XML 86 R61.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Retirement Plans, Components of Net Pension Expense (Income) and Weighted-Average Assumptions (Details) $ in Thousands |  | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Aug. 29, 2016 USD ($) Participant | Oct. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2017 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Weighted-average assumptions [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Net actuarial loss related to early lump sum payment of pension plan benefit |  |  | $ 0 | $ 8,842 | $ 0
Retirement plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Projected benefit obligation for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets |  |  | 820,400 | 800,100 |
Accumulated benefit obligation for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets |  |  | 787,600 | 753,300 |
Fair value of plan assets for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets |  |  | 624,400 | 579,700 |
U.S. [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Defined benefit plans, net pension expense (income) [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Service Cost |  |  | 0 | 0 | 0
Interest Cost |  |  | 11,666 | 12,398 | 13,612
Expected Return on Plan Assets |  |  | (13,154) | (14,053) | (14,756)
Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost |  |  | (154) | (154) | (154)
Recognized Net Actuarial Loss |  |  | 2,289 | 2,622 | 2,240
Curtailment/Settlement Loss |  |  | 0 | 8,842 | 1,857
Net Pension Expense (Income) |  |  | $ 647 | $ 9,655 | $ 2,799
Weighted-average assumptions [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Discount Rate |  |  | 4.10% | 4.00% | 4.20%
Rate of Compensation Increase |  |  |  |  |
Expected Return on Plan Assets |  |  | 6.80% | 6.80% | 6.80%
Number of eligible participants | Participant | 780 |  |  |  |
Total liability for early payment of pension plan benefit in a single lump sum payment | $ 28,300 |  |  |  |
Lump sum payment for early payment of pension plan benefit |  | $ 28,300 |  |  |
Net actuarial loss related to early lump sum payment of pension plan benefit |  |  |  | $ 8,800 |
U.S. [Member] | Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Defined benefit plans, net pension expense (income) [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Curtailment/Settlement Loss |  |  |  |  | $ 1,900
Non-U.S. [Member] |  |  |  |  |
Defined benefit plans, net pension expense (income) [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Service Cost |  |  | $ 960 | 967 | 1,455
Interest Cost |  |  | 13,876 | 14,449 | 16,446
Expected Return on Plan Assets |  |  | (26,385) | (21,173) | (25,088)
Net Amortization of Prior Service Cost |  |  | 57 | 54 | 55
Recognized Net Actuarial Loss |  |  | 3,832 | 2,553 | 2,475
Curtailment/Settlement Loss |  |  | 19 | 0 | 0
Net Pension Expense (Income) |  |  | $ (7,641) | $ (3,150) | $ (4,657)
Weighted-average assumptions [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |
Discount Rate |  |  | 2.60% | 3.50% | 3.50%
Rate of Compensation Increase |  |  | 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00%
Expected Return on Plan Assets |  |  | 6.50% | 6.70% | 6.70%

X
- Definition This represents the liability for early payment of pension plan benefit in a single lump sum payment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | jwa_DefinedBenefitPensionPlanLiabilityForEarlyPaymentOfPensionPlanBenefitInSingleLumpSum
Namespace Prefix: | jwa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of payments for early lump sum payment made for which eligible participants are entitled under a pension plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | jwa_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitsPaidForEarlyLumpSumPayment
Namespace Prefix: | jwa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Refers to eligible participants who made the election to receive the lump sum amount which was paid from Pension Plan assets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | jwa_NumberOfEligibleParticipants
Namespace Prefix: | jwa_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of pension benefit costs recognized during the period for one-time non-cash charge for settlement of a portion of a defined benefit pension plan. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | jwa_PensionSettlementExpense
Namespace Prefix: | jwa_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit of defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of prior service cost (credit) recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit) of defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(5) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average rate for present value of future retirement benefits cash flows, used to determine net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (k)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostDiscountRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average rate of return on plan assets, reflecting average rate of earnings expected on existing plan assets and expected contributions, used to determine net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (k)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostExpectedLongTermReturnOnAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average rate of compensation increase used to determine net periodic benefit cost of defined benefit plan. Plan includes, but is not limited to, pay-related defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (k)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostRateOfCompensationIncrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of expected return (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit, calculated based on expected long-term rate of return and market-related value of plan assets of defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cost recognized for passage of time related to defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plan with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e2417-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateAccumulatedBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of plan assets for defined benefit pension plan with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e2417-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateFairValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of projected benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plan with accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 17 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77993564&loc=d3e4179-114921 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanPensionPlansWithAccumulatedBenefitObligationsInExcessOfPlanAssetsAggregateProjectedBenefitObligation
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit from event reducing expected years of future service of present employees or eliminating accrual of defined benefits for some or all future services of present employees. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(7) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanRecognizedNetGainLossDueToCurtailments
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cost for actuarial present value of benefits attributed to service rendered by employee for defined benefit plan. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 715 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82843861&loc=d3e1928-114920 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanWeightedAverageAssumptionsUsedInCalculatingNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanSponsorLocationAxis=country_US
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis=us-gaap_SupplementalEmployeeRetirementPlanDefinedBenefitMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetirementPlanSponsorLocationAxis=us-gaap_ForeignPlanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |