 Allowance for doubtful accounts 4,029 3,217 Other 1,516 — Gross deferred tax assets 173,201 122,901 Deferred tax liabilities: Operating lease, right-of-use, assets (29,998 ) — Intangibles and Goodwill (29,006 ) (28,958 ) Property and equipment (22,332 ) (15,883 ) Prepaid expenses (19,567 ) (20,152 ) Other — (1,759 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (100,903 ) (66,752 ) Valuation allowances (17,875 ) (14,032 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 54,423 $ 42,117 Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Management believes uncertainty exists regarding the realizability of certain deferred tax assets and has, therefore, established a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets that are not more-likely-than-not to be realized. The increase in valuation allowance from fiscal 2019 to fiscal 2020 is largely attributable to the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets of the Acquired Companies which management believes are not more-likely-than-not to be realized. As such, this increase in valuation allowance did not impact the fiscal 2020 provision for income taxes. Realization of the deferred tax asset is dependent on the Company generating enough taxable income of the appropriate nature in future years. Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than-not that the net deferred tax assets will be realized. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented net on the consolidated balance sheets by tax jurisdiction. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards of $2.5 million, which the Company anticipates will be fully utilized by fiscal 2028. The Company has state net operating loss carryforwards of $46.3 million, which, if unutilized, will begin to expire in fiscal 2021. The Company also has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $106.1 million, which, if unutilized, will begin to expire in fiscal 2021. We continue to consider approximately $522.5 million of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries to be indefinitely reinvested, and, accordingly, have provided no taxes on such earnings other than the Transition Tax. While we do not anticipate a need to repatriate funds to the U.S. to satisfy domestic liquidity needs, we review our cash positions regularly and, to the extent we determine that all or a portion of our foreign earnings are not indefinitely reinvested, we provide additional taxes, if applicable, including foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state income taxes. The Company and its subsidiaries file federal and state income tax returns in the U.S. as well as in foreign jurisdictions. These income tax returns are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and various state and foreign tax authorities. In fiscal 2019, the IRS concluded its audit of our fiscal year 2016 federal tax return. In fiscal 2020, the State of New York and the City of New York concluded their audits of the Company’s income tax returns resulting in an immaterial amount of additional tax. Outside the U.S., income tax returns of the Company’s subsidiaries are under audit in India. The Company’s income tax returns are not otherwise under examination in any material jurisdictions. The statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction in which the Company operates. With few exceptions, however, the Company’s tax returns for years prior to fiscal 2014 are no longer open to examination by tax authorities (including U.S. federal, state and foreign). Unrecognized tax benefits are the differences between the amount of benefits of tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return and the amount of benefits recognized for financial reporting purposes. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had a liability of $6.0 million for unrecognized tax benefits. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 7,794 $ 3,674 $ 2,478 Settlement with tax authority (1,767 ) (1,771 ) (708 ) Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 10 1,775 1,116 Additions based on tax positions related to prior years — 4,116 788 Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 6,037 $ 7,794 $ 3,674 The full amount of unrecognized tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate if recognized. In the next 12 months, it is reasonably possible that the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits could change due to the resolution of certain tax matters either because the tax positions are sustained on audit or the Company agrees to their disallowance. These resolutions could reduce the Company’s liability for unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $1.5 million. The Company does not expect a change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to have a material financial statement impact. The Company classifies interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of the provision for income taxes. The Company had accruals of $0.6 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as of April 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 respectively. The Company had no accrual for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. The Company recognized interest expense of $0.4 million, $0.1 million, and $0.3 million during the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	9. Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment include the following: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Computer equipment and software (1) $ 261,970 $ 220,894 Leasehold improvements 85,208 84,368 Furniture and fixtures 42,741 42,318 Automobiles 3,065 1,022 392,984 348,602 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (250,256 ) (217,097 ) Property and equipment, net $ 142,728 $ 131,505 (1) Depreciation expense for capitalized software was $18.8 million, $14.6 million and $12.8 Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $39.0 million, $33.0 million and $33.8 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	10. Long-Term Debt 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 On December 16, 2019, the Company completed a private placement of 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 (the “Notes”) with a $400 million principal amount pursuant to Rule 144A and Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes were issued with a $4.5 million discount and will mature December 15, 2027, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2020. The Notes represent senior unsecured obligations that rank equally in right of payment to all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness. The Company may redeem the Notes prior to maturity, subject to certain limitations and premiums defined in the indenture governing the Notes. At any time prior to December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal plus the Applicable Premium (as defined in the indenture governing the Notes), and accrued and unpaid interest. At any time prior to December 15, 2022, the Company may use the proceeds of certain equity offerings to redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes, including any permitted additional notes, at a redemption price equal to 104.625% of the principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest. At any time and from time to time on or after December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the table below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 15 of each of the years indicated: Year Percentage 2022 102.313% 2023 101.156% 2024 and thereafter 100.000% The Notes allow the Company to pay $25 million of dividends per fiscal year with no restrictions, plus an unlimited amount of dividends so long as the Company’s consolidated total leverage ratio is not greater than 3.50 to 1.00, and the Company is not in default under the indenture governing the Notes. The Notes are guaranteed by each of the Company's existing and future wholly owned domestic subsidiaries to the extent such subsidiaries guarantee the Company's revolving credit facility. The indenture governing the Notes requires that, upon the occurrence of both a Change of Control and a Rating Decline (each as defined in the indenture), the Company shall make an offer to purchase all of the Notes at 101% of their principal amount, and accrued and unpaid interest. The Company used the proceeds from the offering of the Notes to repay $276.9 million outstanding under the Company’s prior revolving credit facility (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) and to pay expenses and fees in connection therewith. The remainder of the proceeds will be used for general corporate requirements. The effective interest rate on the Notes is 4.86%. As of April 30, 2020, the fair value of the Notes was $372.5 million, based on borrowing rates then required of notes with similar terms, maturity and credit risk. The fair value of the Notes was classified as a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. Long-term debt, at amortized cost, consisted of the following: In thousands April 30, 2020 April 30, 2019 Senior Unsecured Notes $ 400,000 $ — Revolver — 226,875 Less: Unamortized discount and issuance costs (5,856 ) (3,997 ) Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ 394,144 $ 222,878 Credit Facility On December 16, 2019, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with a syndicate of banks and Bank of America, National Association as administrative agent to among other things, provide for enhanced financial flexibility. The Credit Agreement provides for a $650.0 million five-year The principal balance of the Revolver, if any, is due on the date of its termination. The Revolver matures on December 16, 2024 and any unpaid principal balance is payable on this date. The Revolver may also be prepaid and terminated early by the Company at any time without premium or penalty (subject to customary LIBOR breakage fees). At the Company’s option, loans issued under the Credit Agreement will bear interest at either LIBOR or an alternate base rate, in each case plus the applicable interest rate margin. The interest rate applicable to loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement may fluctuate between LIBOR plus 1.125% per annum to LIBOR plus 2.00% per annum, in the case of LIBOR borrowings (or between the alternate base rate plus 0.125% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 1.00% per annum, in the alternative), based upon the Company’s total funded debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio (as set forth in the Credit Agreement, the “consolidated net leverage ratio”) at such time. In addition, the Company will be required to pay to the lenders a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.175% to 0.35% per annum on the average daily unused amount of the Revolver, based upon the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio at such time, and fees relating to the issuance of letters of credit. During fiscal 2020 the average interest rate incurred on the current and previous term loans was 3.34%. The average interest rate on our previous term loan for 2019 and 2018 was 3.50% and 2.60%, respectively. As of April 30, 2020, there was no outstanding liability under the Revolver compared to $226.9 million as of April 30, 2019 under the prior revolver. The unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Credit Agreement was $4.2 million as of April 30, 2020 and $4.0 million under the Prior Credit Agreement as of April 30, 2019. As of April 30, 2020, debt issuance costs were included in other current assets and other non-current assets on the balance sheet. As of April 30, 2020, the Company was in compliance with its debt covenants. The Company had a total of $646.0 million available under the Revolver after $4.0 million of standby letters of credit were issued as of April 30, 2020. The Company had a total of $420.2 million available under the prior revolver after the Company drew down $226.9 million and after $2.9 million of standby letters of credit had been issued as of April 30, 2019. The Company had a total of $11.3 million and $8.5 million of standby letters with other financial institutions as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The standby letters of credits were generally issued as a result of entering into office premise leases. The Company has outstanding borrowings against the CSV of COLI contracts of $92.3 million and $93.2 million at April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. CSV reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is net of the outstanding borrowings, which are secured by the CSV of the life insurance policies. Principal payments are not scheduled and interest is payable at least annually at various fixed and variable rates ranging from 4.76% to 8.00%.

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	11. Segments Over the past year the Company invested in its digital business in order to digitize and harmonize the structure of its IP content and data and to build a technology platform for the efficient delivery of these assets directly to an end consumer or indirectly through a consulting engagement. These investments combined with the recent acquisition of the Acquired Companies resulted in reassessing how the Company manages its Advisory business. Given the Company’s strategy and development of financial and operational metrics for the Consulting and Digital businesses the Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) had begun to make resource allocation decisions and assess performance separately between Consulting and Digital. Therefore, on November 1, 2019, the Company changed the composition of its global segments, and under the new reporting format, the Advisory segment was separated into two segments, Consulting and Digital. The Company operates through four global segments: 1. Consulting 2. Digital 3. Executive Search 4. RPO and Professional Search Executive Search is managed by geographic regional leaders. Worldwide operations for Consulting, Digital, and RPO and Professional Search are managed by their Chief Executive Officers. The Executive Search geographic regional leaders and the Chief Executive Officers of Consulting, Digital, and RPO & Professional Search report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company also operates a Corporate segment to record global expenses. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the CODM review of (1) fee revenue and (2) adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”). To the extent that such charges occur, Adjusted EBITDA excludes restructuring charges, integration/acquisition costs, certain separation costs and certain non-cash charges (goodwill, intangible asset and other than temporary impairment). The accounting policies for the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1— Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Financial highlights by operating segment are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 543,095 $ 292,366 $ 434,624 $ 170,314 $ 98,132 $ 29,400 $ 732,470 $ 364,801 $ — $ 1,932,732 Total revenue $ 557,255 $ 294,261 $ 447,528 $ 172,978 $ 99,209 $ 29,493 $ 749,208 $ 376,606 $ — $ 1,977,330 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 104,946 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,071 Other loss, net 2,879 Interest expense, net 22,184 Income tax provision 43,945 Operating income (loss) $ 17,695 $ 46,909 $ 113,080 $ 21,085 $ 17,914 $ 4,860 $ 156,939 $ 50,438 $ (95,956 ) $ 176,025 Depreciation and amortization 17,567 19,261 3,452 1,713 1,311 1,182 7,658 3,906 6,919 55,311 Other income (loss), net 1,326 485 (3,051 ) 139 11 51 (2,850 ) 82 (1,922 ) (2,879 ) EBITDA 36,588 66,655 113,481 22,937 19,236 6,093 161,747 54,426 (90,959 ) 228,457 Integration/acquisition costs — 5,937 — — — — — — 6,215 12,152 Restructuring charges, net 24,504 10,481 7,244 6,347 3,649 309 17,549 5,742 283 58,559 Separation costs — — — 1,783 — — 1,783 — — 1,783 Adjusted EBITDA $ 61,092 $ 83,073 $ 120,725 $ 31,067 $ 22,885 $ 6,402 $ 181,079 $ 60,168 $ (84,461 ) $ 300,951 Year Ended April 30, 2019 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 568,321 $ 252,727 $ 455,826 $ 182,829 $ 104,291 $ 31,896 $ 774,842 $ 330,143 $ — $ 1,926,033 Total revenue $ 585,893 $ 252,727 $ 469,743 $ 186,131 $ 105,543 $ 31,960 $ 793,377 $ 341,865 $ — $ 1,973,862 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 102,651 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,145 Other income, net (10,405 ) Interest expense, net 16,891 Income tax provision 29,544 Operating (loss) income $ (34,115 ) $ 39,732 $ 120,754 $ 29,974 $ 24,364 $ 3,998 $ 179,090 $ 50,884 $ (94,765 ) $ 140,826 Depreciation and amortization 16,172 12,885 3,890 1,254 1,428 410 6,982 3,255 7,195 46,489 Other income (loss), net 2,203 995 6,699 432 281 322 7,734 268 (795 ) 10,405 EBITDA (15,740 ) 53,612 131,343 31,660 26,073 4,730 193,806 54,407 (88,365 ) 197,720 Integration/acquisition costs 5,304 1,255 — — — — — — 187 6,746 Tradename write-offs 76,967 29,588 — — — — — — — 106,555 Adjusted EBITDA $ 66,531 $ 84,455 $ 131,343 $ 31,660 $ 26,073 $ 4,730 $ 193,806 $ 54,407 $ (88,178 ) $ 311,021 Year Ended April 30, 2018 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 540,529 $ 244,484 $ 408,098 $ 173,725 $ 96,595 $ 30,624 $ 709,042 $ 273,162 $ — $ 1,767,217 Total revenue $ 556,521 $ 244,484 $ 421,260 $ 177,234 $ 98,062 $ 30,717 $ 727,273 $ 291,241 $ — $ 1,819,519 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 133,779 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,118 Other income, net (11,416 ) Interest expense, net 13,832 Income tax provision 70,133 Operating income (loss) $ 22,408 $ 78,127 $ 100,397 $ 26,768 $ 18,425 $ 4,022 $ 149,612 $ 39,396 $ (81,097 ) $ 208,446 Depreciation and amortization 18,954 12,573 3,930 1,689 1,408 455 7,482 3,054 6,525 48,588 Other income, net 2,127 374 1,142 168 373 181 1,864 152 6,899 11,416 EBITDA 43,489 91,074 105,469 28,625 20,206 4,658 158,958 42,602 (67,673 ) 268,450 Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net (122 ) (119 ) — — 313 — 313 6 — 78 Integration/acquisition costs 7,724 1,427 — — — — — — 279 9,430 Adjusted EBITDA $ 51,091 $ 92,382 $ 105,469 $ 28,625 $ 20,519 $ 4,658 $ 159,271 $ 42,608 $ (67,394 ) $ 277,958 Fee revenue attributed to an individual customer or country, other than the U.S. and United Kingdom, did not account for more than 10% of the total fee revenue in fiscal 2020, 2019 or 2018. Fee revenue classified by country in which the Company derives revenues are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) U.S. $ 875,605 $ 859,969 $ 778,470 United Kingdom 204,271 202,055 176,091 Other countries 852,856 864,009 812,656 Total fee revenue $ 1,932,732 $ 1,926,033 $ 1,767,217 Other than the U.S. and United Kingdom, no single country had over 10% of the total long-lived assets, excluding financial instruments and tax assets. Long-lived assets, excluding financial instruments and tax assets, classified by location of the controlling statutory country are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) U.S. (1) $ 169,928 $ 98,455 $ 80,424 United Kingdom 35,739 6,466 7,792 Other countries 132,138 26,584 31,685 Total long-lived assets $ 337,805 $ 131,505 $ 119,901 (1) Includes Corporate long-lived assets

Restructuring Charges, Net

Restructuring Charges, Net	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges, Net	12. Restructuring Charges, Net On April 20, 2020, in light of the continuing uncertainty in worldwide economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and, as part of a broader program aimed at further enhancing Korn Ferry’s strong balance sheet and liquidity position, the Company adopted a restructuring plan intended to adjust its cost base to the current economic environment and to position the Company to invest into the recovery. This resulted in restructuring charges, net of $40.5 million across all lines of business relating to severance for positions that have been eliminated. Earlier in fiscal 2020, the Company had also adopted a restructuring plan to rationalize its cost structure to realize the efficiencies and operational improvement that the investments in the Digital business, as discussed in Note 11— Segments Changes in the restructuring liability were as follows: Restructuring Liability (in thousands) As of April 30, 2018 $ 1,051 Restructuring charges, net — Reductions for cash payments (284 ) Non-cash payments (171 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (65 ) As of April 30, 2019 531 Restructuring charges, net 58,559 Reductions for cash payments (16,737 ) Non-cash payments (8,053 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (147 ) As of April 30, 2020 $ 34,153 As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the restructuring liability is included in the current portion of other accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, except for $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which are included in other long-term liabilities.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	13. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows: Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Consolidated (in thousands) Balance as of May 1, 2018 $ 173,453 $ 284,716 $ 47,757 $ 47,501 $ 972 $ 96,230 $ 29,823 $ 584,222 Exchange rate fluctuations (306 ) (502 ) (1,186 ) (2,021 ) — (3,207 ) (1,909 ) (5,924 ) Balance as of April 30, 2019 173,147 284,214 46,571 45,480 972 93,023 27,914 578,298 Additions — 38,926 — — — — — 38,926 Exchange rate fluctuations (133 ) (413 ) (850 ) (986 ) — (1,836 ) (899 ) (3,281 ) Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ 173,014 $ 322,727 $ 45,721 $ 44,494 $ 972 $ 91,187 $ 27,015 $ 613,943 Tax deductible goodwill from the Miller Heiman acquisition was $34.9 million as of April 30, 2020. Tax deductible goodwill from the PIVOT Leadership acquisition was $7.2 million and $7.1 million as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Intangible assets include the following: April 30, 2020 April 30, 2019 (in thousands) Amortized intangible assets: Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Customer lists $ 131,299 $ (64,762 ) $ 66,537 $ 125,099 $ (53,352 ) $ 71,747 Intellectual property 69,100 (26,548 ) 42,552 33,100 (22,045 ) 11,055 Proprietary databases 4,256 (4,202 ) 54 4,256 (4,053 ) 203 Non-compete agreements 910 (910 ) — 910 (893 ) 17 Trademarks 7,186 (4,236 ) 2,950 3,986 (3,986 ) — Total $ 212,751 $ (100,658 ) 112,093 $ 167,351 $ (84,329 ) 83,022 Exchange rate fluctuations (167 ) (74 ) Total Intangible assets $ 111,926 $ 82,948 Acquisition-related intangible assets acquired in fiscal 2020 consists of IP, customer relationships and tradenames of $36.0 million, $6.2 million, and $3.2 million, respectively, with weighted-average useful lives from the date of purchase of seven years, ten years, and nine years, respectively. During fiscal 2019, the Company decided to further integrate our go-to-market activities under one master brand —Korn Ferry, and discontinued the use of all sub-brands. Two of the Company’s sub-brands, Hay Group and Lominger, were acquired by Korn Ferry through acquisitions. As a result of the decision to discontinue their use, the Company took a non-cash intangible asset impairment charge of $106.6 million during the year ended April 30, 2019, recorded in general and administrative expenses on the accompanying statement of income. Amortization expense for amortized intangible assets was $16.3 million, $13.5 million and $14.7 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense related to amortizing intangible assets is as follows: Year Ending April 30, Estimated Annual Amortization Expense (in thousands) 2021 $ 19,256 2022 19,101 2023 17,271 2024 14,794 2025 14,696 Thereafter 26,975 $ 112,093 All amortizable intangible assets will be fully amortized by the end of fiscal 2032.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	14. Leases The Company’s lease portfolio is comprised of operating leases for office space and equipment and finance leases for equipment. Equipment leases are comprised of vehicles and office equipment. The majority of the Company’s leases include both lease and non-lease components. Non-lease components primarily include maintenance, insurance, taxes and other utilities. The Company has decided to combine fixed payments for non-lease components with its lease payments and account for them as a single lease component, which increases its ROU assets and lease liabilities. Some of the leases include one or more options to renew or terminate the lease at the Company’s discretion. Generally, the renewal and termination options are not included in the ROU assets and lease liabilities as they are not reasonably certain of exercise. The Company has elected not to recognize a ROU asset or lease liability for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of the future minimum lease payments. The Company applies the portfolio approach when determining the incremental borrowing rate since it has a centrally managed treasury function. The Company’s incremental borrowing rate is estimated to approximate the interest rate on a collateralized basis with similar terms and payments in a similar economic environment. Operating leases contain both office and equipment leases and have remaining terms that range from less than one year to 10 years, some of which also include options to extend or terminate the lease. Finance leases are comprised of equipment leases and have remaining terms that range from less than one year to 5 years. Finance lease assets are included in property and equipment, net while finance lease liabilities are included in other accrued liabilities and other liabilities. As a result of the acquisition of the Acquired Companies, the Company recognized ROU assets of $3.2 million with a corresponding liability of $6.7 million. The ROU asset balance was adjusted by reclassification of pre-existing prepaid expenses, restructuring liabilities and deferred rent totaling $3.5 million. As part of the plan for integrating the Acquired Companies, the Company decided to exit 16 office leases and as a result, recorded an impairment charge of the ROU assets of $2.3 million recorded in the consolidated statement of income. The components of lease expense were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Finance lease cost Amortization of ROU assets $ 1,820 Interest on lease liabilities 149 1,969 Operating lease cost 57,683 Short-term lease cost 1,111 Variable lease cost 13,562 Lease impairment cost 2,282 Sublease income (447 ) Total lease cost $ 76,160 Rent expense, as previously defined under ASC 840, which includes the Company leased office premises and certain office equipment leases for the years ended April 30, 2019, and 2018, was $58.2 million and $57.6 million, respectively. Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 59,631 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 1,833 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 15,246 Finance leases $ 1,333 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Finance Leases: Property and equipment, at cost $ 4,281 Accumulated depreciation (1,485 ) Property and equipment, net $ 2,796 Other accrued liabilities $ 1,241 Other liabilities 1,634 Total finance lease liabilities $ 2,875 Weighted average remaining lease terms: Operating leases 5.5 years Finance leases 2.9 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.8 % Finance leases 4.1 % Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows: Year Ending April 30, Operating Financing (in thousands) 2021 $ 60,052 $ 1,325 2022 50,246 940 2023 43,334 445 2024 40,091 245 2025 31,601 85 Thereafter 44,444 — Total lease payments 269,768 3,040 Less: imputed interest 34,151 165 Total $ 235,617 $ 2,875 Future minimum commitments under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year, excluding commitments accrued in the restructuring liability under ASC 840 at April 30, 2019, are as follows: Year Ending April 30, Lease Commitments (in thousands) 2020 $ 55,351 2021 52,567 2022 45,465 2023 38,582 2024 34,008 Thereafter 74,764 $ 300,737

Acquisition

Acquisition	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	15. Acquisition On November 1, 2019, the Company completed its acquisition of the Acquired Companies for $108.6 million, net of cash acquired. The Acquired Companies contribute a world-class portfolio of learning, development and performance improvement offerings and expertise to Korn Ferry and bolster the Company’s substantial leadership development capabilities. These companies are included in the new Digital segment which, working closely with the new Consulting segment, will provide clients with direct access to data, insights and analytics from one of the world’s most comprehensive people and organizational databases. The addition of the Acquired Companies further expands Korn Ferry’s vast IP and content and leverages the firm’s digital delivery platforms. Actual results of operations of the Acquired Companies are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from November 1, 2019, the effective date of the acquisition. The following table provides a summary of the net assets acquired in fiscal 2020 (as no acquisitions were completed in fiscal 2019 or 2018): Year Ended April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Current assets (1) $ 44,475 Long-term assets 15,024 Intangibles assets 45,400 Current liabilities 29,503 Long-term liabilities 5,720 Net assets acquired 69,676 Purchase price 108,602 Goodwill $ 38,926 (1) Included in current assets is acquired receivables in the amount of $41.1 million. The aggregate purchase price was allocated on a preliminary basis to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. As of April 30, 2020, these allocations remained preliminary with regard to income taxes. The measurement period for purchase price allocation ends as soon as information on the facts and circumstances becomes available, not to exceed 12 months.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	16. Commitments and Contingencies Employment Agreements The Company has a policy of entering into offer letters of employment or letters of promotion with vice presidents, which provide for an annual base salary and discretionary and incentive bonus payments. Certain key vice presidents who typically have been employed by the Company for several years may also have a standard form employment agreement. Upon termination without cause, the Company is required to pay the amount of severance due under the employment agreement, if any. The Company also requires its vice presidents to agree in their employment letters and their employment agreement, if applicable, not to compete with the Company during the term of their employment and for a certain period after their employment ends. Litigation From time to time, the Company has been and is involved in litigation incidental to its business. The Company is currently not a party to any litigation which, if resolved adversely against the Company, would, in the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position or results of operations.

Quarterly Results

Quarterly Results	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Results	17. Quarterly Results (Unaudited) The following table sets forth certain unaudited consolidated statements of income data for the quarters in fiscal 2020 and 2019. The unaudited quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements and, in management’s opinion, includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the information for the quarters presented. Quarters Ended Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2019 April 30 January October 31 July 31 April 30 January October 31 July 31 (in thousands, except per share data) Fee revenue $ 440,469 $ 515,325 $ 492,389 $ 484,549 $ 490,756 $ 474,504 $ 495,205 $ 465,568 Operating income (loss) $ 22,227 $ 31,595 $ 61,869 $ 60,334 $ 62,275 $ 62,683 $ 70,987 $ (55,119 ) Net (loss) income $ (621 ) $ 20,956 $ 43,032 $ 43,650 $ 50,627 $ 45,444 $ 47,317 $ (38,592 ) Net (loss) income attributable to Korn Ferry $ (802 ) $ 19,993 $ 42,804 $ 42,951 $ 50,264 $ 44,964 $ 46,034 $ (38,611 ) Net (loss) earnings per common share: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 0.37 $ 0.78 $ 0.77 $ 0.90 $ 0.81 $ 0.82 $ (0.70 ) Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 0.36 $ 0.77 $ 0.76 $ 0.89 $ 0.80 $ 0.81 $ (0.70 )

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	18. Subsequent Event Quarterly Dividend Declaration On July 1, 2020, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a cash dividend of $0.10 per share with a payment date of July 31, 2020 to holders of the Company’s common stock of record at the close of business on July 15, 2020. The declaration and payment of future dividends under the quarterly dividend policy will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon many factors, including the Company’s earnings, capital requirements, financial conditions, the terms of the Company’s indebtedness and other factors that the Board of Directors may deem to be relevant. The Board may amend, revoke or suspend the dividend policy at any time and for any reason.

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUA

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS	KORN FERRY AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS April 30, 2020 Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Additions Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charges to Cost and Expenses Recoveries (Charges) to Other Accounts (1) Deductions (2) Balance at End of Period (in thousands) Allowance for doubtful accounts: Year Ended April 30, 2020 $ 21,582 $ 14,644 $ (311 ) $ (12,120 ) $ 23,795 Year Ended April 30, 2019 $ 17,845 $ 14,260 $ (826 ) $ (9,697 ) $ 21,582 Year Ended April 30, 2018 $ 15,455 $ 13,675 $ 551 $ (11,836 ) $ 17,845 Deferred tax asset valuation allowance: Year Ended April 30, 2020 $ 14,032 $ 886 $ 3,939 $ (982 ) $ 17,875 Year Ended April 30, 2019 $ 15,682 $ 5,170 $ — $ (6,820 ) $ 14,032 Year Ended April 30, 2018 $ 21,278 $ 3,421 $ — $ (9,017 ) $ 15,682 (1) Exchange rate fluctuations and for Deferred tax asset includes amount acquired from Acquired Companies. (2) Allowance for doubtful accounts represents accounts written-off, net of recoveries and deferred tax asset valuation represents release of prior valuation allowances.

Organization and Summary of S_2

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Consolidation and Presentation	Basis of Consolidation and Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly and majority owned/controlled domestic and international subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements conform with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and prevailing practice within our different industries. The consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals and any other adjustments that management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the results for these periods. Investments in affiliated companies, which are 50% or less owned and where the Company exercises significant influence over operations, are accounted for using the equity method. Dividends received from our unconsolidated subsidiaries were approximately $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company has control of a Mexican subsidiary and consolidates the operations of this subsidiary. Noncontrolling interest, which represents the Mexican partners’ 51% interest in the Mexican subsidiary, is reflected on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company considers events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the consolidated financial statements are issued to provide additional evidence relative to certain estimates or to identify matters that require additional disclosures.
Use of Estimates and Uncertainties	Use of Estimates and Uncertainties The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and changes in estimates are reported in current operations as new information is learned or upon the amounts becoming fixed or determinable. The most significant areas that require management’s judgment are revenue recognition, deferred compensation, annual performance-related bonuses, evaluation of the carrying value of receivables, goodwill and other intangible assets, share-based payments, leases and the recoverability of deferred income taxes.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Substantially all fee revenue is derived from talent and organizational consulting services and digital sales, stand-alone or as part of a solution, fees for professional services related to executive and professional recruitment performed on a retained basis and RPO, either stand-alone or as part of a solution. Revenue is recognized when control of the goods and services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods and services. Revenue contracts with customers are evaluated based on the five-step model outlined in Accounting Standard Codification 606 (“ASC 606”): 1) identify the contract with a customer; 2) identify the performance obligation(s) in the contract; 3) determine the transaction price; 4) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligation(s); and 5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. Consulting fee revenue is primarily recognized as services is rendered, measured by total hours incurred as a percentage of the total estimated hours at completion. It is possible that updated estimates for consulting engagements may vary from initial estimates with such updates being recognized in the period of determination. Depending on the timing of billings and services rendered, the Company accrues or defers revenue as appropriate. Digital revenue is generated from IP platforms enabling large-scale, technology-based talent programs for pay, talent development, engagement, and assessment and is consumed directly by an end user or indirectly through a consulting engagement. Revenue is recognized as services are delivered and the Company has a legally enforceable right to payment. Revenue also comes from the sale of our proprietary IP subscriptions, which are considered symbolic IP due to the dynamic nature of the content. As a result, revenue is recognized over the term of the contract. Functional IP licenses grant customers the right to use IP content via the delivery of a flat file. Because the IP content license has significant stand-alone functionality, revenue is recognized upon delivery and when an enforceable right to payment exists. Revenue for tangible and digital products sold by the Company, such as books and digital files, is recognized when these products are shipped. Fee revenue from executive and professional search activities is generally one-third of the estimated first-year cash compensation of the placed candidate, plus a percentage of the fee to cover RPO fee
Reimbursements	Reimbursements The Company incurs certain out-of-pocket expenses that are reimbursed by its clients, which are accounted for as revenue in the consolidated statements of income.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts An allowance is established for doubtful accounts by taking a charge to general and administrative expenses. The amount of the allowance is based on historical loss experience and assessment of the collectability of specific accounts, as well as expectations of future collections based upon trends and the type of work for which services are rendered. After the Company exhausts all collection efforts, the amount of the allowance is reduced for balances written off as uncollectible.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. As of April 30, 2020, the Company’s investments in cash equivalents consisted of money market funds, commercial paper and corporate notes/bonds with initial maturity of less than 90 days for which market prices are readily available. As of April 30, 2019, cash equivalents consisted of money market funds for which market prices are readily available.
Marketable Securities	Marketable Securities The Company currently has investments in marketable securities and mutual funds that are classified as either equity securities or available-for-sale debt securities. The classification of the investments in these marketable securities and mutual funds is assessed upon purchase and reassessed at each reporting period. These investments are recorded at fair value and are classified as marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company invests in mutual funds (for which market prices are readily available) that are held in trust to satisfy obligations under the Company’s deferred compensation plans. Such investments are classified as equity securities and mirror the employees’ investment elections in their deemed accounts in the Executive Capital Accumulation Plan and similar plans in Asia Pacific and Canada (“ECAP”) from a pre-determined set of securities. Realized gains (losses) on marketable securities are determined by specific identification. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis; dividends are recorded as earned on the ex-dividend date. Interest, dividend income and the changes in fair value in marketable securities are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income in other (loss) income, net. The Company also invests cash in excess of its daily operating requirements and capital needs primarily in marketable fixed income (debt) securities in accordance with the Company’s investment policy, which restricts the type of investments that can be made. The Company’s investment portfolio includes commercial paper and corporate notes/ bonds. These marketable fixed income (debt)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair value is the price the Company would receive to sell an asset or transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. For those assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value, the Company determines the fair value based upon the quoted market price, if available. If a quoted market price is not available for identical assets, the fair value is based upon the quoted market price of similar assets. The fair values are assigned a level within the fair value hierarchy as defined below: ▪ Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. ▪ Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active. ▪ Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. These included cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, marketable securities, foreign currency forward contracts and an interest rate swap. The carrying amount of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair values of marketable securities classified as equity securities are obtained from quoted market prices, and the fair values of marketable securities classified as available-for-sale, foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swap are obtained from a third party, which are based on quoted prices or market prices for similar assets and financial instruments.
Derivative Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments On December 16, 2019, in conjunction with the payoff of the credit facility, the Company terminated its interest rate swap. The Company had entered into the interest rate swap agreement to effectively convert its variable debt to a fixed-rate basis. The principal objective was to eliminate or reduce the variability of the cash flows in interest payments associated with the Company’s long-term debt, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on future interest payment cash flows. The Company determined that the interest rate swap qualified as a cash flow hedge in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 815, Derivatives and Hedging
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts Not Designated as Hedges The Company has established a program that primarily utilizes foreign currency forward contracts to offset the risks associated with the effects of certain foreign currency exposures primarily originating from intercompany balances due to cross border work performed in the ordinary course of business. These foreign currency forward contracts are neither used for trading purposes nor are they designated as hedging instruments pursuant to ASC 815. Accordingly, the fair value of these contracts is recorded as of the end of the reporting period in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, while the change in fair value is recorded to the accompanying consolidated statements of income.
Business Acquisitions	Business Acquisitions Business acquisitions are accounted for under the acquisition method. The acquisition method requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill, or if the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price consideration, a bargain purchase gain is recorded. Adjustments to fair value assessments are generally recorded to goodwill over the measurement period (not longer than twelve months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense as committed and requires the Company to recognize and measure certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies and contingent consideration in a business combination.
Leases	Leases The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in operating lease right of use (“ROU”) assets and current and non-current operating lease liability, in the consolidated balance sheets. Finance leases are included in property and equipment, net, other accrued liabilities and other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets represent the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and the lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives and initial direct costs incurred. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the periods in which they are incurred. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. For all leases with non-lease components the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net Property and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, or the lease term, whichever is shorter. Software development costs incurred for internal use projects are capitalized and, once placed in service, amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, generally three to seven years. All other property and equipment is depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of three to ten years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets include property, equipment, ROU assets and software developed or obtained for internal use. In accordance with Accounting Standard Codification 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), management reviews the Company’s recorded long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. Events relating to recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring losses, or a forecasted inability to achieve break-even operating results over an extended period. The Company determines the extent to which an asset may be impaired based upon its expectation of the asset’s future usability, as well as on a reasonable assurance that the future cash flows associated with the asset will be in excess of its carrying amount. If the total of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between fair value and the carrying value of the asset. During fiscal 2020, the Company decided that it would exit 16 office leases as part of the integration of the acquisition of Miller Heiman Group, AchieveForum and Strategy Execution (“Acquired Companies”). This resulted in an impairment charge of the ROU asset of $2.3 million and an impairment charge of leasehold improvements and furniture and fixtures of $0.4 million, both recorded in the consolidated statements of income in general and administrative expenses. In both fiscal 2019 and 2018, there were no such impairment charges recorded.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of assets acquired. The goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill of the reporting unit would be considered impaired. To measure the amount of the impairment loss, the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. For each of these tests, the fair value of each of the Company’s reporting units is determined using a combination of valuation techniques, including a discounted cash flow methodology. To corroborate the discounted cash flow analysis performed at each reporting unit, a market approach is utilized using observable market data such as comparable companies in similar lines of business that are publicly traded or which are part of a public or private transaction (to the extent available). The Company performs an impairment test annually as of January 31, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. The qualitative test performed as of January 31, 2020 did not indicate any impairment. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020, t he rapid and severe impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”) , and more specifically the need to support global social distancing efforts, mitigating the spread of the virus, and compl ying with restrictions put in place by various governmental entities, led to a decline for our products and services. These actions ha ve a material impact on our business. Therefore, we performed a quantitative review as of March 31, 2020, to assess whether t hese actions caused the fair value of any of our reporting units to fall below its carrying value. This quantitative review included sensitivity analyses o f each reporting unit’s discounted cash flow models considering updated discount rates, financial results and forecasts, market multiples and terminal value revenue growth rates. While fair value exceeded carrying value for all reporting units the excess of the fair value over carrying value of the Consulting segment had the smallest buffer. As of April 30, 2020, goodwill in the Consulting segment was $ 173.0 million. The conclusion for all reporting units was that no impairment e xisted as of March 31, 2020. As of April 30, 2020, there were no further indicators of impairment with respect to the Company’s goodwill. We are unable to predict how long COVID-19 will impact our operations or what additional restrictions may be imposed by governments in the regions the Company operates . Significant variations from current expectations could impact future assessments and result in an impairment charge. Intangible assets primarily consist of customer lists, non-compete agreements, proprietary databases and IP. Intangible assets are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition and are amortized in a pattern in which the asset is consumed if that pattern can be reliably determined, or using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives, which range from one to 24 years. For intangible assets subject to amortization, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the intangible assets is not recoverable and exceeds fair value. The carrying amount of the intangible assets is considered not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from use of the asset. As noted above COVID-19 impacted the Company’s fourth quarter business and will impact the business going forward. The Company reviewed its intangible assets and noted no impairment as of April 30, 2020. As of April 30, 2019, there were no further indicators of impairment with respect to the Company’s intangible assets. On June 12, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors voted to approve a plan to go to market under a single, master brand architecture and to simplify the Company’s organizational structure by eliminating and/or consolidating certain legal entities and implementing a rebranding of the Company to offer the Company’s current products and services using the “Korn Ferry” name, branding and trademarks. As a result, the Company discontinued the use of all sub-brands. Two of the Company’s former sub-brands, Hay Group and Lominger, came to Korn Ferry through acquisitions. In connection with the accounting for these acquisitions, $106.6 million of the purchase price was allocated to indefinite-lived tradename intangible assets. As a result of the decision to discontinue their use, the Company took a non-cash intangible asset write-off of $106.6 million in fiscal 2019, recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income.
Compensation and Benefits Expense	Compensation and Benefits Expense Compensation and benefits expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income consist of compensation and benefits paid to consultants (employees who originate business), executive officers and administrative and support personnel. The most significant portions of this expense are salaries and the amounts paid under the annual performance-related bonus plan to employees. The portion of the expense applicable to salaries is comprised of amounts earned by employees during a reporting period. The portion of the expenses applicable to annual performance-related bonuses refers to the Company’s annual employee performance-related bonus with respect to a fiscal year, the amount of which is communicated and paid to each eligible employee following the completion of the fiscal year. Each quarter, management makes its best estimate of its annual performance-related bonuses, which requires management to, among other things, project annual consultant productivity (as measured by engagement fees billed and collected by executive search consultants and revenue and other performance/profitability metrics for Consulting, Digital and RPO & Professional Search consultants), the level of engagements referred by a consultant in one line of business to a different line of business, and Company performance, including profitability, competitive forces and future economic conditions and their impact on the Company’s results. At the end of each fiscal year, annual performance related bonuses take into account final individual consultant productivity (including referred work), Company/line of business results including profitability, the achievement of strategic objectives, the results of individual performance appraisals, and the current economic landscape. Accordingly, each quarter the Company reevaluates the assumptions used to estimate annual performance related bonus liability and adjusts the carrying amount of the liability recorded on the consolidated balance sheet and reports any changes in the estimate in current operations. Because annual performance-based bonuses are communicated and paid only after the Company reports its full fiscal year results, actual performance-based bonus payments may differ from the prior year’s estimate. Such changes in the bonus estimate historically have been immaterial and are recorded in current operations in the period in which they are determined. The performance-related bonus expense was $197.1 million, $257.3 million and $220.4 million for the years ended April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, included in compensation and benefits expense in the consolidated statements of income. Other expenses included in compensation and benefits expense are due to changes in deferred compensation and pension plan liabilities, changes in cash surrender value (“CSV”) of company-owned life insurance (“COLI”) contracts, amortization of stock based compensation awards, payroll taxes and employee insurance benefits. Unearned compensation on the consolidated balance sheets includes long-term retention awards that are generally amortized over four-to-five years.
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans	Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans For financial accounting purposes, the Company estimates the present value of the future benefits payable under the deferred compensation and pension plans as of the estimated payment commencement date. The Company also estimates the remaining number of years a participant will be employed by the Company. Then, each year during the period of estimated employment, the Company accrues a liability and recognizes expense for a portion of the future benefit using the unit credit cost method for the Senior Executive Incentive Plan (“SEIP”), Wealth Accumulation Plan (“WAP”), Enhanced Wealth Accumulation Plan (“EWAP”) and Worldwide Executive Benefit Plan (“WEB”) and the pension plan acquired under Hay Group, while the medical and life insurance plan and Long Term Performance Unit Plan (“LTPU Plan”) uses the projected unit credit cost method. The amounts charged to operations are made up of service and interest costs and the expected return on plan assets. Actuarial gains and losses are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The actuarial gains/losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income are amortized to the consolidated statements of income, if at the beginning of the year, the amount exceeds 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and market-related plan assets. The amortization included in periodic benefit cost is divided by the average remaining service of inactive plan participants, or the period for which benefits will be paid, if shorter. The expected return on plan assets takes into account the current fair value of plan assets and reflects the Company’s estimate for trust asset returns given the current asset allocation and any expected changes to the asset allocation and current and future market conditions. In calculating the accrual for future benefit payments, management has made assumptions regarding employee turnover, participant vesting, violation of non-competition provisions and the discount rate. Management periodically reevaluates all assumptions. If assumptions change in future reporting periods, the changes may impact the measurement and recognition of benefit liabilities and related compensation expense.
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan	Executive Capital Accumulation Plan The Company, under the ECAP, makes discretionary contributions and such contributions may be granted to key employees annually based on the employee’s performance. Certain key management may also receive Company contributions upon commencement of employment. The Company amortizes these contributions on a straight-line basis as they vest, generally over a four to five-year The ECAP is accounted for whereby the changes in the fair value of the vested amounts owed to the participants are adjusted with a corresponding charge (or credit) to compensation and benefits costs.
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance	Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance The Company purchased COLI policies or contracts insuring the lives of certain employees eligible to participate in certain of the deferred compensation and pension plans as a means of funding benefits under such plans. The Company purchased both fixed and variable life insurance contracts and does not purchase “split-dollar” life insurance policy contracts. The Company only holds contracts or policies that provide for a fixed or guaranteed rate of return. The CSV of these COLI contracts are carried at the amounts that would be realized if the contract were surrendered at the balance sheet date, net of the outstanding loans from the insurer. The Company has the intention and ability to continue to hold these COLI policies and contracts. Additionally, the loans secured by the policies do not have any scheduled payment terms and the Company also does not intend to repay the loans outstanding on these policies until death benefits under the policy have been realized. Accordingly, the investment in COLI is classified as long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The change in the CSV of COLI contracts, net of insurance premiums paid and gains realized, is reported net in compensation and benefits expense. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company held contracts with net CSV of $146.4 million and $126.0 million, respectively. If the issuing insurance companies were to become insolvent, the Company would be considered a general creditor; therefore, these assets are subject to credit risk. Management, together with its outside advisors, routinely monitors the claims paying abilities of these insurance companies.
Restructuring Charges, Net	Restructuring Charges, Net The Company accounts for its restructuring charges as a liability when the obligations are incurred and records such charges at fair value. Changes in the estimates of the restructuring charges are recorded in the period the change is determined.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has employee compensation plans under which various types of stock-based instruments are granted. These instruments principally include restricted stock units, restricted stock and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock units, restricted stock and the estimated fair value of stock purchases under the ESPP on a straight-line basis over the service period for the entire award.
Translation of Foreign Currencies	Translation of Foreign Currencies Generally, financial results of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are measured in their local currencies. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenue and expenses are translated at weighted-average exchange rates during the fiscal year. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated comprehensive income. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries and the translation of the financial results of subsidiaries operating in highly inflationary economies are included in general and administrative expense in the period incurred. During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded foreign currency losses of $4.1 million, $1.7 million and $3.3 million respectively, in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes There are two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense (benefit) approximates taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. These gross deferred tax assets and liabilities represent decreases or increases in taxes expected to be paid in the future because of future reversals of temporary differences in the basis of assets and liabilities as measured by tax laws and their basis as reported in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for tax attributes such as net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented net on the consolidated balance sheets by tax jurisdiction. Valuation allowances are then recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts management concludes are more likely than not to be realized. Income tax benefits are recognized and measured based upon a two-step model: (1) a tax position must be more-likely-than-not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be recognized and (2) the benefit is measured as the largest dollar amount of that position that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon settlement. The difference between the benefit recognized for a position and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit. The Company records income tax-related interest and penalties within income tax expense.
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, investments, foreign currency forward contracts, receivables due from clients and net CSV due from insurance companies, which are discussed above. Cash equivalents include investments in money market securities, commercial papers and corporate notes/bonds while investments include mutual funds, commercial papers and corporate notes/bonds. Investments are diversified throughout many industries and geographic regions. The Company conducts periodic reviews of its customers’ financial condition and customer payment practices to minimize collection risk on accounts receivable. At April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company had no other significant credit concentrations.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to the amounts in prior periods in order to conform to the current period’s presentation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance (Accounting Standard Codification 842 – Leases Leases . The adoption of this standard had a material impact on the consolidated balance sheet as of May 1, 2019 due to the recognition of ROU assets and operating lease liabilities, but an immaterial impact on the Company’s consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity, and consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption the Company recognized total ROU assets of $236.1 million with a corresponding liability of $272.3 million. The ROU asset balance was adjusted by the reclassification of pre-existing prepaid expenses and other assets and deferred rent balances of $5.1 million and $41.3 million, respectively. In August 2017, the FASB issued guidance amending and simplifying accounting for hedging activities. The guidance refined and expanded strategies that qualify for hedge accounting and simplified the application of hedge accounting in certain situations. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company adopted this guidance as of May 1, 2019. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements .
Recently Issued Accounting Standards - Not Yet Adopted	Recently Proposed Accounting Standards - Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance on accounting for measurement of credit losses on financial Instruments, which amends the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt this guidance in its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the test for goodwill impairment. The new guidance simplifies the test for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Companies will now perform the goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The amendments of this standard are effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company will adopt this guidance in its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance amending the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The amendment removes and modifies disclosures that are currently required and adds additional disclosures that are deemed relevant. The amendments of this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company will adopt this guidance in its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance and doesn’t anticipate the guidance to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In August 2018, the FASB issued guidance amending accounting for internal-use software. The new guidance will align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with developing or obtaining internal-use software. The amendments of this standard are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance in its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued guidance on Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This update eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intra-period tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The update also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The amendments of this standard are effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance in its fiscal year beginning May 1, 2021. The adoption of this guidance is not anticipated to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe_2

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Common Stockholders	The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings per common share attributable to common stockholders: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands, except per share data) Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 104,946 $ 102,651 $ 133,779 Less: distributed and undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 1,140 1,066 1,426 Basic net earnings attributable to common stockholders 103,806 101,585 132,353 Add: undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 901 831 1,187 Less: reallocation of undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders 894 820 1,169 Diluted net earnings attributable to common stockholders $ 103,813 $ 101,596 $ 132,371 Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 54,342 55,311 55,426 Effect of dilutive securities: Restricted stock 367 750 822 ESPP 58 34 5 Stock options — 1 1 Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding 54,767 56,096 56,254 Net earnings per common share: Basic earnings per share $ 1.91 $ 1.84 $ 2.39 Diluted earnings per share $ 1.90 $ 1.81 $ 2.35

Comprehensive Income (Tables)

Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Foreign currency translation adjustments $ (83,652 ) $ (60,270 ) Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of taxes (23,554 ) (16,838 ) Marketable securities unrealized gain, net of tax 34 — Interest rate swap unrealized gain, net of taxes — 456 Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net $ (107,172 ) $ (76,652 )
Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table summarizes the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss): Foreign Currency Translation Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan (1) Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Interest Swap (2) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (in thousands) Balance as of May 1, 2017 $ (55,359 ) $ (15,127 ) $ — $ (578 ) $ (71,064 ) Unrealized gains arising during the period 22,960 4,813 — 1,465 29,238 Reclassification of realized net losses to net income — 1,241 — 450 1,691 Balance as of April 30, 2018 (32,399 ) (9,073 ) — 1,337 (40,135 ) Unrealized losses arising during the period (27,871 ) (6,461 ) — (800 ) (35,132 ) Reclassification of realized net losses (gains) to net income — 1,092 — (280 ) 812 Effect of adoption of accounting standard — (2,396 ) — 199 (2,197 ) Balance as of April 30, 2019 (60,270 ) (16,838 ) — 456 (76,652 ) Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period (23,382 ) (8,883 ) 37 (678 ) (32,906 ) Reclassification of realized net losses (gains) to net income — 2,167 (3 ) 222 2,386 Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ (83,652 ) $ (23,554 ) $ 34 $ — $ (107,172 ) (1) The tax effects on unrealized (losses) gains were $(3.1) million, $(2.3) million and $2.5 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax effects on reclassifications of realized net losses were $0.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.8 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. (2) The tax effects on unrealized (losses) gains were $(0.2) million, $(0.3) million and $0.8 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax effect on the reclassification of realized net (losses) gains to net income was $(0.1) million, $0.1 million and $(0.3) million as of April 30, 2020 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Employee Stock Plans (Tables)

Employee Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Components Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized	The following table summarizes the components of stock-based compensation expense recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of income for the periods indicated: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Restricted stock $ 21,495 $ 22,063 $ 20,282 ESPP 1,323 1,322 1,187 Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax 22,818 23,385 21,469 Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense (6,642 ) (5,155 ) (7,319 ) Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $ 16,176 $ 18,230 $ 14,150
Restricted Stock Activity	Restricted stock activity is summarized below: April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value (in thousands, except per share data) Non-vested, beginning of 1,460 $ 38.42 1,730 $ 33.45 1,581 $ 29.74 Granted 608 $ 38.38 671 $ 40.93 650 $ 37.60 Vested (638 ) $ 25.42 (904 ) $ 36.41 (431 ) $ 26.13 Forfeited (65 ) $ 33.48 (37 ) $ 32.26 (70 ) $ 33.26 Non-vested, end of year 1,365 $ 44.59 1,460 $ 38.42 1,730 $ 33.45

Financial Instruments (Tables)

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classification	The following tables show the Company’s financial instruments and balance sheet classification as of April 30, 2020 and 2019: April 30, 2020 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non-current Income Taxes & Other Receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Commercial paper $ 19,132 $ 39 $ — $ 19,171 $ 4,785 $ 14,386 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 19,181 26 (19 ) 19,188 901 18,287 — — Total debt investments $ 38,313 $ 65 $ (19 ) $ 38,359 $ 5,686 $ 32,673 $ — $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 141,412 $ — $ 9,278 $ 132,134 $ — Total $ 141,412 $ — $ 9,278 $ 132,134 $ — Cash $ 611,795 $ 611,795 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 71,763 71,763 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 2,634 — — — 2,634 Total $ 865,963 $ 689,244 $ 41,951 $ 132,134 $ 2,634 April 30, 2019 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- current Income Taxes & Other Receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Interest rate swap $ — $ 619 $ — $ 619 $ — $ — $ — $ 619 Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 140,751 $ — $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ — Total $ 140,751 $ — $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ — Cash $ 579,998 $ 579,998 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 46,362 46,362 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 99 — — — 99 Total $ 767,829 $ 626,360 $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ 718 (1) These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $124.6 million and $122.3 million as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans
Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classification	The following tables show the Company’s financial instruments and balance sheet classification as of April 30, 2020 and 2019: April 30, 2020 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non-current Income Taxes & Other Receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Commercial paper $ 19,132 $ 39 $ — $ 19,171 $ 4,785 $ 14,386 $ — $ — Corporate notes/bonds 19,181 26 (19 ) 19,188 901 18,287 — — Total debt investments $ 38,313 $ 65 $ (19 ) $ 38,359 $ 5,686 $ 32,673 $ — $ — Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 141,412 $ — $ 9,278 $ 132,134 $ — Total $ 141,412 $ — $ 9,278 $ 132,134 $ — Cash $ 611,795 $ 611,795 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 71,763 71,763 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 2,634 — — — 2,634 Total $ 865,963 $ 689,244 $ 41,951 $ 132,134 $ 2,634 April 30, 2019 Fair Value Measurement Balance Sheet Classification Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cash and Cash Equivalents Marketable Securities, Current Marketable Securities, Non- current Income Taxes & Other Receivables (in thousands) Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Other Comprehensive Income Level 2: Interest rate swap $ — $ 619 $ — $ 619 $ — $ — $ — $ 619 Changes in Fair Value Recorded in Net Income Level 1: Mutual funds (1) $ 140,751 $ — $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ — Total $ 140,751 $ — $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ — Cash $ 579,998 $ 579,998 $ — $ — $ — Money market funds 46,362 46,362 — — — Level 2: Foreign currency forward contracts 99 — — — 99 Total $ 767,829 $ 626,360 $ 8,288 $ 132,463 $ 718 (1) These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $124.6 million and $122.3 million as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans
Summary of Gains and Losses on Interest Rate Swap	During fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized the following gains and losses on the interest rate swap: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) (Losses) gains recognized in other comprehensive income (net of tax effects of $(238), $(281), and $828, respectively) $ (678 ) $ (800 ) $ 1,465 (Losses) gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest (expense) income, net $ (297 ) $ 376 $ (730 )
Fair Value of Liabilities Derivatives	The fair value of derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Derivative assets: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 3,034 $ 821 Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 400 $ 722
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument
Fair Value of Assets Derivatives	The fair value of derivatives not designated as hedge instruments are as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Derivative assets: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 3,034 $ 821 Derivative liabilities: Foreign currency forward contracts $ 400 $ 722
Cash Flow Hedge
Fair Value of Derivative Designated as Cash Flow Hedge Instrument	The fair value of the derivative designated as a cash flow hedge instrument is as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Derivative asset: Interest rate swap contract $ — $ 619

Deferred Compensation and Ret_2

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Total Benefit Obligations	The total benefit obligations for these plans were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Deferred compensation and pension plans $ 156,586 $ 123,238 Medical and Life Insurance plan 7,527 7,310 International retirement plans 14,851 14,744 Executive Capital Accumulation Plan 129,315 130,161 Total benefit obligation 308,279 275,453 Less: current portion of benefit obligation (19,143 ) (17,818 ) Non-current benefit obligation $ 289,136 $ 257,635
Fair Value Measurements of Defined Benefit Plan Assets	The fair value measurements of the defined benefit plan assets fall within the following levels of the fair value hierarchy as of April 30, 2020 and 2019 : Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total (in thousands) April 30, 2020: Mutual funds $ — $ 24,041 $ — $ 24,041 Money market funds 194 — — 194 Total $ 194 $ 24,041 $ — $ 24,235 April 30, 2019: Mutual funds $ — $ 24,931 $ — $ 24,931 Money market funds 200 — — 200 Total $ 200 $ 24,931 $ — $ 25,131
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Costs	The components of net periodic benefits costs are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Service cost $ 24,939 $ 17,281 $ 11,373 Interest cost 5,433 5,044 3,787 Amortization of actuarial loss 3,261 1,798 2,308 Net prior service credit amortization (24 ) — — Expected return on plan assets (1,452 ) (1,568 ) (1,594 ) Net periodic benefit cost (1) $ 32,157 $ 22,555 $ 15,874
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation	The weighted-average assumptions used in calculating the benefit obligations were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate, beginning of year 3.57 % 3.93 % 3.57 % Discount rate, end of year 2.29 % 3.57 % 3.93 % Rate of compensation increase 0.00 % 0.00 % 0.00 % Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets 6.00 % 6.00 % 6.25 %
Expected Benefit Payments Associated With Future Service	Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten years as follows: Year Ending April 30, Deferred Retirement Plans (in thousands) 2021 $ 11,208 2022 10,788 2023 9,934 2024 14,801 2025 25,058 2026-2030 196,477
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans
Reconciliation Of Benefit Obligation	The following tables reconcile the benefit obligation for the deferred compensation plans: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 148,369 $ 126,494 Service cost 24,939 17,281 Interest cost 5,433 5,044 Actuarial loss 13,427 7,803 Administrative expenses paid (155 ) (272 ) Benefits paid from plan assets (1) (3,932 ) (1,877 ) Benefits paid from cash (6,652 ) (6,104 ) Plan amendment (608 ) — Benefit obligation, end of year 180,821 148,369 Change in fair value of plan assets: Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year 25,131 26,090 Actual return on plan assets 2,726 1,160 Benefits paid from plan assets (1) (3,932 ) (1,877 ) Administrative expenses paid (155 ) (272 ) Employer contributions 465 30 Fair value of plan assets, end of year 24,235 25,131 Funded status and balance, end of year (2) $ (156,586 ) $ (123,238 ) Current liability $ 8,887 $ 8,331 Non-current liability 147,699 114,907 Total liability $ 156,586 $ 123,238 Plan Assets - weighted-average asset allocation: Debt securities 43 % 54 % Equity securities 56 % 45 % Other 1 % 1 % Total 100 % 100 % (1) The Company amended the Hay Group qualified plan in fiscal 2020 to allow participants that have yet not received benefits to elect a lump-sum payment rather than an annuity payment. As a result of this plan amendment the benefits paid from plan assets include $2.0 million in payments related to participants making this election. The plan amendment also reduced the Company’s benefit obligation by $0.6 million against other comprehensive income. ( 2 ) The Company purchased COLI contracts insuring the lives of certain employees eligible to participate in the deferred compensation and pension plans as a means of funding benefits under such plans. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company held contracts with gross CSV of $238.7 million and $219.2 million, offset by outstanding policy loans of $92.3 million and $93.2 million, respectively.
Medical and Life Insurance plan
Components of Net Periodic Benefits Costs	The components of net periodic benefits costs are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Service cost $ — $ — $ 91 Interest cost 227 243 369 Net periodic service credit amortization (308 ) (308 ) (308 ) Amortization of actuarial gain — (14 ) — Net periodic benefit cost (1) $ (81 ) $ (79 ) $ 152
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation	The weighted-average assumptions used in calculating the medical and life insurance plan were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Discount rate, beginning of year 3.67 % 3.94 % 3.75 % Discount rate, end of year 2.45 % 3.67 % 3.94 % Healthcare care cost trend rate 6.50 % 6.50 % 7.00 %
Expected Benefit Payments Associated With Future Service	Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten years as follows: Year Ending April 30, Medical and Life Insurance (in thousands) 2021 $ 669 2022 652 2023 631 2024 608 2025 579 2026-2030 2,390
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation	The following table reconciles the benefit obligation for the medical and life insurance plan: Year End April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Change in benefit obligation: Benefit obligation, beginning of year $ 7,310 $ 7,157 Interest cost 227 243 Actuarial loss 458 520 Benefits paid (468 ) (610 ) Benefit obligation, end of year $ 7,527 $ 7,310 Current liability $ 666 $ 643 Non-current liability 6,861 6,667 Total liability $ 7,527 $ 7,310
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligation	Changes in ECAP liability were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Balance, beginning of year $ 130,161 $ 128,430 Employee contributions 8,215 4,852 Amortization of employer contributions 6,074 9,573 (Loss) gain on investment (826 ) 8,697 Employee distributions (13,911 ) (20,891 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (398 ) (500 ) Balance, end of year 129,315 130,161 Less: current portion (9,590 ) (8,844 ) Non-current portion $ 119,725 $ 121,317

Fee Revenue (Tables)

Fee Revenue (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Contract Asset and Liability	The following table outlines our contract asset and liability balances as of April 30, 2020 and 2019: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Contract assets-unbilled receivables $ 65,370 $ 60,595 Contract liabilities-deferred revenue $ 133,128 $ 112,999
Schedule of Disaggregation of Fee Revenue by Industry	The following table provides further disaggregation of fee revenue by industry: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 Dollars % Dollars % Dollars % (dollars in thousands) Industrial $ 556,189 28.8 % $ 557,284 28.9 % $ 529,188 30.0 % Life Sciences/Healthcare 343,955 17.8 322,574 16.7 295,300 16.7 Financial Services 334,433 17.3 348,460 18.1 306,216 17.3 Consumer Goods 285,927 14.8 295,900 15.4 277,904 15.7 Technology 285,562 14.8 261,176 13.6 226,004 12.8 Education/Non – 126,666 6.5 140,639 7.3 132,605 7.5 Fee Revenue $ 1,932,732 100.0 % $ 1,926,033 100.0 % $ 1,767,217 100.0 %

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic and Foreign Components of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Domestic and Foreign Income and Other Taxes	Income (loss) from continuing operations before provision for income taxes was as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Domestic $ 40,736 $ (22,039 ) $ 47,164 Foreign 110,226 156,379 158,866 Income before provision for income taxes $ 150,962 $ 134,340 $ 206,030
Provision (Benefit) for Domestic and Foreign Income Taxes	The provision (benefit) for domestic and foreign income taxes was as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Current income taxes: Federal $ 14,336 $ 6,152 $ 29,400 State 4,974 9,097 2,863 Foreign 33,965 42,091 44,434 Current provision for income taxes 53,275 57,340 76,697 Deferred income taxes: Federal (6,862 ) (16,211 ) (3,530 ) State (784 ) (7,682 ) (317 ) Foreign (1,684 ) (3,903 ) (2,717 ) Deferred benefit for income taxes (9,330 ) (27,796 ) (6,564 ) Total provision for income taxes $ 43,945 $ 29,544 $ 70,133
Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Effective Consolidated Tax Rate	The reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective consolidated tax rate is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 U.S. federal statutory income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 30.4 % State tax, net of federal effect 2.2 1.1 1.0 Foreign tax rates differential 4.5 5.0 (2.3 ) Transition tax — — 9.0 Deferred tax remeasurement — — (2.4 ) Non-deductible officers compensation 0.5 1.1 — Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation (1.0 ) (3.1 ) — Change in valuation allowance — (2.0 ) (2.3 ) Other 1.9 (1.1 ) 0.6 Effective income tax rate 29.1 % 22.0 % 34.0 %
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Deferred compensation $ 86,479 $ 75,521 Operating lease liability 37,934 — Loss carryforwards 27,845 22,467 Reserves and accruals 14,211 12,954 Deferred rent — 7,652 Deferred revenue 1,187 1,090 Allowance for doubtful accounts 4,029 3,217 Other 1,516 — Gross deferred tax assets 173,201 122,901 Deferred tax liabilities: Operating lease, right-of-use, assets (29,998 ) — Intangibles and Goodwill (29,006 ) (28,958 ) Property and equipment (22,332 ) (15,883 ) Prepaid expenses (19,567 ) (20,152 ) Other — (1,759 ) Gross deferred tax liabilities (100,903 ) (66,752 ) Valuation allowances (17,875 ) (14,032 ) Net deferred tax asset $ 54,423 $ 42,117
Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year $ 7,794 $ 3,674 $ 2,478 Settlement with tax authority (1,767 ) (1,771 ) (708 ) Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 10 1,775 1,116 Additions based on tax positions related to prior years — 4,116 788 Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year $ 6,037 $ 7,794 $ 3,674

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and equipment include the following: April 30, 2020 2019 (in thousands) Computer equipment and software (1) $ 261,970 $ 220,894 Leasehold improvements 85,208 84,368 Furniture and fixtures 42,741 42,318 Automobiles 3,065 1,022 392,984 348,602 Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (250,256 ) (217,097 ) Property and equipment, net $ 142,728 $ 131,505 (1) Depreciation expense for capitalized software was $18.8 million, $14.6 million and $12.8

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Redemption of Notes at Applicable Redemption Prices	At any time and from time to time on or after December 15, 2022, the Company may redeem the Notes at the applicable redemption prices set forth in the table below, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 15 of each of the years indicated: Year Percentage 2022 102.313% 2023 101.156% 2024 and thereafter 100.000%
Schedule of Long-term Debt, at Amortized Cost	Long-term debt, at amortized cost, consisted of the following: In thousands April 30, 2020 April 30, 2019 Senior Unsecured Notes $ 400,000 $ — Revolver — 226,875 Less: Unamortized discount and issuance costs (5,856 ) (3,997 ) Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ 394,144 $ 222,878

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial Highlights by Operating Segment	Financial highlights by operating segment are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 543,095 $ 292,366 $ 434,624 $ 170,314 $ 98,132 $ 29,400 $ 732,470 $ 364,801 $ — $ 1,932,732 Total revenue $ 557,255 $ 294,261 $ 447,528 $ 172,978 $ 99,209 $ 29,493 $ 749,208 $ 376,606 $ — $ 1,977,330 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 104,946 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,071 Other loss, net 2,879 Interest expense, net 22,184 Income tax provision 43,945 Operating income (loss) $ 17,695 $ 46,909 $ 113,080 $ 21,085 $ 17,914 $ 4,860 $ 156,939 $ 50,438 $ (95,956 ) $ 176,025 Depreciation and amortization 17,567 19,261 3,452 1,713 1,311 1,182 7,658 3,906 6,919 55,311 Other income (loss), net 1,326 485 (3,051 ) 139 11 51 (2,850 ) 82 (1,922 ) (2,879 ) EBITDA 36,588 66,655 113,481 22,937 19,236 6,093 161,747 54,426 (90,959 ) 228,457 Integration/acquisition costs — 5,937 — — — — — — 6,215 12,152 Restructuring charges, net 24,504 10,481 7,244 6,347 3,649 309 17,549 5,742 283 58,559 Separation costs — — — 1,783 — — 1,783 — — 1,783 Adjusted EBITDA $ 61,092 $ 83,073 $ 120,725 $ 31,067 $ 22,885 $ 6,402 $ 181,079 $ 60,168 $ (84,461 ) $ 300,951 Year Ended April 30, 2019 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 568,321 $ 252,727 $ 455,826 $ 182,829 $ 104,291 $ 31,896 $ 774,842 $ 330,143 $ — $ 1,926,033 Total revenue $ 585,893 $ 252,727 $ 469,743 $ 186,131 $ 105,543 $ 31,960 $ 793,377 $ 341,865 $ — $ 1,973,862 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 102,651 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,145 Other income, net (10,405 ) Interest expense, net 16,891 Income tax provision 29,544 Operating (loss) income $ (34,115 ) $ 39,732 $ 120,754 $ 29,974 $ 24,364 $ 3,998 $ 179,090 $ 50,884 $ (94,765 ) $ 140,826 Depreciation and amortization 16,172 12,885 3,890 1,254 1,428 410 6,982 3,255 7,195 46,489 Other income (loss), net 2,203 995 6,699 432 281 322 7,734 268 (795 ) 10,405 EBITDA (15,740 ) 53,612 131,343 31,660 26,073 4,730 193,806 54,407 (88,365 ) 197,720 Integration/acquisition costs 5,304 1,255 — — — — — — 187 6,746 Tradename write-offs 76,967 29,588 — — — — — — — 106,555 Adjusted EBITDA $ 66,531 $ 84,455 $ 131,343 $ 31,660 $ 26,073 $ 4,730 $ 193,806 $ 54,407 $ (88,178 ) $ 311,021 Year Ended April 30, 2018 Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Latin America Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Corporate Consolidated (in thousands) Fee revenue $ 540,529 $ 244,484 $ 408,098 $ 173,725 $ 96,595 $ 30,624 $ 709,042 $ 273,162 $ — $ 1,767,217 Total revenue $ 556,521 $ 244,484 $ 421,260 $ 177,234 $ 98,062 $ 30,717 $ 727,273 $ 291,241 $ — $ 1,819,519 Net income attributable to Korn Ferry $ 133,779 Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest 2,118 Other income, net (11,416 ) Interest expense, net 13,832 Income tax provision 70,133 Operating income (loss) $ 22,408 $ 78,127 $ 100,397 $ 26,768 $ 18,425 $ 4,022 $ 149,612 $ 39,396 $ (81,097 ) $ 208,446 Depreciation and amortization 18,954 12,573 3,930 1,689 1,408 455 7,482 3,054 6,525 48,588 Other income, net 2,127 374 1,142 168 373 181 1,864 152 6,899 11,416 EBITDA 43,489 91,074 105,469 28,625 20,206 4,658 158,958 42,602 (67,673 ) 268,450 Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net (122 ) (119 ) — — 313 — 313 6 — 78 Integration/acquisition costs 7,724 1,427 — — — — — — 279 9,430 Adjusted EBITDA $ 51,091 $ 92,382 $ 105,469 $ 28,625 $ 20,519 $ 4,658 $ 159,271 $ 42,608 $ (67,394 ) $ 277,958
Fee Revenue Classified by Country	Fee revenue classified by country in which the Company derives revenues are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) U.S. $ 875,605 $ 859,969 $ 778,470 United Kingdom 204,271 202,055 176,091 Other countries 852,856 864,009 812,656 Total fee revenue $ 1,932,732 $ 1,926,033 $ 1,767,217
Long-Lived Assets, Excluding Financial Instruments and Tax Assets, Classified by Controlling Countries over Ten Percent	Long-lived assets, excluding financial instruments and tax assets, classified by location of the controlling statutory country are as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 2019 2018 (in thousands) U.S. (1) $ 169,928 $ 98,455 $ 80,424 United Kingdom 35,739 6,466 7,792 Other countries 132,138 26,584 31,685 Total long-lived assets $ 337,805 $ 131,505 $ 119,901 (1) Includes Corporate long-lived assets

Restructuring Charges, Net (Tab

Restructuring Charges, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Changes In Restructuring Liability	Changes in the restructuring liability were as follows: Restructuring Liability (in thousands) As of April 30, 2018 $ 1,051 Restructuring charges, net — Reductions for cash payments (284 ) Non-cash payments (171 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (65 ) As of April 30, 2019 531 Restructuring charges, net 58,559 Reductions for cash payments (16,737 ) Non-cash payments (8,053 ) Exchange rate fluctuations (147 ) As of April 30, 2020 $ 34,153

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill by Reportable Segment	Changes in the carrying value of goodwill by reportable segment were as follows: Executive Search Consulting Digital North America EMEA Asia Pacific Subtotal RPO & Professional Search Consolidated (in thousands) Balance as of May 1, 2018 $ 173,453 $ 284,716 $ 47,757 $ 47,501 $ 972 $ 96,230 $ 29,823 $ 584,222 Exchange rate fluctuations (306 ) (502 ) (1,186 ) (2,021 ) — (3,207 ) (1,909 ) (5,924 ) Balance as of April 30, 2019 173,147 284,214 46,571 45,480 972 93,023 27,914 578,298 Additions — 38,926 — — — — — 38,926 Exchange rate fluctuations (133 ) (413 ) (850 ) (986 ) — (1,836 ) (899 ) (3,281 ) Balance as of April 30, 2020 $ 173,014 $ 322,727 $ 45,721 $ 44,494 $ 972 $ 91,187 $ 27,015 $ 613,943
Intangible Assets	Intangible assets include the following: April 30, 2020 April 30, 2019 (in thousands) Amortized intangible assets: Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Accumulated Amortization Net Customer lists $ 131,299 $ (64,762 ) $ 66,537 $ 125,099 $ (53,352 ) $ 71,747 Intellectual property 69,100 (26,548 ) 42,552 33,100 (22,045 ) 11,055 Proprietary databases 4,256 (4,202 ) 54 4,256 (4,053 ) 203 Non-compete agreements 910 (910 ) — 910 (893 ) 17 Trademarks 7,186 (4,236 ) 2,950 3,986 (3,986 ) — Total $ 212,751 $ (100,658 ) 112,093 $ 167,351 $ (84,329 ) 83,022 Exchange rate fluctuations (167 ) (74 ) Total Intangible assets $ 111,926 $ 82,948
Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Related to Amortizing Intangible Assets	Estimated annual amortization expense related to amortizing intangible assets is as follows: Year Ending April 30, Estimated Annual Amortization Expense (in thousands) 2021 $ 19,256 2022 19,101 2023 17,271 2024 14,794 2025 14,696 Thereafter 26,975 $ 112,093

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Finance lease cost Amortization of ROU assets $ 1,820 Interest on lease liabilities 149 1,969 Operating lease cost 57,683 Short-term lease cost 1,111 Variable lease cost 13,562 Lease impairment cost 2,282 Sublease income (447 ) Total lease cost $ 76,160
Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases	Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows: Year Ended April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases $ 59,631 Financing cash flows from finance leases $ 1,833 ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations: Operating leases $ 15,246 Finance leases $ 1,333
Summary of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Finance Leases: Property and equipment, at cost $ 4,281 Accumulated depreciation (1,485 ) Property and equipment, net $ 2,796 Other accrued liabilities $ 1,241 Other liabilities 1,634 Total finance lease liabilities $ 2,875 Weighted average remaining lease terms: Operating leases 5.5 years Finance leases 2.9 years Weighted average discount rate: Operating leases 4.8 % Finance leases 4.1 %
Summary of Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Maturities of lease liabilities are as follows: Year Ending April 30, Operating Financing (in thousands) 2021 $ 60,052 $ 1,325 2022 50,246 940 2023 43,334 445 2024 40,091 245 2025 31,601 85 Thereafter 44,444 — Total lease payments 269,768 3,040 Less: imputed interest 34,151 165 Total $ 235,617 $ 2,875
Future Minimum Commitments Under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases	Future minimum commitments under non-cancelable operating leases with lease terms in excess of one year, excluding commitments accrued in the restructuring liability under ASC 840 at April 30, 2019, are as follows: Year Ending April 30, Lease Commitments (in thousands) 2020 $ 55,351 2021 52,567 2022 45,465 2023 38,582 2024 34,008 Thereafter 74,764 $ 300,737

Acquisition (Tables)

Acquisition (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Summary of Net Assets Acquired	The following table provides a summary of the net assets acquired in fiscal 2020 (as no acquisitions were completed in fiscal 2019 or 2018): Year Ended April 30, 2020 (in thousands) Current assets (1) $ 44,475 Long-term assets 15,024 Intangibles assets 45,400 Current liabilities 29,503 Long-term liabilities 5,720 Net assets acquired 69,676 Purchase price 108,602 Goodwill $ 38,926 (1) Included in current assets is acquired receivables in the amount of $41.1 million.

Quarterly Results (Tables)

Quarterly Results (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Information	The following table sets forth certain unaudited consolidated statements of income data for the quarters in fiscal 2020 and 2019. The unaudited quarterly information has been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial statements and, in management’s opinion, includes all adjustments necessary to present fairly the information for the quarters presented. Quarters Ended Fiscal 2020 Fiscal 2019 April 30 January October 31 July 31 April 30 January October 31 July 31 (in thousands, except per share data) Fee revenue $ 440,469 $ 515,325 $ 492,389 $ 484,549 $ 490,756 $ 474,504 $ 495,205 $ 465,568 Operating income (loss) $ 22,227 $ 31,595 $ 61,869 $ 60,334 $ 62,275 $ 62,683 $ 70,987 $ (55,119 ) Net (loss) income $ (621 ) $ 20,956 $ 43,032 $ 43,650 $ 50,627 $ 45,444 $ 47,317 $ (38,592 ) Net (loss) income attributable to Korn Ferry $ (802 ) $ 19,993 $ 42,804 $ 42,951 $ 50,264 $ 44,964 $ 46,034 $ (38,611 ) Net (loss) earnings per common share: Basic $ (0.02 ) $ 0.37 $ 0.78 $ 0.77 $ 0.90 $ 0.81 $ 0.82 $ (0.70 ) Diluted $ (0.02 ) $ 0.36 $ 0.77 $ 0.76 $ 0.89 $ 0.80 $ 0.81 $ (0.70 )

Organization and Summary of S_3

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2019USD ($)Facility	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)SegmentFacility	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of business segments | Segment			4
Dividends received from unconsolidated subsidiary			$ 346,000	$ 140,000	$ 240,000
Other-than-temporary impairment			0	0	0
ROU assets, impairment charge			2,282,000
Write-off of long-lived assets			2,654,000
Impairment of long-lived assets				0	0
Goodwill			613,943,000	578,298,000	584,222,000
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0
Impairment of intangible assets			0
Purchase price allocated to indefinite lived trade name intangible assets				106,600,000
Performance-related bonus expenses			$ 197,100,000	257,300,000	220,400,000
Percentage that Actuarial gain or loss must exceed the greater of PBO or Market Value Plan Assets			10.00%
Cash surrender value of company owned life insurance policies, net of loans			$ 146,408,000	126,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
ROU assets			236,100,000
Lease liability			272,300,000
ROU asset adjusted by reclassification of pre-existing prepaid expenses and other assets			5,100,000
ROU asset adjusted by reclassification of deferred rent			41,300,000
CSV of COLI Contracts
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cash surrender value of company owned life insurance policies, net of loans			146,400,000	126,000,000
General and Administrative Expenses
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets				106,600,000
Foreign currency gains (losses)			(4,100,000)	(1,700,000)	(3,300,000)
Consulting | Operating Segments
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Goodwill			$ 173,014,000	$ 173,147,000	$ 173,453,000
Acquired Companies
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of office leases closed | Facility		16	16
ROU assets, impairment charge		$ 2,300,000	$ 2,300,000
Goodwill		$ 38,926,000
Minimum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets estimated useful lives			1 year
Amortization of long-term retention awards			4 years
Minimum | Executive Capital Accumulation Plan
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement vesting period			4 years
Maximum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Intangible assets estimated useful lives			24 years
Amortization of long-term retention awards			5 years
Maximum | Executive Capital Accumulation Plan
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement vesting period			5 years
Software and Software Development Costs | Minimum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life			3 years
Software and Software Development Costs | Maximum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life			7 years
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment | Minimum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life			3 years
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment | Maximum
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Property and equipment estimated useful life			10 years
Leasehold Improvements And Furniture And Fixtures | Acquired Companies
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Write-off of long-lived assets			$ 400,000
Mexican Subsidiary
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of Noncontrolling interest in subsidiary			51.00%
Affiliated Entity
Organization And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Investments in affiliated companies maximum			50.00%

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe_3

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail) - shares shares in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Restricted Stock
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share, shares	0.7	0.6	0.6

Basic and Diluted Earnings Pe_4

Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share - Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share Attributable to Common Stockholders (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Korn Ferry	$ (802)	$ 19,993	$ 42,804	$ 42,951	$ 50,264	$ 44,964	$ 46,034	$ (38,611)	$ 104,946	$ 102,651	$ 133,779
Less: distributed and undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders									1,140	1,066	1,426
Basic net earnings attributable to common stockholders									103,806	101,585	132,353
Add: undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders									901	831	1,187
Less: reallocation of undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders									894	820	1,169
Diluted net earnings attributable to common stockholders									$ 103,813	$ 101,596	$ 132,371
Basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding									54,342	55,311	55,426
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding									54,767	56,096	56,254
Basic earnings per share	$ (0.02)	$ 0.37	$ 0.78	$ 0.77	$ 0.90	$ 0.81	$ 0.82	$ (0.70)	$ 1.91	$ 1.84	$ 2.39
Diluted earnings per share	$ (0.02)	$ 0.36	$ 0.77	$ 0.76	$ 0.89	$ 0.80	$ 0.81	$ (0.70)	$ 1.90	$ 1.81	$ 2.35
ESPP
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities									58	34	5
Restricted Stock
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities									367	750	822
Stock Options
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of dilutive securities										1	1

Comprehensive Income - Componen

Comprehensive Income - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ (83,652)	$ (60,270)
Deferred compensation and pension plan adjustments, net of taxes	(23,554)	(16,838)
Marketable securities unrealized gain, net of tax	34
Interest rate swap unrealized gain, net of taxes		456
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net	$ (107,172)	$ (76,652)

Comprehensive Income - Changes

Comprehensive Income - Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		$ 1,240,656
Ending balance		1,221,381	$ 1,240,656
Foreign Currency Translation
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(60,270)	(32,399)	$ (55,359)
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		(23,382)	(27,871)	22,960
Ending balance		(83,652)	(60,270)	(32,399)
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	[1]	(16,838)	(9,073)	(15,127)
Effect of adoption of accounting standard	[1]		(2,396)
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	[1]	(8,883)	(6,461)	4,813
Reclassification of realized losses (gains) to net income	[1]	2,167	1,092	1,241
Ending balance	[1]	(23,554)	(16,838)	(9,073)
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Marketable Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		37
Reclassification of realized losses (gains) to net income		(3)
Ending balance		34
Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Interest Rate Swap
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance	[2]	456	1,337	(578)
Effect of adoption of accounting standard	[2]		199
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period	[2]	(678)	(800)	1,465
Reclassification of realized losses (gains) to net income	[2]	222	(280)	450
Ending balance	[2]		456	1,337
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(76,652)	(40,135)	(71,064)
Effect of adoption of accounting standard			(2,197)
Unrealized (losses) gains arising during the period		(32,906)	(35,132)	29,238
Reclassification of realized losses (gains) to net income		2,386	812	1,691
Ending balance		$ (107,172)	$ (76,652)	$ (40,135)
[1]	The tax effects on unrealized (losses) gains were $(3.1) million, $(2.3) million and $2.5 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax effects on reclassifications of realized net losses were $0.8 million, $0.4 million and $0.8 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
[2]	The tax effects on unrealized (losses) gains were $(0.2) million, $(0.3) million and $0.8 million as of April 30, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The tax effect on the reclassification of realized net (losses) gains to net income was $(0.1) million, $0.1 million and $(0.3) million as of April 30, 2020 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Comprehensive Income - Change_2

Comprehensive Income - Changes in Each Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plan
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax effect on unrealized (losses) gains	$ (3.1)	$ (2.3)	$ 2.5
Tax effect on reclassification of realized net losses (gains)	0.8	0.4	0.8
Unrealized (Losses) Gains on Interest Rate Swap
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Tax effect on unrealized (losses) gains	(0.2)	(0.3)	0.8
Tax effect on reclassifications of realized net gains (losses)	$ (0.1)	$ 0.1	$ (0.3)

Employee Stock Plans - Componen

Employee Stock Plans - Components of Stock-Based Compensation Expense Recognized (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax	$ 22,818	$ 23,385	$ 21,469
Tax benefit from stock-based compensation expense	(6,642)	(5,155)	(7,319)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of tax	16,176	18,230	14,150
Restricted Stock
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax	21,495	22,063	20,282
ESPP
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Total stock-based compensation expense, pre-tax	$ 1,323	$ 1,322	$ 1,187

Employee Stock Plans - Addition

Employee Stock Plans - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 03, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock		$ 8,993,000	$ 20,698,000	$ 3,794,000
Shares repurchased during the period, value		$ 101,439,000	$ 58,070,000	$ 36,865,000
Treasury Stock, Common
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares repurchased during the period		2,606,861	809,074	984,079
Shares repurchased during the period, value		$ 92,400,000	$ 37,400,000	$ 33,100,000
ESPP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for future issuance		700,000
Maximum number of shares reserved for issuance		3,000,000
Authorized payroll deductions		15.00%
Fair market price of common stock		85.00%
Authorized payroll deductions, value		$ 25,000
Employees stock purchased		220,161	169,299	198,749
Employees stock purchased, price per share		$ 34.90	$ 42.05	$ 31.77
Time Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Market Based Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Shares outstanding		500,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards		$ 10,500,000
Performance Based Restricted Stock Unit
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Shares outstanding		0	0
Restricted Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares outstanding		1,365,000	1,460,000	1,730,000	1,581,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested awards		$ 34,700,000
Expected cost recognized over weighted-average period		2 years 3 months 18 days
Shares repurchased during the period to pay for taxes		232,618	356,879
Payments of tax withholdings on restricted stock		$ 9,000,000	$ 20,700,000
Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of employee stock options			$ 200,000	$ 600,000
Stock Options | Common Stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock issued for stock options exercised		0	6,720	41,075
Stock Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Common stock available for stock-based awards	2,141,807
Shares available for future issuance	3,600,000
Vesting period	1 year

Employee Stock Plans - Restrict

Employee Stock Plans - Restricted Stock Activity (Detail) - Restricted Stock - $ / shares shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares, Non-vested, beginning of year	1,460	1,730	1,581
Shares, Granted	608	671	650
Shares, Vested	(638)	(904)	(431)
Shares, Forfeited	(65)	(37)	(70)
Shares, Non-vested, end of year	1,365	1,460	1,730
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, beginning of year	$ 38.42	$ 33.45	$ 29.74
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	38.38	40.93	37.60
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	25.42	36.41	26.13
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	33.48	32.26	33.26
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested, end of year	$ 44.59	$ 38.42	$ 33.45

Financial Instruments - Financi

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classification (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 689,244	$ 626,360
Marketable Securities, Current		41,951	8,288
Marketable securities, non-current		132,134	132,463
Income Taxes & Other Receivables		38,755	26,767
Income Taxes & Other Receivables		2,634	718
Fair Value		865,963	767,829
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Money Market Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		71,763	46,362
Fair Value		71,763	46,362
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Mutual Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Current	[1]	9,278	8,288
Marketable securities, non-current	[1]	132,134	132,463
Fair Value	[1]	141,412	140,751
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Equity Securities
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Marketable Securities, Current		9,278	8,288
Marketable securities, non-current		132,134	132,463
Fair Value		141,412	140,751
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Cash
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents		611,795	579,998
Fair Value		611,795	579,998
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost		38,313
Unrealized Gains		65
Unrealized Losses		(19)
Fair Value		38,359
Cash and cash equivalents		5,686
Marketable Securities, Current		32,673
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Commercial Paper
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost		19,132
Unrealized Gains		39
Fair Value		19,171
Cash and cash equivalents		4,785
Marketable Securities, Current		14,386
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Corporate Notes/Bonds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost		19,181
Unrealized Gains		26
Unrealized Losses		(19)
Fair Value		19,188
Cash and cash equivalents		901
Marketable Securities, Current		18,287
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Income Taxes & Other Receivables		2,634	99
Fair Value		$ 2,634	99
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Income Taxes & Other Receivables			619
Unrealized Gains			619
Fair Value			$ 619
[1]	These investments are held in trust for settlement of the Company’s vested obligations of $124.6 million and $122.3 million as of April 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under the ECAP (see Note 6 — Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans

Financial Instruments - Finan_2

Financial Instruments - Financial Instruments and Balance Sheet Classification (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Obligations for which assets are held in trust	$ 124.6	$ 122.3
Gain (loss) on marketable securities	(1.8)	8.1	$ 10.3
Unvested obligations under deferred compensation plans	21.7	24.6
Mutual Funds
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on marketable securities	$ (1.8)	$ 8.1	$ 10.3

Financial Instruments - Additio

Financial Instruments - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 16, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Sale/maturities of available-for-sale marketable securities		$ 4.8
Designated as Hedge Instrument | Interest Rate Swap | Cash Flow Hedge
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount					$ 129.8
Interest rate		1.919%
Interest expense recognized on termination of interest rate swap	$ 0.5
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Foreign currency gains (losses)		$ (0.3)	$ 1.2	$ (3.7)
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts | Income Taxes And Other Receivables | Derivatives Purchased
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount		91.2	51.4
Not Designated as Hedge Instrument | Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts | Income Taxes And Other Receivables | Derivatives Sold
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Derivative notional amount		$ 41.8	40
Available-for-sale Marketable Securities | Minimum
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Marketable securities remaining maturity		1 month
Available-for-sale Marketable Securities | Maximum
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Marketable securities remaining maturity		12 months
Mutual Funds
Financial Instrument [Line Items]
Unrealized loss relates to equity securities		$ 8.2	$ 4.7
Unrealized gains relates to equity securities				$ 3.9

Financial Instruments - Fair Va

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivative Designated as Cash Flow Hedge Instrument (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)
Designated as Hedge Instrument | Interest Rate Swap
Derivative asset:
Interest rate swap contract	$ 619

Financial Instruments - Summary

Financial Instruments - Summary of Gains and Losses on Interest Rate Swap (Detail) - Interest Rate Swap - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]
(Losses) gains recognized in other comprehensive income (net of tax effects of $(238), $(281), and $828, respectively)	$ (678)	$ (800)	$ 1,465
(Losses) gains reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into interest (expense) income, net	$ (297)	$ 376	$ (730)

Financial Instruments - Summa_2

Financial Instruments - Summary of Gains and Losses on Interest Rate Swap (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative [Line Items]
Gains (Losses) recognized in OCI, tax effects	$ (238)	$ (281)	$ 828

Financial Instruments - Fair _2

Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedge Instruments (Detail) - Not Designated as Hedge Instrument - Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Derivative assets:
Fair Value of Derivative Assets	$ 3,034	$ 821
Derivative liabilities:
Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities	$ 400	$ 722

Deferred Compensation and Ret_3

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans - Total Long-Term Benefit Obligations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation	$ 308,279	$ 275,453
Less: current portion of benefit obligation	(19,143)	(17,818)
Deferred compensation and other retirement plans	289,136	257,635
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation	156,586	123,238
Medical and Life Insurance Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation	7,527	7,310
International Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation	14,851	14,744
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation	$ 129,315	$ 130,161

Deferred Compensation and Ret_4

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)PersonJurisdiction	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)Person	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Recognized investment income(expense)	$ (1,800,000)	$ 8,100,000	$ 10,300,000
Increase in market value of the underlying COLI investments	6,551,000	6,160,000	7,776,000
Net CSV	146,408,000	126,000,000
CSV of COLI Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Outstanding policy loans	92,300,000	93,200,000
Total death benefits payable, net of loans	451,700,000	223,600,000
Increase in market value of the underlying COLI investments	6,600,000	6,200,000	7,800,000
Net CSV	$ 146,400,000	126,000,000
Equity Securities | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation range	50.00%
Equity Securities | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation range	60.00%
Debt Securities | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation range	35.00%
Debt Securities | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation range	45.00%
Other Assets | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation range	1.00%
Other Assets | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation range	11.00%
Long Term Performance Unit Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Value per unit award	$ 50,000
Annual Benefit Payments per vested unit after anniversary period	$ 25,000
Number of payments after the seventh anniversary of the grant date	5 years
Vesting percentage on each anniversary date	25.00%
Enhanced Wealth Accumulation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Participant contribution period towards deferred compensation plans (in years)	8 years
Participant after tax contribution period towards deferred compensation plans (in years)	15 years
Additional deferred units to acquire (in years)	5 years
Medical and Life Insurance plan | Hay Group
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit plan, number of participants | Person	125
Total benefit obligation	$ 7,527,000	7,310,000	7,157,000
International Retirement Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of foreign jurisdictions | Jurisdiction	23
Total benefit obligation	$ 14,900,000	$ 14,700,000
Long-term benefit obligation accrued, number of participants | Person	2,991	2,777
Company's contributions	$ 14,400,000	$ 13,300,000
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation	129,315,000	130,161,000	128,430,000
Company's contributions	9,000,000	8,500,000	6,200,000
Gain (loss) on deferred compensation plan	(800,000)	8,700,000	11,100,000
Company's contributions, unamortized portion	$ 17,000,000	16,800,000
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan | Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement vesting period	4 years
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan | Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Deferred compensation arrangement vesting period	5 years
Defined Contribution Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Company's matching contributions	$ 3,000,000	2,700,000
Percentage contribution by the participants to defined contribution plan	50.00%
Deferred Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation	$ 180,821,000	148,369,000	$ 126,494,000
Deferred Compensation Plan | CSV of COLI Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross CSV	238,700,000	219,200,000
Outstanding policy loans	92,300,000	$ 93,200,000
Company Owned Life Insurance Held In Trust | CSV of COLI Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net CSV	117,200,000
Total death benefits, net of loans held in trust	$ 178,800,000

Deferred Compensation And Ret_5

Deferred Compensation And Retirement Plans - Reconciliation Of Benefit Obligation (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total benefit obligation		$ 308,279	$ 275,453
Deferred Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year		148,369	126,494
Service cost		24,939	17,281	$ 11,373
Interest cost		5,433	5,044	3,787
Actuarial loss		13,427	7,803
Administrative expenses paid		(155)	(272)
Benefits paid from plan assets	[1]	(3,932)	(1,877)
Benefits paid from cash		(6,652)	(6,104)
Plan amendment		(608)
Benefit obligation, end of year		180,821	148,369	126,494
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year		25,131	26,090
Actual return on plan assets		2,726	1,160
Benefits paid from plan assets	[1]	(3,932)	(1,877)
Administrative expenses paid		(155)	(272)
Employer contributions		465	30
Fair value of plan assets, end of year		24,235	25,131	26,090
Funded status and balance, end of year	[2]	(156,586)	(123,238)
Current liability		8,887	8,331
Non-current liability		147,699	114,907
Total benefit obligation		$ 156,586	$ 123,238
Plan assets weighted average allocation		100.00%	100.00%
Deferred Compensation Plan | Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets weighted average allocation		43.00%	54.00%
Deferred Compensation Plan | Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets weighted average allocation		56.00%	45.00%
Deferred Compensation Plan | Other securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan assets weighted average allocation		1.00%	1.00%
Executive Capital Accumulation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year		$ 130,161	$ 128,430
Employee contributions		8,215	4,852
Amortization of employer contributions		6,074	9,573
Gain on investment		(826)	8,697
Benefits paid from cash		(13,911)	(20,891)
Exchange rate fluctuations		(398)	(500)
Benefit obligation, end of year		129,315	130,161	$ 128,430
Current liability		9,590	8,844
Non-current liability		119,725	121,317
Total benefit obligation		$ 129,315	$ 130,161
[1]	The Company amended the Hay Group qualified plan in fiscal 2020 to allow participants that have yet not received benefits to elect a lump-sum payment rather than an annuity payment.  As a result of this plan amendment the benefits paid from plan assets include $2.0 million in payments related to participants making this election. The plan amendment also reduced the Company’s benefit obligation by $0.6 million against other comprehensive income.
[2]	The Company purchased COLI contracts insuring the lives of certain employees eligible to participate in the deferred compensation and pension plans as a means of funding benefits under such plans. As of April 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company held contracts with gross CSV of $238.7 million and $219.2 million, offset by outstanding policy loans of $92.3 million and $93.2 million, respectively

Deferred Compensation And Ret_6

Deferred Compensation And Retirement Plans - Reconciliation Of Benefit Obligation (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
CSV of COLI Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Outstanding policy loans	$ 92,300	$ 93,200
Deferred Compensation Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reduction in benefit obligation	(608)
Deferred Compensation Plan | CSV of COLI Contracts
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Gross CSV	238,700	219,200
Outstanding policy loans	92,300	$ 93,200
Deferred Compensation Plan | Hay Group
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Reduction in benefit obligation	(600)
Payments related to participants making this election	$ 2,000

Deferred Compensation And Ret_7

Deferred Compensation And Retirement Plans - Fair Value Measurements of Defined Benefit Plan Assets (Detail) - Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit plan assets	$ 24,235	$ 25,131
Mutual Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit plan assets	24,041	24,931
Money Market Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit plan assets	194	200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit plan assets	194	200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 | Money Market Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit plan assets	194	200
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit plan assets	24,041	24,931
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 | Mutual Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total defined benefit plan assets	$ 24,041	$ 24,931

Deferred Compensation And Ret_8

Deferred Compensation And Retirement Plans - Components of Net Periodic Benefits Costs (Detail) - Deferred Compensation Plan - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost		$ 24,939	$ 17,281	$ 11,373
Interest cost		5,433	5,044	3,787
Amortization of actuarial loss		3,261	1,798	2,308
Net prior service credit amortization		(24)
Expected return on plan assets		(1,452)	(1,568)	(1,594)
Net periodic benefit cost	[1]	$ 32,157	$ 22,555	$ 15,874
[1]	The service cost, interest cost and other components of net periodic benefit costs are included in compensation and benefits expense, interest expense, net and other (loss) income, net, respectively, on the consolidated statements of income.

Deferred Compensation And Ret_9

Deferred Compensation And Retirement Plans - Weighted-Average Assumptions Used In Calculating The Benefit Obligations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate, beginning of year	3.57%	3.93%	3.57%
Discount rate, end of year	2.29%	3.57%	3.93%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Expected long-term rates of return on plan assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.25%
Medical and Life Insurance plan | Hay Group
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate, beginning of year	3.67%	3.94%	3.75%
Discount rate, end of year	2.45%	3.67%	3.94%
Healthcare care cost trend rate	6.50%	6.50%	7.00%

Deferred Compensation And Re_10

Deferred Compensation And Retirement Plans - Expected Benefit Payments Associated With Future Service (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Deferred Compensation and Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	$ 11,208
2022	10,788
2023	9,934
2024	14,801
2025	25,058
2026-2030	196,477
Medical and Life Insurance plan | Hay Group
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2021	669
2022	652
2023	631
2024	608
2025	579
2026-2030	$ 2,390

Deferred Compensation and Re_11

Deferred Compensation and Retirement Plans - Reconciliation of Fair Value of Plan Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Current liability	$ 19,143	$ 17,818
Non-current liability	289,136	257,635
Total benefit obligation	308,279	275,453
Medical and Life Insurance plan | Hay Group
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	7,310	7,157
Interest cost	227	243	$ 369
Actuarial loss	458	520
Benefits paid	(468)	(610)
Benefit obligation, end of year	7,527	7,310	$ 7,157
Current liability	666	643
Non-current liability	6,861	6,667
Total benefit obligation	$ 7,527	$ 7,310

Deferred Compensation And Re_12

Deferred Compensation And Retirement Plans - Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Detail) - Medical and Life Insurance plan - Hay Group - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost				$ 91
Interest cost		$ 227	$ 243	369
Net periodic service credit amortization		(308)	(308)	(308)
Amortization of actuarial gain			(14)
Net periodic benefit cost	[1]	$ (81)	$ (79)	$ 152
[1]	The service cost, interest cost and the other components of net periodic benefit costs are included in compensation and benefits expense, interest expense, net and other income (loss), net, respectively, on the consolidated statements of income.

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Contr

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Contract Asset and Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Contract assets-unbilled receivables	$ 65,370	$ 60,595
Contract liabilities-deferred revenue	$ 133,128	$ 112,999

Fee Revenue - Additional Inform

Fee Revenue - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Revenue From Contract With Customer [Abstract]
Contract liabilities, revenue recognized	$ 94.1	$ 97
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 608.5
Revenue, practical expedient, initial application and transition, completed contract, same reporting period	true
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, optional exemption, performance obligation	true

Fee Revenue - Additional Info_2

Fee Revenue - Additional Information (Details 1) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 608.5
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2020-05-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 307.7
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2021-05-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 158.6
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2022-05-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 77.3
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date: 2023-05-01
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligation Expected Timing Of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized, remaining performance obligation	$ 64.9
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, period
Revenue, remaining performance obligation, expected timing of satisfaction, explanation	2024 and thereafter

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Disag

Fee Revenue - Schedule of Disaggregation of Fee Revenue by Industry (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 1,977,330	$ 1,973,862	$ 1,819,519
Industrial
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 556,189	$ 557,284	$ 529,188
Fee Revenue, Percentage									28.80%	28.90%	30.00%
Life Sciences/ Healthcare
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 343,955	$ 322,574	$ 295,300
Fee Revenue, Percentage									17.80%	16.70%	16.70%
Financial Services
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 334,433	$ 348,460	$ 306,216
Fee Revenue, Percentage									17.30%	18.10%	17.30%
Consumer Goods
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 285,927	$ 295,900	$ 277,904
Fee Revenue, Percentage									14.80%	15.40%	15.70%
Technology
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 285,562	$ 261,176	$ 226,004
Fee Revenue, Percentage									14.80%	13.60%	12.80%
Education/Non-Profit/General
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 126,666	$ 140,639	$ 132,605
Fee Revenue, Percentage									6.50%	7.30%	7.50%
Fee Revenue
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 440,469	$ 515,325	$ 492,389	$ 484,549	$ 490,756	$ 474,504	$ 495,205	$ 465,568	$ 1,932,732	$ 1,926,033	$ 1,767,217
Fee Revenue, Percentage									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) fr

Income Taxes - Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Provision for Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 40,736	$ (22,039)	$ 47,164
Foreign	110,226	156,379	158,866
Income before provision for income taxes	$ 150,962	$ 134,340	$ 206,030

Income Taxes - Provision (Benef

Income Taxes - Provision (Benefit) for Domestic and Foreign Income Taxes (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Current income taxes:
Federal	$ 14,336	$ 6,152	$ 29,400
State	4,974	9,097	2,863
Foreign	33,965	42,091	44,434
Current provision for income taxes	53,275	57,340	76,697
Deferred income taxes:
Federal	(6,862)	(16,211)	(3,530)
State	(784)	(7,682)	(317)
Foreign	(1,684)	(3,903)	(2,717)
Deferred benefit for income taxes	(9,330)	(27,796)	(6,564)
Total provision for income taxes	$ 43,945	$ 29,544	$ 70,133

Income Taxes - Reconciliation o

Income Taxes - Reconciliation of Statutory Federal Income Tax Rate to Effective Consolidated Tax Rate (Detail)	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	21.00%	30.40%
State tax, net of federal effect			2.20%	1.10%	1.00%
Foreign tax rates differential			4.50%	5.00%	(2.30%)
Transition tax					9
Deferred tax remeasurement					(2.40%)
Non-deductible officers compensation			0.50%	1.10%
Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation			(1.00%)	(3.10%)
Change in valuation allowance				(2.00%)	(2.30%)
Other			1.90%	(1.10%)	0.60%
Effective income tax rate			29.10%	22.00%	34.00%

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	4 Months Ended	8 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2017
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
U.S. corporate federal statutory income tax rate	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	21.00%	30.40%
Provisional tax charge for one-time tax on accumulated foreign earnings					$ 18,400,000
Provisional tax (benefit) from remeasurement of U.S. federal					(5,900,000)
Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries			$ 522,500,000
Unrecognized tax benefits liability	$ 3,674,000		6,037,000	$ 7,794,000	3,674,000	$ 2,478,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, reductions resulting from resolution			(1,500,000)
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued	300,000		600,000	400,000	300,000
Unrecognized tax benefits, income tax penalties accrued	$ 0		0	0	0
Recognized interest expense			400,000	$ 100,000	$ 300,000
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward			$ 2,500,000
Net operating loss carryforward, will be fully utilized			2028
State and Local Jurisdiction
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward			$ 46,300,000
Net operating loss carryforward, beginning expiration			2021
Foreign Tax Authority
Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward			$ 106,100,000
Net operating loss carryforward, beginning expiration			2021

Income Taxes - Components of De

Income Taxes - Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred compensation	$ 86,479	$ 75,521
Operating lease liability	37,934
Loss carryforwards	27,845	22,467
Reserves and accruals	14,211	12,954
Deferred rent		7,652
Deferred revenue	1,187	1,090
Allowance for doubtful accounts	4,029	3,217
Other	1,516
Gross deferred tax assets	173,201	122,901
Operating lease, right-of-use, assets	(29,998)
Intangibles and Goodwill	(29,006)	(28,958)
Property and equipment	(22,332)	(15,883)
Prepaid expenses	(19,567)	(20,152)
Other		(1,759)
Gross deferred tax liabilities	(100,903)	(66,752)
Valuation allowances	(17,875)	(14,032)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 54,423	$ 42,117

Income Taxes - Changes in Unrec

Income Taxes - Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of year	$ 7,794	$ 3,674	$ 2,478
Settlement with tax authority	(1,767)	(1,771)	(708)
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	10	1,775	1,116
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years		4,116	788
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of year	$ 6,037	$ 7,794	$ 3,674

Property and Equipment, Net - S

Property and Equipment, Net - Summary of Property and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross		$ 392,984	$ 348,602
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(250,256)	(217,097)
Property and equipment, net		142,728	131,505
Computer equipment and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	[1]	261,970	220,894
Leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross		85,208	84,368
Furniture and fixtures
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross		42,741	42,318
Automobiles
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross		$ 3,065	$ 1,022
[1]	Depreciation expense for capitalized software was $18.8 million, $14.6 million and $12.8

Property and Equipment, Net -_2

Property and Equipment, Net - Summary of Property and Equipment (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense for capitalized software	$ 18,800,000	$ 14,600,000	$ 12,800,000
Net book value of capitalized software	$ 86,300,000	$ 65,800,000

Property And Equipment, Net - A

Property And Equipment, Net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense for property and equipment	$ 39,000,000	$ 33,000,000	$ 33,800,000

Long-Term Debt - Additional Inf

Long-Term Debt - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 16, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
CSV of COLI Contracts
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding policy loans		$ 92,300,000	$ 93,200,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, remaining borrowing capacity		646,000,000	420,200,000
Line of credit facility borrowings			226,900,000
Standby Letters of Credit
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt arrangement		4,000,000	2,900,000
Standby Letters of Credit | Other Financial Institutions
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt arrangement		$ 11,300,000	$ 8,500,000
Minimum | CSV of COLI Contracts
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average interest rate		4.76%
Maximum | CSV of COLI Contracts
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Average interest rate		8.00%
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.625%
Principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument, unamortized discount	$ 4,500,000
Debt instrument, maturity date		Dec. 15, 2027
Debt instrument, interest rate terms		interest payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2020
Interest payment commencing date		Jun. 15, 2020
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Percentage of principal amount redeemable with equity offering proceeds	35.00%
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed	104.625%
Dividends payable per fiscal year	$ 25,000,000
Debt Instrument, change in control and rating decline, percentage of principal amount	101.00%
Debt instrument, proceeds from offering used to repay outstanding debt	$ 276,900,000
Interest rate, effective percentage	4.86%
Debt instrument, fair value		$ 372,500,000
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio to be attained for payment of dividends	3.50
Credit Agreement
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement initiation date	Dec. 16, 2019
Average interest rate		3.34%	3.50%	2.60%
Unamortized debt issuance costs		$ 4,200,000	$ 4,000,000
Credit Agreement | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument term	5 years
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 650,000,000
Line of credit facility, maturity date		Dec. 16, 2024
Long-term debt		$ 0	$ 226,900,000
Credit Agreement | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Pro forma liquidity	$ 50,000,000
Credit Agreement | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		1.125%
Credit Agreement | Minimum | Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		0.125%
Credit Agreement | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee on average daily unused amount of Credit Facilities		0.175%
Credit Agreement | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio to be attained for payment of dividends	4.25
Credit Agreement | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		2.00%
Credit Agreement | Maximum | Base Rate Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable margin on variable interest rate		1.00%
Credit Agreement | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Quarterly commitment fee on average daily unused amount of Credit Facilities		0.35%

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Re

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Redemption of Notes at Applicable Redemption Prices (Detail) - 4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027	Dec. 16, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	104.625%
2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage		102.313%
2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage		101.156%
2024 and thereafter
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage		100.00%

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Lo

Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long-term Debt, at Amortized Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ 394,144	$ 222,878
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Less: Unamortized discount and issuance costs	(5,856)	(3,997)
Long-term borrowings, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	394,144	222,878
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 226,875
4.625% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2027 | Senior Unsecured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt	$ 400,000

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Detail) - Segment	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of global business segments	4
Geographic Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | UNITED STATES | Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | United Kingdom | Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Long-Lived Assets | UNITED STATES | Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Geographic Concentration Risk | Long-Lived Assets | United Kingdom | Minimum
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

Segments - Financial Highlights

Segments - Financial Highlights by Operating Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 20, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										$ 1,977,330	$ 1,973,862	$ 1,819,519
Net income attributable to Korn Ferry		$ (802)	$ 19,993	$ 42,804	$ 42,951	$ 50,264	$ 44,964	$ 46,034	$ (38,611)	104,946	102,651	133,779
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest										2,071	2,145	2,118
Other loss (income), net										2,879	(10,405)	(11,416)
Interest expense, net										22,184	16,891	13,832
Income tax provision										43,945	29,544	70,133
Operating income (loss)		22,227	31,595	61,869	60,334	62,275	62,683	70,987	(55,119)	176,025	140,826	208,446
Depreciation and amortization										55,311	46,489	48,588
Other income (loss), net										(2,879)	10,405	11,416
EBITDA										228,457	197,720	268,450
Integration/acquisition costs										12,152	6,746	9,430
Tradename write-offs											106,555
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net	$ 40,500									58,559		78
Separation costs										1,783
Adjusted EBITDA										300,951	311,021	277,958
Fee Revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue		$ 440,469	$ 515,325	$ 492,389	$ 484,549	$ 490,756	$ 474,504	$ 495,205	$ 465,568	1,932,732	1,926,033	1,767,217
Operating Segments | Consulting
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										557,255	585,893	556,521
Operating income (loss)										17,695	(34,115)	22,408
Depreciation and amortization										17,567	16,172	18,954
Other income (loss), net										1,326	2,203	2,127
EBITDA										36,588	(15,740)	43,489
Integration/acquisition costs											5,304	7,724
Tradename write-offs											76,967
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										24,504		(122)
Adjusted EBITDA										61,092	66,531	51,091
Operating Segments | Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										294,261	252,727	244,484
Operating income (loss)										46,909	39,732	78,127
Depreciation and amortization										19,261	12,885	12,573
Other income (loss), net										485	995	374
EBITDA										66,655	53,612	91,074
Integration/acquisition costs										5,937	1,255	1,427
Tradename write-offs											29,588
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										10,481		(119)
Adjusted EBITDA										83,073	84,455	92,382
Operating Segments | Executive Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										749,208	793,377	727,273
Operating income (loss)										156,939	179,090	149,612
Depreciation and amortization										7,658	6,982	7,482
Other income (loss), net										(2,850)	7,734	1,864
EBITDA										161,747	193,806	158,958
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										17,549		313
Separation costs										1,783
Adjusted EBITDA										181,079	193,806	159,271
Operating Segments | Executive Search | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										447,528	469,743	421,260
Operating income (loss)										113,080	120,754	100,397
Depreciation and amortization										3,452	3,890	3,930
Other income (loss), net										(3,051)	6,699	1,142
EBITDA										113,481	131,343	105,469
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										7,244
Adjusted EBITDA										120,725	131,343	105,469
Operating Segments | Executive Search | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										172,978	186,131	177,234
Operating income (loss)										21,085	29,974	26,768
Depreciation and amortization										1,713	1,254	1,689
Other income (loss), net										139	432	168
EBITDA										22,937	31,660	28,625
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										6,347
Separation costs										1,783
Adjusted EBITDA										31,067	31,660	28,625
Operating Segments | Executive Search | Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										99,209	105,543	98,062
Operating income (loss)										17,914	24,364	18,425
Depreciation and amortization										1,311	1,428	1,408
Other income (loss), net										11	281	373
EBITDA										19,236	26,073	20,206
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										3,649		313
Adjusted EBITDA										22,885	26,073	20,519
Operating Segments | Executive Search | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										29,493	31,960	30,717
Operating income (loss)										4,860	3,998	4,022
Depreciation and amortization										1,182	410	455
Other income (loss), net										51	322	181
EBITDA										6,093	4,730	4,658
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										309
Adjusted EBITDA										6,402	4,730	4,658
Operating Segments | RPO & Professional Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										376,606	341,865	291,241
Operating income (loss)										50,438	50,884	39,396
Depreciation and amortization										3,906	3,255	3,054
Other income (loss), net										82	268	152
EBITDA										54,426	54,407	42,602
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										5,742		6
Adjusted EBITDA										60,168	54,407	42,608
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Consulting
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										543,095	568,321	540,529
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Digital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										292,366	252,727	244,484
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										732,470	774,842	709,042
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | North America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										434,624	455,826	408,098
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | EMEA
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										170,314	182,829	173,725
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										98,132	104,291	96,595
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | Executive Search | Latin America
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										29,400	31,896	30,624
Operating Segments | Fee Revenue | RPO & Professional Search
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue										364,801	330,143	273,162
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)										(95,956)	(94,765)	(81,097)
Depreciation and amortization										6,919	7,195	6,525
Other income (loss), net										(1,922)	(795)	6,899
EBITDA										(90,959)	(88,365)	(67,673)
Integration/acquisition costs										6,215	187	279
Restructuring (recoveries) charges, net										283
Adjusted EBITDA										$ (84,461)	$ (88,178)	$ (67,394)

Segments - Fee Revenue Classifi

Segments - Fee Revenue Classified by Country (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 1,977,330	$ 1,973,862	$ 1,819,519
Fee Revenue
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue	$ 440,469	$ 515,325	$ 492,389	$ 484,549	$ 490,756	$ 474,504	$ 495,205	$ 465,568	1,932,732	1,926,033	1,767,217
Fee Revenue | UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									875,605	859,969	778,470
Fee Revenue | United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									204,271	202,055	176,091
Fee Revenue | Other Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenue									$ 852,856	$ 864,009	$ 812,656

Segments - Long Lived Assets, E

Segments - Long Lived Assets, Excluding Financial Instruments and Tax Assets, Classified by Controlling Countries over Ten Percent (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets		$ 337,805	$ 131,505	$ 119,901
UNITED STATES
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	[1]	169,928	98,455	80,424
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets		35,739	6,466	7,792
Other Countries
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Long-lived assets		$ 132,138	$ 26,584	$ 31,685
[1]	Includes Corporate long-lived assets

Restructuring Charges, Net - Ad

Restructuring Charges, Net - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 20, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2018	Apr. 30, 2019
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net	$ 40,500	$ 58,559	$ 78
Restructuring liability included in other long-term liabilities		600		$ 500
Severance
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges, net		$ 18,100

Restructuring Charges, Net - Ch

Restructuring Charges, Net - Changes In Restructuring Liability (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 20, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Liability, Beginning balance		$ 531	$ 1,051
Restructuring charges, net	$ 40,500	58,559		$ 78
Reductions for cash payments		(16,737)	(284)
Non-cash payments		(8,053)	(171)
Exchange rate fluctuations		(147)	(65)
Restructuring Liability, Ending balance		$ 34,153	$ 531	$ 1,051

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill By Reportable Segment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	$ 578,298	$ 584,222
Additions	38,926
Exchange rate fluctuations	(3,281)	(5,924)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	613,943	578,298
Operating Segments | Consulting
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	173,147	173,453
Exchange rate fluctuations	(133)	(306)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	173,014	173,147
Operating Segments | Executive Search
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	93,023	96,230
Exchange rate fluctuations	(1,836)	(3,207)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	91,187	93,023
Operating Segments | Executive Search | North America
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	46,571	47,757
Exchange rate fluctuations	(850)	(1,186)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	45,721	46,571
Operating Segments | Executive Search | EMEA
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	45,480	47,501
Exchange rate fluctuations	(986)	(2,021)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	44,494	45,480
Operating Segments | Executive Search | Asia Pacific
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	972	972
Goodwill, Ending Balance	972	972
Operating Segments | Digital
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	284,214	284,716
Additions	38,926
Exchange rate fluctuations	(413)	(502)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	322,727	284,214
Operating Segments | RPO & Professional Search
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	27,914	29,823
Exchange rate fluctuations	(899)	(1,909)
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 27,015	$ 27,914

Goodwill And Intangible Asset_3

Goodwill And Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 16.3	$ 13.5	$ 14.7
Amortizable intangible assets fully amortization year	2032
General and Administrative Expenses
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets		106.6
Pivot Leadership
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Tax deductible goodwill	$ 7.2	$ 7.1
Acquired Companies
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Tax deductible goodwill	34.9
Acquired Companies | IP
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangibles assets	$ 36
Weighted average useful life	7 years
Acquired Companies | Customer Relationships
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangibles assets	$ 6.2
Weighted average useful life	10 years
Acquired Companies | Trade Names
Schedule Of Goodwill And Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangibles assets	$ 3.2
Weighted average useful life	9 years

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_4

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross	$ 212,751	$ 167,351
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(100,658)	(84,329)
Amortized intangible assets, Net	112,093	83,022
Exchange rate fluctuations	(167)	(74)
Total Intangible assets	111,926	82,948
Customer Lists
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross	131,299	125,099
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(64,762)	(53,352)
Amortized intangible assets, Net	66,537	71,747
Intellectual Property
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross	69,100	33,100
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(26,548)	(22,045)
Amortized intangible assets, Net	42,552	11,055
Database Rights
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross	4,256	4,256
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(4,202)	(4,053)
Amortized intangible assets, Net	54	203
Non-compete Agreements
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross	910	910
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(910)	(893)
Amortized intangible assets, Net		17
Trademarks
Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangible assets, Gross	7,186	3,986
Amortized intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	(4,236)	$ (3,986)
Amortized intangible assets, Net	$ 2,950

Goodwill and Intangible Asset_5

Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Estimated Annual Amortization Expense Related to Amortizing Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2021	$ 19,256
2022	19,101
2023	17,271
2024	14,794
2025	14,696
Thereafter	26,975
Amortized intangible assets, Net	$ 112,093	$ 83,022

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2019USD ($)Facility	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)Facility	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)	Apr. 30, 2018USD ($)
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lessee operating lease, existence of option to extend [true/false]		true
Lessee operating lease, existence of option to terminate [true/false]		true
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net		$ 195,077
Lease liability		235,617
ROU assets, impairment charge		$ 2,282
Rent expense			$ 58,200	$ 57,600
Acquired Companies
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net	$ 3,200
Lease liability	6,700
ROU asset adjusted by reclassification of pre-existing prepaid expenses, restructuring liabilities and deferred rent	$ 3,500
Number of office leases closed | Facility	16	16
ROU assets, impairment charge	$ 2,300	$ 2,300
Minimum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lessee operating lease, term of contract		1 year
Lessee finance lease, term of contract		1 year
Maximum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Lessee operating lease, term of contract		10 years
Lessee finance lease, term of contract		5 years

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Finance lease cost
Amortization of ROU assets	$ 1,820
Interest on lease liabilities	149
Finance lease cost	1,969
Operating lease cost	57,683
Short-term lease cost	1,111
Variable lease cost	13,562
Lease impairment cost	2,282
Sublease income	(447)
Total lease cost	$ 76,160

Leases - Summary of Supplementa

Leases - Summary of Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related to Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases	$ 59,631
Financing cash flows from finance leases	1,833
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
Operating leases	15,246
Finance leases	$ 1,333

Leases - Summary of Supplemen_2

Leases - Summary of Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Finance Leases:
Property and equipment, at cost	$ 4,281
Accumulated depreciation	(1,485)
Property and equipment, net	$ 2,796
Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Other accrued liabilities	$ 1,241
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Other liabilities	$ 1,634
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrent
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 2,875
Weighted average remaining lease terms:
Operating leases	5 years 6 months
Finance leases	2 years 10 months 24 days
Weighted average discount rate:
Operating leases	4.80%
Finance leases	4.10%

Leases - Summary of Maturities

Leases - Summary of Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2020USD ($)
Operating
2021	$ 60,052
2022	50,246
2023	43,334
2024	40,091
2025	31,601
Thereafter	44,444
Total lease payments	269,768
Less: imputed interest	34,151
Total	235,617
Financing
2021	1,325
2022	940
2023	445
2024	245
2025	85
Total lease payments	3,040
Less: imputed interest	165
Total	$ 2,875

Leases - Future Minimum Commitm

Leases - Future Minimum Commitments under Non-Cancelable Operating Leases (Detail) $ in Thousands	Apr. 30, 2019USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 55,351
2021	52,567
2022	45,465
2023	38,582
2024	34,008
Thereafter	74,764
Total operating leases	$ 300,737

Acquisition - Additional Inform

Acquisition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 01, 2019	Apr. 30, 2020
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired		$ 108,602
Acquired Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired	$ 108,600

Acquisition - Summary of Net As

Acquisition - Summary of Net Assets Acquired (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Apr. 30, 2020	Nov. 01, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill		$ 613,943		$ 578,298	$ 584,222
Acquired Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Current assets	[1]		$ 44,475
Long-term assets			15,024
Intangibles assets			45,400
Current liabilities			29,503
Long-term liabilities			5,720
Net assets acquired			69,676
Purchase price			108,602
Goodwill			$ 38,926
[1]	Included in current assets is acquired receivables in the amount of $41.1 million.

Acquisition -Summary of Net Ass

Acquisition -Summary of Net Assets Acquired (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	Nov. 01, 2019USD ($)
Acquired Companies
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Acquired receivables	$ 41.1

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Employment agreements	The Company has a policy of entering into offer letters of employment or letters of promotion with vice presidents, which provide for an annual base salary and discretionary and incentive bonus payments. Certain key vice presidents who typically have been employed by the Company for several years may also have a standard form employment agreement. Upon termination without cause, the Company is required to pay the amount of severance due under the employment agreement, if any. The Company also requires its vice presidents to agree in their employment letters and their employment agreement, if applicable, not to compete with the Company during the term of their employment and for a certain period after their employment ends.

Quarterly Results - Schedule of

Quarterly Results - Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2020	Jan. 31, 2020	Oct. 31, 2019	Jul. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019	Jan. 31, 2019	Oct. 31, 2018	Jul. 31, 2018	Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Fee Revenue									$ 1,977,330	$ 1,973,862	$ 1,819,519
Operating income (loss)	$ 22,227	$ 31,595	$ 61,869	$ 60,334	$ 62,275	$ 62,683	$ 70,987	$ (55,119)	176,025	140,826	208,446
Net income	(621)	20,956	43,032	43,650	50,627	45,444	47,317	(38,592)	107,017	104,796	135,897
Net income attributable to Korn Ferry	$ (802)	$ 19,993	$ 42,804	$ 42,951	$ 50,264	$ 44,964	$ 46,034	$ (38,611)	$ 104,946	$ 102,651	$ 133,779
Earnings per common share attributable to Korn Ferry:
Basic	$ (0.02)	$ 0.37	$ 0.78	$ 0.77	$ 0.90	$ 0.81	$ 0.82	$ (0.70)	$ 1.91	$ 1.84	$ 2.39
Diluted	$ (0.02)	$ 0.36	$ 0.77	$ 0.76	$ 0.89	$ 0.80	$ 0.81	$ (0.70)	$ 1.90	$ 1.81	$ 2.35
Fee Revenue
Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]
Fee Revenue	$ 440,469	$ 515,325	$ 492,389	$ 484,549	$ 490,756	$ 474,504	$ 495,205	$ 465,568	$ 1,932,732	$ 1,926,033	$ 1,767,217

Subsequent Event - Additional I

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) - Subsequent Event - Dividend Declared	Jun. 01, 2020$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividends payable, declared date	Jul. 1, 2020
Dividends payable, per share amount	$ 0.10
Dividends payable, payable date	Jul. 31, 2020
Dividends declared, record date	Jul. 15, 2020

Schedule II - Valuation and Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Apr. 30, 2020	Apr. 30, 2019	Apr. 30, 2018
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 21,582	$ 17,845	$ 15,455
Charges to Cost and Expenses		14,644	14,260	13,675
Recoveries (Charges) to Other Accounts	[1]	(311)	(826)	551
Deductions	[2]	(12,120)	(9,697)	(11,836)
Balance at End of Period		23,795	21,582	17,845
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		14,032	15,682	21,278
Charges to Cost and Expenses		886	5,170	3,421
Recoveries (Charges) to Other Accounts	[1]	3,939
Deductions	[2]	(982)	(6,820)	(9,017)
Balance at End of Period		$ 17,875	$ 14,032	$ 15,682
[1]	Exchange rate fluctuations and for Deferred tax asset includes amount acquired from Acquired Companies.
[2]	Allowance for doubtful accounts represents accounts written-off, net of recoveries and deferred tax asset valuation represents release of prior valuation allowances.