XML 12 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.10.0.1
Document and Entity Information - shares
 6 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2018
Nov. 30, 2018
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Registrant Name WILEY JOHN & SONS, INC.  
Entity Central Index Key 0000107140  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --04-30  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Ex Transition Period false  
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Oct. 31, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2  
Common Stock Class A [Member]    
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   48,120,789
Common Stock Class B [Member]    
Entity Information [Line Items]    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   9,142,898