America's Car-Mart (CRMT) 10-K 12 Jun 15 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Jun. 05, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	AMERICAS CARMART INC
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-26
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		8,513,473
Entity Public Float			$394,127,686
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Central Index Key	799850
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	30-Apr-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$790	$289
Accrued interest on finance receivables	2,002	1,830
Finance receivables, net	324,144	293,299
Inventory	34,267	30,115
Prepaid expenses and other assets	4,195	3,496
Income taxes receivable, net	645
Goodwill	355	355
Property and equipment, net	33,963	33,913
Total Assets	400,361	363,297
Liabilities, mezzanine equity and equity:
Accounts payable	11,022	8,542
Deferred revenue	25,236	17,467
Accrued liabilities	12,708	10,824
Income taxes payable, net		782
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	19,178	15,244
Revolving credit facilities	102,685	97,032
Total liabilities	170,829	149,891
Commitments and contingencies (Note L)
Mezzanine equity:
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock	400	400
Equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 12,688,890 and 12,452,809 issued at April 30, 2015 and April 30, 2014, respectively, of which 8,529,223 and 8,735,842 were outstanding at April 30, 2015 and April 30, 2014, respectively	127	125
Additional paid-in capital	62,428	55,734
Retained earnings	293,798	264,348
Less: Treasury stock, at cost, 4,159,667 and 3,716,967 shares at April 30, 2015 and April 30, 2014, respectively	-127,321	-107,301
Total stockholders' equity	229,032	212,906
Non-controlling interest	100	100
Total equity	229,132	213,006
Total Liabilities, mezzanine equity and equity	$400,361	$363,297

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	12,688,890	12,452,809
Common stock, shares outstanding	8,529,223	8,735,842
Treasury stock, shares	4,159,667	3,716,967

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Revenues:
Sales	$472,569	$434,504	$415,740
Interest and other income	57,752	54,683	48,936
Total revenues	530,321	489,187	464,676
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation	272,446	251,319	238,984
Selling, general and administrative	83,802	78,591	73,180
Provision for credit losses	120,289	119,247	96,035
Interest expense	2,903	2,997	2,937
Depreciation and amortization	3,830	3,285	2,826
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	17	76	58
Total costs and expenses	483,287	455,515	414,020
Income before income taxes	47,034	33,672	50,656
Provision for income taxes	17,544	12,543	18,491
Net income	29,490	21,129	32,165
Less: Dividends on mandatorily redeemable preferred stock	40	40	40
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$29,450	$21,089	$32,125
Earnings per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$3.42	$2.36	$3.53
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$3.25	$2.25	$3.36
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic (in Shares)	8,617,864	8,930,592	9,111,851
Diluted (in Shares)	9,048,957	9,391,667	9,569,702

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Net income	$29,490,000	$21,129,000	$32,165,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for credit losses	120,289,000	119,247,000	96,035,000
Losses on claims for payment protection plan	10,588,000	9,586,000	7,544,000
Depreciation and amortization	3,830,000	3,285,000	2,826,000
Amortization of debt issuance costs	188,000	209,000	209,000
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	17,000	76,000	58,000
Stock-based compensation	780,000	1,391,000	1,852,000
Deferred income taxes	3,934,000	-2,923,000	1,446,000
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Finance receivable originations	-445,405,000	-404,918,000	-387,895,000
Finance receivable collections	238,845,000	223,538,000	207,713,000
Accrued interest on finance receivables	-172,000	-46,000	-356,000
Inventory	40,686,000	50,009,000	34,072,000
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-887,000	-1,298,000	-1,071,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	3,862,000	-1,675,000	2,419,000
Income taxes, net	200,000	3,313,000	-756,000
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation	-1,627,000	-141,000	-190,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	12,387,000	21,875,000	-1,336,000
Investing Activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	-4,009,000	-7,095,000	-5,726,000
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	112,000	2,000	208,000
Net cash used in investing activities	-3,897,000	-7,093,000	-5,518,000
Financing Activities:
Exercise of stock options and warrants	4,143,000	720,000	790,000
Excess tax benefits from stock based compensation	1,627,000	141,000	190,000
Issuance of common stock	146,000	151,000	143,000
Purchase of common stock	-20,020,000	-12,754,000	-17,305,000
Dividend payments	-40,000	-40,000	-40,000
Debt issuance costs	-256,000	-207,000	-56,000
Change in cash overdrafts	502,000	-452,000	1,409,000
Proceeds from revolving credit facilities	377,225,000	329,424,000	330,238,000
Payments on revolving credit facilities	-371,316,000	-331,748,000	-308,519,000
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-7,989,000	-14,765,000	6,850,000
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	501,000	17,000	-4,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	289,000	272,000	276,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	790,000	289,000	272,000
Payment Protection Plan [Member]
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue	2,419,000	323,000	2,165,000
Service Contract [Member]
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Revenue	$5,350,000	$770,000	$428,000

Consolidated_Statement_of_Equi

Consolidated Statement of Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
In Thousands, except Share data
Balance at Apr. 30, 2012	$124	$50,357	$211,134	($77,242)	$100	$184,473
Shares (in Shares) at Apr. 30, 2012	12,371,167
Issuance of common stock, value		143				143
Issuance of common stock, shares (in Shares)	4,242
Stock options exercised, value		790				790
Stock options exercised, shares (in Shares)	35,750					35,750
Purchase of treasury shares				-17,305		-17,305
Tax benefit of stock based compensation		190				190
Stock based compensation, value		1,852				1,852
Stock based compensation, shares (in Shares)	3,500
Dividends on subsidiary preferred stock			-40			-40
Net income			32,165			32,165
Balance at Apr. 30, 2013	124	53,332	243,259	-94,547	100	202,268
Shares (in Shares) at Apr. 30, 2013	12,414,659
Issuance of common stock, value		151				151
Issuance of common stock, shares (in Shares)	4,150
Stock options exercised, value	1	719				720
Stock options exercised, shares (in Shares)	30,500					30,500
Purchase of treasury shares				-12,754		-12,754
Tax benefit of stock based compensation		141				141
Stock based compensation, value		1,391				1,391
Stock based compensation, shares (in Shares)	3,500
Dividends on subsidiary preferred stock			-40			-40
Net income			21,129			21,129
Balance at Apr. 30, 2014	125	55,734	264,348	-107,301	100	213,006
Shares (in Shares) at Apr. 30, 2014	12,452,809
Issuance of common stock, value		146				146
Issuance of common stock, shares (in Shares)	3,831
Stock options exercised, value	2	4,141				4,143
Stock options exercised, shares (in Shares)	212,250					212,250
Purchase of treasury shares				-20,020		-20,020
Tax benefit of stock based compensation		1,627				1,627
Stock based compensation, value		780				780
Stock based compensation, shares (in Shares)	20,000
Dividends on subsidiary preferred stock			-40			-40
Net income			29,490			29,490
Balance at Apr. 30, 2015	$127	$62,428	$293,798	($127,321)	$100	$229,132
Shares (in Shares) at Apr. 30, 2015	12,688,890

Consolidated_Statement_of_Equi1

Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parentheticals)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Purchase of treasury shares	442,700	325,598	398,548

Note_A_Organization_and_Busine

Note A - Organization and Business	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]	A - Organization and Business
	America’s Car-Mart, Inc., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), is one of the largest publicly held automotive retailers in the United States focused exclusively on the “Integrated Auto Sales and Finance” segment of the used car market.  References to the Company typically include the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries.  The Company’s operations are principally conducted through its two operating subsidiaries, America’s Car-Mart, Inc., an Arkansas corporation (“Car-Mart of Arkansas”) and Colonial Auto Finance, Inc., an Arkansas corporation (“Colonial”).  Collectively, Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial are referred to herein as “Car-Mart”.  The Company primarily sells older model used vehicles and provides financing for substantially all of its customers. Many of the Company’s customers have limited financial resources and would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems.  As of April 30, 2015, the Company operated 141 dealerships located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.

Note_B_Summary_of_Significant_

Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Segment Information
	Each dealership is an operating segment with its results regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in an effort to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Individual dealerships meet the aggregation criteria for reporting purposes under the current accounting guidance.  The Company operates in the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance segment of the used car market, also referred to as the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance industry.  In this industry, the nature of the sale and the financing of the transaction, financing processes, the type of customer and the methods used to distribute the Company’s products and services, including the actual servicing of the contracts as well as the regulatory environment in which the Company operates all have similar characteristics.  Each of our individual dealerships is similar in nature and only engages in the selling and financing of used vehicles. All individual dealerships have similar operating characteristics.  As such, individual dealerships have been aggregated into one reportable segment.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, the Company’s allowance for credit losses.
	Concentration of Risk
	The Company provides financing in connection with the sale of substantially all of its vehicles.  These sales are made primarily to customers residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, with approximately 32% of revenues resulting from sales to Arkansas customers.
	Periodically, the Company maintains cash in financial institutions in excess of the amounts insured by the federal government.  The Company’s revolving credit facilities mature in October 2017.  The Company expects that these credit facilities will be renewed or refinanced on or before the scheduled maturity dates.
	Restrictions on Distributions/Dividends
	The Company’s revolving credit facilities generally restrict distributions by the Company to its shareholders.  The distribution limitations under the Credit Facilities allow the Company to repurchase the Company’s stock so long as: either (a) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed $40 million beginning October 8, 2014 and the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases is equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases, or (b) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed 75% of the consolidated net income of the Company measured on a trailing twelve month basis; provided that immediately before and after giving effect to the stock repurchases, at least 12.5% of the aggregate funds committed under the credit facilities remain available.  Thus, the Company is limited in its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to its shareholders without the consent of the Company’s lenders.
	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Finance Receivables, Repossessions and Charge-offs and Allowance for Credit Losses
	The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships.  These installment sale contracts typically carry interest rates ranging from 14% to 15% using the simple effective interest method including any deferred fees. Contract origination costs are not significant.  The installment sale contracts are not pre-computed contracts whereby borrowers are obligated to pay back principal plus the full amount of interest that will accrue over the entire term of the contract.  Finance receivables are collateralized by vehicles sold and consist of contractually scheduled payments from installment contracts net of unearned finance charges and an allowance for credit losses.  Unearned finance charges represent the balance of interest receivable to be earned over the entire term of the related installment contract, less the earned amount ($2.0 million at April 30, 2015 and $1.8 million at April 30, 2014), and as such, has been reflected as a reduction to the gross contract amount in arriving at the principal balance in finance receivables. An account is considered delinquent when a contractually scheduled payment has not been received by the scheduled payment date.  While the Company does not formally place contracts on nonaccrual status, the immaterial amount of interest that may accrue after an account becomes delinquent up until the point of resolution via repossession or write-off, is reserved for against the accrued interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Delinquent contracts are addressed and either made current by the customer, which is the case in most situations, or the vehicle is repossessed or written off if the collateral cannot be recovered quickly. Customer payments are set to match their payday with approximately 73% of payments due on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The frequency of the payment due dates combined with the declining value of collateral lead to prompt resolutions on problem accounts.  Accounts are delinquent when the customer is one day or more behind on their contractual payments.  At April 30, 2015, 5.8% of the Company’s finance receivables balances were 30 days or more past due compared to 4.4% at April 30, 2014.
	Substantially all of the Company’s automobile contracts involve contracts made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories, or higher debt-to-income ratios than permitted by traditional lenders.  Contracts made with buyers who are restricted in their ability to obtain financing from traditional lenders generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession, and higher losses than contracts made with buyers with better credit.
	The Company strives to keep its delinquency percentages low, and not to repossess vehicles.  Accounts two days late are sent a notice in the mail.  Accounts three days late are contacted by telephone.  Notes from each telephone contact are electronically maintained in the Company’s computer system.  If a customer becomes severely delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable, the Company will take steps to repossess the vehicle.  The Company attempts to resolve payment delinquencies amicably prior to repossessing a vehicle.  Periodically, the Company enters into contract modifications with its customers to extend or modify the payment terms.  The Company only enters into a contract modification or extension if it believes such action will increase the amount of monies the Company will ultimately realize on the customer’s account and will increase the likelihood of the customer being able to pay off the vehicle contract.  At the time of modification, the Company expects to collect amounts due including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. Other than the extension of additional time, concessions are not granted to customers at the time of modifications. Modifications are minor and are made for payday changes, minor vehicle repairs and other reasons.  For those vehicles that are repossessed, the majority are returned or surrendered by the customer on a voluntary basis.  Other repossessions are performed by Company personnel or third party repossession agents.  Depending on the condition of a repossessed vehicle, it is either resold on a retail basis through a Company dealership, or sold for cash on a wholesale basis primarily through physical or online auctions.
	The Company takes steps to repossess a vehicle when the customer becomes delinquent in his or her payments and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable.  Accounts are charged-off after the expiration of a statutory notice period for repossessed accounts, or when management determines that the timely collection of future payments is not probable for accounts where the Company has been unable to repossess the vehicle.  For accounts with respect to which the vehicle was repossessed, the fair value of the repossessed vehicle is charged as a reduction of the gross finance receivables balance charged-off.  On average, accounts are approximately 67 days past due at the time of charge-off.  For previously charged-off accounts that are subsequently recovered, the amount of such recovery is credited to the allowance for credit losses.
	The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis, as opposed to a contract-by-contract basis, at an amount it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date in the collection of its finance receivables currently outstanding. The Company accrues an estimated loss as it is probable that the entire amount will not be collected and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated in the aggregate.  The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical credit loss experience, with consideration given to recent credit loss trends and changes in contract characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions and underwriting and collection practices.  The allowance for credit losses is periodically reviewed by management with any changes reflected in current operations.  Although it is at least reasonably possible that events or circumstances could occur in the future that are not presently foreseen which could cause actual credit losses to be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses, the Company believes that it has given appropriate consideration to all relevant factors and has made reasonable assumptions in determining the allowance for credit losses.  The calculation of the allowance for credit losses uses the following primary factors:
		·	The number of units repossessed or charged-off as a percentage of total units financed over specific historical periods of time from one year to five years.
		·	The average net repossession and charge-off loss per unit during the last eighteen months, segregated by the number of months since the contract origination date, and adjusted for the expected future average net charge-off loss per unit.  Approximately 50% of the charge-offs that will ultimately occur in the portfolio are expected to occur within 10-11 months following the balance sheet date.  The average age of an account at charge-off date is 11 months.
		·	The timing of repossession and charge-off losses relative to the date of sale (i.e., how long it takes for a repossession or charge-off to occur) for repossessions and charge-offs occurring during the last eighteen months.
	A point estimate is produced by this analysis which is then supplemented by any positive or negative subjective factors to arrive at an overall reserve amount that management considers to be a reasonable estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date that will be realized via actual charge-offs in the future. While challenging economic conditions can negatively impact credit losses, the effectiveness of the execution of internal policies and procedures within the collections area and the competitive environment on the lending side have historically had a more significant effect on collection results than macro-economic issues.
	An increase to the allowance for credit losses was made in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 which resulted in a $7.7 million charge to the provision for credit losses based on the analysis discussed above and the increased level of charge-offs with the expectation that charge-offs related to a significant extent to increased competition on the lending side will remain elevated.  Although the Company saw a decrease in the level of charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014, it is still experiencing elevated credit losses.
	In most states, the Company offers retail customers who finance their vehicle the option of purchasing a payment protection plan product as an add-on to the installment sale contract.  This product contractually obligates the Company to cancel the remaining principal outstanding for any contract where the retail customer has totaled the vehicle, as defined, or the vehicle has been stolen.  The Company periodically evaluates anticipated losses to ensure that if anticipated losses exceed deferred payment protection plan revenues, an additional liability is recorded for such difference.  No such liability was required at April 30, 2015 or 2014.
	Inventory
	Inventory consists of used vehicles and is valued at the lower of cost or market on a specific identification basis.  Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a component of inventory.  Repossessed vehicles and trade-in vehicles are recorded at fair value, which approximates wholesale value.  The cost of used vehicles sold is determined using the specific identification method.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill reflects the excess of purchase price over the fair value of specifically identified net assets purchased.  Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests at the Company’s year-end. The impairment tests are based on the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of such unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit falls below its carrying value, the Company performs the second step of the two-step goodwill impairment process to determine the amount, if any, that the goodwill is impaired.  The second step involves determining the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities and the implied goodwill.  The implied goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the goodwill to determine the impairment, if any.  There was no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures for additions, remodels and improvements are capitalized.  Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the lease period.  The lease period includes the primary lease term plus any extensions that are reasonably assured.  Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method generally over the following estimated useful lives:
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment (years)	3	to	7
	Leasehold improvements (years)	5	to	15
	Buildings and improvements (years)	18	to	39
	Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the impaired assets exceed the fair value of such assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
	Cash Overdraft
	As checks are presented for payment from the Company’s primary disbursement bank account, monies are automatically drawn against cash collections for the day and, if necessary, are drawn against one of its revolving credit facilities.  Any cash overdraft balance principally represents outstanding checks, net of any deposits in transit that as of the balance sheet date had not yet been presented for payment. Any cash overdraft balance is reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Deferred Sales Tax
	Deferred sales tax represents a sales tax liability of the Company for vehicles sold on an installment basis in the states of Alabama and Texas.  Under Alabama and Texas law, for vehicles sold on an installment basis, the related sales tax is due as the payments are collected from the customer, rather than at the time of sale.  Deferred sales tax liabilities are reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method.  Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which these differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	Occasionally, the Company is audited by taxing authorities.  These audits could result in proposed assessments of additional taxes.  The Company believes that its tax positions comply in all material respects with applicable tax law.  However, tax law is subject to interpretation, and interpretations by taxing authorities could be different from those of the Company, which could result in the imposition of additional taxes.
	The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit.  For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  The Company applies this methodology to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open.
	The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal years before 2012.
	In April 2014, the IRS completed the examinations of the Company’s income tax returns for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.  The examinations resulted in timing adjustments and a net refund for the years being audited.
	The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The Company had no accrued penalties or interest as of April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues are generated principally from the sale of used vehicles, which in most cases includes a service contract and a payment protection plan product, and interest income and late fees earned on finance receivables. Revenues are net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to government agencies.  Cost of vehicle sales include costs incurred by the Company to prepare the vehicle for sale including license and title costs, gasoline, transport services and repairs.
	Revenues from the sale of used vehicles are recognized when the sales contract is signed, the customer has taken possession of the vehicle and, if applicable, financing has been approved.  Revenues from the sale of vehicles sold at wholesale are recognized at the time the proceeds are received.  Revenues from the sale of service contracts are recognized ratably over the expected duration of the product.  Service contract revenues are included in sales and the related expenses are included in cost of sales. Payment protection plan revenues are initially deferred and then recognized to income using the “Rule of 78’s” interest method over the life of the contract so that revenues are recognized in proportion to the amount of cancellation protection provided.  Payment protection plan revenues are included in sales and related losses are included in cost of sales as incurred.  Interest income is recognized on all active finance receivables accounts using the simple effective interest method.  Active accounts include all accounts except those that have been paid-off or charged-off.
	Sales consist of the following for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
			Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)		2015		2014		2013
	Sales – used autos		$	416,060	$	385,672	$	368,674
	Wholesales – third party			19,961		18,886		19,718
	Service contract sales			19,758		15,833		14,594
	Payment protection plan revenue			16,790		14,113		12,754
	Total		$	472,569	$	434,504	$	415,740
	At April 30, 2015 and 2014, finance receivables more than 90 days past due were approximately $2.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Late fee revenues totaled approximately $2.2 million, $2.2 million and $2.0 million for the fiscal years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Late fee revenue is recognized when collected and is reflected within Interest and other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and consist principally of radio, television and print media marketing costs.  Advertising costs amounted to $3.6 million, $4.2 million and $4.1 million for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company has 401(k) plans for all of its employees meeting certain eligibility requirements.  The plans provide for voluntary employee contributions and the Company matches 50% of employee contributions up to a maximum of 4% of each employee’s compensation.  The Company contributed approximately $363,000, $329,000, and $290,000 to the plans for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company offers employees the right to purchase common shares at a 15% discount from market price under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which was approved by shareholders in October 2006. The Company takes a charge to earnings for the 15% discount.  Amounts for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 were not material individually and in the aggregate. A total of 200,000 shares were registered and 159,556 remain available for issuance under this plan at April 30, 2015.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive common stock equivalents.  The calculation of diluted earnings per share takes into consideration the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock, which if exercised or converted into common stock would then share in the earnings of the Company.  In computing diluted earnings per share, the Company utilizes the treasury stock method and anti-dilutive securities are excluded.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant over the requisite service period.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards.  The Company may issue either new shares or treasury shares upon exercise of these awards.  Stock-based compensation plans, related expenses, and assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are more fully described in Note K.
Treasury Stock
The Company purchased 442,700, 325,598, and 398,548 shares of its common stock to be held as treasury stock for a total cost of $20.0 million, $12.8 million and $17.3 million during the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Treasury stock may be used for issuances under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans or for other general corporate purposes.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Occasionally, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies which the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards which are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
Revenue Recognition.  In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance.   The new guidance in ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this update on the consolidated financial statements.
Debt Issuance Costs.  In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which amends the current presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of as an asset. The amendments are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Reclassifications
The Company has made reclassifications to certain amounts in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2014 to reclassify approximately $4.2 million of deferred service contract revenue from accrued liabilities to deferred service contract revenue.  The reclassifications did not have an impact on net income or earnings per share.

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivables [Text Block]	C - Finance Receivables, Net
	The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships.  These installment sale contracts typically include interest rates ranging from 14% to 15% per annum, are collateralized by the vehicle sold and typically provide for payments over periods ranging from 18 to 42 months.  The Company’s finance receivables are defined as one segment and one class of loans, which is sub-prime consumer automobile contracts.  The level of risks inherent in our financing receivables is managed as one homogeneous pool.  The components of finance receivables as of April 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	30-Apr-15			30-Apr-14
	Gross contract amount	$	477,305		$	432,327
	Less unearned finance charges		(59,937	)		(52,995	)
	Principal balance		417,368			379,332
	Less allowance for credit losses		(93,224	)		(86,033	)
	Finance receivables, net	$	324,144		$	293,299
	Changes in the finance receivables, net for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	293,299		$	288,049		$	251,103
	Finance receivable originations		445,405			404,918			387,895
	Finance receivable collections		(238,845	)		(223,538	)		(207,713	)
	Provision for credit losses		(120,289	)		(119,247	)		(96,035	)
	Losses on claims for payment protection plan		(10,588	)		(9,586	)		(7,544	)
	Inventory acquired in repossession and payment protection plan claims		(44,838	)		(47,297	)		(39,657	)
	Balance at end of period	$	324,144		$	293,299		$	288,049
	Changes in the finance receivables allowance for credit losses for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	86,033		$	75,345		$	65,831
	Provision for credit losses		120,289			119,247			96,035
	Charge-offs, net of recovered collateral		(113,098	)		(108,559	)		(86,521	)
	Balance at end of period	$	93,224		$	86,033		$	75,345
	The factors which influenced management’s judgment in determining the amount of the additions to the allowance charged to provision for credit losses are described below:
	The level of actual charge-offs, net of recovered collateral, is the most important factor in determining the charges to the provision for credit losses. This is due to the fact that once a contract becomes delinquent the account is either made current by the customer, the vehicle is repossessed or the account is written off if the collateral cannot be recovered.  Net charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables was 27.8% for fiscal 2015 as compared to 28.2% for fiscal 2014.  The decrease in net charge-offs for fiscal 2015 resulted from a lower frequency of losses offset by an increase in severity due largely to lower wholesale values at time of repossession.  Higher sales volumes and the shift in the relative age of the dealerships also had the effect of higher charges to the provision for fiscal 2015.  The fiscal 2014 provision included a $7.7 million increase in the provision as a result of the increase in our provision percentage applied to the growth in finance receivables.
	Collections and delinquency levels can have a significant effect on additions to the allowance and are reviewed frequently.  Collections as a percentage of average finance receivables were 58.7% for the year ended April 30, 2015 compared to 58.0% for the year ended April 30, 2014.  The increase in collections as a percentage of average finance receivables was primarily due to lower contract modifications, partially offset by the higher delinquencies and the longer overall contract term.  Delinquencies greater than 30 days increased to 5.8% for April 30, 2015 compared to 4.4% at April 30, 2014.
	Macro-economic factors, and more importantly, proper execution of operational policies and procedures have a significant effect on additions to the allowance charged to the provision. Higher unemployment levels, higher gasoline prices and higher prices for staple items can potentially have a significant effect.  The Company continues to focus on operational improvements within the collections area such as credit reporting for customers and implementation of GPS technology on vehicles sold.
	Credit quality information for finance receivables is as follows:
	(Dollars in thousands)	30-Apr-15						30-Apr-14
		Principal			Percent of			Principal			Percent of
		Balance			Portfolio			Balance			Portfolio
	Current	$	329,329			78.91	%	$	300,478			79.21	%
	3 - 29 days past due		64,004			15.33	%		62,108			16.38	%
	30 - 60 days past due		12,777			3.06	%		10,926			2.88	%
	61 - 90 days past due		8,463			2.03	%		4,665			1.23	%
	> 90 days past due		2,795			0.67	%		1,155			0.3	%
	Total	$	417,368			100	%	$	379,332			100	%
	Accounts one and two days past due are considered current for this analysis, due to the varying payment dates and variation in the day of the week at each period end.  Delinquencies may vary from period to period based on the average age of the portfolio, seasonality within the calendar year, the day of the week and overall economic factors.  The above categories are consistent with internal operational measures used by the Company to monitor credit results.  The Company believes that the increase in the past due percentages can be attributed in part to a failure to properly execute best collections efforts at all dealerships during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.
	Substantially all of the Company’s automobile contracts involve contracts made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories, or higher debt-to-income ratios than permitted by traditional lenders.  Contracts made with buyers who are restricted in their ability to obtain financing from traditional lenders generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession, and higher losses than contracts made with buyers with better credit.  The Company monitors contract term length, down payment percentages, and collections for credit quality indicators.
		Twelve Months Ended
		April 30,
		2015			2014
	Principal collected as a percent of average finance receivables		58.7	%		58	%
	Average down-payment percentage		6.9	%		6.6	%
		30-Apr-15			30-Apr-14
	Average originating contract term (in months)		27.7			27.4
	Portfolio weighted average contract term, including modifications (in months)		30.2			29.8
	The increase in collections as a percentage of average finance receivables was primarily due to lower contract modifications, partially offset by the higher delinquencies and the longer overall contract term.  The increases in contract term are primarily related to efforts to keep payments affordable, for competitive reasons and to continue to work more with our customers when they experience financial difficulties.  In order to remain competitive, term lengths may continue to increase.

Note_D_Property_and_Equipment

Note D - Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	D - Property and Equipment
	A summary of property and equipment is as follows:
	(In thousands)	30-Apr-15			30-Apr-14
	Land	$	6,245		$	6,330
	Buildings and improvements		11,509			11,116
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		13,486			10,293
	Leasehold improvements		21,023			19,673
	Construction in progress		1,235			2,344
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(19,535	)		(15,843	)
		$	33,963		$	33,913

Note_E_Accrued_Liabilities

Note E - Accrued Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities and Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Abstract]
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	E - Accrued Liabilities
	A summary of accrued liabilities is as follows:
	(In thousands)	30-Apr-15		30-Apr-14
	Employee compensation	$	3,954	$	3,228
	Cash overdrafts (see Note B)		1,587		1,085
	Deferred sales tax (see Note B)		2,762		2,513
	Interest		230		212
	Other		4,175		3,786
		$	12,708	$	10,824

Note_F_Debt_Facilities

Note F - Debt Facilities	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	F – Debt Facilities
	A summary of revolving credit facilities is as follows:
	(In thousands)
						Balance at
		Aggregate		Interest	Maturity	30-Apr-15		30-Apr-14
		Amount		Rate
	Revolving credit facilities	$	145,000	LIBOR + 2.375%	8-Oct-17	$	102,685		$	97,032
	( 2.56% at April 30, 2015 and 2.40% at April 30, 2014)
	On March 9, 2012, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (“Credit Facilities”) with a group of lenders providing revolving credit facilities totaling $125 million.  Prior to fiscal 2015, the Credit Facilities were amended on September 30, 2012, February 4, 2013, June 24, 2013 and February 13, 2014, respectively.  The first amendment to the Credit Facilities increased the total revolving commitment to $145 million.  The second amendment amended the definition of eligible vehicle contracts to include contracts with 36-42 month terms. The third amendment extended the term to June 24, 2016, provided the option to request revolver commitment increases for up to an additional $55 million and provided for a 0.25% decrease in each of the three pricing tiers for determining the applicable interest rate.  The fourth amendment amended the structure of the debt covenants as related to the application of the fixed charge coverage ratio calculation.  As amended, the fixed charge coverage ratio calculation will be required only if availability, as defined, under the revolving credit facilities is less than certain specified thresholds.  The amendment also increased the allowable capital expenditures to $10 million in the aggregate during any fiscal year and allows for the sale of certain vehicle contracts to third parties.
	On October 8, 2014, the Company entered into a fifth amendment to the Credit Facilities, which extended the term of the Credit Facilities to October 8, 2017, added a new pricing tier for determining the applicable interest rate, and provided for a 0.125% increase in each of the three existing pricing tiers. The fifth amendment also amended one of two alternative distribution limitations related to repurchases of the Company’s stock. With respect to such limitation, the amendment (i) reset the $40 million aggregate limit on repurchases beginning with October 8, 2014, (ii) redefined the aggregate amount of repurchases to be net of proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, and (iii) changed the requirement that the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases be equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases.
	The revolving credit facilities are collateralized primarily by finance receivables and inventory, are cross collateralized and contain a guarantee by the Company.  Interest is payable monthly under the revolving credit facilities. The Credit Facilities provide for four pricing tiers for determining the applicable interest rate, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio for the preceding fiscal quarter. The current applicable interest rate under the Credit Facilities is generally LIBOR plus 2.375%.  The Credit Facilities contain various reporting and performance covenants including (i) maintenance of certain financial ratios and tests, (ii) limitations on borrowings from other sources, (iii) restrictions on certain operating activities and (iv) restrictions on the payment of dividends or distributions.
	The distribution limitations under the Credit Facilities allow the Company to repurchase the Company’s stock so long as: either (a) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed $40 million beginning October 8, 2014 and the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases is equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases, or (b) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed 75% of the consolidated net income of the Company measured on a trailing twelve month basis; provided that immediately before and after giving effect to the stock repurchases, at least 12.5% of the aggregate funds committed under the credit facilities remain available.
	The Company was in compliance with the covenants at April 30, 2015.  The amount available to be drawn under the credit facilities is a function of eligible finance receivables and inventory. Based upon eligible finance receivables and inventory at April 30, 2015, the Company had additional availability of approximately $38.9 million under the revolving credit facilities.
	The Company recognized $188,000 and $209,000 of amortization for the twelve months ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to debt issuance costs.  The amortization is reflected as interest expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Note_G_Fair_Value_Measurements

Note G - Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	G – Fair Value Measurements
	The table below summarizes information about the fair value of financial instruments included in the Company’s financial statements at April 30, 2015 and 2014:
			30-Apr-15				30-Apr-14
	(In thousands)		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
			Value		Value		Value		Value
	Cash		$	790	$	790	$	289	$	289
	Finance receivables, net			324,144		256,681		293,299		233,289
	Accounts payable			11,022		11,022		8,542		8,542
	Revolving credit facilities			102,685		102,685		97,032		97,032
	Because no market exists for certain of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments and estimates regarding yield expectations of investors, credit risk and other risk characteristics, including interest rate and prepayment risk. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. The methodology and assumptions utilized to estimate the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows:
	Financial Instrument	Valuation Methodology
	Cash	The carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of the financial instrument.
	Finance receivables, net	The Company estimated the fair value of its receivables at what a third party purchaser might be willing to pay. The Company has had discussions with third parties and has bought and sold portfolios, and has had a third party appraisal in November 2012 that indicates a range of 35% to 40% discount to face would be a reasonable fair value in a negotiated third party transaction.  The sale of finance receivables from Car-Mart of Arkansas to Colonial had been at a 37.5% discount; however, due to the increased credit losses the discount was changed to 38.5% effective February 1, 2014. For financial reporting purposes these sale transactions are eliminated. Since the Company does not intend to offer the receivables for sale to an outside third party, the expectation is that the net book value at April 30, 2015, will be ultimately collected. By collecting the accounts internally the Company expects to realize more than a third party purchaser would expect to collect with a servicing requirement and a profit margin included.
	Accounts payable	The carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of the financial instrument.
	Revolving credit facilities	The fair value approximates carrying value due to the variable interest rates charged on the borrowings, which reprice frequently.

Note_H_Income_Taxes

Note H - Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	H - Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes was as follows:
		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Provision for income taxes
	Current	$	13,610		$	15,466		$	17,045
	Deferred		3,934			(2,923	)		1,446
		$	17,544		$	12,543		$	18,491
	The provision for income taxes is different from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the following reasons:
		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Tax provision at statutory rate	$	16,463		$	11,785		$	17,729
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		1,172			813			829
	Other, net		(91	)		(55	)		(67	)
		$	17,544		$	12,543		$	18,491
	Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.  Significant components of the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
		April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Deferred income tax liabilities related to:
	Finance receivables	$	25,388		$	21,944
	Property and equipment		839			1,386
	Total		26,227			23,330
	Deferred income tax assets related to:
	Accrued liabilities		1,872			1,602
	Inventory		196			173
	Share based compensation		4,030			4,667
	Deferred revenue		951			1,644
	Total		7,049			8,086
	Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$	19,178		$	15,244

Note_I_Capital_Stock

Note I - Capital Stock	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]	I – Capital Stock
	The Company is authorized to issue up to one million shares of $.01 par value preferred stock in one or more series having such respective terms, rights and preferences as are designated by the Board of Directors.  The Company has not issued any preferred stock.
	A subsidiary of the Company has issued 500,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock which carries an 8% cumulative dividend.  The Company’s subsidiary can redeem the preferred stock at any time at par value plus any unpaid dividends.  After April 30, 2015, a holder of 400,000 shares of the subsidiary preferred stock can require the Company’s subsidiary to redeem such stock for $400,000 plus any unpaid dividends.

Note_J_Weighted_Average_Shares

Note J - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Text Block]	J – Weighted Average Shares Outstanding
	Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
		Years Ended April 30,
		2015		2014		2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding-basic		8,617,864		8,930,592		9,111,851
	Dilutive options and restricted stock		431,093		461,075		457,851
	Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		9,048,957		9,391,667		9,569,702
	Antidilutive securities not included:
	Options		76,250		77,500		40,000

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]	K – Stock-Based Compensation Plans
	The Company has stock-based compensation plans available to grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options and restricted stock to employees, directors and certain advisors of the Company.  The stock-based compensation plans currently being utilized are the 2007 Stock Option Plan (the “2007 Plan”) and the Stock Incentive Plan.  The Company recorded total stock-based compensation expense for all plans of $780,000 ($489,000 after tax effects) and $1.4 million ($873,000 after tax effects) for the year ended April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Tax benefits were recognized for these costs at the Company’s overall effective tax rate.
	Stock Options
	The Company has options outstanding under two stock option plans approved by the shareholders, the 1997 Stock Option Plan (“1997 Plan”) and the 2007 Stock Option Plan (the “2007 Plan”).  While previously granted options remain outstanding, no additional option grants may be made under the 1997 Plan.  At April 30, 2015, there are 14,000 vested but unexercised options outstanding under the 1997 Option Plan (“1997 Plan”).  The shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s 2007 Plan on October 13, 2010. The amendment increased from 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 the number of options to purchase our common stock that may be issued under the 2007 Plan.  The 2007 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock to employees, directors and certain advisors of the Company at a price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant and for periods not to exceed ten years.  Options granted under the Company’s stock option plans expire in the calendar years 2015 through 2024.
			1997 Plan		2007 Plan
	Minimum exercise price as a percentage of fair market value at date of grant		100%		100%
	Last expiration date for outstanding options		2-Jul-17		20-Nov-24
	Shares available for grant at April 30, 2015		-		290,500
	The fair value of options granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the assumptions in the table below.
		30-Apr-15	30-Apr-14	30-Apr-13
	Expected terms (years)	5.4	5	5
	Risk-free interest rate	1.64%	0.67%	0.78%
	Volatility	34%	50%	50%
	Dividend yield	-	-	-
	The expected term of the options is based on evaluations of historical and expected future employee exercise behavior.  The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected life at the grant date.  Volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s common stock.  The Company has not historically issued any dividends and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.
	The following is an aggregate summary of the activity in the Company’s stock option plans from April 30, 2012 to April 30, 2015:
			Number				Exercise					Proceeds			Weighted Average
			of				Price					on			Exercise Price per
			Shares				per Share					Exercise			Share
												(in thousands)
	Outstanding at April 30, 2012			1,118,250			$11.83	to	$45.72			$	22,881		$	20.46
	Granted			40,000			$44.14	to	$45.46				1,801			45.02
	Exercised			(35,750	)		$11.83	to	$23.34				(790	)		22.13
	Outstanding at April 30, 2013			1,122,500			$11.90	to	$45.72			$	23,892		$	21.28
	Granted			25,000			$44.52	to	$46.44				1,122			44.9
	Exercised			(30,500	)		$23.34	to	$23.75				(720	)		23.58
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014			1,117,000			$11.90	to	$46.44			$	24,294		$	21.75
	Granted			89,000			$36.54	to	$50.25				3,997			44.91
	Exercised			(212,250	)		$11.90	to	$45.46				(4,143	)		19.52
	Cancelled			(12,000	)		$41.86	to	$45.72				(540	)		45.08
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015			981,750			$11.90	to	$50.25			$	23,608		$	24.05
	Stock option compensation expense on a pre-tax basis was $664,000 ($416,000 after tax effects) and $1.3 million ($791,000 after tax effects) and $1.7 million ($1.1 million after tax effects) for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of April 30, 2015, the Company had approximately $1.1 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested options.  Unvested outstanding options have a weighted-average remaining vesting period of 3.25 years.
	The grant-date fair value of all options granted during fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.4 million, $487,000 and $784,000, respectively. The options were granted at fair market value on date of grant.  Generally options vest after three to five years, except for options issued to directors which are immediately vested at date of grant.
	The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding options at April 30, 2015 and 2014 was $26.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively.
	The Company had the following options exercised for the periods indicated.  The impact of these cash receipts is included in financing activities in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
		Twelve Months Ended
		April 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
	Options Exercised			212,250				30,500				35,750
	Cash Received from Options Exercised		$	4,143			$	720			$	790
	Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised		$	5,983			$	563			$	811
	As of April 30, 2015 there were 889,750 vested and exercisable stock options outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of $26.4 million and a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.14 years and a weighted average exercise price of $21.69.
	Stock Incentive Plan
	The shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan on October 14, 2009.  The amendment increased from 150,000 to 350,000 the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan.  For shares issued under the Stock Incentive Plan, the associated compensation expense is generally recognized equally over the vesting periods established at the award date and is subject to the employee’s continued employment by the Company.
	The following is a summary of the activity in the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan:
			Number				Weighted Average
			of				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
	Unvested shares at April 30, 2014			20,000			$	24.47
	Shares granted			9,500				52.1
	Shares vested			(20,000	)			24.47
	Unvested shares at April 30, 2015			9,500			$	52.1
	The fair value at vesting for awards under the stock incentive plan was $495,000, $126,000 and $162,000 in fiscal 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	During the fiscal year 2015, 9,500 restricted shares were granted with a fair value of $52.10 per share. There were no restricted shares granted during fiscal years 2014 or 2013.  A total of 177,527 shares remain available for award at April 30, 2015.
	The Company recorded compensation cost of $90,000 ($56,000 after tax effects), $105,000 ($66,000 after tax effects) and $123,000 ($78,000 after tax effects) related to the Stock Incentive Plan during the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  As of April 30, 2015 the Company had $495,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards granted under the Stock Incentive Plan, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted-average remaining period of five years.

Note_L_Commitments_and_Conting

Note L - Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	L - Commitments and Contingencies
	Letter of Credit
	The Company has a standby letter of credit relating to an insurance policy totaling $1,000,000 at April 30, 2015.
	Facility Leases
	The Company leases certain dealership and office facilities under various non-cancelable operating leases.  Dealership leases are generally for periods from three to five years and contain multiple renewal options.  As of April 30, 2015 the aggregate rentals due under such leases, including renewal options that are reasonably assured, were as follows:
	Years Ending	Amount
	April 30,	(In thousands)
	2016	$	5,392
	2017		5,254
	2018		5,105
	2019		4,854
	2020		4,218
	Thereafter		14,755
		$	39,578
	The $39.6 million of lease commitments includes $14.8 million of non-cancelable lease commitments under the lease terms, and $24.8 million of lease commitments for renewal periods at the Company’s option that are reasonably assured.  For the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, rent expense for all operating leases amounted to approximately $5.5 million, $5.2 million, and $4.7 million, respectively.
	Litigation
	In the ordinary course of business, the Company has become a defendant in various types of legal proceedings.  The Company does not expect the final outcome of any of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, annual results of operations or cash flows.  However, the results of legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these legal proceedings could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, annual results of operations or cash flows.
	Related Finance Company
	Car-Mart of Arkansas and Colonial do not meet the affiliation standard for filing consolidated income tax returns, and as such they file separate federal and state income tax returns.  Car-Mart of Arkansas routinely sells its finance receivables to Colonial at what the Company believes to be fair market value and is able to take a tax deduction at the time of sale for the difference between the tax basis of the receivables sold and the sales price.  These types of transactions, based upon facts and circumstances, have been permissible under the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code as described in the Treasury Regulations.  For financial accounting purposes, these transactions are eliminated in consolidation, and a deferred income tax liability has been recorded for this timing difference.  The sale of finance receivables from Car-Mart of Arkansas to Colonial provides certain legal protection for the Company’s finance receivables and, principally because of certain state apportionment characteristics of Colonial, also has the effect of reducing the Company’s overall effective state income tax rate.  The actual interpretation of the Regulations is in part a facts and circumstances matter.  The Company believes it satisfies the material provisions of the Regulations.  Failure to satisfy those provisions could result in the loss of a tax deduction at the time the receivables are sold, and have the effect of increasing the Company’s overall effective income tax rate as well as the timing of required tax payments.
	In April 2014, the IRS completed the examinations of the Company’s income tax returns for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.  The examinations resulted in timing adjustments and a net refund for the years being audited.

Note_M_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_

Note M - Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block]	M - Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Supplemental cash flow disclosures for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
		Years Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014		2013
	Supplemental disclosures:
	Interest paid	$	2,885	$	3,023	$	2,884
	Income taxes paid, net		13,409		12,153		17,800
	Non-cash transactions:
	Inventory acquired in repossession and payment protection plan claims		44,838		47,297		39,657

Note_N_Quarterly_Results_of_Op

Note N - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]	N - Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)
	A summary of the Company’s quarterly results of operations for the years ended April 30, 2015 and 2014 is as follows (in thousands, except per share information):
		Year Ended April 30, 2015
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	127,376	$	133,834	$	131,500	$	137,611	$	530,321
	Gross profit		47,988		51,279		49,734		51,122		200,123
	Net income		7,260		7,519		7,461		7,250		29,490
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		7,250		7,509		7,451		7,240		29,450
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.83		0.87		0.87		0.85		3.42
	Diluted		0.79		0.83		0.82		0.81		3.25
		Year Ended April 30, 2014
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	122,544	$	121,431	$	122,588	$	122,624	$	489,187
	Gross profit		46,527		44,942		46,308		45,408		183,185
	Net income		7,541		5,805		1,470		6,313		21,129
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		7,531		5,795		1,460		6,303		21,089
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.83		0.64		0.16		0.72		2.36
	Diluted		0.79		0.61		0.16		0.68		2.25

Accounting_Policies_by_Policy_

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of America’s Car-Mart, Inc. and its subsidiaries.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Segment Information
	Each dealership is an operating segment with its results regularly reviewed by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in an effort to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. Individual dealerships meet the aggregation criteria for reporting purposes under the current accounting guidance.  The Company operates in the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance segment of the used car market, also referred to as the Integrated Auto Sales and Finance industry.  In this industry, the nature of the sale and the financing of the transaction, financing processes, the type of customer and the methods used to distribute the Company’s products and services, including the actual servicing of the contracts as well as the regulatory environment in which the Company operates all have similar characteristics.  Each of our individual dealerships is similar in nature and only engages in the selling and financing of used vehicles. All individual dealerships have similar operating characteristics.  As such, individual dealerships have been aggregated into one reportable segment.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates include, but are not limited to, the Company’s allowance for credit losses.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Concentration of Risk
	The Company provides financing in connection with the sale of substantially all of its vehicles.  These sales are made primarily to customers residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, with approximately 32% of revenues resulting from sales to Arkansas customers.
	Periodically, the Company maintains cash in financial institutions in excess of the amounts insured by the federal government.  The Company’s revolving credit facilities mature in October 2017.  The Company expects that these credit facilities will be renewed or refinanced on or before the scheduled maturity dates.
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions [Policy Text Block]	Restrictions on Distributions/Dividends
	The Company’s revolving credit facilities generally restrict distributions by the Company to its shareholders.  The distribution limitations under the Credit Facilities allow the Company to repurchase the Company’s stock so long as: either (a) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed $40 million beginning October 8, 2014 and the sum of borrowing bases combined minus the principal balances of all revolver loans after giving effect to such repurchases is equal to or greater than 30% of the sum of the borrowing bases, or (b) the aggregate amount of such repurchases does not exceed 75% of the consolidated net income of the Company measured on a trailing twelve month basis; provided that immediately before and after giving effect to the stock repurchases, at least 12.5% of the aggregate funds committed under the credit facilities remain available.  Thus, the Company is limited in its ability to pay dividends or make other distributions to its shareholders without the consent of the Company’s lenders.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Cash Equivalents
	The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Finance Receivables, Repossessions and Charge-offs and Allowance for Credit Losses
	The Company originates installment sale contracts from the sale of used vehicles at its dealerships.  These installment sale contracts typically carry interest rates ranging from 14% to 15% using the simple effective interest method including any deferred fees. Contract origination costs are not significant.  The installment sale contracts are not pre-computed contracts whereby borrowers are obligated to pay back principal plus the full amount of interest that will accrue over the entire term of the contract.  Finance receivables are collateralized by vehicles sold and consist of contractually scheduled payments from installment contracts net of unearned finance charges and an allowance for credit losses.  Unearned finance charges represent the balance of interest receivable to be earned over the entire term of the related installment contract, less the earned amount ($2.0 million at April 30, 2015 and $1.8 million at April 30, 2014), and as such, has been reflected as a reduction to the gross contract amount in arriving at the principal balance in finance receivables. An account is considered delinquent when a contractually scheduled payment has not been received by the scheduled payment date.  While the Company does not formally place contracts on nonaccrual status, the immaterial amount of interest that may accrue after an account becomes delinquent up until the point of resolution via repossession or write-off, is reserved for against the accrued interest on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Delinquent contracts are addressed and either made current by the customer, which is the case in most situations, or the vehicle is repossessed or written off if the collateral cannot be recovered quickly. Customer payments are set to match their payday with approximately 73% of payments due on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis. The frequency of the payment due dates combined with the declining value of collateral lead to prompt resolutions on problem accounts.  Accounts are delinquent when the customer is one day or more behind on their contractual payments.  At April 30, 2015, 5.8% of the Company’s finance receivables balances were 30 days or more past due compared to 4.4% at April 30, 2014.
	Substantially all of the Company’s automobile contracts involve contracts made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories, or higher debt-to-income ratios than permitted by traditional lenders.  Contracts made with buyers who are restricted in their ability to obtain financing from traditional lenders generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession, and higher losses than contracts made with buyers with better credit.
	The Company strives to keep its delinquency percentages low, and not to repossess vehicles.  Accounts two days late are sent a notice in the mail.  Accounts three days late are contacted by telephone.  Notes from each telephone contact are electronically maintained in the Company’s computer system.  If a customer becomes severely delinquent in his or her payments, and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable, the Company will take steps to repossess the vehicle.  The Company attempts to resolve payment delinquencies amicably prior to repossessing a vehicle.  Periodically, the Company enters into contract modifications with its customers to extend or modify the payment terms.  The Company only enters into a contract modification or extension if it believes such action will increase the amount of monies the Company will ultimately realize on the customer’s account and will increase the likelihood of the customer being able to pay off the vehicle contract.  At the time of modification, the Company expects to collect amounts due including accrued interest at the contractual interest rate for the period of delay. Other than the extension of additional time, concessions are not granted to customers at the time of modifications. Modifications are minor and are made for payday changes, minor vehicle repairs and other reasons.  For those vehicles that are repossessed, the majority are returned or surrendered by the customer on a voluntary basis.  Other repossessions are performed by Company personnel or third party repossession agents.  Depending on the condition of a repossessed vehicle, it is either resold on a retail basis through a Company dealership, or sold for cash on a wholesale basis primarily through physical or online auctions.
	The Company takes steps to repossess a vehicle when the customer becomes delinquent in his or her payments and management determines that timely collection of future payments is not probable.  Accounts are charged-off after the expiration of a statutory notice period for repossessed accounts, or when management determines that the timely collection of future payments is not probable for accounts where the Company has been unable to repossess the vehicle.  For accounts with respect to which the vehicle was repossessed, the fair value of the repossessed vehicle is charged as a reduction of the gross finance receivables balance charged-off.  On average, accounts are approximately 67 days past due at the time of charge-off.  For previously charged-off accounts that are subsequently recovered, the amount of such recovery is credited to the allowance for credit losses.
	The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses on an aggregate basis, as opposed to a contract-by-contract basis, at an amount it considers sufficient to cover estimated losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date in the collection of its finance receivables currently outstanding. The Company accrues an estimated loss as it is probable that the entire amount will not be collected and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated in the aggregate.  The allowance for credit losses is based primarily upon historical credit loss experience, with consideration given to recent credit loss trends and changes in contract characteristics (i.e., average amount financed and term), delinquency levels, collateral values, economic conditions and underwriting and collection practices.  The allowance for credit losses is periodically reviewed by management with any changes reflected in current operations.  Although it is at least reasonably possible that events or circumstances could occur in the future that are not presently foreseen which could cause actual credit losses to be materially different from the recorded allowance for credit losses, the Company believes that it has given appropriate consideration to all relevant factors and has made reasonable assumptions in determining the allowance for credit losses.  The calculation of the allowance for credit losses uses the following primary factors:
		·	The number of units repossessed or charged-off as a percentage of total units financed over specific historical periods of time from one year to five years.
		·	The average net repossession and charge-off loss per unit during the last eighteen months, segregated by the number of months since the contract origination date, and adjusted for the expected future average net charge-off loss per unit.  Approximately 50% of the charge-offs that will ultimately occur in the portfolio are expected to occur within 10-11 months following the balance sheet date.  The average age of an account at charge-off date is 11 months.
		·	The timing of repossession and charge-off losses relative to the date of sale (i.e., how long it takes for a repossession or charge-off to occur) for repossessions and charge-offs occurring during the last eighteen months.
	A point estimate is produced by this analysis which is then supplemented by any positive or negative subjective factors to arrive at an overall reserve amount that management considers to be a reasonable estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date that will be realized via actual charge-offs in the future. While challenging economic conditions can negatively impact credit losses, the effectiveness of the execution of internal policies and procedures within the collections area and the competitive environment on the lending side have historically had a more significant effect on collection results than macro-economic issues.
	An increase to the allowance for credit losses was made in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 which resulted in a $7.7 million charge to the provision for credit losses based on the analysis discussed above and the increased level of charge-offs with the expectation that charge-offs related to a significant extent to increased competition on the lending side will remain elevated.  Although the Company saw a decrease in the level of charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014, it is still experiencing elevated credit losses.
	In most states, the Company offers retail customers who finance their vehicle the option of purchasing a payment protection plan product as an add-on to the installment sale contract.  This product contractually obligates the Company to cancel the remaining principal outstanding for any contract where the retail customer has totaled the vehicle, as defined, or the vehicle has been stolen.  The Company periodically evaluates anticipated losses to ensure that if anticipated losses exceed deferred payment protection plan revenues, an additional liability is recorded for such difference.  No such liability was required at April 30, 2015 or 2014.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]	e., how long it takes for a repossession or charge-off to occur) for repossessions and charge-offs occurring during the last eighteen months.
	A point estimate is produced by this analysis which is then supplemented by any positive or negative subjective factors to arrive at an overall reserve amount that management considers to be a reasonable estimate of losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date that will be realized via actual charge-offs in the future. While challenging economic conditions can negatively impact credit losses, the effectiveness of the execution of internal policies and procedures within the collections area and the competitive environment on the lending side have historically had a more significant effect on collection results than macro-economic issues.
	An increase to the allowance for credit losses was made in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 which resulted in a $7.7 million charge to the provision for credit losses based on the analysis discussed above and the increased level of charge-offs with the expectation that charge-offs related to a significant extent to increased competition on the lending side will remain elevated.  Although the Company saw a decrease in the level of charge-offs as a percentage of average finance receivables for fiscal 2015 compared to fiscal 2014, it is still experiencing elevated credit losses.
	In most states, the Company offers retail customers who finance their vehicle the option of purchasing a payment protection plan product as an add-on to the installment sale contract.  This product contractually obligates the Company to cancel the remaining principal outstanding for any contract where the retail customer has totaled the vehicle, as defined, or the vehicle has been stolen.  The Company periodically evaluates anticipated losses to ensure that if anticipated losses exceed deferred payment protection plan revenues, an additional liability is recorded for such difference.  No such liability was required at April 30, 2015 or 2014.
	Inventory
	Inventory consists of used vehicles and is valued at the lower of cost or market on a specific identification basis.  Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a component of inventory.  Repossessed vehicles and trade-in vehicles are recorded at fair value, which approximates wholesale value.  The cost of used vehicles sold is determined using the specific identification method.
	Goodwill
	Goodwill reflects the excess of purchase price over the fair value of specifically identified net assets purchased.  Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests at the Company’s year-end. The impairment tests are based on the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of such unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit falls below its carrying value, the Company performs the second step of the two-step goodwill impairment process to determine the amount, if any, that the goodwill is impaired.  The second step involves determining the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities and the implied goodwill.  The implied goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the goodwill to determine the impairment, if any.  There was no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014.
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures for additions, remodels and improvements are capitalized.  Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the lease period.  The lease period includes the primary lease term plus any extensions that are reasonably assured.  Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method generally over the following estimated useful lives:
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment (years)	3	to	7
	Leasehold improvements (years)	5	to	15
	Buildings and improvements (years)	18	to	39
	Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the impaired assets exceed the fair value of such assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
	Cash Overdraft
	As checks are presented for payment from the Company’s primary disbursement bank account, monies are automatically drawn against cash collections for the day and, if necessary, are drawn against one of its revolving credit facilities.  Any cash overdraft balance principally represents outstanding checks, net of any deposits in transit that as of the balance sheet date had not yet been presented for payment. Any cash overdraft balance is reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Deferred Sales Tax
	Deferred sales tax represents a sales tax liability of the Company for vehicles sold on an installment basis in the states of Alabama and Texas.  Under Alabama and Texas law, for vehicles sold on an installment basis, the related sales tax is due as the payments are collected from the customer, rather than at the time of sale.  Deferred sales tax liabilities are reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method.  Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which these differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	Occasionally, the Company is audited by taxing authorities.  These audits could result in proposed assessments of additional taxes.  The Company believes that its tax positions comply in all material respects with applicable tax law.  However, tax law is subject to interpretation, and interpretations by taxing authorities could be different from those of the Company, which could result in the imposition of additional taxes.
	The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit.  For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  The Company applies this methodology to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open.
	The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal years before 2012.
	In April 2014, the IRS completed the examinations of the Company’s income tax returns for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.  The examinations resulted in timing adjustments and a net refund for the years being audited.
	The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The Company had no accrued penalties or interest as of April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenues are generated principally from the sale of used vehicles, which in most cases includes a service contract and a payment protection plan product, and interest income and late fees earned on finance receivables. Revenues are net of taxes collected from customers and remitted to government agencies.  Cost of vehicle sales include costs incurred by the Company to prepare the vehicle for sale including license and title costs, gasoline, transport services and repairs.
	Revenues from the sale of used vehicles are recognized when the sales contract is signed, the customer has taken possession of the vehicle and, if applicable, financing has been approved.  Revenues from the sale of vehicles sold at wholesale are recognized at the time the proceeds are received.  Revenues from the sale of service contracts are recognized ratably over the expected duration of the product.  Service contract revenues are included in sales and the related expenses are included in cost of sales. Payment protection plan revenues are initially deferred and then recognized to income using the “Rule of 78’s” interest method over the life of the contract so that revenues are recognized in proportion to the amount of cancellation protection provided.  Payment protection plan revenues are included in sales and related losses are included in cost of sales as incurred.  Interest income is recognized on all active finance receivables accounts using the simple effective interest method.  Active accounts include all accounts except those that have been paid-off or charged-off.
	Sales consist of the following for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
			Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)		2015		2014		2013
	Sales – used autos		$	416,060	$	385,672	$	368,674
	Wholesales – third party			19,961		18,886		19,718
	Service contract sales			19,758		15,833		14,594
	Payment protection plan revenue			16,790		14,113		12,754
	Total		$	472,569	$	434,504	$	415,740
	At April 30, 2015 and 2014, finance receivables more than 90 days past due were approximately $2.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Late fee revenues totaled approximately $2.2 million, $2.2 million and $2.0 million for the fiscal years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Late fee revenue is recognized when collected and is reflected within Interest and other income on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and consist principally of radio, television and print media marketing costs.  Advertising costs amounted to $3.6 million, $4.2 million and $4.1 million for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company has 401(k) plans for all of its employees meeting certain eligibility requirements.  The plans provide for voluntary employee contributions and the Company matches 50% of employee contributions up to a maximum of 4% of each employee’s compensation.  The Company contributed approximately $363,000, $329,000, and $290,000 to the plans for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company offers employees the right to purchase common shares at a 15% discount from market price under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which was approved by shareholders in October 2006. The Company takes a charge to earnings for the 15% discount.  Amounts for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 were not material individually and in the aggregate. A total of 200,000 shares were registered and 159,556 remain available for issuance under this plan at April 30, 2015.
	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive common stock equivalents.  The calculation of diluted earnings per share takes into consideration the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock, which if exercised or converted into common stock would then share in the earnings of the Company.  In computing diluted earnings per share, the Company utilizes the treasury stock method and anti-dilutive securities are excluded.
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant over the requisite service period.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards.  The Company may issue either new shares or treasury shares upon exercise of these awards.  Stock-based compensation plans, related expenses, and assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are more fully described in Note K.
	Treasury Stock
	The Company purchased 442,700, 325,598, and 398,548 shares of its common stock to be held as treasury stock for a total cost of $20.0 million, $12.8 million and $17.3 million during the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Treasury stock may be used for issuances under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans or for other general corporate purposes.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Occasionally, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies which the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards which are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	Revenue Recognition.
Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Inventory
	Inventory consists of used vehicles and is valued at the lower of cost or market on a specific identification basis.  Vehicle reconditioning costs are capitalized as a component of inventory.  Repossessed vehicles and trade-in vehicles are recorded at fair value, which approximates wholesale value.  The cost of used vehicles sold is determined using the specific identification method.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill
	Goodwill reflects the excess of purchase price over the fair value of specifically identified net assets purchased.  Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized but are subject to annual impairment tests at the Company’s year-end. The impairment tests are based on the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value of such unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit falls below its carrying value, the Company performs the second step of the two-step goodwill impairment process to determine the amount, if any, that the goodwill is impaired.  The second step involves determining the fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities and the implied goodwill.  The implied goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the goodwill to determine the impairment, if any.  There was no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2015 or fiscal 2014.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures for additions, remodels and improvements are capitalized.  Costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.  Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated life of the improvement or the lease period.  The lease period includes the primary lease term plus any extensions that are reasonably assured.  Depreciation is computed principally using the straight-line method generally over the following estimated useful lives:
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment (years)	3	to	7
	Leasehold improvements (years)	5	to	15
	Buildings and improvements (years)	18	to	39
	Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying values of the impaired assets exceed the fair value of such assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Cash Overdraft [Policy Text Block]	Cash Overdraft
	As checks are presented for payment from the Company’s primary disbursement bank account, monies are automatically drawn against cash collections for the day and, if necessary, are drawn against one of its revolving credit facilities.  Any cash overdraft balance principally represents outstanding checks, net of any deposits in transit that as of the balance sheet date had not yet been presented for payment. Any cash overdraft balance is reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Deferred Sales Tax [Policy Text Block]	Deferred Sales Tax
	Deferred sales tax represents a sales tax liability of the Company for vehicles sold on an installment basis in the states of Alabama and Texas.  Under Alabama and Texas law, for vehicles sold on an installment basis, the related sales tax is due as the payments are collected from the customer, rather than at the time of sale.  Deferred sales tax liabilities are reflected in accrued liabilities on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Income Taxes
	Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method.  Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which these differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
	Occasionally, the Company is audited by taxing authorities.  These audits could result in proposed assessments of additional taxes.  The Company believes that its tax positions comply in all material respects with applicable tax law.  However, tax law is subject to interpretation, and interpretations by taxing authorities could be different from those of the Company, which could result in the imposition of additional taxes.
	The Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit.  For tax positions meeting the more likely than not threshold the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.  The Company applies this methodology to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remains open.
	The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply.  With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for the fiscal years before 2012.
	In April 2014, the IRS completed the examinations of the Company’s income tax returns for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.  The examinations resulted in timing adjustments and a net refund for the years being audited.
	The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. The Company had no accrued penalties or interest as of April 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Advertising Costs
	Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and consist principally of radio, television and print media marketing costs.  Advertising costs amounted to $3.6 million, $4.2 million and $4.1 million for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively
Postemployment Benefit Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Employee Benefit Plans
	The Company has 401(k) plans for all of its employees meeting certain eligibility requirements.  The plans provide for voluntary employee contributions and the Company matches 50% of employee contributions up to a maximum of 4% of each employee’s compensation.  The Company contributed approximately $363,000, $329,000, and $290,000 to the plans for the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company offers employees the right to purchase common shares at a 15% discount from market price under the 2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which was approved by shareholders in October 2006. The Company takes a charge to earnings for the 15% discount.  Amounts for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 were not material individually and in the aggregate. A total of 200,000 shares were registered and 159,556 remain available for issuance under this plan at April 30, 2015.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus dilutive common stock equivalents.  The calculation of diluted earnings per share takes into consideration the potentially dilutive effect of common stock equivalents, such as outstanding stock options and non-vested restricted stock, which if exercised or converted into common stock would then share in the earnings of the Company.  In computing diluted earnings per share, the Company utilizes the treasury stock method and anti-dilutive securities are excluded.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Company recognizes the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, based on the fair value of those awards at the date of grant over the requisite service period.  The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock option awards.  The Company may issue either new shares or treasury shares upon exercise of these awards.  Stock-based compensation plans, related expenses, and assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are more fully described in Note K.
Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]	Treasury Stock
	The Company purchased 442,700, 325,598, and 398,548 shares of its common stock to be held as treasury stock for a total cost of $20.0 million, $12.8 million and $17.3 million during the years ended April 30, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Treasury stock may be used for issuances under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans or for other general corporate purposes.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Occasionally, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) or other standard setting bodies which the Company adopts as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes the impact of recently issued standards which are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
	Revenue Recognition.  In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance.   The new guidance in ASU 2014-09 is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, using one of two retrospective application methods. The Company is currently evaluating the potential effects of the adoption of this update on the consolidated financial statements.
	Debt Issuance Costs.  In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which amends the current presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements. ASU 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of as an asset. The amendments are to be applied retrospectively and are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015.  The adoption of the new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Reclassifications
	The Company has made reclassifications to certain amounts in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of April 30, 2014 to reclassify approximately $4.2 million of deferred service contract revenue from accrued liabilities to deferred service contract revenue.  The reclassifications did not have an impact on net income or earnings per share.

Note_B_Summary_of_Significant_1

Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Property Plant And Equipment, Useful Life [Table Text Block]	Furniture, fixtures and equipment (years)	3	to	7
	Leasehold improvements (years)	5	to	15
	Buildings and improvements (years)	18	to	39
Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block]			Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)		2015		2014		2013
	Sales – used autos		$	416,060	$	385,672	$	368,674
	Wholesales – third party			19,961		18,886		19,718
	Service contract sales			19,758		15,833		14,594
	Payment protection plan revenue			16,790		14,113		12,754
	Total		$	472,569	$	434,504	$	415,740

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net1

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)	30-Apr-15			30-Apr-14
	Gross contract amount	$	477,305		$	432,327
	Less unearned finance charges		(59,937	)		(52,995	)
	Principal balance		417,368			379,332
	Less allowance for credit losses		(93,224	)		(86,033	)
	Finance receivables, net	$	324,144		$	293,299
Change in Finance Receivables, Net [Table Text Block]		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	293,299		$	288,049		$	251,103
	Finance receivable originations		445,405			404,918			387,895
	Finance receivable collections		(238,845	)		(223,538	)		(207,713	)
	Provision for credit losses		(120,289	)		(119,247	)		(96,035	)
	Losses on claims for payment protection plan		(10,588	)		(9,586	)		(7,544	)
	Inventory acquired in repossession and payment protection plan claims		(44,838	)		(47,297	)		(39,657	)
	Balance at end of period	$	324,144		$	293,299		$	288,049
Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Balance at beginning of period	$	86,033		$	75,345		$	65,831
	Provision for credit losses		120,289			119,247			96,035
	Charge-offs, net of recovered collateral		(113,098	)		(108,559	)		(86,521	)
	Balance at end of period	$	93,224		$	86,033		$	75,345
Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block]	(Dollars in thousands)	30-Apr-15						30-Apr-14
		Principal			Percent of			Principal			Percent of
		Balance			Portfolio			Balance			Portfolio
	Current	$	329,329			78.91	%	$	300,478			79.21	%
	3 - 29 days past due		64,004			15.33	%		62,108			16.38	%
	30 - 60 days past due		12,777			3.06	%		10,926			2.88	%
	61 - 90 days past due		8,463			2.03	%		4,665			1.23	%
	> 90 days past due		2,795			0.67	%		1,155			0.3	%
	Total	$	417,368			100	%	$	379,332			100	%
Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block]		Twelve Months Ended
		April 30,
		2015			2014
	Principal collected as a percent of average finance receivables		58.7	%		58	%
	Average down-payment percentage		6.9	%		6.6	%
Financing Receivable Contract Terms [Table Text Block]		30-Apr-15			30-Apr-14
	Average originating contract term (in months)		27.7			27.4
	Portfolio weighted average contract term, including modifications (in months)		30.2			29.8

Note_D_Property_and_Equipment_

Note D - Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)	30-Apr-15			30-Apr-14
	Land	$	6,245		$	6,330
	Buildings and improvements		11,509			11,116
	Furniture, fixtures and equipment		13,486			10,293
	Leasehold improvements		21,023			19,673
	Construction in progress		1,235			2,344
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(19,535	)		(15,843	)
		$	33,963		$	33,913

Note_E_Accrued_Liabilities_Tab

Note E - Accrued Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Other Liabilities and Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption [Abstract]
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)	30-Apr-15		30-Apr-14
	Employee compensation	$	3,954	$	3,228
	Cash overdrafts (see Note B)		1,587		1,085
	Deferred sales tax (see Note B)		2,762		2,513
	Interest		230		212
	Other		4,175		3,786
		$	12,708	$	10,824

Note_F_Debt_Facilities_Tables

Note F - Debt Facilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]	(In thousands)
						Balance at
		Aggregate		Interest	Maturity	30-Apr-15		30-Apr-14
		Amount		Rate
	Revolving credit facilities	$	145,000	LIBOR + 2.375%	8-Oct-17	$	102,685		$	97,032

Note_G_Fair_Value_Measurements1

Note G - Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]		30-Apr-15				30-Apr-14
	(In thousands)	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
		Value		Value		Value		Value
	Cash	$	790	$	790	$	289	$	289
	Finance receivables, net		324,144		256,681		293,299		233,289
	Accounts payable		11,022		11,022		8,542		8,542
	Revolving credit facilities		102,685		102,685		97,032		97,032

Note_H_Income_Taxes_Tables

Note H - Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Provision for income taxes
	Current	$	13,610		$	15,466		$	17,045
	Deferred		3,934			(2,923	)		1,446
		$	17,544		$	12,543		$	18,491
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]		Years Ended April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014			2013
	Tax provision at statutory rate	$	16,463		$	11,785		$	17,729
	State taxes, net of federal benefit		1,172			813			829
	Other, net		(91	)		(55	)		(67	)
		$	17,544		$	12,543		$	18,491
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]		April 30,
	(In thousands)	2015			2014
	Deferred income tax liabilities related to:
	Finance receivables	$	25,388		$	21,944
	Property and equipment		839			1,386
	Total		26,227			23,330
	Deferred income tax assets related to:
	Accrued liabilities		1,872			1,602
	Inventory		196			173
	Share based compensation		4,030			4,667
	Deferred revenue		951			1,644
	Total		7,049			8,086
	Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$	19,178		$	15,244

Note_J_Weighted_Average_Shares1

Note J - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]		Years Ended April 30,
		2015		2014		2013
	Weighted average shares outstanding-basic		8,617,864		8,930,592		9,111,851
	Dilutive options and restricted stock		431,093		461,075		457,851
	Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		9,048,957		9,391,667		9,569,702
	Antidilutive securities not included:
	Options		76,250		77,500		40,000

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation1

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Option Plan Comparison [Table Text Block]			1997 Plan		2007 Plan
	Minimum exercise price as a percentage of fair market value at date of grant		100%		100%
	Last expiration date for outstanding options		2-Jul-17		20-Nov-24
	Shares available for grant at April 30, 2015		-		290,500
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]		30-Apr-15	30-Apr-14	30-Apr-13
	Expected terms (years)	5.4	5	5
	Risk-free interest rate	1.64%	0.67%	0.78%
	Volatility	34%	50%	50%
	Dividend yield	-	-	-
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]			Number				Exercise					Proceeds			Weighted Average
			of				Price					on			Exercise Price per
			Shares				per Share					Exercise			Share
												(in thousands)
	Outstanding at April 30, 2012			1,118,250			$11.83	to	$45.72			$	22,881		$	20.46
	Granted			40,000			$44.14	to	$45.46				1,801			45.02
	Exercised			(35,750	)		$11.83	to	$23.34				(790	)		22.13
	Outstanding at April 30, 2013			1,122,500			$11.90	to	$45.72			$	23,892		$	21.28
	Granted			25,000			$44.52	to	$46.44				1,122			44.9
	Exercised			(30,500	)		$23.34	to	$23.75				(720	)		23.58
	Outstanding at April 30, 2014			1,117,000			$11.90	to	$46.44			$	24,294		$	21.75
	Granted			89,000			$36.54	to	$50.25				3,997			44.91
	Exercised			(212,250	)		$11.90	to	$45.46				(4,143	)		19.52
	Cancelled			(12,000	)		$41.86	to	$45.72				(540	)		45.08
	Outstanding at April 30, 2015			981,750			$11.90	to	$50.25			$	23,608		$	24.05
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Exercises [Table Text Block]		Twelve Months Ended
		April 30,
	(Dollars in thousands)	2015				2014				2013
	Options Exercised			212,250				30,500				35,750
	Cash Received from Options Exercised		$	4,143			$	720			$	790
	Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised		$	5,983			$	563			$	811
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]			Number				Weighted Average
			of				Grant Date
			Shares				Fair Value
	Unvested shares at April 30, 2014			20,000			$	24.47
	Shares granted			9,500				52.1
	Shares vested			(20,000	)			24.47
	Unvested shares at April 30, 2015			9,500			$	52.1

Note_L_Commitments_and_Conting1

Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	Years Ending	Amount
	April 30,	(In thousands)
	2016	$	5,392
	2017		5,254
	2018		5,105
	2019		4,854
	2020		4,218
	Thereafter		14,755
		$	39,578

Note_M_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_1

Note M - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block]		Years Ended April 30,
	(in thousands)	2015		2014		2013
	Supplemental disclosures:
	Interest paid	$	2,885	$	3,023	$	2,884
	Income taxes paid, net		13,409		12,153		17,800
	Non-cash transactions:
	Inventory acquired in repossession and payment protection plan claims		44,838		47,297		39,657

Note_N_Quarterly_Results_of_Op1

Note N - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]		Year Ended April 30, 2015
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	127,376	$	133,834	$	131,500	$	137,611	$	530,321
	Gross profit		47,988		51,279		49,734		51,122		200,123
	Net income		7,260		7,519		7,461		7,250		29,490
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		7,250		7,509		7,451		7,240		29,450
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.83		0.87		0.87		0.85		3.42
	Diluted		0.79		0.83		0.82		0.81		3.25
		Year Ended April 30, 2014
		First		Second		Third		Fourth		Total
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Revenues	$	122,544	$	121,431	$	122,588	$	122,624	$	489,187
	Gross profit		46,527		44,942		46,308		45,408		183,185
	Net income		7,541		5,805		1,470		6,313		21,129
	Net income attributable to common stockholders		7,531		5,795		1,460		6,303		21,089
	Earnings per share:
	Basic		0.83		0.64		0.16		0.72		2.36
	Diluted		0.79		0.61		0.16		0.68		2.25

Note_A_Organization_and_Busine1

Note A - Organization and Business (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Disclosure Text Block [Abstract]
Number of Operating Subsidiaries	2
Number of Stores	141

Note_B_Summary_of_Significant_2

Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Maximum Aggregate Amount of Stock Repurchases	$40,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Percentage of Sum of Borrowing Bases	30.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Percentage of Consolidated Net income	75.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Minimum Percentage of Aggregate Funds Available	12.50%
Interest Earned on Financing Receivables	2,000,000	1,800,000
Finance Receivables, Customer Payments Due Either Weekly or Bi-Weekly, Percentage	73.00%
Financing Receivable, Greater Than or Equal to 30 Days Past Due, Percent of Portfolio	5.80%	4.40%
Financing Receivable, Average Days Past Due at Charge Off	67 days
Percentage of Receivable Charge Offs	50.00%
Average Age of Account At Charge-Off Date	11 months
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs		7,700,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	0	0
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued	0	0
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Greater Than 90 Days Past Due	2,795,000	1,155,000
Late Fee Income Generated by Servicing Financial Assets, Amount	2,200,000	2,200,000	2,000,000
Advertising Expense	3,600,000	4,200,000	4,100,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match	50.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay	4.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount	363,000	329,000	290,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares (in Shares)	442,700	325,598	398,548
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$20,000,000	$12,800,000	$17,300,000
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | ARKANSAS
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	32.00%
Minimum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Financing Receivable Interest Rate	14.00%
Allowance for Credit Losses Primary Factor, Units Repossessed or Charged-off Evaluation Period	1 year
Maximum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Financing Receivable Interest Rate	15.00%
Allowance for Credit Losses Primary Factor, Units Repossessed or Charged-off Evaluation Period	5 years
2006 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) [Line Items]
Common Stock Discount on Shares Percentage	15.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)	200,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	159,556

Note_B_Summary_of_Significant_3

Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	3 years
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	7 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	5 years
Leasehold Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	15 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	18 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Property and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment	39 years

Note_B_Summary_of_Significant_4

Note B - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Sales (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$472,569	$434,504	$415,740
Sales - Used Autos [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Sales	416,060	385,672	368,674
Wholesales - Third Party [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Sales	19,961	18,886	19,718
Service Contract Sales [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Sales	19,758	15,833	14,594
Payment Protection Plan Revenue [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$16,790	$14,113	$12,754

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net2

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) [Line Items]
Finance Receivables, Number of Loan Classes	1
Finance Receivables, Number of Risk Pools	1
Net Charge Offs As Percentage of Average Finance Receivables	27.80%	28.20%
Increase in Provision for Credit Losses (in Dollars)		$7.70
Collections as Percentage of Average Financing Receivables	58.70%	58.00%
Dellinquecies Greater Than 30 Days As Percentage Of Average Finance Receivables	5.80%	4.40%
Minimum [Member]
Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) [Line Items]
Financing Receivable Interest Rate	14.00%
Financing Receivable Payment Period	18 months
Maximum [Member]
Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) [Line Items]
Financing Receivable Interest Rate	15.00%
Financing Receivable Payment Period	42 months

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net3

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) - Components of Finance Receivables (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of Finance Receivables [Abstract]
Gross contract amount	$477,305	$432,327
Less unearned finance charges	-59,937	-52,995
Principal balance	417,368	379,332
Less allowance for credit losses	-93,224	-86,033	-75,345	-65,831
Finance receivables, net	$324,144	$293,299	$288,049	$251,103

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net4

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) - Changes in Finance Receivables (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Changes in Finance Receivables [Abstract]
Balance	$293,299	$288,049	$251,103
Finance receivable originations	445,405	404,918	387,895
Finance receivable collections	-238,845	-223,538	-207,713
Provision for credit losses	-120,289	-119,247	-96,035
Losses on claims for payment protection plan	-10,588	-9,586	-7,544
Inventory acquired in repossession and payment protection plan claims	-44,838	-47,297	-39,657
Balance	$324,144	$293,299	$288,049

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net5

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) - Changes in the Finance Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Changes in the Finance Receivables Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]
Balance	$86,033	$75,345	$65,831
Provision for credit losses	120,289	119,247	96,035
Charge-offs, net of recovered collateral	-113,098	-108,559	-86,521
Balance	$93,224	$86,033	$75,345

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net6

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) - Credit Quality Information for Finance Receivables (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Credit Quality Information for Finance Receivables [Abstract]
Current	$329,329	$300,478
Current	78.91%	79.21%
3 - 29 days past due	64,004	62,108
3 - 29 days past due	15.33%	16.38%
30 - 60 days past due	12,777	10,926
30 - 60 days past due	3.06%	2.88%
61 - 90 days past due	8,463	4,665
61 - 90 days past due	2.03%	1.23%
> 90 days past due	2,795	1,155
> 90 days past due	0.67%	0.30%
Total	$417,368	$379,332
Total	100.00%	100.00%

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net7

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) - Financing Receivables Analysis	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Financing Receivables Analysis [Abstract]
Principal collected as a percent of average finance receivables	58.70%	58.00%
Average down-payment percentage	6.90%	6.60%

Note_C_Finance_Receivables_Net8

Note C - Finance Receivables, Net (Details) - Average Financing Receivable Contract Terms	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Average Financing Receivable Contract Terms [Abstract]
Average originating contract term (in months)	27 months 21 days	27 months 12 days
Portfolio weighted average contract term, including modifications (in months)	30 months 6 days	29 months 24 days

Note_D_Property_and_Equipment_1

Note D - Property and Equipment (Details) - Property and Equipment (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	($19,535)	($15,843)
	33,963	33,913
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	6,245	6,330
Building and Building Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	11,509	11,116
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	13,486	10,293
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	21,023	19,673
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$1,235	$2,344

Note_E_Accrued_Liabilities_Det

Note E - Accrued Liabilities (Details) - Accrued Liabilities (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Employee compensation	$3,954	$3,228
Cash overdrafts (see Note B)	1,587	1,085
Deferred sales tax (see Note B)	2,762	2,513
Interest	230	212
Other	4,175	3,786
	$12,708	$10,824

Note_F_Debt_Facilities_Details

Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Feb. 04, 2013	Jun. 24, 2013	Oct. 08, 2014	Feb. 13, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 09, 2012
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Percentage of Sum of Borrowing Bases	30.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Percentage of Consolidated Net income	75.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Minimum Percentage of Aggregate Funds Available	12.50%
Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts	$188,000	$209,000	$209,000
Credit Facilities, Amendment No. 2 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Contract Term of Contracts Included by Credit Facilities Amendment				36 months
Credit Facilities, Amendment No. 2 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Contract Term of Contracts Included by Credit Facilities Amendment				42 months
Credit Facilities, Amendment No. 3 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date					24-Jun-16
Line of Credit Facility, Additional Borrowing Capacity					55,000,000
Decrease in Pricing Tiers, Percent					0.25%
Credit Facilities, Amendment No. 4 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Maximum Allowable Capital Expenditures By Credit Facilities Amendment							10,000,000
Credit Facilities, Amendment No. 5 [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date						8-Oct-17
Increase in Pricing Tiers, Percent						0.13%
Dividend Restrictions, Maximum Aggregate Amount of Stock Repurchases						40,000,000
Dividend Restrictions, Percentage of Sum of Borrowing Bases						30.00%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	2.38%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	2.56%	2.40%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	145,000,000							145,000,000	125,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	8-Oct-17
Dividend Restrictions, Maximum Aggregate Amount of Stock Repurchases	40,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Percentage of Sum of Borrowing Bases	30.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Percentage of Consolidated Net income	75.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Distribution Limitations, Minimum Percentage of Aggregate Funds Available						12.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$38,900,000

Note_F_Debt_Facilities_Details1

Note F - Debt Facilities (Details) - Revolving Credit Facilities (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 09, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facilities	$102,685	$97,032
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facilities	2.38%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Revolving credit facilities	145,000		145,000	125,000
Revolving credit facilities	8-Oct-17
Revolving credit facilities	$102,685	$97,032

Note_G_Fair_Value_Measurements2

Note G - Fair Value Measurements (Details)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	15 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2015
Minimum [Member]
Note G - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	35.00%
Maximum [Member]
Note G - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate	40.00%
Colonial [Member]
Note G - Fair Value Measurements (Details) [Line Items]
Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate		37.50%	38.50%

Note_G_Fair_Value_Measurements3

Note G - Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$790	$289
Finance receivables, net	324,144	293,299
Accounts payable	11,022	8,542
Revolving credit facilities	102,685	97,032
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash	790	289
Finance receivables, net	256,681	233,289
Accounts payable	11,022	8,542
Revolving credit facilities	$102,685	$97,032

Note_H_Income_Taxes_Details_Pr

Note H - Income Taxes (Details) - Provision for Income Taxes (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Provision for income taxes
Current	$13,610	$15,466	$17,045
Deferred	3,934	-2,923	1,446
	$17,544	$12,543	$18,491

Note_H_Income_Taxes_Details_Re

Note H - Income Taxes (Details) - Reconciliation of Income Tax to Statutory Rate (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of Income Tax to Statutory Rate [Abstract]
Tax provision at statutory rate	$16,463	$11,785	$17,729
State taxes, net of federal benefit	1,172	813	829
Other, net	-91	-55	-67
	$17,544	$12,543	$18,491

Note_H_Income_Taxes_Details_De

Note H - Income Taxes (Details) - Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax liabilities related to:
Finance receivables	$25,388	$21,944
Property and equipment	839	1,386
Total	26,227	23,330
Deferred income tax assets related to:
Accrued liabilities	1,872	1,602
Inventory	196	173
Share based compensation	4,030	4,667
Deferred revenue	951	1,644
Total	7,049	8,086
Deferred income tax liabilities, net	$19,178	$15,244

Note_I_Capital_Stock_Details

Note I - Capital Stock (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Note I - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	0	0
Subsidiaries [Member]
Note I - Capital Stock (Details) [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in Dollars per share)	$1
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	500,000
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage	8.00%
Preferred Stock, Right of Shareholder, Amount of Shares	400,000
Preferred Stock, Right to Shareholder, Value of Redeemed Stock (in Dollars) (in Dollars)	$400,000

Note_J_Weighted_Average_Shares2

Note J - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding (Details) - Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding [Abstract]
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic	8,617,864	8,930,592	9,111,851
Dilutive options and restricted stock	431,093	461,075	457,851
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted	9,048,957	9,391,667	9,569,702
Antidilutive securities not included:
Options	76,250	77,500	40,000

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation2

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Oct. 13, 2010	Oct. 12, 2010	Oct. 14, 2009
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$780,000	$1,400,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	489,000	873,000
Number of Stock Option Plans	2
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)	981,750	1,117,000	1,122,500	1,118,250
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$1,400,000	$487,000	$784,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	26,800,000	16,800,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number (in Shares)	889,750
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	26,400,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 51 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$21.69
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	9,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$52.10
Employee Stock Option [Member] | 2007 Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)					1,500,000	1,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period	10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	664,000	1,300,000	1,700,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	416,000	791,000	1,100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	1,100,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 3 months
Restricted Stock [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period (in Shares)	9,500	0	0
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$52.10
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	177,527
Minimum [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	5 years
Original Amount [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)							150,000
Revised Amount [Member] | Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)							350,000
1997 Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)	14,000
2007 Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant (in Shares)	290,500
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	90,000	105,000	123,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	56,000	66,000	78,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized	495,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$495,000	$126,000	$162,000

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation3

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Option Plan Comparison	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015
1997 Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Option Plan Comparison [Line Items]
Minimum exercise price as a percentage of fair market value at date of grant	100.00%
Last expiration date for outstanding options	2-Jul-17
2007 Plan [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Option Plan Comparison [Line Items]
Minimum exercise price as a percentage of fair market value at date of grant	100.00%
Last expiration date for outstanding options	20-Nov-24
Shares available for grant at April 30, 2015	290,500

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation4

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Options Valuation Assumptions	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Options Valuation Assumptions [Abstract]
Expected terms (years)	5 years 146 days	5 years	5 years
Risk-free interest rate	1.64%	0.67%	0.78%
Volatility	34.00%	50.00%	50.00%

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation5

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Option Activity (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Number of Shares (in Shares)	981,750	1,117,000	1,122,500	1,118,250
Exercise Price	$24.05	$21.75	$21.28	$20.46
Proceeds on Exercise (in Dollars)	$23,608	$24,294	$23,892	$22,881
Number of Shares, Granted (in Shares)	89,000	25,000	40,000
Exercise Price, Granted	$44.91	$44.90	$45.02
Proceeds on Exercise, Granted (in Dollars)	3,997	1,122	1,801
Number of Shares, Exercised (in Shares)	-212,250	-30,500	-35,750
Exercise Price, Exercised	$19.52	$23.58	$22.13
Proceeds on Exercise, Exercised (in Dollars)	-4,143	-720	-790
Cancelled (in Shares)	-12,000
Cancelled	$45.08
Cancelled (in Dollars)	($540)
Minimum [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$11.90	$11.90	$11.90	$11.83
Exercise Price, Granted	$36.54	$44.52	$44.14
Exercise Price, Exercised	$11.90	$23.34	$11.83
Cancelled	$41.86
Maximum [Member]
Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Option Activity [Line Items]
Exercise Price	$50.25	$46.44	$45.72	$45.72
Exercise Price, Granted	$50.25	$46.44	$45.46
Exercise Price, Exercised	$45.46	$23.75	$23.34
Cancelled	$45.72

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation6

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Options Exercised (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Options Exercised [Abstract]
Options Exercised (in Shares)	212,250	30,500	35,750
Cash Received from Options Exercised	$4,143	$720	$790
Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised	$5,983	$563	$811

Note_K_StockBased_Compensation7

Note K - Stock-Based Compensation Plans (Details) - Stock Incentive Plan (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014
Stock Incentive Plan [Abstract]
Unvested Shares	9,500	20,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$52.10	$24.47
Shares granted	9,500
Shares granted	$52.10
Shares vested	-20,000
Shares vested	$24.47

Note_L_Commitments_and_Conting2

Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$1,000,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	39,578,000
Operating Leases, Rent Expense	5,500,000	5,200,000	4,700,000
Non Cancelable [Member]
Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	14,800,000
Reasonably Assured [Member]
Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$24,800,000
Minimum [Member]
Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	3 years
Maximum [Member]
Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) [Line Items]
Lessee Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years

Note_L_Commitments_and_Conting3

Note L - Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - Future Lease Oblogations (USD $)	Apr. 30, 2015
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Future Lease Oblogations [Abstract]
2016	$5,392
2017	5,254
2018	5,105
2019	4,854
2020	4,218
Thereafter	14,755
	$39,578

Note_M_Supplemental_Cash_Flow_2

Note M - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures [Abstract]
Interest paid	$2,885	$3,023	$2,884
Income taxes paid, net	13,409	12,153	17,800
Inventory acquired in repossession and payment protection plan claims	$44,838	$47,297	$39,657

Note_N_Quarterly_Results_of_Op2

Note N - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - Quarterly Results of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2015	Oct. 31, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2015	Apr. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2013
Quarterly Results of Operations [Abstract]
Revenues	$137,611	$131,500	$133,834	$127,376	$122,624	$122,588	$121,431	$122,544	$530,321	$489,187
Gross profit	51,122	49,734	51,279	47,988	45,408	46,308	44,942	46,527	200,123	183,185
Net income	7,250	7,461	7,519	7,260	6,313	1,470	5,805	7,541	29,490	21,129
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$7,240	$7,451	$7,509	$7,250	$6,303	$1,460	$5,795	$7,531	$29,450	$21,089
Earnings per share:
Basic (in Dollars per share)	$0.85	$0.87	$0.87	$0.83	$0.72	$0.16	$0.64	$0.83	$3.42	$2.36	$3.53
Diluted (in Dollars per share)	$0.81	$0.82	$0.83	$0.79	$0.68	$0.16	$0.61	$0.79	$3.25	$2.25	$3.36